When Suzanne Larkin arrived at 暗网吃瓜, she imagined a future where she stood at the front of the classroom.
She planned to become a teacher before a conversation with a Delta art professor changed everything. Encouraged to pursue art instead, Larkin discovered a passion that would shape her career in ways she never expected.
鈥淚 never envisioned having a business,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 figured I鈥檇 either be teaching or making art.鈥�
Today, she does a little of both.
As a business partner at MI Elements Grains & Grounds in Midland, Larkin has helped create something that extends beyond coffee, craft beer and fresh bread. The cafe has become a gathering place where local artists, musicians and neighbors can connect.
After earning her associate鈥檚 degree from Delta and a bachelor鈥檚 degree in art from Saginaw Valley State University, Larkin sees how her path led her here.
That influence is visible throughout MI Elements. Her artwork regularly fills the cafe walls, but she鈥檚 equally proud of creating a place for others to share their work.
鈥淚t鈥檚 nice to be able to let other people shine too,鈥� Larkin said. 鈥淲e鈥檝e seen musicians start from their first time playing live anywhere, and now, five years later, they鈥檙e blossoming with confidence.鈥�
Live music fills the cafe every night it鈥檚 open, while customers have transformed from strangers into friends gathering around the same tables.
鈥淚f you build a place where people feel comfortable and welcome, they give us more than we give them,鈥� she said.
