When Deya Marchand told friends that she wanted to open a unique interior design store in downtown Pontiac, the reply often was, “Why Pontiac? Why not Rochester or Birmingham?”
The response was simple. “Why not Pontiac!”
For Marchand, her concept store – Designed Mindfully – offered more than just a spot to plant her interior design business. It provided purpose and meaning to the work she was doing in Pontiac to lift up other entrepreneurs and artists.
“Once I started to come to Pontiac and saw the needs the city had, I couldn’t leave,” she said, noting that she wanted to be in a place where she could have more of an impact on the future of the city.
She opened the doors of Designed Mindfully in October of 2024 and invited a dozen artists, mostly from Pontiac, to join her and offer their one-of-a-kind items for sale at the store on Saginaw Street in the heart of downtown Pontiac. From candles and pottery, hand-carved wooden trays and bowls, to creams, crystals and crocheted baby toys, the store offers an eclectic array of items for home and health as well as gifts.
“My mission was to empower them so they can fulfill their dreams,” she said. “But I was fulfilling my dreams too.”
It’s more than just a shop, though. It’s a gathering spot for the community that also offers a place to sit, get a coffee and have conversations with neighbors. Designed Mindfully has become Marchand’s way to give back to the city and Oakland County, which have been such a source of inspiration and support.
Through Main Street Oakland County and Oakland Thrive, the county has helped with both ensuring an inviting downtown environment and business consulting for Marchand. And when the county kicked off its Local Gems Sweepstakes in October, which is a campaign to encourage residents to shop at small local businesses, Designed Mindfully served as the host.
“During the holidays and year-round, our small businesses need us. They are the lifeblood of our communities,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “I’m very optimistic about Pontiac and I love seeing all the wonderful progress that’s already happening and will get even better when we move 700 employees to downtown Pontiac, who will help shop at places like this amazing and beautiful store.”
Marchand said she can’t wait for the county’s move to downtown Pontiac.
“That’s going to be huge for me and for the rest of the businesses in downtown Pontiac. That’s going to be amazing for our future,” she said. “I can’t wait to see it grow. I want to be part of that story of Pontiac coming back.”
Visit Designed Mindfully
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