Oh, How We've Grown: A Look Back At New Downtown Businesses

The year 2010 is coming to an end today, and with it comes the inevitable reflection. Ferndale's population may have decreased this year, but it was a time of growth for the downtown business community. Let's review some of the new products, services and experiences Ferndale residents now have the opportunity to enjoy.

• : The grand opening of Cantina Diablo's in May brought a taste of Houston to West Troy Street. Mexican food made from scratch — and with flair — and ribs and burgers for the Texan in all of us, plus an extensive drink menu to party proper.
• : The perfect timing of Quiznos leaving a convenient space brought Treat Dreams to Ferndale in August. The microcreamery boasts ice cream flavors unlike any other, such as Honey Lavender and Sunday Breakfast. Also for sale are cupcakes, cookies and brownies. Treat Dreams recently added soup to the menu for these cold winter months.  
• : In April, the Downtown Ferndale Bike Shop opened to address the need for convenient bike repair and accessories. The shop also sells new and used bicycles. Owners said the great cycle community of recreational riders, racers and full-time commuters drew the Bike Shop to Ferndale.
• : Opened in April, the Green Thumb Garden Center brought Ferndale the opportunity for better indoor and outdoor gardening. The all-natural organic gardening center sells ventilation, lighting, soil, hydroponic systems and growing media. It also sells soil nutrients and makes and sells active biological compost "tea" to keep our gardens green and healthy. The "happenin'" downtown rife with other small businesses was a draw for this company, as was the convenience of the owners' ability to walk to work, they said.
• : The Woodward Avenue Candy Shop moved to Ferndale in September and offers candies that have remained popular from the 1920s through today. Come on in for a root beer barrel, Mary Jane or some taffy. Shock school authorities and your parents with a candy cigarette. The general feel of the area and neighborhoods lured this store to the community, Candy Shop owners said.
• and : Ferndale was lucky enough to acquire two tattoo studios this year. Signature Tattoo opened in August to bring its quality custom-designed tattoos to Ferndale and neighboring communities. Ferndale's reputation as the cultural center of southeast Oakland County was a deciding factor in the location of the store, as it was important for the owners to find a community that would embrace the service offered. Avatar Studios opened in October, also offering custom-designed body art and piercings. The unique selection of noncommercialized businesses, along with the artistic residential community, was appealing enough for this company to set up shop in Ferndale.
• Xclusive L.: Xclusive L. sells casual, dressy and couture clothing for men and women. Its November opening in Ferndale was prompted by the perceived lack of selection in men's clothing and the need for original brands and trends in the area.
• Cinema Grid: This year brought some Hollywood to our quaint little town, and Cinema Grid was partially responsible. The film production company, which came here in August, handles the logistics of connecting organizations from the West Coast with Michigan regions for filming. The geographic location of Ferndale attracted Cinema Grid, which needs to be near Detroit and major freeways for its scouting-related travels.
• Revolution Signs & Designs: Without proper signage, we Ferndale residents would have a very hard time figuring out which store is what. Revolution Signs & Designs opened in January to help alleviate that problem. Providing vehicle graphics, illuminated storefront signs, banners, business cards and fliers as well as website design, this store has the local business community's need for identification pretty well fulfilled. The close-knit small business community in Ferndale was what attracted this company, as well as the proximity to surrounding cities that also have a need for signs.
• : Rouge MakeUp and Nail Studio opened its doors in July and with it came new options for sprucing one's self up in a lovely boutique setting. The studio offers organic and vegan manicures and pedicures as well as organic and vegan makeup. Consultations are available, as are applications for special events. Ferndale residents' propensity to shop and buy locally played into location decision, as most of the products used and sold are Michigan made.
• : Babies are going to poop, and when they do, No Pins Required is there to prevent an embarrassing mishap. The natural baby care store sells cloth diapers and other baby products. Breast-feeding supplies, organic baby clothing, wooden toys and baby carriers are also offered. The brick-and-mortar version of this company opened in Ferndale in April, due mostly to the desire of the owner to stay local. Since the products sold are all natural, Ferndale's reputation as a "green" area helped in the decision as well.
• : Tapping into people's creative side is the goal of Painting with a Twist. New to the downtown area in September, Painting with a Twist offers painting classes for children and adults. Patrons have the opportunity to learn to paint for the first time or expand an existing talent. The "twist" is that adults may bring a bottle of wine for a little extra inspiration. The diversity, arts and entertainment and the abundant foot traffic of the area brought this company in.
• MiChigo: Dine-in or carry-out Chicago-style pizza made from fresh ingredients and desserts made from scratch appeared on the streets when MiChigo graced the downtown area in November. Ferndale's family-oriented community attracted this company as did the supportive nature of the residents toward the city's small businesses.
• : New and used records, vintage and altered apparel and local art can be found on Woodward Avenue, now that Hybrid Moments opened in August. The store also has a space for shows featuring indie rock, punk, hip-hop and folk artists, among others. The store was originally intended to open in downtown Detroit, but the owners thought Ferndale would be a better fit, in part to fill the void left by Record Time's exit.

To recap, in 2010 Ferndale gained safe places to eat, drink and outlets for creative expression. There are psychologists who would argue that these are the only elements needed for self-actualization. No wonder it feels so satisfying to live here. Anyway, congratulations to our new businesses, and may you all have a successful 2011!

This is not a comprehensive list. Feel free to drop in your new-in-2010 business in the comments.