Detroit-Made: How Halie & Co. Turned a Passion for Jewelry into a Thriving Business at the Downtown Detroit Winter Markets

Detroit has always been a city of makers, doers and dreamers. The Downtown Detroit Winter Markets provides a space to those dreamers. It is a place where people like Halie, born in the Sherwood Forest neighborhood, find their calling and carve out their space in the world. Halie, the creative force behind Halie & Co., has transformed her passion for jewelry into a thriving business, illustrating the spirit of innovation and resilience that defines Detroit.

Growing up, Halie attended Detroit Country Day School where her love for creating things took root. She explored everything from painting to sculpting, but it was a high school metals class that truly sparked her interest in jewelry making. This passion followed her to the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where she studied metal-smithing and continued to craft jewelry on the side, showcasing her pieces on Instagram.

Doubling Down

Like many entrepreneurs, Halie’s journey wasn’t linear. After college, she worked for the corporate office of a national department store while continuing her jewelry business as a side gig. The pandemic, however, brought a significant shift. With more time on her hands due to store closures, Halie doubled down on her craft and returned to Detroit, where she ramped up her online business and ventured into in-person retail.

Her big break came when she was accepted into the 2022 Downtown Detroit Winter Markets, an initiative run by the Gilbert Family Foundation in conjunction with Bedrock. It was here that Halie’s skill as an artist reached new audiences, with a specialty of hers, permanent jewelry—pieces welded directly onto the wearer without a clasp. Initially, her permanent jewelry offering didn’t gain much attention; it only resulted in a few sales. But a single TikTok from her Winter Market pop-up shop by a local influencer changed everything. Garnering over 10,000 views within hours, the post attracted customers from all over to experience the permanent jewelry trend firsthand. During the Winter Markets, she sold over 1,200 permanent bracelets, anklets and necklaces.

The success Halie experiences at the Winter Markets boosted her sales by 100%, providing evidence that her side gig was a viable full-time career. This led to a partnership with Tech Town Detroit and to secure her first brick-and-mortar space at Eastern Market. Opening her own store was a daunting move, shifting from event-based sales to a stationary location. But, the strong reputation she cultivated, and her unique product offerings continue to draw customers.

Detroit is Thriving

Halie’s story is a testament to the growing success of small businesses in Detroit. The city is experiencing astounding growth, with a notable increase in entrepreneurial ventures. Statistics show that Detroit is home to a thriving community of female-owned businesses, reflecting a broader trend of women leading the charge in innovation and business growth. The increase of female-led businesses in Detroit is measurable with Michigan ranking #1 in the nation for the highest growth in women-owned businesses. From 2014 to 2019, the number of women-owned businesses in Metro Detroit more than doubled, with the city leading U.S. metropolitan areas in this increase. As of the latest reports, women own 43.2% of Michigan’s small businesses, significantly higher than the national average.

The support systems in place, such as the Detroit Winter Markets and organizations like Tech Town Detroit, play a crucial role in this resurgence. These initiatives not only provide platforms for exposure but also offer resources and mentorship, helping entrepreneurs like Halie to thrive.

Nationally, women-owned businesses are significant contributors to the economy, employing more than 10.7 million workers and generating substantial revenue. In Detroit, female entrepreneurs like Halie are not just starting businesses; they are thriving and helping to drive the city’s economic resurgence.

Our Family of Companies believe in doing well by doing good. The success of Halie & Co. is a shining example of this ethos. It underscores the importance of betting big and the rewards that follow. When we invest in our community, support our local businesses, and foster a culture of innovation and resilience, we create a thriving ecosystem where everyone can succeed. Halie’s journey from a passionate high school student to a successful business owner is not just her story—it’s Detroit’s story. A story of renewal, opportunity, and the unwavering belief that we’ll see it when we believe it.