Our Community

Meet the incredible businesses behind the building.

Makers, healers, artists, and entrepreneurs — all under one roof in downtown Clare, Michigan.

A Building Full of Purpose

The Collaborative at Cardinal & Clover isn't just a shared space — it's a living, breathing community of people who believe that when one of us wins, we all win. From the boutique storefronts to the wellness studios, every business here was chosen with intention.

Many of our retail businesses participate in The Collaborative's Honor System, giving customers the freedom to shop from 7 a.m.–7 p.m., seven days a week—even when the individual business owner isn't onsite.

Desired Skin Tattoo Studio
Desired Skin Tattoo Studio logo

Tattoo Studio

Desired Skin Tattoo Studio

Where art meets individuality. Every design is 100% custom, created to reflect your personal story and style. With a focus on creativity, precision, and comfort, their artists turn ideas into meaningful, lasting artwork.

Blue Dog Designz
Blue Dog Designz logo

Reimagined Furniture & Décor

Blue Dog Designz

Gives new life to forgotten wood. Each piece is handcrafted with care, transforming reclaimed materials into one-of-a-kind furniture and décor that tell a story. From rustic accents to custom statement pieces, Blue Dog blends craftsmanship and creativity.

Queen B Soaps & Such
Queen B Soaps & Such logo

Handcrafted Skincare

Queen B Soaps & Such

All about simple ingredients and pure goodness. Every bar, balm, and bubble is handcrafted with care — free from harsh chemicals and full of love. Small-batch, beautifully made, and proudly created with the belief that natural truly is better.

Made for More Resale Boutique
Made for More Resale Boutique logo

Non-Profit Resale

Made for More Resale Boutique

Made for More Resale Boutique turns donated clothing and everyday purchases into meaningful support for women, children, and families. Powered by volunteers, donors, and shoppers, the boutique helps fund programs including Her Horizons, The Lantern Project, and the quarterly Next Chapter Scholarship. Our community makes this work possible.

Rooted Wildflower
Rooted Wildflower logo

Boutique BOOKSTORE

Rooted Wildflower

Rooted Wildflower is more than a bookstore — it’s a gathering place for readers, creatives, and curious minds. Join us for cozy book clubs, creative workshops, author visits, and community nights designed to inspire connection and creativity.

RE||BÄR Fitness Studio
RE||BÄR Fitness Studio logo

Group Fitness

RE||BÄR Fitness Studio

Barre is a low-impact, high-intensity workout that blends ballet-inspired movements, strength training, and core conditioning to sculpt lean muscles and improve posture, balance, and endurance.

Massage by Judy
Massage by Judy logo

Therapeutic Massage

Massage by Judy

Dedicated to helping you unwind, restore, and feel your best. With a focus on personalized care and relaxation, Judy blends skill, intuition, and compassion in every session — nurturing both body and mind.

Far From Fit
Far From Fit logo

Personal Training

Far From Fit

For real people who are ready for real change. No intimidation, no gimmicks — just calm, honest coaching that meets you exactly where you are. A supportive space focused on sustainable progress, strength, and confidence.

NEVFIT
NEVFIT logo

Functional Fitness & Youth Coaching

NEVFIT

All about showing up, staying consistent, and becoming your strongest self — inside and out. Focused on functional fitness and personal empowerment, NevFit helps clients build strength, endurance, and confidence through challenging yet achievable workouts.

INTRSEED
INTRSEED logo

Ministry & Community Group

INTRSEED

A welcoming ministry group meeting weekly in downtown Clare for conversation, faith, encouragement, and growth. Rooted in His Truth and Growing in His Grace — whether you've walked in faith for years or are just starting, you are welcome here.

Whimsical Threadz
Whimsical Threadz logo

Handmade Crafts & More

Whimsical Threadz

Handcrafted goods with a whimsical twist. Unique, one-of-a-kind creations made with care and creativity.

JC Marketing & Management
JC Marketing & Management logo

Marketing Consultant

JC Marketing & Management

Strategic marketing and business management services for local entrepreneurs and small businesses. Helping Clare-area businesses grow with clarity, creativity, and purpose.

The Sweet Shop
The Sweet Shop logo

Candy & Confections

The Sweet Shop

A Northern Michigan tradition since 1961. Known for handcrafted candies, caramel apples, fudge, and its signature Snow Bird — a beloved confection first created and trademarked in 1962. From time-honored favorites like Caberfae Puffs and Caramel Bear Paws to newer treats, every bite carries forward more than 65 years of sweetness and tradition.

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More businesses coming soon. This community is always growing.

All under one roof

Desired Skin Tattoo Studio
Blue Dog Designz
Queen B Soaps & Such
Made for More Resale Boutique
Rooted Wildflower
RE||BÄR Fitness Studio
Massage by Judy
Far From Fit
NEVFIT
INTRSEED
Whimsical Threadz
JC Marketing & Management
The Sweet Shop

The People Behind the Businesses

David

David

Artist & Owner, Desired Skin Tattoo Studio

David transforms skin into canvas and ideas into lasting art. Known for his custom, one-of-a-kind designs, David approaches every piece with creativity, precision, and heart. His work is deeply personal, crafted to reflect each client's individuality and story.

Rich & Aimee

Rich & Aimee

Blue Dog Designz

The creative force behind Blue Dog Designz, Rich and Aimee turn reclaimed wood into one-of-a-kind pieces full of character and charm. When they're not in the workshop, you'll find them surrounded by their dogs and the peaceful rhythm of life on their farm.

Kate & Angie

Kate & Angie

Queen B Soaps & Such

Best friends since grade school, Kate and Angie have been working and playing together for over 40 years. With Queen B Soaps & Such, they pour their creativity, laughter, and love into every handcrafted bar and self-care product.

Serena

Serena

Rooted Wildflower

With over 25 years in the beauty industry, Serena brings experience, artistry, and heart to everything she does. Wife and Mom of three, Serena blends her passion for natural beauty with a calming, uplifting energy that makes every visit feel like a breath of fresh air.

The Clare Community

The Clare Community

Made for More Resale Boutique

Made for More is powered by the generosity of our community. From those who donate gently loved items to the volunteers who give their time and the shoppers who support the boutique, every person plays a part. The people of Clare are truly the heart behind Made for More—because none of this work would be possible without them.

Beatrice & Michael

Beatrice & Michael

RE||BÄR Fitness Studio

Beatrice has taught everything from aerobic kickboxing to Fit Moms Bootcamp programs since 2001. Michael is a dedicated bodybuilder whose experience shaped RE||BÄR's strength training space. As a husband-and-wife team raising six kids, they lead by example every day.

Larry

Larry

Far From Fit Personal Training

Larry is a personal trainer, contractor, devoted husband, and loyal friend who brings the same work ethic and heart into every space he steps into. He believes progress comes from consistency, not perfection, and creates a supportive environment where clients feel capable and seen.

Nevin

Nevin

NEVFIT

Nevin Hughes is the founder of NEVFIT, a God-first fitness platform rooted in building confidence, strength, and discipline for youth and adults. With a strong focus on youth football, Nevin coaches with purpose — using encouragement, respect, and positive energy to develop both physical ability and character.

Judy

Judy

Massage by Judy

Judy is a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and child of God whose gift for healing goes far beyond muscle relief. Through Massage by Judy, she treats each client with compassion, intention, and genuine care — nurturing both body and spirit.

Rachel & Justin

Rachel & Justin

INTRSEED

Rachel and Justin Ebright are the husband-and-wife team behind INTRSEED. Together, they are raising two young boys while building a ministry rooted in faith, family, and genuine connection. Rachel is a licensed pastor whose warmth, authenticity, and devotion to the Lord naturally draw people to her, while Justin proudly stands beside her as her partner, biggest supporter, and counterpart in life and ministry. Through INTRSEED, they are creating a welcoming place where people can gather for honest conversation, encouragement, and spiritual growth — meeting each person wherever they may be in their journey of faith.

Andrea & Steven

Andrea & Steven

Whimsical Threadz

Andrea and Steven share a deep appreciation for creativity—from Steven's love of music to Andrea's passion for all things handmade and crafty. Together, they are raising four children and are proud to include their son-in-law in the heart of their family. Whimsical Threadz is the realization of a longtime dream: a welcoming, inclusive space where creativity is celebrated and other makers have the opportunity to pursue dreams of their own. For Andrea and Steven, family is at the center of it all—because the best dreams are the ones built and shared with the people you love.

Caitlin & Jacob

Caitlin & Jacob

The Sweet Shop

Caitlin became the fourth owner of The Sweet Shop in 2024 — the same year she married her husband, Jacob. Since taking over, she has honored the shop's treasured recipes and traditions while refreshing its brand, revitalizing its original Cadillac storefront, and adding new confections like meltaways and Dubai chocolate. Together, Caitlin and Jacob are proudly carrying this beloved Northern Michigan business into its next chapter with The Sweet Shop's first satellite location inside The Collaborative.

A letter from the founder

Cardinal & Clover began as a restoration project — but for me, it was always more than a building.

I'm Christine Smith: a mom, a Meemaw, and a woman shaped by resilience, faith, and a deep belief in the power of community.

Alongside my lifetime friend and husband, Joe, I chose to restore a historic downtown space, believing that what already existed still had value.

That belief now lives in every corner of Cardinal & Clover. Inside these walls are businesses that repurpose, reimagine, handcraft, and create permanent art — each rooted in intention, care, and work meant to last.

I believe spaces matter. I believe people matter. And I believe that when we build with heart, welcome others with honesty, and work with purpose, something lasting can grow.

My hope is that when you walk through these doors, you feel seen, welcomed, and inspired — whether you come to shop, create, connect, or simply pause for a moment.

Thank you for being part of this story.

— Christine Smith

Founder, The Collaborative at Cardinal & Clover

Want to be part of this community?

We're always looking for purpose-driven entrepreneurs who believe in collaboration over competition.

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