Just steps from the Huron River is downtown Flat Rock, a small downriver community with a population just shy of 10,000. It's there where a new shop and cafe has opened up, the Blue Heron Trading Company.
Having celebrated a mid-September grand opening, the Blue Heron Trading Company is gearing up for the fall and holiday seasons. Located inside is a cafe with coffee and teas, cozy with a fireplace and leather couches. Blue Heron is also a specialty gift store, offering Olivewood bowls, vintage aprons, jams, sauces, and more.
Blue Heron is owned by the husband and wife team of Mark and Alisa Maul. Both California natives, the Mauls moved to Flat Rock in 2001. They say they had no idea what to expect when they moved here, though they've become big Flat Rock boosters since. Mark and Alisa are both involved in the Downtown Development Authority and the City Planning Commission for Flat Rock.
The Mauls see Blue Heron as a way to help revitalize downtown Flat Rock.
"Our newest business venture began with the desire to meet the needs of Flat Rock residents with a place to gather and shop while instilling a sense of community pride," says Alisa.
The couple also own Home Source Property Management, a rental management company.
With the holiday season fast approaching, the Mauls plan on offering a variety of holiday products. Also planned are after-hours events, including cooking demonstrations, chocolate-making classes, artist and author meet-and-greets, and more. The first, a pallet painting class, will occur in mid-October.
Blue Heron Trading Company is located at 26217 E. Huron Dr. in downtown Flat Rock. Its hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays.
Got a development news story to share? Email MJ Galbraith here or send him a tweet @mikegalbraith.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.