In every town, big or small, businesses occupy the streets, attracting buyers from all over. From clothes, food, and different hobbies, each business takes on its own specialty that makes it stand out from the crowd. But among these businesses, the small ones are really what make each town unique.
Like large corporations, small businesses are just as important to people. Small businesses are not only different places to buy things from, but they also aim to create a close-knit community to bring citizens closer together. Here in Milford, many small businesses strive to achieve the same goal:
Sunshine Ceramics:
From creating to painting, one could get the full pottery experience at Sunshine Ceramics. They offer a plethora of things, including workshops, private events, painting, and open studios. Opened in February of 2023, there was one main goal in mind: to spread the love of art to all.
Marie has always had a love for art, whether it be drawing, painting, making jewelry, or photography, but one specific type has always stood out to her: pottery. After taking many classes and getting a minor in studio art, she wanted to find a way to keep pottery in her everyday life. With that in mind, she decided to create Sunshine Ceramics.
Sunshine Ceramics is not just a place to create art; it is a community within its own, sharing ideas, inspirations, and positive energy. It is a place where any artist can thrive.
Shoreline Pickleball:
“We created a place for people of all ages, ethnicities, and skill levels.” State’s owner Brian Malia, of Shoreline Pickleball.
While driving past at first glance, one might think this is any other sports facility, but once you take a step inside, anyone can see it is so much more. Shoreline pickleball, open since November of 2023, has been working to create a community for all who enjoy pickleball, a sport that has grown in popularity over the past few years.
During warmer seasons, they run programs that you would not be able to get at any other court. By playing here, you can start with people at your skill level and grow together. Being indoors, it also allows one to play all year round.
By stepping foot into this business, you will not only find a new hobby but also new friends and family.
Mermaid Books:
Mermaid Books is more than just a bookstore; it is a place for readers of all ages to go, a safe space. Open since June of 2025, the store has been an amazing addition to the community, creating a sense of warmth and coziness in downtown Milford.
Although they are a bookstore, they do a variety of things, some being book clubs, writing clubs, a monthly craft, and author talks. These events bring new people in and are held for all ages, bringing everyone together for a sense of community.
Though these businesses provide so much to the communities, they sometimes go unnoticed. Most larger towns include many large chain businesses that citizens prefer to go to. This is because many people don’t realize the importance of these small businesses.
Not only do small businesses provide for the citizens of towns, but they also provide more to the actual town than may be expected. According to Michigan State University, “When dollars are spent locally, they can in turn be re-spent locally, raising the overall economic activity, paying more salaries, and building the local tax base.”
With most of its profit benefiting the town, it leads to an increase in economic activity for the town itself, ultimately providing for it. This leads to money being circulated in the local economy, benefiting things like funding important necessities for the town.
But just like their fundamental importance to towns, they’re just as important to their community as well. These businesses help give communities or neighborhoods character, providing a special personality to these areas that differentiate it from others.
These unique stores filled with personality and a story are everywhere. Some other places in Milford to go support include Beachwood Florists, Greek Spot, Sunspray Tans, Mama Treasa’s, Scratch Bakery, and Devine’s Bagels.
