Karry Brook // 33

Owner, Goods Detroit, Detroit
Revenue: NA // Employees: 4

Karry Brook believes in Detroit. She studied advertising design at the College for Creative Studies, then opened Goods Detroit three years ago in the Park Shelton, after selling her wares part-time for six years to other retailers. Along with producing her own designs and illustrations, she creates logos and pictures for clients. She also prints her designs on shirts and other apparel items for individual customers, businesses, and group events. Once an item — a T-shirt, bag — is selected, a buyer heads to the “bakery counter” for printing. Brook’s store also features clothing, jewelry, and other gift items made by local artists. A member of the Midtown Development Group, Brook also serves as a marketing adviser for local merchants. “Some projects are in the works,” she says, “but I’m not ready to talk about them yet.” Does she believe there is hope for recovery for the city of Detroit after it filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection in mid-July? “Of course. I never would have opened a business in Detroit if I didn’t see potential in the area. It’s not going to happen overnight, but it is happening one neighborhood at a time.” — Gary Witzenburg