The Queen of gathering all of Detroit’s favorites under one roof!
All Things Detroit founder & CEO Jennyfer Crawford provides an outlet for Detroit entrepreneurs to sell their products (from food to clothing) in the heart of the city.
Jennyfer Crawford, aka Ask Jennyfer, founded All Things Detroit 5-years ago when she realized her passion for entrepreneurship and planning events. Crawford manages All Things Detroit, which hosts events to sell Detroit made products 3 times a year at Eastern Market. The 38-year-old is all about Detroit. She lives, works, and plays in the city. The next All Things Detroit is Sunday, May 6, 2018 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Eastern Market.
Read more about Ask Jennyfer in Episode 2 of People You Should Know.
1. What exactly is All Things Detroit and why did you start it?
All Things Detroit is a small business showcase held 3 times a year to give small businesses a chance to showcase their products and services.
2. What do you love about hosting All Things Detroit events?
I love hosting All Things Detroit because I got to connect with so many amazing people and I get to learn more about their stories and why they started their small business.
3. Why is it so important for people to buy locally?
It’s important to shop from your local small businesses because you are putting money back into the community, helping someone feed their families and also supporting someone in doing what they love.
4. What top 3 business lessons have you learned from starting All Things Detroit from concept to present day?
The top 3 lessons I’ve learned with starting a business is Do what you love. If you are doing what you love it will not seem like work. Consistency is Key. You must stay focus and work on your business everyday. Once you stop it’s hard to start again. Chances make champions. Take chances and trust yourself.
5. How do you connect with local entrepreneurs?
I connect with local entrepreneurs through social media and we also host a networking event before every All Things Detroit to give the business owners a chance to connect with other businesses, find out about upcoming events and it makes it easier on event day when you see a familiar face. All Things Detroit is all about building a community and I think that’s what we have done.
6. What is your favorite local product/item and who makes it?
I have so many favorites it’s hard to name just one. I try to support all small businesses.
7. How is All Things Detroit helping shine a positive light on Detroit?
Detroit has been scene in a negative light over the years and I hope with All Things Detroit people can see a togetherness and positivity in the small business community. It also, brings a lot of people to the city who haven’t been here for years.
8. You’ve recently started a TV series that highlights local entrepreneurs. Tell us more about it.
Yes, All Things Detroit Conversations a new web series that I created along with Reel Clever Films to give small business owners a platform to share their stories and showcase their products. I am always thinking of new and exciting ways to promote small business and what better way to do that is to give them a voice.
9. Where do you see All Things Detroit 10 years from now?
10 Years from now I see All Things Detroit of course always held in the city of Detroit. We love Eastern Market, but as we expand I would love to host ATD at Ford Field of Cobo Hall. I am also expanding to other cities such as Brooklyn, Atlanta & Chicago.
10. What advice would you give 25-year-old Jennyfer?
I would tell 25-year-old Jennyfer to not be afraid of anything, love yourself and surround yourself with like minded people and block out negativity.
