Several new businesses have opened in downtown Mancelona, some just in time for the holiday season!
Downtown businesses which have opened in the past few weeks include Antrim Outfitters, Day’s Designs, Forbidden Therapy Tattoo, and Aloe Beautiful Day Spa. Opening soon is Cassiopeia Metaphysical.
These businesses are all operating in buildings owned by Jason Green of Anchor Management Group of Michigan. Jason has renovated many historic apartments and storefronts in downtown Mancelona. There are also other new busineses still in the works, which are detailed in a previous story. “Downtown Mancelona Buildings Slowly Filling Up.”
Below is a summary of the new businesses in downtown Mancelona.
Antrim Outfitters, 111 W State, antrimoutfitters@gmail.com
Antrim Outfitters specializes in “outdoor goods and items that bring the great outdoors into your home,” according to their Facebook page. The store is filled with a large variety of outdoor and indoor apparel and other fun gifts. 
Antrim Outfitters is owned by Jeff and Mike Nygren-Weaver, who also own the busy Iron Skillet Restaurant and Rooted in Michigan retail store.
Business so far has been good. “We have been very happy with the number of people who have come to see us,” said Mike. “People are spending more this season, so we hope that it continues.”
Day’s Design, 101 W State, 231-590-9682
Day’s Design specializes in made-to-order custom t-shirts and sweatshirts of all sizes. Customers can buy any t-shirt for $20 or sweatshirt for $30, and choose what to have designed on the shirt. 
While these shirts are perfect for teams, businesses, clubs, and more, they are unique and classy, and would also work well for an individualized gift.
Owner Kandace Day was born and raised in Mancelona. “I graduated with the class of 2014, and went to school in Chicago for Graphic Design,” she explained. Day’s Design is open to the public, and has also been working closely with school groups.
Forbidden Therapy Tattoo, 110 W State, 231-916-2015
Forbidden Therapy Tattoo opened in mid December, and has already been very busy.
Highly energetic owner Naomi Erway from Kalkaska has posted dozens of samples of her artwork on her Facebook page, which has generated a lot of interest.
“I actually purchased a tattoo kit 5 years ago to give myself the tattoos that I always wanted,” she said. “Before I knew it, other people were paying me to tattoo and it just evolved into what I’m doing now. I’ve been working on getting a shop of my own for 2 ½ – 3 years now.”
Naomi believes from experience that tattoos are therapeutic. Among many other benefits, “tattoos lower your stress hormones and increase your happy hormones,” she explained. “They give people a new outlook on themselves, which raises their self-esteem.”
Aloe Beautiful Day Spa, 110 W State, Aloebeautifulspa@gmail.com
Aloe Beautiful Day Spa is a “day spa of many luxurious services suited to all tastes,” according to their Facebook page.
These services include a variety of facials, waxing, and other skin care needs. 
Owner Jordan Swisher, who is from Alden and went to school in Mancelona, graduated from Douglas J Aveda Institute in East Lansing in 2019.
“I just recently moved back from Texas and I thought this would be a great opportunity,” she said. She is taking appointments now! Click here to make an appointment.
Cassiopeia Metaphysical, 110 W State 231-253-2231
Cassiopeia Metaphysical is a store opening soon that will be dedicated to metaphysical products.
I will be selling stones, tarot, jewelry, some clothing, dowsing rods, incense etc” explained owner Ferol Skaggs. “I have been practicing this natural healing and tarot for years.” 
An example of a product this store will sell is “smudge sticks,” explained in this chart.
Click here for a complete list of Mancelona-area businesess.
For more information about downtown Mancelona, see “Downtown Mancelona Buildings Slowly Filling Up.”
For information about buying or selling real estate in Mancelona and surrounding areas, call DEK Realty at 231-587-1012 or see our home page.