MIKE SMITH
It all started with a passion for Cabinetry and a love for Art. Mike Smith, a multi business owning/musician/Dad opened what I can safely describe as my favourite home interior store in Minneapolis three years ago with his business partner, James Brown. Forage Modern is a world of it's own and it exudes a Mid Century haven and up until *very* recently the store in now situated on the opposite side of the road to Mike's newest venture 'Hi - Lo Diner', an original 1957 all american diner from Pennsylvania. I had the pleasure of photographing and chatting with Mike in said haven and diner on a drizzly and grey Tuesday morning; we talked about all things design, family and music and I left feeling the entire experience feeling incredibly humbled and inspired (note; my darling mother was 'assisting' me on this shoot as she was visiting from the UK for the week and I was beyond touched by the welcome Mike and his team at Forage modern gave her. She also took notes throughout the entire shoot... yes, she's a gem).
Alongside Mike's passion for creativity (his intro to his LinkedIn Page quotes 'I always wanted to be an artist'), it soon become abundantly clear that his main source of inspiration for all of his businesses comes from his late Grandmother. Mike transformed when he spoke about this self made business lady, the original #girlboss of the 1950's. He soon became incredibly relaxed in front of the camera as he described the challenging life his grandmother had lead, how she went from being a single and broke mom of three boys to becoming the founder of a Real estate company that he now continues to run; ' She made something of herself in a time that was incredibly hard to do so, I feel its my responsibility to carry on what she started'.
I think it is safe to say that Mike's life ambition to carry on his grandmothers mission has been a huge success that has extended into a beautifully curated and colorful business model. One that in my humble opinion, has become one of the most recognizable small creative businesses in Minneapolis.
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