Fourteen years ago, Amy Friedman turned a passion for crafting gifts and favors into a thriving business, thanks to a nudge from her mother-in-law. What started as handmade treasures for friends and family has blossomed into Artworks by Amy, a business that offers unique, personalized gifts and custom creations cherished by clients across the country. Among her most popular items are baby gifts such as step stools, book caddies, and bookends — all crafted with care and creativity.
Amy’s innovation truly shines in her collaboration with a woodworker to design hair bow hangers that cleverly double as coat racks when children outgrow their clip-on bows, making these pieces both beautiful and functional. Expanding her offerings further, Amy developed a private-label line of acrylic tzedakah boxes and mezuzahs, as well as imported jewelry boxes. When sourcing became difficult, she took the initiative to import these items herself and now offers them at wholesale prices to other artists in the same field.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Amy's journey has been the strong connections she’s built with fellow female artists. "The friendships I've created with other women who do exactly what I do have been invaluable," Amy shares. "We cheer each other on and support each other constantly." Beyond her everyday work, Amy finds immense joy in painting denim jackets and shoes for special events, including weddings. While these intricate projects require significant time and attention to detail, Amy relishes the creative process and the opportunity to bring a client's vision to life.
Whether crafting a keepsake for a newborn or painting custom pieces for milestone moments, Amy's passion for art and connection continues to fuel her success.
Find Artworks by Amy on Instagram by clicking the pictures above
For Alexis Wachlarz- Klemm, cooking and baking have always been more than just activities—they’ve been a way to connect with others, express her creativity, and bring joy to those around her. From the warm, tangy aroma of freshly baked sourdough bread to the comforting sweetness of her signature desserts, Alexis has always had a knack for creating dishes that delight the senses.
But beyond her love for the craft, Alexis had a dream. She wanted to share her passion with the world while contributing meaningfully to her family. This vision led to the creation of Crust to Crumb Bakery, a micro bakery where every item is handcrafted with care and dedication.
At the heart of Crust to Crumb Bakery is Alexis’s love for sourdough. Known for its health benefits and deep, complex flavors, sourdough became the centerpiece of her offerings. She crafted unique flavors like chocolate chip, cheddar jalapeño, cherry walnut, and cinnamon raisin, in addition to a classic original sourdough loaf.
As her bakery grew, so did her menu. After perfecting her breads, Alexis introduced a variety of scones, bagels, and loaf cakes. The scones, available in lemon blueberry with lemon icing, chocolate chip, and cinnamon chip, have become customer favorites. Her bagels, featuring flavors like everything, sesame, plain, cheddar, cheddar jalapeño, chocolate chip, and cinnamon raisin, add both a sweet and savory option to the bakery’s lineup.
One of the newest—and most celebrated—additions to the menu is her lemon blueberry loaf cake. Soft, flavorful, and topped with a luscious glaze, it’s been described by customers as “out of this world delicious.”
For Alexis, it’s not just about the food—it’s about the feeling. She finds joy in seeing her creations bring smiles to customers’ faces and foster moments of connection among families and friends. “There’s something magical about sharing baked goods,” Alexis shares. “It brings people together, tells stories, and creates memories.”
Today, Crust to Crumb Bakery stands as a testament to Alexis’s passion and determination. Her micro bakery has become a beloved part of the community, offering a blend of health-conscious options and indulgent treats that are as exciting as they are satisfying.
Crust to Crumb Bakery is not just a business; it’s a dream fulfilled, a love for baking shared with the community, and proof that doing what you love can truly make a difference.
To place your order call Alexis (248) 535-4877
or scan QR code above to order online
In many Jewish communities, particularly among those who hold strong religious values, there exists a pervasive belief: “It can’t happen to us.” This mindset, deeply rooted in tradition and cultural pride, suggests that issues like drug addiction are problems for others—certainly not for us or our children. However, the unfortunate reality is that addiction knows no boundaries. It affects individuals across all walks of life, including within our own community.
Historically, certain issues were shrouded in silence within Jewish communities. For decades, topics such as abuse within Jewish families, or the occurrence of divorce were taboo. Families often kept these struggles hidden, fearing judgment and ostracism. Today, while there has been significant progress in openly addressing and supporting those affected by abuse and divorce, addiction remains a heavily stigmatized topic.
The reluctance to confront addiction stems from a combination of denial, fear, and shame. There’s a perception that admitting to addiction within a family reflects a failure in upbringing. This stigma leads many to sweep the issue under the rug, hoping it will quietly resolve itself or, at the very least, remain undiscovered.
At Advanced Rapid Detox, we have firsthand experience with the impact of addiction within Jewish community. We see patients from all walks of life—some deeply religious, others less so—all grappling with the same painful reality: addiction has taken hold of their lives or the lives of their loved ones. What’s striking, however, is the extent to which families go to hide this reality, even from those who can help.
This secrecy only serves to exacerbate the problem. By refusing to acknowledge addiction, families deny their loved ones the support and treatment they desperately need. Moreover, the individual battling addiction may feel isolated, judged, and unworthy of help, making recovery even more difficult.
But I always say, we are only as sick as our secrets.
The most critical step in combating addiction within our communities is transparency. We must shift the narrative from one of shame and secrecy to one of understanding and support. Just as we have begun to openly address other challenges like abuse and divorce, it’s time to bring addiction out of the shadows.
Here are some steps we can take as a community:
1. Education and Awareness: Understanding that addiction is a disease, not a moral failing, is essential. Communities should provide educational programs to raise awareness about the signs of addiction and the importance of seeking help.
2. Support Networks: Creating safe spaces for individuals and families to discuss addiction without fear of judgment can foster a supportive environment. Synagogues, community centers, and schools can play a vital role in this.
3. Encouraging Treatment: Encouraging those struggling with addiction to seek professional help is crucial. Facilities like Advanced Rapid Detox offer medically supervised detoxification and support, helping individuals begin their journey to recovery.
4. Open Dialogue: Families should feel empowered to speak openly about their struggles. Sharing stories of recovery and resilience can inspire others to seek help and reduce the stigma associated with addiction.
Addiction is a complex and challenging issue, but it is not insurmountable. By confronting the stigma head-on and fostering a culture of openness and support, we can help those struggling with addiction find the path to recovery. It is only through transparency and collective effort that we can truly address this issue within our communities.
Let us remember that the values of compassion, understanding, and support are deeply rooted in our faith. By extending these values to those facing addiction, we can create a stronger, healthier community for all.
Advancedrapiddetox.com
(800) 603-1813
Laura Solomon is a local Mother, Mother-in-Law, Wife and Grandmother.
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