We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly Toland and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Small business has been my entire life. In 1965 my Grandpa founded the Colonial Bar in Lansing, Michigan. My Dad took over the bar and small business ownership is all I’ve ever known from the example of my Grandpa and Dad. Growing up I loved the freedom my Dad had to always be there for us. There is a sense of pride with business ownership and I always admired my Grandpa and my Dad for everything they did for the business and our family. After graduating from college I knew a traditional job was not for me. My Dad knew it, too, because he is the one who found an ad for the sale of a local bakery in the Lansing State Journal and said to me, I found you a job! The next day I walked through the door of that bakery and never looked back. When I was there I felt at home. I felt at peace. I knew deep down this is what I desperately wanted to do. And I had no experience! Three days later my parents and I were having dinner with the current owners discussing next steps. My Mom became my business partner and for 7 years we made wedding and specialty cakes together. We won numerous awards and were even on a national TV show. During that time my Dad and I started making macarons as a side business and Le Bon Macaron was born. While the bar business was good to our family, my Dad preferred being at the bakery with my Mom and me and he enjoyed being able to pursue his interest in baking. As time passed my brother found a similar calling. Next in line to take over our family bar, he too found himself enjoying the bakery. We made the difficult decision to close our family bar a few years after my Grandpa passed away. The business was never the same without his presence and our family had a new business to nurture and grow together. With that decision came the opening of our second location of Le Bon Macaron. Fourteen years later what started as a hobby has turned into a successful business that is truly our family business. My parents and I along with my brother and sister manage three Le Bon Macaron cafes throughout Michigan and a baking facility in Grand Rapids. What started as a hobby turned into something beyond our wildest dreams! All I ever did was follow my heart and lean on the support of my family, without them none of this would have been possible. We are all essential to the success of our business and it has been a blessing to share this together.

What should our readers know about your business?
We’ve always wanted to share the most delicious, authentic French macarons with Michigan. Everyone loves macarons and we wanted to create a beautiful space to enjoy them while connecting with friends and loved ones. Nothing gives us greater joy than seeing people enjoy each other’s company while indulging in macarons and coffee in our stores. Some days we’ll see businessmen having a casual meeting and next to them a couple of moms with their toddlers and an elegant older lady reading a book while sipping a macchiato. It appeals to everyone and that makes us feel fulfilled.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Having locations in three wonderful cities in Michigan that list can be quite long! Here are a few of our favorite spots to eat throughout Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Holland.

Maru for sushi in Grand Rapids
PizzaPazza for wood fired pizza in Ann Arbor
Butcher’s Union for dinner in Grand Rapids
Long Road Distillers for cocktails in Grand Rapids
Poquito for tapas in Holland

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents John & Wendy Kobus, my brother Johnny Kobus and my sister Chelsea Adriaansen

Website: https://lebonmacaron.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lebonmacaron/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lebonmacaron

Other: https://morethanmacaron.com Link to our blog

Image Credits
Le Bon Macaron

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