1990 – Midland, Michigan
Susan MacKellar raised three children while achieving remarkable business success. She put her self-taught talents toward the development of businesses, which added to the retail attractiveness of her community and state. She founded the Calico Cat Children’s Boutique in 1976. Paper Moon, a card, gift and balloon “bow”tique, opened in 1980. During the next six years, she franchised and opened seven additional stores. After renovation of a landmark home, she operated The Castle Bed and Breakfast from 1990 to 1993 when it was sold. She has been chairperson of the board of directors of the Midland Area Chamber of Commerce and Northwood’s Town & Campus chapter of the National Women’s Board. Throughout her career she has been involved in a variety of community organizations and has chaired numerous community committees and events, some winning national recognition. She spearheaded the building of the Midland Montessori School, the Greater Circle Business Association and chaired the Northwood FAD Auction and Scholarship Fund multiple times, wherever a hand was needed for a worthy project. In 1991 she received the nationally renowned Chamber of Commerce Athena Award for outstanding businesswomen. In addition to family, community and business prowess, Sue has found the time to become a licensed pilot, a licensed builder, travel extensively, collect antiques and pursue her interest in family law and her talent in interior design.
