The DMB’s of Erica Bretz

{Down with Detroit}

I grew up in the Detroit ‘burbs, but both of my parents were born and raised in the city proper and we spent plenty of time in the D. Spring thru fall, Saturday mornings were dedicated to Eastern Market, and I skinned my knees countless times playing on the Belle Isle playground. As a teen and young adult I learned about the music scene and nightlife in Detroit, and spent many nights downtown. Now I enjoy exploring all that the city has to offer, from fantastic restaurants, museums, parks, culture, and people with my husband and kids too. I love Detroit, growing up here has helped shape me, and I feel like it’s a privilege to take part in and witness the renaissance that’s happening here now!

erica

{My Life}

I took a winding collegiate path that included several different majors and even more schools over the course of 9 years. I met my husband, Patrick, along the way when we were both students at Lake Superior State University in Sault Sainte Marie. He’s been my partner in crime since 2002, and we married in 2007. I fell into a career in the automotive industry while I was pursuing a second bachelors in education, and spent 10 years there before making the decision to become a stay at home mom. In the middle of my corporate ladder climb, my daughter was born in 2009. Three and a half years later, my son arrived and my husband and I decided that it was a good time for me to stop working and spend at least a year at home with the kids. Well, these little people are addictive! And I didn’t want to go back to the rat race. I’d enjoyed my career, and love the people I worked with, but I wasn’t loving what I did. I’d always wanted to be a doctor or veterinarian, and over the years since my daughter’s birth I’d become more interested in natural health and how to care for my family in a holistic way. Inspired by both my midwife and a friend who owns a local holistic pet store, I’m now knee deep in a 4 year program to become a certified traditional naturopath! I’m excited to share with others how they can take responsibility for their health and wellness, and am in the process of launching my own holistic health business and website. More to come on that soon! In the meantime, I’m enjoying the journey of life and look forward to each new day!

{Babies + Beyond}

My kids are my everything. I love them beyond words! My son is actually the final inspiration behind my natural health education as he’s had some issues that traditional medicine were unable to resolve. Having to look outside the box and finding ways to help make him happier and healthier without medication has really opened my eyes! Learning to parent Lila (5) and JP (2) has been quite the experience. Lila was pretty much the ideal baby and toddler – independent, ate and slept well, super smart, and sweet as pie. JP came along and totally stirred things up! He was a total mystery as a high needs baby, and his first two years were a total learning curve as I struggled to meet his needs and still give Lila the attention she deserved. Thankfully the two of them are a match made in heaven, and go together like peas and carrots! It’s been a true joy to watch them together, to see the way they love one another, and how they conspire together against me and my husband – we’re definitely doomed! They are smart, kind, and adventurous – between the kids, our 3 dogs, and the cat, there is rarely a dull moment in our house. They’ve taught me how to prioritize what’s truly important, to appreciate all that I have!

 

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Erica B
Hi! I'm Erica, mom to two awesome kids, wife, certified Natural Health Educator, and small business owner. I'm a perpetual student, and currently halfway through a 4 year program to become a certified traditional naturopath. I recently opened Nature's Wisdom in Saint Clair Shores, which houses a natural remedy shop and my natural health services. Outside of work and family life, I'm an avid yogi, amateur photographer, bookworm, and I love making time for my best girl friends. I was raised in the Detroit 'burbs, and now enjoy sharing my love of the city with my kids and husband (a Flint native) - You can find us exploring the flavors of Eastern Market and fishing on Belle Isle most Saturdays!

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