MJ Design Co: New Mancelona Business Uses Lasers to Bring Ideas to Life!
“Earrings, pendants, ornaments, signs, mugs, apparel and more – let your imagination run wild and bring your ideas to me!” says Jennie Zoll, owner of MJ Design Co., a new laser engraving business based in Mancelona.
Zoll brings her expertise and passion for art and design to help all her clients design something special and just perfect for their home, gift giving, business or just for the fun of it. She also has an active online store with dozens of options for shoppers. Zoll specializes in nature designs and themes, taking the ideas of a client, producing a design and then programming software to give life to the idea using wood or acrylic material as a medium.
“I love making things, creating things that are beautiful and please people based on their ideas,” Zoll said. “We also have the technology to add color to our designs. Doing this work in an up north setting where nature abounds gives us a daily dose of inspiration. And I can do this while serving in a position with a nonprofit organization that I love.”
MJ Design Co. is a part-time business for Zoll who is Director of Finance and Administration for Huron Pines, a nonprofit conservation organization based in Gaylord focused on conserving and enhancing northern Michigan’s natural resources to ensure healthy water, protected places and vibrant communities. Her husband, Mike Zoll, is a heavy equipment mechanic with a passion for welding, also participates in the business when his full-time work allows.
A third-grade teacher for 11 years in Fowlerville, Zoll has now become a student of engraving that has a remarkably long history, dating back 500,000 years when stones were used as engraving tools.
“Whether you need 1 or 1,000 engraved pieces we have the tools, experience and know how to handle the work,” says Zoll. “Out ahead, we will add a metal laser CNC machine to our operation to be able to reach more customers and their needs. There are still many possibilities.”
Venture North Funding and Development, a nonprofit that provides affordable loans to help small businesses, provided capital for Zoll’s purchase of the laser equipment and stands ready to provide more capital as the
business expands. Zoll became acquainted with Venture North through Mancelona Chamber Director Joanie Moore, a dynamo for connecting businesses and visitors with resources special to Mancelona.
“Providing loan capital to help MJ Design Co. ramp up is a great example of what we do,” said Venture North Business Development Manager & Business Coach Annie Olds. “Small businesses in geographic areas like Mancelona are often underserved by commercial funders. It’s precisely where we can step in and help aspiring business people convert their dreams into reality.”
Just a handful of the designs offered at MJ Design Co. Custom orders also available by emailing Jennie or by calling: (616) 528-0655.