Ypsilanti Portrait Series

Get to know Ypsilanti through the people and places making our community shine.

In this portrait series, local photographer Leisa Thompson, in partnership with the Ypsilanti DDA, captured moments offering an inside look at some of Ypsilanti’s most beloved businesses and the folks behind them.

Passionate People

Connecting over coffee, meeting for dinner, and browsing niche shops are some of our favorite ways to spend time in Ypsilanti. But it’s our neighbors and business owners who bring the fun and funky vibes that we know and love!

Food Favorites

Ypsilanti restaurants, bakeries, and caterers serve up plenty of flavor, from quick grab-and-go bites to memorable sit-down meals. Behind every dish are the people who make Ypsi’s food scene special, bringing care, creativity, and a whole lot of heart to the table.

Indie Shops

Ypsilanti's local and independent shops best showcase Ypsi's one-of-a-kind vibe. From retro and nostalgic toys, to oddities and the unusual, to everyday pet essentials, visit these Ypsi businesses and meet the folks behind them.

This is just a handful of businesses highlighted in the portrait series organized by the Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority. For more information, visit Ypsilanti DDA.