Right here in Whitehall, a new shop is sparking creativity, reflection, and connection. Soul & Story Creative, the brainchild of psychologist, professor, and lifelong creative Nicole McDonald, is more than a boutique—it’s a welcoming, wellness-centered space designed to help people slow down, reconnect with their purpose, and rediscover joy through creativity.
Nicole and her husband moved to Whitehall just over a year ago after raising their children in New Era. With a long-standing career in psychology and higher education, Nicole saw the opening of Soul & Story Creative as a way to combine decades of research, hands-on work in art and play therapy, and her deep passion for wellness into a tangible experience for the community.
“This store has been brewing in my soul for a long time,” Nicole shared. “It’s a creative expression of everything I’ve been learning and practicing for decades.”
A Mission Rooted in Wellness
The name Soul & Story is a reflection of the shop’s mission: honoring every individual’s story and the creativity that flows from it. The shop’s colorful polka-dotted logo is more than eye-catching design—it represents 15 interconnected aspects of wellness Nicole has researched over the years, ranging from solitude and gratitude to movement, sleep, creativity, and play.
Every product in the shop is intentionally chosen to support one or more of these wellness areas.
“When people walk in, I want them to feel at peace and inspired,” Nicole said. “I hope they leave feeling a little more like themselves—calmer, more intentional, more connected.”
Curated Products with a Purpose
Soul & Story Creative offers an eclectic mix of items: wellness products like magnesium cream and essential oils, unique puzzles, handcrafted journals, books focused on creativity and purpose, artisan-made gifts, and local artwork. Many items come from small-batch or organic makers, including hard-to-find items you won’t see in big box stores.
Nicole also offers curated gift boxes—particularly aimed at supporting groups like teachers, foster moms, and healthcare workers—filled with thoughtful items meant to promote well-being.
“We don’t need more coffee mugs,” she laughed. “We need gifts that restore.”
A Studio and Gathering Space
The shop’s front seating area invites visitors to linger—to journal, crochet, study, or simply take a moment to breathe. Beyond the retail space is a studio designed for art workshops, journaling sessions, and community gatherings. Nicole also plans to offer life coaching sessions, art-based wellness retreats, and eventually, local and international travel opportunities focused on whole-person wellness.
She envisions Soul & Story Creative as a community hub—where creativity is nurtured, stories are shared, and everyone, no matter their background, can feel seen and supported.
“People come in and share their stories—grief, joy, dreams, struggles,” she said. “I didn’t expect that part to happen so quickly, but it’s powerful and affirming.”
Local Artists, Lasting Impact
Soul & Story also proudly showcases the work of local artists, including painters, embroiderers, and ceramicists. Nicole is continually seeking more artists to partner with. She’s also launching a new initiative called I Am Creative—a project that provides creative opportunities for teens and young adults with disabilities using recycled cardboard from shop packaging to create collaborative art pieces.
A Call to Slow Down
Nicole hopes Soul & Story Creative offers more than merchandise—she wants it to model a new pace of life.
“We live in a world that celebrates burnout,” she said. “But rest, reflection, and creativity? Those are powerful. Those are essential.”
Whether you’re searching for a meaningful gift, a quiet place to reflect, or a place to unleash your creativity, Soul & Story Creative invites you in—to slow down, explore, and reconnect with the art of living well.
📍 Soul & Story Creative
312 E Colby St., Whitehall, MI
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For more stories about local businesses, community happenings, and creative spaces in the White Lake area, visit CatchMark Community.
