Barwin admits it was risky hiring a creative type for a city job. Bain-Chamberlain has worked in hair and nail salons and in nightclubs. She also worked briefly as an editorial assistant for the Detroit Free Press, and freelanced for the newspaper. In 1995, after graduating cum laude from St. Mary's College in Orchard Lake with a major in English and a minor in theology, she contemplated the ministry. More recently, Bain-Chamberlain was public relations director for more than two years at the Magic Bag, the popular Ferndale entertainment venue.
Department stores are more convenient for needs.
What Ferndale and other downtowns need to sell is an experience, she says. I mean, your brain is firing many neurons at the same time just to go shopping nowadays. Last year's improvements to West Nine Mile Road included on-street parking with new lighting and landscaping. More recently, banners and hanging flower pots have adorned light posts along the strip. Still to come are upgraded, inviting facades on businesses.