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Julia Kepler is the proud owner of three local businesses in Midland. serendipity road, fun tantrumand A fun tantrum break. She is known for her strong community spirit and her dedication to supporting the local arts scene and its residents. Her typical day reflects her commitment to enriching her downtown area.
A lifelong resident of the Midland area, Kepler and her husband, David, chose to settle in the city after graduating from college. “We felt like this was where we were meant to be.”
Kepler’s entrepreneurial journey began with a request to investigate a new business concept in downtown Midland. “I had a lot of creative friends who were struggling,” she says, pointing to a gap in the market. This led to the creation of Serendipity She Road, filling a need for a storefront where local artists could sell their work.
The boutique, located at 215 E. Main St., features products from more than 100 Michigan artisans, 50 out-of-state small businesses, and large corporations. Kepler’s hands-on approach ensures a diverse range of products, including locally made freeze-dried candy and jewelry made from recycled graffiti. Not only can you find Kepler stores in Midland; online presence. 
Julia Kepler of Joyful Tantrum, a toy store in downtown Midland.
“Every successful downtown has a toy store,” Kepler said when asked how her second business, Joyful Tantrum, came to be. Specializing in non-electronic toys, the store’s motto is “An unplugged toy store where you can plug in with your loved ones.”
Her third business, Joyful Tantrum Recess, expanded on this concept by blending toy retail with educational activities. Located at the corner of Saguenet and Jefferson. The store hosts classes, storytimes, and other events for all ages. Additionally, we support local activities, such as collecting items for Shelter House’s playroom.
For Kepler, her business is more than a commercial endeavor. “Creating memories and community is very important to me,” she emphasized. She carries this sentiment with her every day, infusing her own store with her purpose and connection.
Morning meeting and serendipity road trip
Kepler’s day starts early. “I sleep six hours. It doesn’t matter what time I go to bed,” she said. 
Julia Kepler meets Gus Wojda of Pizza Sam’s
She was attending a meeting at 8 a.m. Midland Downtown Business Associationhosted on pizza sams, owned by Gus Wojda. The agenda focused on the 2024 Art Seen Festival, the success of past events, and future urban planning.
After the meeting, Kepler and Wojda discussed the festival contract, and the conversation evolved into a potential collaboration to use Wojda’s restaurant for team-building events. “We have a symbiotic relationship,” Kepler said, emphasizing the mutual support among downtown business owners. “I want to see them succeed, too.”
By 10 a.m., Kepler morning was in full swing on Serendipity Road. Her first tasks included coordinating with her employees Jessica and Gilbert to strategize her activities for the day. Once her plan was determined, she did a deep dive into managing the store’s inventory. While unpacking deliveries to set prices and ordering carefully selected items, Kepler talked about how Serendipity She Road came to be. She also used this time to write things down on the whiteboard. This is a tool we use to motivate our staff.
Julia Kepler strolls slowly through her store, Serendipity Road.
An important part of Kepler’s daily routine includes meditative walks through the store, during which she deeply connects with the products and the stories they tell. This moment allowed her to spotlight some of the most influential Michigan vendors on her road with Serendipity. Their products brought uniqueness to her boutique and resonated with her commitment to her community.
Rebel Nell is one of the standout vendors on Serendipity Road’s shelves. The company is known not only for its jewelry, but also for its mission and the materials it uses. Rebel Nell specializes in creating pieces from fallen graffiti and artwork, turning discarded colors and scraps of creativity into wearable art. The Detroit-based company expands its impact beyond the realm of the arts by employing homeless women and equipping them with critical life skills that put them on the path to stability and success. doing.
Repair on the go The vendors on Serendipity Road are a testament to Kepler’s values. The company empowers abuse survivors by teaching them how to make unique jewelry from salvaged auto parts and car seat leather. Each piece sold not only supports women’s journey to healing and independence, but also helps reduce vehicle waste in landfills.
“Connecting with your employees is key,” she says, capturing the ethos behind her business approach.
Afternoon meeting
Kepler checks her phone before a meeting at the Midland Area Community Foundation.
At noon, Kepler attended a meeting. Midland Area Community Foundation for Midland Public Arts. The day’s agenda focused on the Art Scene Mural Festival, which will be held at the same time as the Midland Arts Center Festival. Discussion included current funding status and future plans.
At 4 p.m., Kepler moved on. live oak coffeehouse for a meeting with self love beauty, an organization on which she serves as a board member. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to helping individuals grow by developing a growth mindset, learning healthy habits, and improving communication skills.
Evening family time and relaxation
Nights are reserved for family, and for Kepler, that’s a priority. She is close with her son after work, and she spends time supporting her children’s decision to homeschool them in 2019.
Thursdays are her designated “me night,” a time for relaxation and personal rejuvenation. “I’ll probably be watching girly movies in my bedroom,” she says.
Julia Kepler maintains a healthy balance between her professional pursuits, community involvement, and family life, making her an integral part of the continued revitalization of downtown Midland.
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