#MOMLIFE WITH JANAYA

Looking for inspiration + ideas for things to do with kids in Metro Detroit? Tried and true suggestions that real moms actually do? Here they are! Every week LittleGuide Detroit spotlights a local Mom in our #MomLife series.

Meet Janaya

Hey there! I’m Janaya Hunter, local dance instructor at the RARE Community Center in Roseville MI. I specialize in teaching lyrical/ballet , jazz and modern to toddlers and young children but I also enjoy teaching family classes. Such an amazing adventure I’ve been on these past few years. I graduated college with my degree in Social Work and married my college sweetheart shortly after. We now have 3 little humans together; twin baby girls and a baby boy, all under 3! I spend most of my time hanging out with “the big 3” as a full time stay at home mom. We travel all over Michigan, but we have our favorite spots right here in the city.

We love to find hidden gems in Metro Detroit, like small mom and pop restaurants, museums and tiny beaches. Our family is rooted in our culture and heritage so we make it a priority to give our children the same opportunity to admire and learn about different cultures. It’s always something to explore each day and we go after it 🙂

Favorite Ways To Spend Family Time:

Cooking and baking
Dance night with our family jams
Nature Walks

Favorite Places To Go:

Favorite Bedtime Stories

Best Park/Playground: Clawson Park

Clawson Park because there is age appropriate fun for small babies and children. The Tot lot is our favorite.

Best Family-Friendly Annual Event: 1001 Woodward
We like visiting Santa’s workshop because of all the lights and scenery of downtown. Santa’s workshop is inside so it gets us inside warm and toasty for a good amount of time. In that trip we also get to see so much holiday cheer that it’s just an overall happy experience for all of the babies. We also enjoy all of the sightseeing downtown and the great food we get to enjoy.

Your Mom Must-Have: Apps!

Target or any grocery apps – Specifically for drive up services!

Best Spring Destination or Event: Dow Gardens

My favorite spring destination would probably be the Dow Gardens in Midland. Not only is it the place where my husband and I had our first date, it’s also a gorgeous spot to stroll around and enjoy blooming flowers.

“Pat Yourself on the Back” Accomplishment: Being A Stay At Home Mom

Choosing to stay at home with our children after just starting my career. Serving our family in the capacity that requires so much self awareness, patience and creativity has been WORK. I’m so humbled and thankful for the space to do so.

About Ashley Hubbbard-Porter

Ashley Porter is a Chicago native who now calls Birmingham home. Ashley and her husband Mike and son Jake love attending local festivals, exploring Detroit’s diverse food scene, and venturing outside of Metro Detroit to enjoy the natural beauty of Michigan. With a background in Early Childhood Education, Ashley loves connecting with and supporting families in her community, which is why she is so excited to be a part of LittleGuide Detroit.