Member Spotlight
LaShanda Thomas
The Clairmount Group, PLC
LaShanda R. Thomas is the Founder and Managing Director of The Clairmount Group, a Detroit-based accounting and advisory firm that provides audit, tax, consulting, grant management, and business advisory services to nonprofit organizations, governmental entities, charter schools, and closely held businesses.
With more than 30 years of experience in accounting, financial management, governance, and strategic planning, LaShanda has built a reputation for helping organizations strengthen operations, improve financial reporting, navigate complex compliance requirements, and position themselves for long-term success. She began her career at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where she worked with publicly traded companies on audits, mergers and acquisitions, and initial public offerings.
Throughout her career, LaShanda has worked extensively with nonprofits, governments, educational institutions, and mission-driven organizations. She is particularly recognized for her expertise in financial and operational turnarounds, internal controls, grant compliance, Single Audits, and strategic advisory services. Under her leadership, The Clairmount Group has grown into a trusted advisor to organizations with budgets ranging from $10 million to more than $500 million.
In addition to her professional work, LaShanda is an active leader in the community and has served in numerous governance roles. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Ferris State University, where she previously served as Chair and Treasurer. She is also the Midwest Director for the Diverse Organization of Firms and is committed to advancing opportunities for women- and minority-owned businesses.
LaShanda has been recognized as one of Forbes’ Top CPAs in Michigan and is a recipient of the Women of Excellence Award. She is known for her collaborative leadership style, commitment to excellence, and passion for helping organizations transform mission into value.
Kasia Bailey, MBA
Bailey Virtual Business Management
Bailey VBM provides virtual executive support and business travel planning for busy entrepreneurs, managing everything from calendars and presentations to conferences and getaways.
Julie Cylla
Top Notch Balloon Creations
Julie Cylla
CEO & Creative Director, Top Notch Balloon Creations
Certified Balloon Artist | Award-Winning Designer | ESG Advocate | Community-Driven Entrepreneur
Julie Cylla is the visionary founder and CEO of Top Notch Balloon Creations, a premier balloon décor company based in Northville, Michigan. Known for blending cutting-edge automation with exceptional design, Julie has redefined what it means to deliver professional, sustainable, and impactful event décor. With over 20 years of experience, she has earned a reputation for turning ordinary spaces into unforgettable visual experiences.
A Certified Balloon Artist, three-time international award-winning designer, and global instructor, Julie is also the recipient of the Prima Balloon Party Animal title and a top-selected artist for the Big Balloon Build. She advocates for sustainability in the balloon industry as a proud member of PEBA USA and an advocate for the Coalition of Responsible Celebrations (CRC). Her company leads the way with its “Balloons for a Cause” initiative, which includes a latex balloon recycling program and supports four nonprofit organizations:
- Black United Fund of Michigan
- Northville Education Foundation
- Waggin’ Tails Dog Rescue
- Make-A-Wish Michigan
Julie is deeply involved in her business community. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners) and is an active member of the Northville Chamber of Commerce. She owns and operates a storefront studio in Northville, where she continues to serve corporate clients, nonprofits, and large-scale event planners with unmatched professionalism and heart.
Her education and entrepreneurial training include earning a BBA from Marygrove College, graduating from Detroit TechTown’s Retail Bootcamp, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, the Great Lakes Women’s Business Council LaunchU, and their Business Growth Program.
A proud Detroit native, Julie is a mother of three adult children, mother-in-law, and grandmother to five wonderful grandchildren. She brings her values of family, creativity, and community into every event she touches, with a mission to create joy-filled celebrations that leave lasting impressions—while also doing good in the world.
