Every day we have a choice. We can support an up and coming podcaster, try a new family-run restaurant, join a boutique gym started by a local fitness champ or we could keep giving away our money to the handful of giants who already control so much of our commerce. Our daily decisions impact the kind world we live in; if we want a world where small businesses are growing and artists and creatives are thriving then we should support them with our time, money and attention. We’re proud to highlight inspiring creatives and entrepreneurs each week in Hidden Gems series. Check out some of our latest local gem features below.
Joanna Craw
Through doing those I learned that not all avenues suited my business and I had to be more selective about business commitments. I slowly built an online following and local customer base and as those grew I found new ways to grow in my studio. I moved from my parent’s basement to a shared studio space and then to my own studio. That saying about how it takes 10,000 hours of dedicated practice to achieve mastery in a skill really rings true for me. It was doing things over and over and learning and pivoting that really helped me get past those initial challenges. Read More>>
Tasha Klockow
The process was a whirlwind. With Tasha 4 weeks pregnant in July 2016, the couple met with the Itasca Economic Development Council (IEDC) business consultant Shannon Benolken who agreed to take on whipping the Klockows into shape to open a microbrewery in Grand Rapids. They moved to the area December 2016, incorporated in January 2017, had a baby in March 2017, began brewering beers in August 2017 and opened the doors for business in October 2017 – an unheard of pace in any industry! Read More>>
Chris And Anna Golv
A big challenge for us, and I think every small business owner, was COVID and most of 2020. We had been looking for spaces and feel very fortunate that we hadn’t signed a lease before the shutdown. We used this time the best we could though, improving our vision and mission, and preparing ourselves for when things got back to normal. Read More>>
Pamela Weems
I started the Pink Ladies MN after being diagnosed with Breast Cancer a second time. After being Cancer free for 12 years. I started to notice there were no events supporting or celebrating women of color that was affordable. It started out a party acknowledging survivors and warriors that was affordable, we asked for donations if you could give or not. Being a single mom and on welfare I knew that some women truly didn’t have the finances. Read More>>
Josiah Hanson
I don’t think I’ve ever met a small business owner who would call the business journey a smooth road. I’ve always believed that running a business comes with the highest highs and the lowest lows, but both offer valuable lessons. For a while, markets were our only source of income, and any online sales came solely through Instagram—looking back, that feels kind of wild. Then, when COVID hit, all of our markets were canceled, many of which we had already paid for. It was a tough time, but it pushed us to pivot and finally do something we had long put off—building our first website. That period was challenging and unpredictable, but in many ways, it pushed our business forward in areas we never expected. Read More>>
Olivia Hageman
After my second son was born, Menari moved into a room within an acupuncture clinic, and it was just the help I needed to get full books! When we moved out of the clinic to our first solo location, I had a waitlist of 10-15 people each week and was booked 6 weeks out. I knew that I could hire some help and fill their books too, and I was lucky enough to get another practitioner to join me in our little 500 sq foot shop front in downtown Mankato. Read More>>
Kristen Perrine
Starting a business from scratch is an adventure on its own—but doing it during a global pandemic? That was a whole new level of challenging! While I had a solid grasp of photography, running a business was completely uncharted territory for me. Thankfully, I had some incredible mentors during my first year who shared so much wisdom and guidance. They helped me navigate the ins and outs of business ownership, get my foot in the door, and connect with amazing clients who truly value my art. I’m forever grateful for their support—it made all the difference! Read More>>
Erica Kastner
One of the biggest struggles when it comes to being self-employed is knowing what to work on next. Since you’re your own boss, there’s no one but yourself to plan your day and prioritize what will be best for your business. And when you’re in a creative field, burnout is a real problem. I’ve had to learn to allow myself to create for fun and not just for search engines and algorithms. Read More>>
Krista Reynolds
After a few years of photography being my side job, I made it my full time job in 2011. Specializing in weddings and families. The wedding industry has been such a blessing launching me to one of top wedding photographers in the state. I am forever thankful to my amazing couples for trusting me with their memories. Read More>>
Krista Voto
My name is Krista Voto, and I am an interdisciplinary Installation Artist & Sculptor. Since I can remember, I have been doodling on the corners of my papers, paying little attention to anything else. As a child, my maternal grandmother would take me to adult painting classes with her; as I grew older, my need to create deepened. My parents noticed this and allowed me to attend outside-of-school art classes. My Father, a skilled craftsman, saw my love for artistry and recognized that skill immediately as he was raised by his Father, a prolific oil painter. Read More>>
Adriana Ernst
Our biggest hurdle, as we had mentioned we began in 2020, created many obstacles in the supplies category as we tried to start our company. With many hours of connecting with various suppliers and online searching, we managed to find the jars and lids we had wanted to use for our brand. It was very difficult to keep those supplies in stock as there was so much uncertainty, yet it created only more consistency and reassurance as time went on and the path only got easier. It was absolutely a leap of faith to do so, and having open-mindedness during that time was very crucial. Read More>>
Cait Hanson
With lots of prayer, I decided to take that first step towards something that would completely change everything. I quit my corporate job to pursue floral design. And even though it was scary jumping into the unknown, that moment was an answer to prayer and the clarity that I needed to wholeheartedly pursue my desire to do something creative. And that’s how Living Vine Floral began! Read More>>
Jessie Brunotte
Then, the grind. Being a a one-woman operation means I wear many hats-setting up spaces, hauling equipment, managing bookings, and spreading the word. Sauna culture is still growing in the U.S., so I’ve had to educate, inspire, and introduce people to the magic of thermaculture, often one conversation at a time. Read More>>
Sushila Anderson
Her most successful achievements came in 2023 with 5 awards. She was awarded “Maple Grove Arts Center Award,” and “Minnesota Figure Study Collaborative Award,” for the glass on glass “Chris Cornell,” and 4th place for “Tulip” style Tiffany Lamp both at the Minnesota State Fair. Her stained glass guitar “The Crow and the Butterfly,” at Frame Works in St. Paul, MN. She was awarded the Second Place People’s Choice Award and Minnesota Artist Association Members Juried Exhibit Fall 2023 Honorable Mention. Read More>>
Chris Tetrault
The traditions we pass down. Yet, the weight of the badge—whether in the military, federal law enforcement, or as a game warden—came with an unseen cost. Isolation wasn’t just about being alone in the woods. It was the kind of loneliness that follows you home. The things you see, the things you carry, the friends you bury. I’ve responded to the deaths of close friends, including a snowmobile crash where I watched someone I cared about take his last breath. I’ve stood over the body of another friend who took his own life. I’ve watched my coworkers and fellow veterans lose themselves to the demons that war and service leave behind. Read More>>
Maxine Newman
Around that time, The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game by Fantasy Flight Games had just been released, and I found myself making my own scenarios for the game, posting them online to the tune of thousands of downloads. I was trying to find a job in law when I saw the job posting—Fantasy Flight was looking for a new card game developer, and not just that, a developer to work on The Lord of the Rings card game. I thought to myself: Ah, I’ll apply just for fun, I’m not going to get the job anyway. Read More>>
Kristin Krull
Camba Jewelry sprang from the ultra creative mind of Kristin Krull in 2009 as a result of selling every one-of-a-kind piece right off her body, which helped fund her BFA degree in Spatial art. The jewelry brand merges 2 important factors to her well being— mindfulness practices and her love for beautiful, unique objects– such as semi-precious gems, luscious pearls, sparkling crystals and vintage pendants. Her work inspires today’s modern woman to be among the first to snag her exclusive pieces. Read More>>
Kelsey Bryant
My family, bless their picture-loving hearts, were major enablers. Especially my late grandfather, they treated every family gathering like a royal portrait session. Birthdays, holidays, even just a Tuesday night dinner – all documented with the fervor of paparazzi chasing a celebrity. Looking back, I realize they were instilling in me the importance of preserving memories, even if it meant enduring grandpas slide shows. Read More>>
Amber Soukkala
For awhile, I used it mostly to test knit and follow other knitters, small yarn stores, and indie dyers. That quickly grew and again my mom convinced me to apply to sell some hats at the new Smith and Trade in Crosby Minnesota. Over time, we joined in on some small markets, got organized with a basic website, and networked with a lot of different small businesses. My sister and mom helped every step of the way with knitting, so eventually we talked my sister into joining in some markets with her sweaters. Its pretty quickly become a family affair for us! Read More>>
Clayton Ryan
I’ve carried this flour-fried upbringing with me as a creator and visionary, from the sweltering jelly air of Los Angeles to my winters in The South Dakota Black Hills as a crime-scene clean up specialist, to my new home amongst the lakey vibes of Minneapolis, MN. As one of the poster-children for the oil industry, I have hit the road thousands and thousands of miles a year as a musician and artist, trying my best to wring out the human experience from the mop that is my ever-observant eye and into my ever thirsty-for-experience mouth. It truly is a blessing to live this way, I assure you. Read More>>
Chris Varkpeh
I started it with friends as a side hustle, but before I knew it, they were looking to me as the leader. I had no clue what I was doing, but I had to figure it out. Then came one of the hardest moments of my journey—a fallout with a business partner that led to my name being slandered. It was painful. I had to make a choice: let the situation break me or let it build me. I chose to rebuild. I started from scratch, determined to create something bigger than just a business—a movement rooted in quality, integrity, and a true passion for helping people. Read More>>
Hanna Vanderloo
One of the biggest struggles has been getting my name out there and helping people understand what Prezzie actually does. Gifting is such a personal thing, and I wanted to show people how much easier and more meaningful it can be when someone takes the stress out of it for them. It’s taken time to build awareness, but every time I see a customer light up over a gift we’ve put together, it reminds me why I started in the first place. Read More>>
Eric Mark Fischer
That’s what led me to create The Intrinsic Podcast—a platform for deep, unscripted conversations with athletes, entertainers, entrepreneurs, and experts who’ve battled through adversity and come out stronger. My mission is to help people shift from being stuck in cycles of self-sabotage to living with intention, purpose, and clarity. Read More>>
Andrea Sustaita
I am proud of how far I have come, striving day after day to inspire more housewives; that life does not stagnate if we get married at 20’s. Every day is a new opportunity to grow professionally and personally. My specialty is bridal and quinceanera makeup. I am always looking for ways to perfect my techniques for better results. I think I stand out for my empathy. I like to listen to my clients so that they feel comfortable and at the end of the service they are left with the best. Read More>>
Treya Taylor
Rooted Wombs was born from a desire to create a community where BIPOC women feel supported, educated, and connected to their bodies in a way that promotes healing and wholeness. In the beginning, it was just an idea—one fueled by research, personal experiences, and conversations with other women who shared similar struggles and aspirations. I started small, focusing on building awareness and creating resources that could truly make a difference. Read More>>
Paula Breid
I also sing in different churches around the area and will often be the song leader and sololist for funeral services. This has become very blessed time for me, being able to provide comfort for grieving families. I often sing the National Anthem before local sporting events; my favorite is at the start of matches for the Rochester Football Club. Since I retired from my nursing career at Mayo Clinic in Rochester I have been able to devote my time to what I love: my family, 3 grandkids, flower gardening, and singing. Read More>>
Cody Steinmann
I’ve also released 4 singles from an EP I produced called “Barely Anyone Calls Me So I Just Stay At Home And Make My Own Damn Music”. The 5th single “My Own Damn Music” will drop on March 7th 2025. I’ve recorded or performed with Ben Williams, JD Allen, Solomon Parham, Russ Johnson, Chris Bates Abinnet Berhanu, Javier Santiago, De’sean Jones, Max Gerl, Nic Cacioppo, Anthony Fung, JT Bates, Bryan Murray, Kevin Washington, Art Haynes, and many more. In 2023 a stray bullet penetrated the condo I live at with my girlfriend, we both narrowly missed taking a bullet to the head. I’ve since recorded an album about the experience that doesn’t have a set release date yet. Read More>>
Jackie Skelly
In 2022, IASC was searching for an Executive Director to oversee the NEXT Career Pathways program, Invest Early Project, Technology and Special Education. I applied for the position and was offered it. I am currently serving as the Executive Director and the Director of Special Education. In my three years in this role, I have worked hard with program directors, school districts, businesses and community around meeting the needs that exist that we can partner on addressing to help students and families be successful in their education. Read More>>
Shawn Rezac
Overall it has been a very good and blessed 10 years. Just like any other business there is the daily, weekly and yearly struggles. Being a retail location the years of the Covid pandemic where some very tricky times. I woke up every morning wondering if I was even going to be able to open the doors, and what regulations were being implemented and if I was still going to have customers shop at my store. Read More>>
Fern Vera
Photography has always been a part of me, something I couldn’t escape no matter how hard I tried. It was always there, quietly calling me back, even when I pushed it away. Like most early teens, I first picked up a digital camera to capture moments with friends, silly selfies, and memories to share on Facebook. But it wasn’t until I was in high school, during my freshman and sophomore years, when I took yearbook and photography classes, that I realized it wasn’t just a passing hobby, it was a passion that set my soul on fire. It was clear that photography was what I was meant to do. Read More>>
Quinn Avery
Luckily, indie authors were making a dent in the literary world around that time, so I jumped onto the bandwagon. I spent countless hours watching videos of experienced authors sharing their knowledge of the industry before writing a story I felt (at the time–not so much now) was worthy of print. Since then, I’ve written 48 books in various genres. Read More>>
Molly Drossel
We started doing farmers markets to see if there was an interest and that went well. We did markets for 2 years before I started looking for a place for a brick and mortar. I ended up in Big Lake in a building with a boutique. That worked well for a bit but after two years, I wanted to have more space and be completely on my own so I moved from Big Lake across the river to my hometown of Monticello. I opened here at the end of July 2024 and haven’t looked back. The location, the shop, the community have been amazing here! Read More>>
Adam Swanson
I chose the bartending job because I felt I could slowly wean myself off it if my paintings began to sell. I painted as much as I could. I met a girl and we had our first of two children. After three years I was able to transition to full time painter. I made the leap by resigning from bartending and accepting a 4 month artist in residency position in Sweden in 2013. I don’t wait for the muse to strike, I generally paint Monday-Friday 8am-5:30pm. I live in the woods and have a two car garage sized studio that I built with my friends. My studio is my favorite place, it has heated floors, a high ceiling, and all my painting stuff. Read More>>
Marina Kong
I quickly advanced from beauty advisor to supervisor and eventually operations manager. However, I soon lost interest in retail and realized I didn’t want to pursue further leadership roles. I left my job and started serving, which gave me more free time and allowed me to save money. My partner and sister Maly Kong, who already has one successful business, (Kong’s Kitchen- Southeast Asian cuisine) and I decided to take a leap of faith and open a salon together, despite having no prior experience in the cosmetic industry we are here today, building an on growing establishment. Read More>>
Samantha Sullivan
I started my hair journey in 2021 when I enrolled in cosmetology school at Nova Academy of Cosmetology in Rochester. I always knew that I wanted to be a hairstylist since I was a little kid . I started school July of 2022 , a few months after graduating high school and moving out on my own. One month into school I found out I was pregnant. A fresh eighteen year old , starting a dream career and pregnant. Read More>>
Eric Christopher
That experience had an impact on me and I reflected that life is like this great slight-of-hand card trick…we go through life identified with our bodies, yet the whole time we are actually these soul beings of pure energy who are eternal, indestructible, and outside of time and space. One day we won’t be our body, but try as you might, you cannot separate yourself from the consciousness that animates the body. So, I reasoned that we should be able to tune into the part of us that we already are, and that we cannot separate from…our eternal soul self. But how? I discovered the answer a few years later. Read More>>
Maud Hixson
Now that I’ve given so much time and attention to building these strengths, the process has become far smoother when I have decisions to make about how to present myself and reach listeners. The music business has arrived at a state where the default expectation is that one’s work has little monetary value, as many distributors devolve into classifying and presenting it as “content”. The cumulative effect of years of investment in my practice has helped me preserve the value of my work when I present it in the marketplace. Read More>>
Ally Gaetz
I would say the hardest part for me since beginning this journey aside from finding the time to run a successful business (I do work full-time, have two small kiddos and am married!) – would be gaining clientele! Read More>>
Brooke Daniels
What sets us apart from other bridal shops besides our intimate atmosphere and amazing customer service is that we are family owned and also that my daughter and I are both designing gowns ourselves. A few of our best sellers are gowns that we personally designed and sketched through our designer Evelyn to bring our creations to life. We hope to continue designing and create a whole line that is from Bride and Jewel Co/Brooke Elizabeth and maybe even one day sell to other stores! Read More>>
Sandy & Bill Stevens
The remodel took us about 10 years since we did most of the labor ourselves. We restored the house to look as it might have when it was built, including the furnishings. In 2017, we officially became a bed & breakfast, named Sable Inn. We have 5 rooms available and serve a full breakfast every day of the week. In 2022, we added an event space since we’d had so many requests for intimate weddings. We are located 1 mile west of Foley. On our property, we have several gardens, a fountain, a pergola, a wood sauna and a small sand beach on a 4-acre private pond stocked with fish. Read More>>
Brook Smith
It has been a relatively smooth road, but it has come with many learning curves. When I started taking storm chasing seriously, I had to learn how to forecast effectively for my chases. Additionally, I needed to develop strong marketing skills to present my art well and familiarize myself with several new cameras. Despite the challenges, it has been an exciting journey filled with valuable opportunities! Read More>>
Sarah Deziel
I was born and raised in Minnesota, and went to college in Gunnison, CO at Western State University, majoring in Psychology and Sociology. I spent several years on the west coast working & traveling as a sales rep in the Outdoor Industry, selling ski clothes, apparel, footwear, backpacks and gear ~ and having a blast hiking, biking, and exploring. As all native Minnesotans know, home always calls you back, and I relocated to SW Minneapolis near Lake Harriet where I settled in and started a family. With Minneapolis being known as a “City within a Park” we loved living by the lakes, trails and green spaces. Read More>>
Amy & Adam Hamilton
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped our journey. As a husband and wife team, we’ve had to navigate both the creative and business sides of wedding videography together. Adam spends countless hours perfecting the edit, making sure each film tells a couple’s story in the most authentic way, while Amy focuses on communicating with clients, selecting the perfect music for highlight films, and managing the endless behind-the-scenes details, such as contracts, emails, and everything in between. Read More>>
Molly Johnson
I never thought that I would make a living as a photographer. I am a physical therapist assistant, and loved my job. But when Covid hit and having a baby at home, my perspective changed and I started thinking about how I could be home with her. Many people around me were starting their own businesses, and encouraged and guided me to start mine. I am forever thankful for this opportunity, so that I am able to prioritize my family and my time with them. I also never thought that being a photographer would be as rewarding and fulfilling as it is. Read More>>
Beverly Tipton Hammond
Once in Minnesota, we began to create more original work and rented a gallery in the Northrup King Building in NE Minneapolis in 2020. The gallery has become our second home, where we create new works, teach art classes and host art talks for new and upcoming artists! I also teach ballet, modern and African Dance in sessions through out the year. My first exhibit was the Grace Exhibit, which was a tribute to the wearing of Church hats in the Black church. It was held at the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery in North Minneapolis. Read More>>
Ethan Campbell
It wasn’t an overnight success. And I certainly haven’t figured everything out. I had to learn the ins and outs of business, branding, and digital marketing while also honing my creative skills. Over time, through networking, persistence, and a simply getting better at what I do, Molted Media grew into what it is today. It’s been a bumpy road getting Molted Media to where it is and I can’t wait to continue growing it in the years moving forward. Read More>>
Skyler Marlow
One of the most defining moments in my career came during my first year behind the chair when I won Matrix’s Inspiration Contest through Ulta, being selected out of thousands of applicants. As one of only 40 individuals chosen for Matrix’s Destination 2020, I had the incredible opportunity to learn from industry icons—people I had only ever seen on Instagram. That experience fueled my ambition and deepened my commitment to growth. Read More>>
Jesse and Cathy Ruhmann
Jesse started working in the automotive collision repair industry in 1996 and has since grown to learn more about the ins and outs of the industry. He has a strong belief in visualizing where he wants to be and strives to put in the time, energy, and effort to get there. He worked for a few small collision repair centers and gained most of his experience working for a Cadillac collision center as a repair tech. Jesse has also worked part time as a firefighter for a large metropolitan department for over 18 years. Read More>>
Tanya Brown
From the beginning, I wanted to create more than just a clinic—I wanted to build a community where people could bring their whole selves to the table, free from judgment or pretense. I also firmly believe that exceptional client care starts with therapists who feel valued, respected, and appreciated. With these principles at the heart of Vibrant Life Therapy, the business began to grow. Providers started reaching out, drawn to the idea of working in a place that felt truly inclusive and different from what many mental health clinics offer today. Read More>>
WENDY PUCKETT
The road definitly has not been an easy one. I was shot in the face with a pellet gun while leaving work, l had to work almost nine months alone with little to no help when my other cook was down. I worked during the unrest with the killing of George Floyd. I also worked through the madness of covid but the most difficult time of my life was working while my first born daughter was fighting for her life battling a very rare form of cancer. Read More>>
Gwendolen Meckle
Eventually, she had fired me after the summer was over, and told me that I don’t have what it takes to succeed in this industry. Fast forward again a number of years, 25 or so – I have spent a lot of time proving that woman wrong. I have been a hardworking staff member, I have ran shops successfully for other people, I have ran a home based studio, then the last 7 years I have been the owner/operator of Bayside Floral in the Lake Minnetonka area taking a failing shop to a successful floral and gift shop, earning many Best of awards and nominations for our neck of the woods. Read More>>
Michelle McCoy
This went on for 3 long years. I started a food diary to track what she was eating and her headaches. I researched the medications she was taking and realized they had potential side effects that I wasn’t willing to take chances with so I refused them one by one. Some were anti seizure medications which were unnecessary for her issues. I felt they were guessing and putting Band-Aids on her symptoms. I knew in my gut it had to be her food so I was putting her on an elimination diet in my own way and trying to see a connection. I mentioned my food theory to all of her doctors and not one agreed with me OR supported me in my concerns. Read More>>
Samantha Huntley
Then in 2018 I purchased a new Canon Rebel t7i and over the years invested in more lenses. I really got into macro photography. I loved doing flowers and bugs. Even though I had been self taught for a long time I felt stuck. Ridgewater College in Willmar MN had photography classes and I always wanted to get a degree in photography. I just didnt want to drive back and forth everyday. Especially in the winter months. Read More>>
Regena Yu
We both work full time jobs, so WAY is our past-time on the side. Bringing in what we learned in school, we design, pattern-make and cut & sew everything we sell, creating timeless silhouettes and styles in trendy, but classic colors & patterns that can be mix & matched from season to season. We’ve been lucky enough to be involved and recognized in the fashion community here in the cities & have participated in many years of Fashion Week MN now, along with other events with other sustainable apparel brands in the cities. Read More>>
Mistress Ginger
Currently, I’m producing Lady Is a Tramp, my 12th annual Valentine’s show. It’s a tribute to Rodgers & Hart, featuring Steven Zubich on piano. The show explores the highs, lows, and dreamy in-betweens of romance through their timeless music. It’s elegant, fun, and even deeply personal—a journey I’m thrilled to share! Read More>>
Gasp Four
It’s always a subtle reminder that such a small thing as a tattoo can do such a large impact in a person may be a memorial Tattoo or maybe even a spontaneous adventure there are so many tattoo artists in Minnesota and every time I receive a email or message on Instagram asking if I could tattoo them. I am so grateful because out of so many artists I was chosen for your piece of art. I have gone through hardship. I have gone through times where I felt like there was no escape tattooing has brought so much joy and love in my life. How can I not do my absolute best every day with something that has done so much for me. Read More>>
Jojo Picasso
I used what I learned from those endeavors to push me into entrepreneurship which allowed me to travel through Europe, South America, and eventually help me see parts of Asia. I’ve been able to collaborate with brands and artist alike from Minnesota and elsewhere of my artistry and hoping at this point I’ll be able to just do because I enjoy it and not because it’s something I’m planning on getting reach from but I enjoy doing it. Read More>>
Brandon Manning
As time has gone on, I’ve dwelled on certain moments and come to the realization that I was also apart of the problem. Selfishness had gotten the best of me, I was always trying to find someone else to blame for past transgressions because I couldn’t take proper accountability. Due to that, there are moments I’ve missed out on that I tend to look back and wish I handled differently. As much as it had felt like a struggle, it’s also something to be grateful for once recognized. It’s shaped me into wanting to be a better person and build that mentality that some things just aren’t meant for me. I’m happy to be much more aware of this now, it’s given me the willingness to truly open up again and push my ego aside. A very humbling experience to say the least. Read More>>
Erin & Bob Walloch
In 2011, we married and had Cooper, our 12-year-old son. He is our joy every day and loves playing clarinet, playing with friends and gaming. During all of this time, we talked about wanting to start a business together. Our shared love of art and creating led us to start Creative Joy, our art and woodworking business, in 2018. Bob has always enjoyed gardening, woodworking and turns bowls on his lathe. Erin loves dot art, painting and knitting. We wanted to share the joy creating brought us with others. Connecting with other artists and creators always warms our hearts. Read More>>
Lois Pajari
For years I had considered opening the farm to the public. I have been adopting and rescuing misfit animals forever and dreamed of someday making a living off the farm. As it turns out I really believe in the animal human connection. The power of the outdoors. Read More>>
Ryan Tischer
I worked extremely hard, doing 45 shows in 2008 and continued making a living at shows across the upper Midwest for the next decade. In 2017, I decided to take a leap and opened a brick and mortar gallery in downtown Duluth, while still exhibiting at art shows and festivals. After 3 years, my lease was up downtown and I decided to take another leap by moving the gallery to Canal Park where tourist foot traffic was much higher. The rent was a lot more, but so were the sales, which allowed me to hire a gallery manager along with framers and more salespeople. The gallery continued to be successful over the next several years and in 2024 I renewed my lease. Read More>>
Richelle Taylor
I started as a little girl with big dreams in North Minneapolis. I got started in real estate while in college at Shaw University, an HBCU in North Carolina, where I bought my first property—a townhouse. Through lots of trials, addiction, recovery, children, and divorce, I found my way back to real estate in 2015. I began acquiring investment properties one at a time, starting again with a townhouse. Read More>>
Liz Davidson
All of this work also led to a job offer from Leder Games, where I am now the Solo Games Specialist. I adapt games published by the studio so that they can be played by a single person (yes, it’s a thing, try it!) or, when possible, cooperatively. Sometimes people want to team up against a game instead of playing against each other, and I am here to help. I’m currently working on a solo mode for Oath, designed by Cole Wehrle, which is currently getting an expansion. My partner on this project, Richard Wilkins, and I have been extensively playtesting an automated opponent who will give human players a run for their money! I have never been happier in a job, and I can’t wait to see what happens next. Read More>>
Donelle Maloney
I found a dance community there and an acceptance I never expected. My community pushed and inspired me and I finally began to allow myself to believe that maybe it wasn’t too late to pursue this dream I had ignored for so long. Since then, I’ve had opportunities to do various on-stage performances, be a part of incredible dance teams, audition for companies like SM Entertainment, HYBE America, and THE BLACKLABEL, dance in music videos like Annika Bennett’s “Power, Sex, Dreams”, and learn from choreographers I admired as a kid, before I ever believed I could dance. I know the younger me would be in complete disbelief. Every small milestone means the world to me. Read More>>
Awet Alazar
The process of opening my salon wasn’t easy. I faced challenges, especially because I didn’t do the research I needed to fully understand how to secure funding or other resources. For me, the most important thing was simply creating a space where I could serve my clients, be creative, and feel comfortable in my own environment. Read More>>
Dr. Alise Novak
We have organically grown to a team of 20+ dedicated and authentic therapists who treat a variety of mental health concerns. We are specialized in reproductive, perinatal, and women’s + maternal mental health. We have experts in these fields to support those impacted by infertility, pregnancy complications and miscarriage, stillbirth and infant loss, and third party reproduction. With a deep understanding of human development and relationships, we also support families navigate parenting stress, relationships challenges, and grief + loss. Additional areas of focus include trauma/PTSD, anxiety, disordered eating, sex and intimacy concerns, LGBTQ+ issues, and neurodiversity including ADHD and Autism. Read More>>
Fae Baumgart
The journey to becoming a cosmetologist is both rewarding and challenging. It requires a deep passion—not only for yourself but, more importantly, for others. Early on, I faced a setback when I left my first beauty school after being told I wasn’t cut out for the profession and lacked the mental capacity to succeed as a cosmetologist. Thankfully, I had enough faith in myself to ignore those doubts. I returned to school, persevered, and graduated. Going back opened doors to countless opportunities to continue pursuing my passion where I was reminded that this is exactly where I needed to be. Read More>>
Carrie Drinkwine
Carrie owns and operates the Institute of Regenerative Health where she trains and certifies regenerative health practitioners, globally and the owner of Wise Wellness Holistic Clinic, Carrie’s influence reaches far and wide. Acknowledged globally as an esteemed Success and Freedom Coach, she stands out as one of the leading experts in regenerative health. Read More>>
