It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them the fundamental questions about who they are and how they became the person they are today. Understanding and empathy are essential building blocks for a better, more compassionate world. We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to ask these questions each week through our interview series. Below you’ll find inspiring interviews from in and around Minnesota.
Mike
In the beginning, I hadn’t defined a real style of my own and looked to other artists to glean inspiration. I struggled to make my illustrations work as I rarely had a “beginning-to-end” vision. I’ve since discovered that being true to my heart despite stringent graphic parameters from art directors and management teams often yields more authentic artwork. I’ve also adapted to work more spontaneously and quickly as deadlines can be limiting to my creative process. Read more>>
Whitney Schutt
My entrepreneurial story actually started back in 2019 when I was cut from my NFL Cheerleading team after my rookie season. The heartbreak and rejection wasn’t something I had dealt with to that degree yet before. That situation ended up being one of the most pivotal time-periods in my life (more to come on that). To set the stage, I was still at Target headquarters at the time I didn’t make it back on the team. I had started at Target in the Fall of 2017 – right before my rookie season started. Read more>>
Kristin Chase
I asked her what it was, and then promptly said “Um…that sounds horrible. And terrifying.” She said “Well, you’re going to try it anyway because it’s a growing thing and you’d be good at it” So I did. And I loved it. Here I am, two years later, with a growing art business. While I’ve always painted commissions for friends and family, now I get commissions from people who have never met me, and I get to spend joyful days painting for people at their weddings. My paintings are surrounded by love, and I think that shows in the paintings, themselves. I never thought it was possible to have a career as an artist, so I never even considered it. Now, this is the journey I’m on, and it’s wonderful. Read more>>
Sarah Bosben
I never thought I would be an entrepreneur, but I feel so blessed and proud of myself that I started this business! I was a primary teacher 13 years before staying home full time with my third baby during Covid. As she got a little older, I started thinking about what was next for me career-wise. I looked into some different options and nothing brought me excitement, until I stumbled upon permanent jewelry and got my first piece. Read more>>
Brady McLearen
Growing up, my friends and I were a crew of skateboarders. Five or six of us moved as a pack, jumping down flights of stairs, grinding on ledges, running from security guards. At night we would wreak havoc trespassing, scaling fences, climbing on roofs and other adventurous and criminal acts. Skating made me resilient and courageous. It was a grip-it and rip-it culture. It taught me how to fly and how to fall. It taught me to see things in my mind, trust my bodily intelligence, access the non-thinking mind, and commit. Read more>>
Oliver Books
When the 2020 pandemic hit, I took some time away from music for my personal mental health, and built a career in marketing and communications. When my life stabilized in 2022, I returned to music, with a reinvigorated love of the creative process and performing. I joined some songwriting groups to hone my craft, and began playing solo shows. I also began picking up new outlets for my creativity, notably joining with local recording studio “Blue Lagoon Recording Room,” and performing in the musical “Once” led by local troupe Calliope Theater. Read more>>
Cassandra Dahlen
Stepping into this role and learning to run a small, niche business hasn’t always been easy. I didn’t follow the traditional route—no formal business education or college degree. Everything I’ve learned has come from hands-on experience, working directly in the field. On top of that, I didn’t come in with a background in woodworking, so I’ve had to dive deep into the craft and learn as I go. Read more>>
Dan Justesen
I knew enough about brewing that I understood I needed a passionate highly skilled brewer to produce the European style lagers and ales that I felt were missing from the choices in Minnesota. It was important also to find just the right place to draw patrons from across the metro to enjoy the beer, the ambiance of the our creekside brewery Beer Garden surrounded on all sides by Minneapolis Parks. Read more>>
Symone Clay Jamie Grays
Absolutely! Our journey began with a deep passion for events. We have always been drawn to the idea of creating moments that bring people together. We worked on all kinds of events from corporate gatherings to community celebrations. Over time, we found ourselves especially drawn to weddings. That shift happened naturally. The more we worked with couples, the more we realized how much we valued the personal connection, the storytelling, and the chance to create something that feels intimate and meaningful. Eventually, we decided to focus entirely on weddings, and that’s when The Little Wedding Company really came to life. Read more>>
Melissa Rousu
It has and it hasn’t. Writing the stories has been easy because they are my stories and my memories of my grandpa. What was hard was all the other pieces the come with becoming an author. Finding an illustrator, learning how to format and edit a book, how to self-publish, how to market a book, how to apply for book awards, how to create a webpage and crowdfunding. It seems each day I learned something new and grew. I am a naturally introverted person so putting myself out there in this type of way really pushed me to move outside of my comfort zone but in the best possible way! Read more>>
Kim Kane
From all of the information gathered from these beautiful and wonderful women, I wrote a book, Sparkle On. The book became an award winning one and I began my speaking and coaching career as a result of the many women I began meeting along the way. I won the AARP’s 50/50 award for my work with women and aging. I started creating workbooks and guiding sessions for women needing to feel relevant, seen, heard and desperate to normalize aging. This lead to a Facebook group of over 5000 women looking for connections and information. Read more>>
Grant & Michelle Johnson
In the back of our restaurant, you will find, Orley’s Market, a nod to Orley Eastlund, a family member who ran a market in the building on what is now the retail side from 1948-1962. Some customers say they can still see the spot where Orley butchered meats by the stain on the wooden floor! Blemishes like that are not only embraced but celebrated as part of the rich history of the building. In our market, you can find curated consumable goods while enjoying a specialty coffee with a fresh scone or muffin. Read more>>
Max Hageman
Anyways, the road isn’t easy. I am only 25 years old currently, and I have been working at this for 10 years now. It’s honestly a patience game. I have lots of hours in my room by myself trying to learn songs. No one sees the work and effort I put in. That is one big thing that frustrates me. When people say things like “Oh, wow! You are talented!” Talented is not the word. I wasn’t born as a good guitarist. I don’t even think I’m that good honestly. I know tons of people better than me…. but it’s not “talent”… it’s hard-work and effort. It’s hours and hours of practicing. That’s what people do not see or mention. Read more>>
Connie Kroskin
In 2010 I was laid off. This was due to the housing market crash which many industries felt. Fortunately I had a few people that came to me for independent marketing work, so I decided to develop that as a business. It was a struggle at many times, but thankfully referrals and networking kept me going. Now most of my business comes from word-of-mouth and online. It’s been a struggle to take the leap into new ventures and go in new directions but it’s always been worthwhile. Read more>>
Becca Stiles-Nogosek
Many people say that starting your own business is one of the hardest things that you can do. That hasn’t been my experience. At least not the majority of the time. I came from a career that required hyper organization, resourcefulness, and community connections to be successful. It was also a very demanding and high stress career. I was able to assess what parts of my previous jobs that I liked, and which I would like to avoid. This process was really helpful when I was building my current career. However, the ultimate test for my business was when my baby was born. Read more>>
Jeanie
For Adam, stepping into a kitchen where he was the only American among a team of Chinese cooks was incredibly isolating. He wasn’t welcomed—in fact, the environment was openly hostile. His mise en place was sabotaged, he was called names, and every effort was made to push him out. But Adam is nothing if not stubborn. He became the first expat to last longer than a month in that kitchen. That persistence opened the door for others and, over time, he earned the respect and camaraderie of the team. Read more>>
Casie Carow
When everything seemed to stand still, my clients and I made a way. Family seemed to become more important. We shot outside as much as we could, this included newborns (which traditionally were inside at the family’s home). When restrictions began to lift, multigenerational shoots became something everyone wanted. Grandparents were laughing with their grandchildren again, and families were reunited and seemed to grasp for those photographic memories in a new way post-shutdown. Read more>>
Michelle Matthews
I did makeup every single day after work and before work. I used to stay up long nights practicing Makeup. I quickly realized the only thing that made me happy was makeup. I finally decided to quit my job and follow my dreams. Many people judged me and doubted me for quitting my job to follow my dreams but now today I don’t regret it because I am living my dreams while making money on my own schedule. I am now a makeup artist, special effects artist and wig influencer. I have a great support following on TikTok and I go viral multiple times a month even on YouTube and Facebook. As I can genuinely say it was all worth it. Read more>>
Molly Fritz
This plus being a mom to two little boys and a little girl on the way my brain was spinning with ideas of things I enjoy but could make money at, So in 2021 we took the plunge to start growing flowers. It was a year to get our feet wet and take it slow. While we learned quite a bit about selling flowers, it was nice to start slow – especially since I was pregnant and it seemed like it was 100 degrees from June through August. Bending over and tending to the garden was no easy feat . Each year we have doubled in size and sales. In 2023 we moved to our current location that we continue to develop and grow in the community. Read more>>
Tony Drews
As I eagerly began sharing language and cultural teachings with my students, I was surprised by how little they knew about their own heritage—and even more so by how difficult it was to spark their interest through traditional methods like chalkboard instruction. Our current education system simply wasn’t set up to make this content engaging or meaningful for them. Then, by chance one day, I brought in a Moccasin game that had been gifted to me by David Samiban (the suffix -ibanin Ojibwe denotes that he has passed on). That day, I witnessed something shift in the classroom—interest, engagement, and a genuine connection to the content. It was a powerful moment. Read more>>
Tiffany Alexandria
My YouTube channel and Instagram are where I share nostalgic recipes from my mom’s kitchen, Taiwanese food adventures, and stories that highlight the traditions of Taiwanese culture. Food photography has become one of my favorite ways to capture memories, whether it’s a juicy ShengJianBao (生煎包, pan-fried dumplings) or a perfectly crisp scallion pancake. Read more>>
Anne Buckvold
We would take the bus from Southwest Minneapolis downtown so she could drop off her work. The community I grew up in, looking back, was a bit of a powerhouse involving many resourceful, creative and independent women and a fair amount of them were business minded. They weren’t the exception in my world, they were the norm. I grew up just blocks away from Anita Beck cards and the reindeer house. I even worked there for a time, which opened up a couple cool opportunities. Most of me is probably just a by-product of all of that. Read more>>
Maurissa Panning
By 2019, my photography company was thriving and I was able to expand and bring on a few additional photographers under my brand. I was quickly expanding to all forms of photography, including senior portraits, product photography, headshots, and more. However in 2020, COVID hit, and at the same time that most of our wedding clients were postponing or cancelling, I was also let go from my position at the construction company as they downsized with the pandemic. Read more>>
Dominic Pinoteau
There were nights where I’d be fulfilling orders or troubleshooting printers after a full day at work, and weekends where instead of resting, I was prepping for an event or building inventory. Another ongoing challenge is constantly seeking out new events and opportunities to showcase my work—it’s rewarding, but also time-consuming and competitive. Despite the struggles, every obstacle has taught me something new, and the support from customers and my personal circle has been a huge motivator to keep pushing forward. Read more>>
Cindy Pope
Grief has its own agenda. There were days I could function, and days that passed by in a blur.. Days that were hard to get out of bed. I missed him so much. It felt unbearable. It was my family that got me through the days. We have a blended marriage with 9 kids, spouses, and 25 grandchildren. I am also blessed to still have my parents. I babysat grandchildren during the summers and they were a joy to be around. They really kept me busy with walks, hikes, and plenty of art projects. Read more>>
Ayonna Rushing Jackson
As of 2025, I have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, and Chronic Urticaria. These diseases can cause levels of pain and discomfort that vary from day to day. While the quality of my work and commitment does not change, sometimes cleaning will take longer than usual. In these instances I remain professional and keep in constant communication with clients. While my diseases may be hindering, they do not define me. Read more>>
Nazara Matos
I started as an assistant to a wedding photographer, traveling across the Midwest documenting love stories. While the income helped, the work didn’t fully satisfy my creative spirit. I began submitting my own images to publications—and to my delight, two were selected as Photo of the Day by the Smithsonian Magazine’s online publication. Metropolitan State University also purchased one of my photos for their permanent collection. Read more>>
Amy Brace
Shortly after COVID was starting to ease up I was diagnosed with breast cancer and have been in treatment ever since. This has been the most challenging part of my life. I am trying to balance being a business owner, wife, mom, friend, all the while going through 10 surgeries in two years, chemo, radiation and so much more. Being a business owner has brought me so much joy and I have learned so much about myself, and how we can improve the lives of the people around us by caring about each other. The small business life is truly beautiful and crazy all at the same time! Read more>>
Jessie Mertes
A month before a vibrant new shop opened its doors in Superior, WI, the owner, Mikinzie Shilling contacted me via Facebook when she seen some of my hand knotted macrame up for sale on marketplace. She explained that she was opening a shop here in my little town and her vision was to showcase the incredible talents of local artisans and create a hub for creativity and community spirit within her spiritual shop, named KindredHeart. Read more>>
Andrew Lipke
As a business owner himself, he had a lot of helpful information. By the time I got home I was fully committed and immediately set to work getting an LLC, liability insurance, tools, business cards, etc. by September 1st I was ready to officially open Andrew Lipke Appliance Repair, LLC. Business has grown steadily since then and I’ve been working for many restaurants in the area and doing residential jobs too. I had about 10 years’ experience in restaurant and hotel maintenance in the past so I had a pretty good grasp of the work to begin with. Read more>>
Dawn Otwell
We have an amazing fat community in Minneapolis, but would it be enough to sustain a market? So, finally in the summer of 2024, I organized a small market in a garden next to a vegan cafe in south Minneapolis with less than 12 vendors. It was an immediate hit! At that event, and the days following, everyone was asking when the next one would take place. Since August 2024, there have been three more Fat Flea markets and they have gotten bigger and bigger each time! The most recent one in June of 2025 was two days, with 60+ vendors each day, a food truck, and a boba tea vendor. It hasn’t even been a year yet, and our Instagram is just shy of 5,000 followers. Read more>>
Martha Larson
As a cellist, I strive to explore and Incorporate multiple genres. Classical music forms the core of my sound and technique, but I enjoy weaving it within folk, bluegrass, jazz, and other music traditions. I’m especially attracted to dark, minor pieces and anything with good rhythm. I’m always up for doing something avant-guard and unexpected like incorporating percussive techniques, dancing with the instrument, or experimenting with guitar pedals. I’m proud of that open, adventurous spirit and willingness to experiment. Read more>>
Juice Sutton
I am a stand up comedian, professional emcee and actor. I am known for my stand up comedy and being the host for the MN Twins and Wild. I have been in Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns and House of Payne. I got to travel to Sweden to host the NHL global series. I have been nominated in 2018 and 2024 as the KIA Comedian of The Year. I have acted in over 50 commercials for companies such as Best Buy Target 3m Chipotle Allina Health and others. I have been in 4 feature films and have traveled the country sharing the stage with many of the greats. Read more>>
Drew Lindgren
When the winter came, I was extremely stressed to find a solution. My parents wouldn’t want my to work in their garage all winter (understandably) and I wasn’t sure what the demand for car detailing was like in the winter. I explored every option possible, but decided to take another risk and buy a duplex with a large garage. We plan to stay mobile and seasonal, but this gives us the chance to work through the winter if necessary. Read more>>
Justin Bouldin
Years ago, my wife and I packed up everything and moved to Houston for a church planting residency. We had no real plan other than to follow this thing that had been stirring in us—a holy discomfort. There, I was shaped deeply by Resurrection Houston, by their vision of family, of neighborhood, of justice. It wasn’t just about theology, it was about proximity. It was about presence. Read more>>
Mary Brueske
While raising my family, doors opened in the world of home decor and I flourished. I was blessed with employers and mentors who taught me valuable lessons in design, work ethic, and life principles. Hans Hagen, a local builder, was a mentor to me early on and shared with me his philosophy to stand by, “when in doubt, just do the right thing”. That statement alone has proven itself over and over and I carry it into everything I do. Read more>>
Jenny Sheets
During her journey to better understand community, she met the founders of the North Dakota Skateboarding Association (NDSA) and was invited to a Women’s Skate meetup. She never could have predicted it, but she got on a skateboard and fell in love with the sport. She met an incredible group of women who all started skating together, from ages 18-50. Jenny became more and more involved with the NDSA until she joined the board in 2023. Since then Jenny and the board have been working to open the only indoor skatepark in the region, and create inclusive, welcoming skate programming for all. Read more>>
Ron Luke Melissa George
Well, obvuoiusly we made it through those years and today we are expanding and thriving! We went viral in May 2024 and things have just been getting better and better since. Read more>>
David Robinson
I can’t say that I’m ever bored. After some time playing fill-in gigs, I became connected with several hard-hitting groups that I now perform with regularly. Most of the time you can find me around town playing with the Roe Family Singers on guitar, The High 48s on mandolin and with Steam Machine on banjo. I’m also a part of a new folk trio called “Said In Stone” formed by myself, fellow session player Rachel Calvert, and the great songwriter Hannah Hendrickson. A big passion of mine is deep cut, early classic country and honky tonk so I front my own band called “The Robinson Roundup” that mostly plays honky tonk dances down at the Eagles Club #34 with some of the best country musicians in the Twin Cities. I appreciate the variety of music that I play and the fact that I get to do it with so many wonderful people. Read more>>
