Minnesota Circle

In episode 85 we talked with Amina Adeyemi, the founder and owner of Veeyon Cakes. Amina shared her journey of teaching herself the ropes of baking and challenging herself with new designs frequently. Amina provides tips on how she batches baking and her favorite kitchen tools. Amina is a powerhouse in every way with being an attorney by day and baker by night, her determination will quickly rub off on you and inspire you to remember that no mountain is too high! For more information on Veeyon Cakes and to view her amazing gallery of designs, visit her website! Featuring the song "Compression" by local musician Monica LaPlante. Learn more about Minnesota businesses, travel, and more via our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook via @MinnesotaCircle Support the show (http://www.minnesotacircle.com) Support the show

In episode 84 we spoke with local travel blogger Lizanne from Lizanne Lately. We discussed her favorite budget friendly places to explore around Minnesota as well as a few ideas to splurge on. Lizanne shared tips on finding the best accommodations for your needs and also ideas on how to find great deals! This episode will definitely inspire you to head outside and start exploring! Lizanne is a Minnesota-based lifestyle and travel content creator. You can catch her adventuring throughout Minnesota with a latte in hand whenever she has free time! You can expect to see fun getaways, road trips, and unique lodging across the Midwest from her. She's here to be your local scout and loves to share her finds with her community. She's extremely passionate about supporting local too! Her goal is to inspire people to explore more and create an inclusive community for adventure seekers out there. Follow along with her adventures and see what she been up to lately! Featuring the song "I'm a Wreck, Not a Queen" from local musician Speakeazie. Learn more about Minnesota businesses, travel, and more via our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook via @MinnesotaCircle Support the show (http://www.minnesotacircle.com) Support the show

In episode 83 we spoke with Tatiana Freeman, the founder and CEO of NoshPoshMN. Tatiana has always been passionate about providing healthy snack options for her family and shared how she turned that passion into a new business. Tatiana is wanting to change the game in regards to health and convenience and make it accessible for all with her various products sourced with items from women and BIPOC owned companies. Tatiana discussed her favorite snacks, what you can expect in her boxes, and her goals for the future. Order your NoshPosh box now at https://www.noshposhmn.com! NoshPosh is a health conscious convenience store carrying products sourced solely from minority and women-owned enterprises. They specialize in fresh produce, quality prepared foods, and premier snacks free of artificial ingredients. Black & women-owned. Featuring the song "Sweet Waters" from local musician Mama Rose. Learn more about Minnesota businesses, travel, and more via our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook via @MinnesotaCircle Support the show (http://www.minnesotacircle.com) Support the show

In episode 82 we speak with Ember Berg, the founder of Dragonfly Eye Productions. Ember has a creative vision unlike any other and is passionate about working with clients to authentically share their story through a video camera. Ember shares tips on how to build a strong video strategy, and how to get to the core of who you want your audience to be. Ember has worked in a variety of video capacities from storytelling in Italy to brand videos for businesses to documentary work. If you are wanting to dive more into the world of video marketing this is the episode for you! Ember is the founder of Dragonfly Eye Productions, a full-service video production company built to help visionary businesses achieve their goals with video strategy. Ember's passion for purpose-driven entrepreneurship, profound listening skills, and business savvy give her the distinct perspective necessary to craft a message that moves the viewer forward to participate in her clients' mission. Featuring the song "Losing You" by local musician Shaun Johnson Learn more about Minnesota businesses, travel, and more via our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook via @MinnesotaCircle Support the show (http://www.minnesotacircle.com) Support the show

In episode 81 we speak with Ben Wales, the co-founder of The Wilderness Fitness and Co-Working Space. Ben shares how his space is unlike any other co-working venue, how they brought the outdoors inside and all the many amenities The Wilderness has to offer. From being dog-friendly to having a rock-climbing wall and yoga classes, there is something for everyone at The Wilderness. Have an event coming up? Reserve one of their private offices, movie theatre, or even their hidden speakeasy! Learn more about The Wilderness and how you can receive a month free via their website now! Ben Wales has been a movement coach, personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and gym manager for the past decade. He and his business partner Bobby Burns just opened The Wilderness Fitness and Co-working, the first mental and physical health-focused co-working space and gym in Minnesota. Featuring the song" Library Land" by local musician John Arthur Schmidt. Learn more about Minnesota businesses, travel, and more via our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook via @MinnesotaCircle Support the show (http://www.minnesotacircle.com) Support the show

Have you ever wondered if you were breathing correctly? Breathing is something we don’t often think about, but we should! Correct breathing can be so powerful. Listen to this episode to learn all about correct breathing techniques and go through a breathing exercise with Stephanie. Stephanie Esser is a Yoga Calm® Youth Instructor, BREATHE™ Coach, and certified Oxygen Advantage® Instructor and creator of the amazing product BE Buddy and her business Balancing Elephants. Visit her website to learn more about the multisensory breathing tool, BE Buddy, and her breathing classes. Balancing Elephant's mission is to inspire and empower students with tools to build focus, strength, and compassion towards self and others. Using the tools of breathing, mindfulness, and yoga, kids can build healthy habits to improve wellbeing. Featuring the song Scarlet by Once More, Autumn. Support the show

In episode 79 we speak with Jenn and Joe, a husband-and-wife team who have a passion for spreading love and forming relationships with their neighbors experiencing homelessness. They share their story of how Everybody Love Everybody began as a grassroots campaign, and how it has grown over the past couple years. They share about how much it has impacted their lives and completely flipped their pre-conceived notions about individuals living in homeless encampments. Jenn and Joe describe how important the act of choice can be, why trust can take a long time to build, and how complex homelessness really can be. This episode will change your perspective on how exactly to support our homeless community members and will inspire you to get involved. Learn more about Everybody Love Everybody and participate in our "Spread the Love" drive using THIS link. Featuring the song "I Miss You" from local musician, Kiss the Tiger. Learn more about Minnesota businesses, travel, and more via our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook via @MinnesotaCircle Support the show (http://www.minnesotacircle.com) Support the show

On Episode 78, we speak with Rima the owner of the new bookstore The Thinking Spot located in Wayzata, Minnesota. The Thinking Spot is a place to slow down, relax, and take in the very special collection of books that only this store has to offer. The store also aims to make science accessible to everyone with amazing events and speakers. Visit their website for dates and times of upcoming events and then head into the store to experience this unique local business. Featuring the song "Seasons" by Brianna Kocka. The Thinking Spot is a science-focused bookstore and learning center by long-time Minnesota resident Rima Parikh. Rima has a background in Computer Science and has worked in the IT industry in the Minneapolis area for several decades. Lifelong reader with an interest in all things science, she became interested in the concept of combining books and science. The Thinking Spot was born out of the desire to create a community gathering place where it is not just accepted but encouraged to lounge and read or meet and discuss; to take time to slow down and share ideas and the written word - to savor the good things in life. It is a place to connect and learn together. Find enriching and interactive events including talks - by scientists, engineers, makers and, other thinkers -, project demos, classes, workshops and, more. And to always come away having learned something new. website: https://www.thethinkingspot.us facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thethinkingspot Support the show

In episode 77, we speak with Jake Pettit from Pettit Pastures about the history of his family run farm, and why they are focused on regenerative agriculture practices. Jake explains the different types of farming, and why his family is focusing on soil health. Jake gives tips on how to read a label in the grocery store, what he hopes to see in the future as a cattle farmer, and what a day in the life looks like at his farm. To order beef, schedule a tour, or learn more about Pettit Pastures visit their website https://www.pettitpastures.com/. Featuring the song "On The Table" by local musician Alina Maira. Pettit Pastures is a family owned and operated farm near Milaca, Minnesota. Tim and Alice Pettit along with their son and daughter in-law Jake and Lacey Pettit work together to operate the farm. Tim grew up on his parents' dairy farm in central Minnesota and was in the dairy business until the mid 1980′s. From then until 2012 Tim was following a different career path. Over the years, the agricultural shift away from the family farm into a more industrialized farming system bothered Tim and his family. In 2012, the Pettit's decided to get back into family farming by raising Grass-fed beef. At Pettit Pastures, we focus on bringing you the highest quality Grass-fed beef in an environmentally friendly way, by focusing on three things: the soil, the grass, and the cows. Learn more about Minnesota businesses, travel, and more via our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook via @MinnesotaCircle Support the show

On Episode 76, we speak with Megs Pulvermacher. Megs speaks with us about her own journey, starting her business, and how we can be allies in our communities. You won't want to miss this episode! Megs Pulvermacher (she/her) is a Minneapolis-based LGBTQ+ community builder, speaker, and podcaster. As the creator of the Queer Impact Collective, an international online community for queer-identifying entrepreneurs, creatives, and changemakers, and host of the Out, What Now?! podcast, she uses her fun, high energy personality, and love for creating connections, to amplify queer voices and empower queer missions all over the world! Megs also has 10 years of experience working as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist. In this role, she supports students, educators, and families in identifying and meeting students' academic, social-emotional, and mental health needs, as well as building capacity in fellow educators to create more inclusive & safe educational settings for LGBTQ+ students and employees. Featuring the song Going to Meet the Man by Thomas Abban. Support the show

In episode 75 we speak with Liza Atkinson, the founder and CEO of Nosh and Gather. Liza has always been a foodie and loves how food can bring people together. Liza shares how she launched her business in the height of the pandemic and had to switch from her original dinner party idea to home cooked meals to go. Liza shares her vision for the future of Nosh and Gather, how she has incorporated giving back into her business, and how she comes up with her delicious weekly menu items. Whether you are a foodie yourself or just looking to expand your dinner rotations this is the episode for you! Learn more about Nosh and Gather via their website. Featuring the song "Not Today" by local musician Colin Bracewell. Nosh and Gather joyfully creates home-cooked meals for hungry humans, including weeknight heat-and-eat meals, dinner parties to go, special event and private catering, charcuterie board classes and more. Based in Minneapolis, Chef Liza Atkinson is on a mission to fill both bellies and hearts through Nosh and Gather. To date her business has donated more than 500 meals to families in need in the Twin Cities. Learn more about Minnesota businesses, travel, and more via our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook via @MinnesotaCircle Support the show

In Episode 74, we speak with Jen and Jordan from Dot and Daisy. Dot and Daisy is an amazing and unique event decor business in Minnesota. They really focus on each client and want to bring sparkle and magic to your next event. You will be in wonderful hands if you hire them for your next party! Check out their amazing sleepover tent experiences today! https://www.dotanddaisy.com/ Dot & Daisy is a mother-daughter owned business with the sole intention of bringing joy to your next celebration. Co-founded by Jen Driscoll & Jordan Stewart, Dot & Daisy creates magical balloon garlands, sleepover rental experiences, backdrop rentals & custom event decor to uniquely celebrate life's big moments. Featuring the song “It Goes On” by Fires of Denmark. Check out their website to learn more. Support the show

In episode 73 we speak with Rachel Rouse, the founder of Emerge Family Coaching. Rachel shares the story of how she stumbled into the education role and why it personally means so much to her. Rachel shares tips on how to handle various challenging behaviors and approach your child where they are at. Rachel provides science based research on how a child's brain works to assist caregivers create a less stressful environment. This episode is a must listen to whether you are a parent, caregiver, friend, or just want to be supportive! Learn more about Emerge Family Coaching via their website. Featuring the song "Miles Apart" by local musician JoJo Green. Rachel is the founder of Emerge Family Coaching - a holistic coaching practice developed to help all families meet their own personal goals. She holds a background in Special Education, early childhood education, Montessori, and is a Mad to Glad Certified Parent Coach. She supports families through a combination of parental intuition and neuroscience that helps them build and maintain a peaceful and joyful home. Learn more about Minnesota businesses, travel, and more via our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @ Minnesota Circle Support the show

In this episode, we speak with Giliane Mansfeldt from Giliane E. Mansfeldt Photography located in St. Paul, Minnesota. She specializes in newborn and family sessions and has the cutest props and outfits available in her studio. She also does wedding photography. Giliane is passionate about documenting those special moments for families so they have memories to cherish forever. She has been taking pictures for Minnesota Circle for a couple years now and is wonderful to work with! Visit her website to learn more about her or to book a session! The music at the end of the episode is by Mark Joseph. You hear his song The Vegas Motel. Visit his website to learn more! Support the show

In this episode, we speak with Mahogany Ellis-Crutchfield from GiftyWrap. GiftyWrap has everything you need to have a party or celebrate a holiday. It is a party planning and gift wrapping service that also sells the most beautiful and inclusive gift wrap. GiftyWrap is meant to by joyful, inclusive, and midwestern. Visit the GiftyWrap website to learn more about the products and services available. You can also find GiftyWrap at the Dayton’s Project in Downtown Minneapolis. Valentine’s Day is coming up and there are some great options to purchase. Take a listen, you won't want to miss the story at the end, it's hilarious! The song at the end of the episode is Kangaroo by Chris Castino. The album Fresh Pickles will be released February 4, 2022. Visit his website to learn more!www.chriscastino.com Support the show

In episode 70 we speak with Jenny B, the founder of Nashipai. Jenny shares the story of how she was approached about starting this business and how it impacts the lives of the Maasai women in Kenya. Jenny talks about how they incorporated donating menstrual items within their business model and the intricacies of selling these beautiful handmade products from Kenya to customers in the U.S. Jenny is nicknamed "ever happy" for a reason and this episode will leave you inspired to go out and make a difference in the world around you! Learn more about Nashipai HERE. Featuring the song "Beautiful Day" by local musician Phillip Saint John. Jenny was born and raised in Wisconsin. She graduated from the University of La Crosse Wisconsin and afterwards spent 9 years abroad in Ecuador and Spain . She moved to the Twin Cities 6 years ago. She is an entrepreneur, soon to be mom, MBA student, and the founder of Nashipai. Nashipai partners alongside talented entrepreneurial Maasai women who make unique and colorful jewelry and accessories. With each sale, Nashipai is able to give back not only to the women in Kenya through fair wages, but also through donated menstrual kits. In addition, Nashipai provides youth work opportunities through its U.S. operations in the Twin Cities. Learn more about Minnesota businesses, travel, and more on our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @ Minnesota Circle Support the show

In episode 69 we spoke with Kathryn from Minnesota Secret Garden Spa about all things anxiety. We had a vulnerable conversation discussing the many ways anxiety can show up in our lives, such as making spa appointments, going to social gatherings, etc. Kathryn shared the intentional ways she has made her spa a safe place to be for all, as well as many tips and tricks that have helped manage her anxiety over the years. Kathryn and Hannah shared their personal experiences with anxiety, methods that they have found helpful, and surprising ways it can affect your day to day. This episode is one not to miss if you have ever dealt with anxiety, whether it be occasionally or daily. You are not alone! Learn more about Minnesota Secret Garden Spa HERE. Featuring the song "It would always be you" by local musician QUAERY. Kathryn Troxel is an Advanced Practice Esthetician and owner of the Secret Garden Spa. Licensed for 6 years, she has been privileged to help improve her client’s overall skin health while providing a relaxing environment. It is her goal to provide excellent, inclusive skincare services to everyone who comes to the spa! She focuses on full body sugaring & waxing, facials, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, micro needling, and skin tag removal. Relax, Refresh, and Revive yourself at the Secret Garden Spa. Learn more about Minnesota businesses, travel, and more on our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @ Minnesota Circle Support the show

In episode 68 we speak with Brittany from Courage and Clay about how she got started, what she wishes her past self knew about owning a business and why she chose to start working with clay. Brittany shares tips for other makers of how to find markets, her best marketing tools and how to continue enjoying the creative process. You will learn why Hannah is obsessed with Courage and Clay earrings, and why shopping local is so important. Shop now from Courage and Clay HERE. Receive 15% off your entire purchase at Courage and Clay using the code: CIRCLE. Brittany is a lifelong crafter and jewelry-lover, who decided to turn her creative passion into a side gig in 2020. In late 2019, she began working with polymer clay while trying to make some earrings for herself for fun. Brittany quickly realized she had a passion for the process and knew this was "it". Her handmade earring and accessory business, Courage & Clay, launched in June of 2020. Learn more about Minnesota businesses, travel, and more on our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @ Minnesota Circle Support the show

In episode 67 we speak with Leah Turner from Art Your Way Studio. Leah shared her story of how she almost gave up in pursuing her dream of opening a studio, and how the pieces aligned at just the right time. Leah shares how she has created an inclusive space for artists of all levels and ages with affordable prices. You will learn all about the many fun class options available, benefits of creating art, and why you need to check out this brand new local business. Learn more about Art Your Way Studio at their website. Leah was born, adopted, and grew up in Minneapolis. She is currently working on her memoir about doing DNA testing and the surprise that came in finding her biological family. Art Your Way Studio is her third business venture and the first one making use of her B.A. degree from Augsburg University. She’s spent half of her life working in the affordable housing industry and is passionate about helping people experiencing homelessness. She loves to travel, read, and try new restaurants. Learn more about Minnesota businesses, travel, and events at our website. Support the show

In Episode 66, we speak with Shane O' Rourke from Lift Up. Shane shares with us all about the life changing company he founded when he was just a junior in college. You find out how this company has grown over time and hear stories about the many people they have helped and impacted around the world and in MN. Lift Up funds projects in the categories of hunger, health care, clean water, housing, and education. They pride themselves on letting the people in the community they are helping take the lead, choosing projects to fund that are locally powered, credible, and sustainable. If you are looking for a gift for someone that has everything this holiday season consider making a donation in their name! Shane was born and raised in Minnesota. He is a proud husband to his wife Gabi, and father to his son Brecken and a little girl on the way. He is an entrepreneur, alumni of Bethel University, and the Founder of Lift Up. A digital nonprofit giving 100% away, focusing on certified projects near and far, making it easy for you to change the world! Support the show