Today is an extraordinary episode as we have the owner of Wise Ink Publishing, Dara Beevas, on. Wise Ink publishing is the publishing company I used to get my children’s book off the ground, and I cannot speak highly enough of them. Dara is such an amazing person who is a positive light and influence on the Twin Cities. We get a sneak peek at her new children’s book series Lil Queens, learn about Dara’s mission to give a voice to those who feel like they may not have one, and get a detailed inside look at what it takes to publish a book. This is a great listen for book lovers, but more importantly, it is a reminder that we all have to follow in Dara’s footsteps and contribute to the social change that our world needs. Here is Dara’s story.

Today on the show, I speak with Dana Smith. Last November, Dana and her husband opened up MinnyRow Market. MinnyRow Market is a boutique that specializes in locally sourced and ethically produced foods. We hear about the inspiration of opening the store and how they have used the shop to support tons of local food vendors. This podcast is a great reminder to shop small and shop local, and dana makes that a little bit easier for everyone. Here is her story.

Today I get the opportunity to talk with an amazing professional videographer, Taylor Mills. Taylor has found a way to use her craft to make the world a better place through her full-time job creating videos for patients at the Minnesota Children’s Hospital (Children's Minnesota). Taylor also uses film as a way to keep people informed on social issues. Last year, she used her drone to capture and share the Minnesota community coming together for the black lives matter protests. Taylor also dives into the fact that a tiny percentage of the film industry currently consists of women and what she thinks will help even out the future numbers. This is a must-listen for everyone, as Taylor inspires everyone to use their talents to impact the world positively.

Today on the show, I talk with Jessica Nhakata and Mellissa Drown. Jessica and Melissa a fantastic couple with huge career aspirations. Jessica is an architect, while Melissa is studying to obtain her Ph.D. in evolutionary biology at the University of Miami. We get an inside look at what it takes to enter the fields of architecture and science, learn what it is like to work in predominate male industries, and hear about what these industries are doing to promote diversity. I am so excited for you all to meet and be inspired by 2 of the most extraordinary people I know, Jess and Mel.

Today we have Katlyn Daoust on the show, and she is the owner of Plants by Her. Plants by Her fuses the art of interior decorating with the science of plant care. It’s similar to interior design, but specific to houseplants. She talks about what inspired her to start plants by her, goes in-depth on the services she provides, gives tons of tips on choosing and caring for your own houseplants! Calling all plant lovers, this one is for you!

Today I speak with Ali Hanson, who is the owner and culture curator of the Vine Room, which is an amazing wine bar in Hopkins, MN. We learn about Ali’s inspiration to open the Vine Room, how she adapted when covid hit just 8 months after they opened their doors, and about how she uses the vine room to support small, sustainable vineyards. This is the cutest wine bar I have ever been to and I highly encourage everyone to go check it out. But first, here is Ali’s story

Our first ever book discussion! Today we talk about the book, On The Come up, by Angie Thomas. Who are our favorite characters? What did we think of the ending? Listen to find out! Also, stick around for the end, where Paige announces her April Pick!

Today we have Dyana and Kendra Doherty on the show; the owner and general manager of Mainstream Boutique in savage, MN. They are here to give us an inside look at what it takes to open and run a franchise boutique. On top of that, we learn how covid forced them to pivot their operations in a massive way by taking their bright and uplifting personalities, along with chic and trendy clothes, to social media. This is a must listen to anyone who loves fashion, dreams of opening a boutique, or just wants to brighten their day with a laughter-filled conversation with two amazing women. Here are Diana and Kendra of mainstream boutique in Savage.

Sommelier, Elizabeth Sammuri is here to tell her story on turning her passion for wine into a career. Her story includes training in Italy, working in hospitality, and making the move to the corporate side of the wine world. Elizabeth sheds light on some deep-rooted issues in the somm world that were recently brought to light, as well as major changes that are being made. And of course, she will be giving us plenty of wine tips along the way! I recommend getting pen and paper out for this one so you don’t miss out on any of her expert suggestions! Sit back and grab a glass of wine for this one! 

Today we talk with Lindsey, the owner of the Fab Tap. This was such an amazing podcast to record as we did it live, on location, inside the fab tap, just hours before its soft opening. Lindsey talks us through her inspiration of creating the fab tap, the logistics of buying an airstream and turning it into a mobile bar, and what makes the fab tap different than anything you have ever seen! You will definitely want to book the fab tap for all of your celebrations after you hear her story!