Minnesota Circle

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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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

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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 

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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 

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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 

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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.

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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! 

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