Welcome to Talking Business. I am Shelly Peterson, Founder and CEO of Promoting Me. Promoting Me is a business consulting firm that helps businesses and individuals make a name for themselves and stand out in today’s digital world. I am a third-generation construction professional who has been in the construction industry for nearly 26 years. I have sold and completed hundreds of small projects and  66 major projects in 14 different state, totaling over$3B. During that period, I was also bitten by the entrepreneurial bug. While I was married, in addition to my construction career, I also owned 8 different businesses. Two restaurants, one catering company, small home electrical company, rental property, mini storage, small business consulting company and helped invent, patent and manufacture and sell a specialty product. I have always been actively involved in the community and understand the importance of networking and supporting small business.  For the past two years, I lived in Florida. I recently returned to the community and appreciate the many Hidden Gems of our small community. In the past, I have been an active member of the Chamber of Commerce, Business Enhancement Committee and was the Vice President of the Cloquet Economic Development Authority. After my short stint away, I was looking for ways to reconnect with the business community. I reached out to Holly Hansen, the Community Development Director at the City of Cloquet and asked her how we can use my new business platform to help spotlight our area and the small businesses, which I call the “Hidden Gems of Cloquet”.   It is with that that I am going to move into my interview with Holly and begin our first of many podcasts on Talking Business - Celebrating business in small town America. I hope you enjoy.

Today we are talking to Holly Hansen and she share show the City of Cloquet may be able to help your small business.  

In this episode, Shelly - Founder and CEO of Promoting Me and Holly Hansen - Community Development Director for the City of Cloquet talk about one of the Hidden Gems of the Cloquet community - Skutevik's Floral - More Than Your Average Florist, located at 305 Broadway Street in Cloquet.  

Life is short!! Buy the flowers.  Skuteviks is more than just your average florist.  In addition to flowers, they have plush stuffed animals, balloons, candy & chocolates, baby items, memorial stones, home décor and more.

What began as a hobby almost 50 years ago has blossomed into a thriving family business for Skuteviks Floral, which relocated to 305 Broadway Street. SKUTEVIKS  is a 3rd generation professional local florist proudly serving Cloquet, Minnesota, and surrounding areas. George III, Michelle, Nicole, and Matt and their friendly and knowledgeable staff are ready to assist you when you need flowers delivered locally or anywhere in the world.   They also offer daily delivery services to local hospitals and funeral homes.

Whatever the occasion, one of their talented designers will create a beautiful, eye-catching fresh or silk floral arrangement that's customized just for you! They offer traditional and contemporary floral design styles appropriate for birthdays, anniversaries, get well, new baby, sympathy, holidays, or just because.

WEDDING FLOWERS AND SPECIAL EVENTS ~

Whether your wedding or party is formal or casual… a small gathering or the social event of the year… they can help you plan an event that's a "blooming" success!

SYMPATHY AND FUNERAL FLOWERS ~

You can always depend on them to help you choose funeral flowers for a friend or loved one. They will design and deliver an arrangement that beautifully conveys your feelings of sympathy and serves as a lovely tribute to the deceased.

ASSORTED PLANTS AND GIFT IDEAS ~

They have Nursery Plants available, and they invite you to call or stop by and browse the large selection of green plants, blooming plants, and dish gardens for a gift that adds life to any room or office.

In this episode, Shelly - Founder and CEO of Promoting Me and Holly Hansen - Community Development Director for the City of Cloquet talk about one of the Hidden Gems of the Cloquet community - Common Ground Coffee Bar & Deli - It's More Than Just Coffee & Pastries.

If you have not been to the Common Ground coffee bar and deli located inside the historic Chief Theater, now is the time. This quaint coffee bar and building is owned by Kingdom Builders Ministries, which is a non-profit 501c3 corporation. The goal of Kingdom Builders Ministries is to unite our community by providing a safe, family-friendly environment for people of all ages. 100% of the coffee bar and deli profits are used to fund activities such as live music, movie nights, and more.

They proudly serve UP Roasters Coffee, not to mention quality espresso drinks, teas, baked goods, and a homemade soup of the day! They serve breakfast and lunch with sandwiches, wraps, and paninis made fresh to order! There are also  salads and gluten-free options! They also cater food to groups who are reserving the meeting space.

There is free Wi-Fi and a cozy environment perfect to study, work, or simply catch up with friends! The live music venue makes it a great place to hang out on a Friday or Saturday night!

Huge meeting space on the main level which consists of tables and chairs, couches and recliners.  Wide flexible space that can be tailored to small groups, medium groups and large groups.

Upstairs flex space for larger gatherings or music venues.  Historic theater seating and wide open meeting space.

Please E-mail [email protected] for meeting space reservations and food catering.

In this episode, Shelly - Founder and CEO of Promoting Me and Holly Hansen - Community Development Director for the City of Cloquet talk about one of the Hidden Gems of the Cloquet community - North Country Comfort - Your Local CBD Shoppe in Cloquet, Minnesota.

Commonly mislabeled for a heating and cooling business, North Country Comfort, located at 6-14th Street is actually a local resource for CBD wellness and valuable educational information regarding your questions around CBD.  They offer low cost, natural solutions to help those who have chronic pain, anxiety and other painful ailments.

If you’re just getting familiar with the world of CBD, you may be wondering: What’s up with all the buzz? Why does it seem like everyone has something to say about CBD? At first, CBD can seem like a complex topic. However, once you understand the basics about what exactly CBD is, you can start to understand what all the hype is about.

In order to understand why everyone is excited about CBD, it helps to know more about the topic. CBD is a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. The CBD found in products often comes from hemp plants’ leaves and stems. CBD is one of the many cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. CBD reacts with the human body’s endocannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2.

CBD is becoming an increasingly popular topic in society. Whether you’re just getting to know about CBD products or you’ve been a consumer for some time, it’s hard to go anywhere without hearing about the cannabinoid. There are a number of reasons why people prefer to purchase CBD products.

●CBD is Legal

Many people entertain the concept of purchasing CBD because of its recent legalization. The 2018 Farm Bill act made all products made from hemp-derived CBD legal. Because of this legalization, CBD products have become extremely easy to purchase. Since the bill passed, consumers can now purchase from a local CBD shop.

●Safety

One of the most notable characteristics of CBD is its natural origin. Many consumers prefer CBD because they consider it as a more natural alternative to various types of medications and anti-inflammatory drugs.

●Variety of CBD Products

Another reason why people enjoy CBD is because there seems to be a CBD product for everyone. Whether you prefer to ingest it with some tasty gummy snacks or you prefer to utilize CBD while moisturizing your hands with a topical, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. This attracts many consumers because even if you don’t enjoy the taste of a CBD oil tincture, there are still many other methods of using CBD.

“Everyone's body is different.  We treat people with anxiety relief, anti-seizure relief, pain relief, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain and cancer treatment. Our products are 100% lab tested, all natural ingredients, and grown in the U.S.  We work with customers to help them find a product that will work best for them . ”

One of the common myths people have about CBD is you always test positive on a drug test.  That is not true.  Oils, creams, and salves penetrate your skin and help your muscles.

CBD is also good relief for female mensural cramps.

In this episode, Shelly - Founder and CEO of Promoting Me and Holly Hansen - Community Development Director for the City of Cloquet talk about one of the Hidden Gems of the Cloquet community - Sewing Unlimited.

If you have not met Wendy Bakke at Sewing Unlimited located on Cloquet Avenue,  you are truly missing out. She is absolutely amazing, extremely talented, high energy, and very kind.  Even if you don't have something that needs to be sewn, you need to find something and bring it in just to meet her.

Wendy started her business nearly 30 years ago in her house as a single mom raising her two girls.  As business volume grew and her girls got older, she took the plunge and purchased her current location at 907 Cloquet Avenue. Wendy has customers come from all over the state of Minnesota.  Businesses like hers are in high demand and are becoming extinct.  There doesn't seem to be an interest from the upcoming generation for sewing.  Wendy loves being a small business owner; she enjoys the flexibility of being her own boss, enjoys the work she does and likes the customers she gets to know.  She believes customer service is number one.  She prides herself of repeat business.

Sewing Unlimited specializes in high-quality alterations and personalized custom services for bridal, alterations, tailoring, zippers, patches, home décor, men's suits, special events, and casual fashion for men and women. Services are designed to accommodate your needs and lifestyle with your personal preference in mind.  You will experience one-on-one personal service conveniently located in Cloquet, MN, and within a very reasonable completion time. Costs for services will be determined at the time of appointment, depending on the individuality of your garment and needs.

Your everyday alteration needs are essential to Wendy.  She is experienced in the design and production of couture bridal gowns, wedding, and special occasion dresses.   When interviewed, Wendy said, "I can enhance and complete your wardrobe without you having to spend a lot of money. I can extend your favorite wardrobe by coordinating and renovating each item to look its modern best."

Stop on by any time between 9:00-5:00, Tuesday – Friday to for any alterations, zipper repair, zipper replacement, clothing repair, leather repair, suits tailoring, button replacement, patches, formal gown fittings, hemming, home décor, curtains, and so much more!

If you have a passion for sewing and love to work with people, you are encouraged to contact Wendy about how you can turn your passion into financial success.

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Suppose you need a great gift idea, gourmet food, seasonal décor, home décor, women's accessories, gardening supplies or annuals, perennials, herbs, veggie plants & shrubs. In that case, you need to check out the Fig Tree located at 418 Sunnyside Drive (Hwy 33).  This business is locally owned and operated by Jeremy and Beth. Their inventory is an ever-changing variety of gifts & décor at very reasonable pricing.

Enhance your landscape with a variety of different beautiful and healthy plants.  Fig tree has the area's largest display of handing baskets, annuals, perennials, herbs, succulents, air plants, hanging baskets, shrubs, small fruit shrubs, tropical plants and chrysanthemums.  People travel from all over the area to check out the great selection.

There is also a wide variety of garden décor - stepping stones, frogs, butterflies, gnomes, dragonflies, solar garden stakes, metal wall flowers, Corinthian bell wind chimes, bamboo wind chimes, garden & house flags, birdhouses, bird feeders, bird baths, rain chains and metal garden art.

You will find ever changing gift ideas.  Very unique items for that hard to buy for person.  Coffee mugs, essential oils & soaps, inspirational gifts and journals, willow tree angels, children's books, Woodwick candles & melts, decorative kitchen towels, Minnesota sweatshirts & hats, wall hanging & signs.

Shelly Peterson - Founder and CEO of Promoting Me and Holly Hansen - Community Development Directory for the City of Cloquet talk business in the Hidden Gems of Cloquet.  Burger Shoes and Repair Shop since 1958. 

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes and More Shoes.  What a great visit to Burger Shoes. Maria and Carmen were so much fun.  You can tell why this business has been around for over 60 years.  The business is built on customer service, which has created many loyal customers and friendships.

Over a century ago, a young man, Ludwig Burger, came to America and had the privilege of opening his own shoe business after a short time. He began with shoe repair, a craft he learned as a young teen in Zalog, Slovenia. Mr. Burger soon gained the trust of his patrons through honesty and hard work. He developed many loyal customers and friendships throughout the years, making his business a staple in this community. Maria, Ludwig's only child, grew up in the shoe store watching her father resole boots and make favorite footwear look new again. By the age of 13, she was working the sales floor. Her decision to carry on with the family business was an easy one, keeping her father's simple vision that he taught her so many years ago: Honesty, Quality Shoes, and Excellent Customer Service.

They strive to be a five-star shoe store. You will find an array of top-quality brands & products that will keep your feet feeling comfortable. They measure everyone's feet to ensure a proper fit.

Most men do not realize the large selection of brands for work boots, dress shoes and sandals.  Burgers partners with Sappi and USG with the "Voucher Program" to allow workers to be custom fitted in store and pay with the company voucher program.

In this episode, Shelly - Founder and CEO of Promoting Me and Holly Hansen - Community Development Director for the City of Cloquet talk about one of the Hidden Gems of the Cloquet community - Hong Kong Spa.  Hong Kong Spa is a family massage business, located in Cloquet and Plymouth, Minnesota.   The business opened in Cloquet in 2009.  "My business specializes in improving the health and overall well-being of the human body with Chinese massage therapy. There are also mental health benefits that include improved sleeping by encouraging mental relaxation", said Ying Ling Liang (Ling), Owner.  "We want people to feel as if they are a part of our family.  We are dedicated to providing them with the best services and experience to make their visit as satisfying and enjoyable as possible."  When asked why she got into the business, Ling said, "I started treating my family and began to see improvements in their health.  I then realized that I could help other people, so I started a small business in my home at first and then grew and moved to the location at 139 North Road.  I help customers get the befits of the Chinese approach to massage therapy.  We treat anyone who seeks improvements to their body whether it be stress, muscle pain, body aches, low energy, fatigue or anyone who believes that Chinese massage therapy can help them.

Massage provides many benefits.  It will help decrease anxiety, reduce stress & fatigue, increase circulation, improve the immune system, provide greater energy, enhance sleep quality and improve concentration, energy and self esteem.

Massage is helpful with more acute health conditions and is even more important in healthcare planning.  Research shows:

~ Alzheimer’s patients exhibit reduced irritability, pacing, and restlessness after neck and shoulder massage.

~ Deep-tissue massage is effective in treating arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia, and osteoarthritis. Fibromyalgia patients receiving massage have fewer sleep problems and less anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain, and stiffness.

~ Massage during labor appears to help block pain, reduce stress and anxiety, and relax muscles. Some medical professionals say massage shortens labor and hospital stays.

~ Massage can reduce sports-related/ work-related soreness and improve circulation.

~ Massage is beneficial in reducing symptoms associated with arthritis, asthma, burns, high blood pressure, and premenstrual syndrome.

~ Massage therapy is effective in reducing post-surgical pain and reducing recovery times.

~ Oncology patients show less anxiety, depression, fatigue, nausea, and pain following massage therapy.