Talking Business - The Hidden Gems of Cloquet

In this episode of the Pet Pulse Podcast, Dr. Mary Wictor is talking about Flea & Tick Prevention and Heartworm Prevention.

In this episode of Talking Business, Shelly Peterson - Founder and CEO of Promoting Me, LLC. and Holly Hansen - Community Development Director for the City of Cloquet are talking about the Hidden Gem of Cailin Deas Salon.

Sheryl O’Leary returned to Cloquet in 2004 to raise her three children after time in Florida and Ireland. 2011, she purchased 1005 Cloquet Avenue and relocated her salon into the building.

“Our atmosphere here is easygoing and relaxed; we have fun and joke around all day,” shared O’Leary. Sheryl said she and her staff listen carefully to their clients and do not ignore what they want. 

“I’ve been doing this for 34 years; I love it; I love making people feel good about themselves because how you look affects your security,” said owner Sheryl O’Leary.

Cailin Deas Salon

1005 Cloquet Avenue

Cloquet, MN 55720

Phone: 218-879-5044

Email: [email protected]

Massage by Shana: 218-499-9355 or https://massagebyshana.square.site/

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In this episode of Talking Business, Shelly Peterson - Founder and CEO of Promoting Me and Holly Hansen - Community Development Director for the City of Cloquet are talking about the Hidden Gem of Essential Healing Works.

She shifted her focus as a healer and became certified as an Advanced Level ThetaHealer to assist clients working on subconscious limiting beliefs they held.  ThetaHealing is a meditation technique that creates a physical, psychological, and spiritual healing using the Theta brain wave allowing a state to clear limiting beliefs and think more positively.  She also combines this with Craniosacral work to anchor the new feelings in the body which she calls "Theta Touch Technique".  She also became certified in 2022 in the Neuro-Accelerated Hypnosis Method to connect science and spirituality. 

She operates her business, Essential Healing Works, out of Tranquility Salon and Spa (1610 Cloquet Avenue) in downtown Cloquet at where she provides massage services that include:

Jill also provides hands-on healing work in Cloquet or on Zoom for individual Hypnosis and coaching sessions such as:

She holds a robust and diverse suite of events, follow her upcoming sessions here: Events

Email: [email protected]

Website: Click Here

Facebook: Click Here

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Digital Business Card: Click Here

In this episode of Talking Business, Shelly Peterson - Founder and CEO of Promoting Me, LLC. and Holly Hansen - Community Development Director for the City of Cloquet are talking about the Hidden Gem of Abundant Baby.

Discover a World from Bump to Beyond: Are you ready to embark on a journey into a world where babyhood is celebrated, childhood is cherished, and motherhood is adorned with style and comfort? Abundant Baby is your one-stop destination for all things adorable, practical, and fashion-forward for babies, children, mamas, and moms-to-be.

The adorable children's boutique Abundant Baby opened in Cloquet in November 2022. Recently, they moved to Downtown Cloquet and are now located at 807 Cloquet Avenue, Suite 8, increasing the store's visibility. This past year, they have also been visible at several local and regional craft shows and festivals.

 This business is a family affair. Mother Colleen Sunnarborg and daughters Jenna Gilbert and Bethany Sunnarborg opened Abundant Baby, and their grandkids/children come to work, too! After having her son, Jenna noted there were no big boy clothes, so I had to sew my own. We wanted to start a store that offered quality lines of clothes, size up. Our store provides infant clothing and accessories, boys' and girls' clothing through size 10/12, mother maternity wear, and kid books/toys.

The items in store are constantly changing, featuring maternity, mom, baby, kid, gifts, and more. There are unique purses, bags, jewelry, and more, as well as unique gift baskets, birthday boxes, and gift certificates. Check out this fabulous store in Downtown Cloquet!

Abundant Baby

807 Cloquet Avenue, Suite 8

Cloquet, MN 55720

Email: [email protected] 

(218) 878-2011

Website: Click Here

Facebook: Click Here

Instagram: Click Here

Digital Business Card: Click Here

In this episode of Talking Business, Shelly Peterson - Founder and CEO of Promoting Me, LLC. and Holly Hansen - Community Development Director for the City of Cloquet are talking about the Hidden Gem of United Way of Carlton County.

In December 2023, United Way of Carlton County moved into its new location at 902 South Hwy 33 to be more visible from a branding perspective and functionally be poised to serve a new three-year grant program focused on homeless youth in the area. "With the Carlton youth shelter closing and Duluth the only other location for homeless youth which removes them from their school and community, we stepped up and partnered with the County to find solutions. 

We estimate about 100 homeless youth in the area," said Sarah Buhs, Executive Director of United Way of Carlton County. In short, host homes will be found through local churches, and members of these homes will be provided basic training and access to an embedded social worker. "Our goal is to find these kids host homes that allow them to stay in school and increase graduation rates," shared newly hired Tracy Ganter.

Further, the grant project will bolster relationships with First Witness and Legal Aide and will leverage funding by working with Lakes and Pines for youth funding. "We are always looking for volunteers," shared Sarah Buhs, Director. 

Programs of the United Way office in Cloquet will continue to be emergency food shelves, crisis referrals, direct aid to families and individuals, or, more creatively, local volunteers virtually conducting storytime featuring books from a program they support, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. We have 400 kids in the program for Imagination Library and 40 on a waiting list," shared Ms. Buhs. The office continues to raise roughly $200,000, and staff is paid for locally, along with operations and items. What is raised here stays here—so remember to give where you live or work. This local office is not supported nationally by United Way, and it is a big deal to have a local office. Several area Cloquet employers launch workplace fundraising campaigns, and that funding allows the United Way of Carlton County to support local non-profits. In recent years, data has demonstrated that virtual campaigns are less successful than traditional workplace pledge cards.

To donate: https://www.unitedwaycarltoncounty.org/donate.

Since 1956, the United Way of Carlton County has mobilized community resources to support local non-profit programs. While the community has changed and grown throughout the years, the mission of the United Way has stayed the same: to fight for the health, education, and financial security of every person in every community.  Together, we can do so much more.  United Way fights for the health, education, financial security, and basic needs of every person in every community. United Way works with residents and public and private partners to co-create solutions that ensure everyone has the resources, support, opportunities, and networks they need to thrive. United Way commits to leveraging assets (convening, strategic investments, awareness building, advocacy) to create more equitable communities.  

Annually, they also host Operation Community Connect in the region, connecting those in need to the resources available. United Way focuses on cradle-to-career education strategies that provide a firm foundation at an early age and continue to help develop our children into successful adults who can contribute to their communities. This year, the United Way of Carlton County invested over $40,000 in the following programs to give kids a hand in their education and healthy development:

Sarah Buhs, Executive Director

902 S. Hwy 33, Cloquet, MN 55720

(218) 879-8404 [email protected] 

Website: Click Here

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TO DONATE: Click Here

In this episode of Talking Business, Shelly Peterson - Founder and CEO of Promoting Me, LLC. and Holly Hansen - Community Development Director for the

Entrepreneur Emily Veno opened a storefront for Sass Boutique at 903 Cloquet Avenue downtown in November 2023. Emily grew up in Esko, MN, and completed her Bachelor's in Marketing and Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. She worked in retail on the floor and online customer service at a retail corporate office. She launched Sass Boutique as an online business with her knowledge in July 2018. With support from her family and husband, a local HVAC contractor for a company, this young mother ventured into opening her storefront.

The Sass Boutique also offers E-Gift Cards, free shipping on orders over $50, no code needed, and "afterpay," splitting purchases into four payments payable every two weeks. Rooted in gratitude, Veno shared that she wants to thank all the Sassies she has met along the way for supporting her small business and making the downtown Cloquet storefront possible.

The Sass Boutique

903 Cloquet Avenue

Cloquet, MN 55720

Email: [email protected]

Website: Click Here

Facebook: Click Here

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In this episode of Talking Business, Shelly Peterson - Founder and CEO of Promoting Me, LLC. and Holly Hansen - Community Development Director for the City of Cloquet are talking about the Hidden Gem of Holy Smokes Coffeehouse and BBQ.

“The menu is constantly changing, and we will look for creative ways to evolve the Holy Smokes business,” said owner Lee Harris. “We are full of ideas for this business,” shared Julie Harris. Stop into the new Cloquet restaurant and their food truck, or book them for your next catering event; you won’t be disappointed! 

For Catering & Food Truck Information: Call (218) 340-5008

Holy Smokes Catering and Coffeehouse

103 Ave C

Cloquet, MN 55720

(218) 499-8030

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.holysmokesmn.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HolySmokesCloquet/ 

In this episode of Talking Business, Shelly Peterson - Founder and CEO of Promoting Me, LLC. and Holly Hansen - Community Development Director for the City of Cloquet are talking about the Hidden Gem of Lake Superior Medical Equipment.

Lake Superior Medical Equipment has been operating in the Twin Ports since 2002 and has had its Duluth office and Stanley Avenue location in Cloquet for the past eight years. Tom Jameson has been the owner since 2015.  Lake Superior Medical rents and sells equipment and supplies such as hospital beds, wheelchairs, scooters, CPAP and set-up, diabetic shoes, and safety equipment. In September 2022, the Duluth Lake Superior Medical Equipment building burned, and all employees were relocated to the Cloquet office while navigating the shutdown of the Duluth office.

They service families, clinics, hospitals, case workers, and patients. Their office has constant customers, and the phones are ringing.

Ellis has worked for Lake Superior Medical for the past six and a half years. Maddi lived in Cloquet and relocated from the Twin Cities after high school to be near family there. She has found that medical insurance reimbursement rates and those negotiations have been the most challenging aspect of the job in light of customer needs.

They are a great medical equipment supplier when you need them. Check them out in their Cloquet and Duluth locations!

907 Stanley Ave. 

Cloquet, MN 55720

 (218) 879-2211

Website:  Click Here

Facebook: Click Here

In this episode of Talking Business, Shelly Peterson - Founder and CEO of Promoting Me, LLC. and Holly Hansen - Community Development Director for the City of Cloquet are talking about the Hidden Gem of Family Pathways - Cloquet.

The Minnesota headquarters for Family Pathways is in North Branch and was founded in 1978. Across Minnesota locations include Cambridge, Pine City, Carlton County, Chisago County, and Kanabec County.

We sat down with Robin, a Community Advocate in the Cloquet office, to learn more about the "Community Services" provided by Family Pathways. Robin shared that she grew into her career in counseling working at the Haven and then transitioning to Family Pathways. She has found a calling in the work to help people through criminal and civil justice issues. "My job is to advocate for others until they can find their voice again," shared Robin. Family Pathways has found that sex trafficking, drug addiction, high poverty rates, and generational trauma are more prevalent in rural areas. "This work makes me aware of what I have to be grateful for, and for what others have been through," said Robin.

Family Pathways maintains a solid client base through customer referrals, office calls, and strong relationships with county prosecuting attorneys and local law enforcement. With a small but tenacious staff in the Cloquet office, they have found that they can usually use additional advocate staffing. Their services are available for men, women, and across the gender spectrum with much of the Cloquet office's work focused on core services related to domestic violence, sexual assault advocacy, and parenting time services. Overall there are five community services offered in Cloquet at Family Pathways:

1) Personal and Legal Advocacy

Case management and follow-up.

Assistance with resources for independence. 

Assistance with filling out or eliminating protective orders.

Support through the court process.

2) Sexual Assault Advocacy

Respond to emergency room and law enforcement calls.

Support through medical and criminal processes.

3) Criminal Justice Advocacy

 Offer victim support after law enforcement intervention.

Assistance with police reports.

Support through the criminal court process.

 Attend criminal court hearings for support.

Assistance in pursuing civil, criminal, and family court remedies.

4) Support Groups

 Helping victims of domestic and sexual violence to become empowered by gaining strength, understanding, and healing.

5) Education

 Community awareness about domestic/sexual violence.

 Advocate for social change.

Family Pathways

1003 Cloquet Avenue

Cloquet, MN 55720

https://www.familypathways.org/

In this episode of Talking Business, Shelly Peterson - Founder and CEO of Promoting Me, LLC. and Holly Hansen - Community Development Director for the City of Cloquet are talking about the Hidden Gem of New Life Construction.

Locally owned and operated, New Life Construction is named for its integrity to deliver quality construction services. New Life Construction was founded by third-generation construction worker Brandon Gilbert, CEO, who grew up with his father and grandfather working in the construction industry, teaching him the skills of the trade as he worked with them side-by-side on their job sites. “I like a challenge and found myself drawn to bathroom and kitchen remodeling,” shared Gilbert.    

Brandon grew up in Dassel, MN, and struggled as a teen and in his 20s to stay on a solid pathway, finding himself instead in institutions at times. “Through my journey in faith, I’ve been sober over nine years now, I’ve built a team at New Life Construction focused on accountability, and trained in effectively communicating with our clients,” shared Gilbert.  

“My adolescent years and young adult life were very challenging for me, and my life choices and behavior were not giving me the life I wanted for myself. As a result, I relocated to the Northland in 2015, when I had the opportunity to come to Duluth and attend the MN/Adult Teen Challenge and graduated with honors.​ When I needed it, God came into my life and showed me love, helped me change my life, and opened my eyes to a vision for a construction company. It is more than just a company that provides service. One that would also invest in the lives of others, especially those that had struggled as I had,” said Brandon Gilbert.

New Life Construction is a full-service general contractor serving residents in the Northland. 

Their services focus on new additions and construction, remodeling and renovations, and exterior updates. New Life Construction provides start-to-finish construction services. “We typically sub-contract electrical and plumbing work,” said Brandon Gilbert. New Life Construction holds a BC license, and Gilbert continues to grow his construction team and train and manage staff to be a well-oiled machine in delivering comprehensive construction services. Gilbert is a National Association of Remodeling Industry (NARI) member and markets his business predominantly online via Facebook, Angie’s List, and Yelp.

If you have residential construction needs, contact New Life Construction to learn more!

New Life Construction LLC 

4 13th Street 

Cloquet, MN 55720

218-310-6410; www.new-lifeconstruction.com

Brandon Gilbert, Founder and CEO

[email protected]

https://promotingme-ecard.com/brandon-gilbert/