what is the BEST DECISION you EVER MADE?

Service Advisor at US Bank and co-owner of At Home Bakery

Schuyler Froehlich

Realtor at Park Company Realtors

I spent six weeks with my dad in Rochester, MN, while he was undergoing cancer treatment at Mayo. I got to know my dad in a totally different way and learned things about him I didn’t know beforehand. I made memories with him that I will cherish for the rest of my life, and I also grew as person from the experience. It was not always easy, but I am so happy that I was able to be there and give him the support he always gave me.

Marrying my best friend. I learned that the greatest thing is not just to love and be loved in return, but also to be loved as who you are. He is always very supportive of whatever I do. In fact, At Home Bakery would not be here if it had not been for his support. Both of us gave up on grad school to pursue the idea of owning a business. Even though we still have a long way to go, I am very optimistic that I have the best partner by my side.

CHERYL LACKMAN

Circulation Services Manager at Fargo Public Library

Getting my MLS (Master of Library Science). I had resisted the idea of working in a library when I was younger because I thought it wouldn’t pay or couldn’t be a career. But I’ve always loved books and reading and movies and helping people find information, and I finally embraced my inner librarian.

Writer, Politician, Great Grandma

That decision was made in the Pheasant Café when I returned a dime to my purse. Instead of calling a taxi, I waited by the payphone with my girlfriend as Robert and his friend walked over and offered us a ride. We’re still on that ride 63 years later. We have different interests, but we give each other the space to be who we are most of the time, and cheer each other on, win or lose. Life is good.

Our Writers

are the voice of Area Woman Magazine. They bring to life the Fargo-Moorhead area and the incredible stories of the women we feature.

These are the talented writers showcased in this issue, including some new faces we're excited to spotlight. Learn more about these and our other contributors at areawomanmagazine.com

WASIFA » AHMAD HASAN

Wasifa is a dentistry graduate, full time blogger and makeup artist. She blogs and makes videos about beauty, makeup, fashion and lifestyle on her blog sifascorner.com

REBECCA MEIDINGER »

Rebecca wrote our cover story, page 82

Rebecca is a stay-at-home mom to four wild kids in south Fargo and wife to her awesome husband Paul. While her kids keep her running for most of her waking minutes, Rebecca is also a speaker, Bible teacher, writer and blogger. As a speaker and Bible teacher, it is Rebecca’s joy to bring messages of hope, joy and freedom in Christ to groups of teens and adult women. As a blogger, Rebecca shares the reallife challenges of marriage and motherhood and the abounding grace of God who holds us all together. Rebecca loves a hot cup of coffee, a cool morning run, and warm sunshine on her face. Learn more about Rebecca at rebeccameidinger.com

LINDSAY TRUAX »

Lindsay is the editor of the website Pink and Navy Stripes, a lifestyle and fashion blog. She loves to help others take the latest fashions trends and make them wearable. Lindsay and her husband have two little girls.

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Kim Malakowsky

Kim Malakowsky relies on her deep background in publishing to bring to life stories of amazing people both locally and internationally. She travels annually to Chimbote, Peru as part of the Friends of Chimbote mission team.

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Cori Jensen

Livin’ the dream as mom of four and wife to a smarty pants teacher. She can’t live without self-deprecating humor and coffee! Fortunately, her day job is her dream job on the radio. Big 98.7 9am-2pm weekdays.

ROXANE B. SALONEN »

Roxane, a wife and mother of five from Fargo, is an awarding-winning children’s author, freelance writer and newspaper columnist.

MARIAH

PRUSSIA »

Mariah is the Owner of MPX Fitness, founder of the NOW Project (501C3), professional MMA fighter, Coordinator of Fitness at MSUM, motivational speaker, corporate wellness coach and single mother. Find her online at mpxfitness.com

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ALICIA » UNDERLEE NELSON

Alicia is the creator of prairiestylefile.com, a website that explores the arts, culture, shopping, events and fashion of Fargo-Moorhead and the upper Midwest. She frequently travels across the region in search of what's beautiful and what's next.

Leah is a freelance writer, skilled recipe creator, classically trained professional singer and private music teacher. When faced with challenging health issues, Leah and her husband Jason began to follow a strict dietary regimen. Dedication to this way of life has resulted in a more balanced emotional and physical existence for both Leah and Jason. Using her newfound energy, Leah has created a variety of delicious alternative recipes, expanding a focused diet into a well-rounded and interesting plan. Leah and Jason reside in Fargo, North Dakota.

SIRI

Freeh

Siri Freeh co-hosts the Froggy Morning Splash on Today’s Froggy 99.9! Outside of radio, her passion is heart healthy living. Find healthy recipes on her Instagram and Facebook page!

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Ashley is a local health, fitness and life coach with a passion for inspiring and motivating others to live their best life. She started her own business, BUFF Inc., teaches group fitness classes at the YMCA in Fargo, is a health and fitness writer, has appeared on local TV as a fitness expert, and share her life and expertise candidly on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. To work with Sornsin for nutrition, fitness and life coaching, contact her at ashleysornsin@gmail.com or eatlivebebuff.com

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Jill Ockhardt Blaufuss

Jill grew up in western North Dakota and has a background in still photography and video production, and currently combines the two in her unique work for clients. She is a photographer, writer and copy-editor for Area Woman.

Stripes

A cheerful white and blue striped top is the perfect item to take your look into spring. Look for striped shirts that look like your husband's dress shirts, or else something nautical. Tops like these can be worn with your favorite pair of blue jeans now, and with white jeans in the summer.