fashion meets PHILANTHROPY

Can fashion be a force for good? We think it can,” says Laura Polanski, co-owner of Leela & Lavender, one of Fargo’s newest and most innovative boutiques.

“It’s not just about clothes to us. It’s really important that we are able to give back.”

And they do. Polanski and co-owner Jill Shea (the pair also share the title of Chief Style and Culture Creator) donate a portion of the store’s profits to the FM Women’s Fund, which supports women and children in the region. Tags affixed to cozy sweaters, versatile layering pieces and premium denim displayed throughout the high-ceilinged boutique proudly proclaim the shop’s commitment to the non-profit organization. Signs tucked amongst the enticing displays of sparkling earrings, statement necklaces and a carefully curated collection of covetable gifts, from soothing candles to effervescent bath bombs, proclaim that giving is always in style.

“It is our major goal to pay it forward, to be that spark to ignite giving or empowering women and children to follow their dreams and live their best lives,” says Shea.

Leela & Lavender, named for the Sanskrit word for “divine play” and a favorite, feminine color and soothing scent, opened its doors in the fall of 2017.

“We are fortunate enough to live our dream and we want everyone to live their dream,” Polanski adds. This dream, a blend of fashion and philanthropy, personal style and entrepreneurship, was forged by years of studying the retail model from the inside. The Leela & Lavender concept grew out of a desire to disrupt it.

Shea and Polanski are both retail veterans, enjoying a combined 35 years of experience with stores like Vanity. When that brand folded, the pair, along with manager Angie Sunde, set out to create a unique shopping experience for their ideal customer, a busy tastemaker who could be a college student, a powerful professional or a multi-tasking mom. The clothing, gifts and accessories on display appeal to a variety of income levels, lifestyles and aesthetics.

Leela & Lavender customers have moved beyond the disposable fashion of junior’s shops and are looking instead for unique items to highlight their personal style. The Leela & Lavender woman ap- preciates quality, beauty and design but shopping is just one task in her busy life. So everything in the boutique is designed to make shopping more pleasant and convenient for her and her family.

“We designed the store with our customers lives in mind,” explains Shea. “We have a fireplace near our shoe boutique where customers can sit, visit, sip or snack on treats from our bar area. We have a TV/bar area to keep a pulse on all of the big games and a spot for significant others to be comfortable at Leela. Also for the Leela ‘littles’ you will find treats, toys and cartoons. We welcome all that is a part of our customers’ lives to Leela.”

“We want her to feel like it is a one-stop style shop, so she can get whatever she needs in one place,” adds Polanski. “We want the whole place to feel like a home.”

There is also a team of experts on hand to help women shop more strategically and effectively. “We hear women say ‘I don't know what to wear,’ and ‘I don't know how to put the clothes in my closet together,’” says Shea. “We have a dedicated team of style catalysts creating authentic relationships with customers that enhance each women's unique, personal style.”

The shop’s style catalysts offer style assessments, alternation services, special orders and personal appointments for women who want to revitalize their look, fill in the gaps in their wardrobe or choose an outfit for a particular occasion. Leela & Lavender also offers style parties where women can relax together and make shopping a social event.

“Our goal is to create confidence, happiness and love of family, and spark in people the passion for giving,” says Shea. “Laura and I believe very strongly that true happiness is when you are following your heart, your passion, your dreams. Lead with your heart! Everyone has a unique gift to share with the world.”

LEELA & LAVENDER

Shoppes at BLU Water Creek 3265 45th St S, Fargo leelaandlavender.com

National Education for Women's Leadership Development Institute: a new generation of women leaders

Do you have it? That little nagging feeling in the back of your mind calling you to help, to do more? Do you listen to that call? Or ignore it, telling yourself you’re not qualified or experienced enough to make an impact?

You’re not the only one. Almost 70 percent of self-talk is negative, and it’s often worse for women. It keeps people from reaching their full potential and doing what they love, but some women are learning to say enough is enough.

Initially developed by the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP), the National Education for Women’s (NEW) Leadership Development Institute is a five-day program designed to provide leadership training, inspiration and support for women who do not have leadership experience. Each year, approximately 40 community and college women are selected to participate. They must be at least 18 years old and reside in Minnesota, North Dakota or South Dakota.

“My passion to help others was always something I wanted to pursue, but I didn’t know how to do it or where to start,” says Marilyn Bernabe, a former NEW Leadership participant. “However, now the program has taught me how to take action and has motivated me not to be afraid to enter the political world and continuously give back to my community.”

During the five-day program held each spring at Minnesota State University Moorhead, participants attend workshops on public speaking, community collaboration, fundraising, anti-oppression, running for office, public policy advocacy, working with new and traditional media and much more. They also get the opportunity to meet with more than 20 women leaders, including state and local officials, women in tribal government and nonprofit leaders.

Participants and women leaders all stay on campus, living together, eating together and attending sessions as a group. This provides a unique experience for all involved, and encourages new and lasting connections among the women.

“The goal of the event is giving women the tools and the inspiration so they can go out and create positive change in their community,” says Deborah White, NEW Leadership program director. “We intentionally work at getting a really diverse mix of women so that every year there are women from all over the region, representing different ages, backgrounds, experiences. I think they learn a lot from each other.”

There is no cost to participate in the institute, with participants’ food, accommodations and materials paid for by institute sponsors and other donors. Some scholarships are available for individuals with restricted incomes to cover travel and/or childcare expenses.

At the end of the NEW Leadership Development Institute, the women are encouraged to coordinate community projects together.

“We’ve found that by having them make connections at the institute, they will continue to support one another,” says White. “I always tell participants that the institute is just the beginning of our journey together.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION about the upcoming institute, May 30–June 3 at MSUM, contact White at whitede@mnstate.edu or 218-477-2041 or visit mnstate.edu/new-leadership

ATTORNEYS KRISANN NORBY-JAHNER and VANESSA LYSTAD practice in the area of employment law at the Vogel Law Firm. They provide employers with legal counsel involving a variety of workplace matters, including sexual harassment complaints; discrimination, retaliation and whistleblower issues; general employee and workplace management; employment policies and handbook reviews; wage and hour law compliance; hiring and termination; workplace investigations; employment contracts; separation agreements; unemployment benefits hearings; and employee benefits.

Norby-Jahner and Lystad are frequent lecturers and authors on employment law compliance for both small and large business owners, supervisors and human resource professionals.