Trendsetters Magazine Inaugural Issue

ARTFUL LIVING

Nestled along tree-lined streets with riverscape views, Wild Oak offers unparalleled living within walking distance to the heart of downtown Fargo. Begin tailoring your exclusive home at Wild Oak today. Explore for-sale condos at: WILDOAKCONDOS.COM

701.306.4888

701.200.9801

Lynne Vivian Fellman Reyna Bergstrom

Iverson

Grippe

Epping

MEET THE TEAM

MIKE

BRADY

KIM LEVI

TY GENEVA

GRANT SAM

JOSIAH

GARY

JENNY PAUL

LEARN MORE ABOUT US AT SPOTLIGHTMEDIAFARGO.COM

DEVAN TORI KACEY HAILEY MIRANDA

JESSICA NICK

KELLEN

BEN

TOMMY KELLAN

JONATHAN RYNE JOHN

TRENDSETTERS

INAUGURAL ISSUE

Trendsetters Magazine is a free publication distributed six times a year. Our mission is to highlight all of the unique and influential people, businesses and things in the region with a focus on health, beauty, fasion, lifestyle + going out, home + design and more!

Publisher

EDITORIAL Editorial Team Lead

Creative Director Editors

Art Director

Editorial Graphic Designers

Creative Strategist

Contract Content Specialist

INTERACTIVE

Business Development Manager Business Development Associate Videographer Director of Digital Advertising Results

Graphic Designer Web Designer

Social Media Specialist

ADVERTISING

VP of Business Development

Sales Representatives

Mike Dragosavich

Brady Drake Brady@SpotlightMediaFargo.com

Geneva Nodland

Grant Ayers, Sam Kise

Kim Cowles

Levi Dinh, Ty Betts

Josiah Kopp

Gary Ussery

Nick Schommer Kellen Feeney

Tommy Uhlir

Jonathan Chicka

Ben Buchanan

Kellan Benson

Ryne Bigelow

Paul Hoefer Paul@SpotlightMediaFargo.com

Al Anderson Al@SpotlightMediaFargo.com

Devan Maki Devan@SpotlightMediaFargo.com

Sales & Marketing Advisor

Tori Helland Tori@SpotlightMediaFargo.com

Kacey Mongeon Kacey@SpotlightMediaFargo.com

Marketing Associate

Client Relations

Client Relations Manager

Marketing Coordinator

Operations Assistant

DISTRIBUTION Delivery

Hailey Bebler Hailey@SpotlightMediaFargo.com

ClientRelations@SpotlightMediaFargo.com

Jenny Johnson

Jessica Mullen

Miranda Knudson

John Stuber

Trendsetters Magazine is published by Spotlight, LLC. Copyright 2023 Trendsetters Magazine & trendsetters.com. All rights reserved. No parts of this magazine may be reproduced or distributed without written permission of Trendsetters Magazine and Spotlight, LLC is not responsible for, and expressly disclaims all liability for, damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on such information. Spotlight, LLC accepts no liability for the accuracy of statements made by the advertisers.

ADVERTISING: 701-478-SPOT (7768) spotlightmediafargo.com

Send change of address information and other correspondence to: Spotlight, LLC 4609 33rd Ave S Suite #304, Fargo, ND 58104 or info@spotlightmediafargo.com

TRENDSETTERS

Iam excited to introduce our latest publication, Trendsetters. This is a new magazine, but also an evolution from our prior brand, Design & Living. This new publication will offer a unique twist on a traditional magazine concept. We are exploring new ways to provide multiple forms of content to you and curate it through the voice of trusted community members. We have so many amazing people in this community deserving of a podium. We want to give them that so they can share and so you, as readers,

can benefit from their experiences. We hope they lead you to try new things, experience our community in different ways, and, ultimately, grow and be happy.

Now, in our 13th year of publishing free, positive, unbiased community magazines, we have reached over 500 individual issues published. With that being said, we continue to learn and listen to the feedback from our other publications and plan to use Trendsetters as a platform to try new ways to connect with our readers.

I hope you enjoy this first issue which will serve as a testing ground for improvement. We know that there is so much opportunity to tweak and mold this concept into something better with each edition. We eagerly await your feedback and are excited to hear your recommendations for trendsetting ideas, people and organizations we can feature in the area.

Mike Dragosavich Publisher

ABOUT Trendsetters

WHY TRENDSETTERS?

WHAT WILL BE IN EACH MAGAZINE?

1. In March of last year, we published an issue of Design & Living Magazine featuring trendsetting interior designers and architects. In my 13 years of publishing magazines, it was one of the most read magazines online that we have ever done. Now, we want to satisfy the communities' desires to connect with local influencers in the area through a year-long publication.

Each issue will have a cover topic and stories around Home and Living, Trendsetting Organizations, Health and Beauty and more!

1 1

2. We also believe that this is a way to show more support to our local companies, products, people and opportunities. If we tell you that the Red River Market is a great place to go, it may impact you, but if someone in the community who is very engaged recommends it and tells you why they find it a great place, the chances of it impacting you and supporting the Red River Market is more likely! At the end of the day, that has always been Spotlight's goal—to make a positive impact on the community.

WHAT IS "TRENDSETTING" ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE?

Once the magazine is live online, we are giving each featured Trendsetter the opportunity to earn money per click by promoting the magazine to their followers.

HOW WE PICK TRENDSETTERS

2 2 3

Commentary and Context. We want to give you info that makes a reader think, 'Wow, cool, I didn't know that.'

When it comes to picking trendsetters, it's really tough. We could really make this magazine 700 pages trying to fit in all of the great people in our community. But for now, we are trying to focus on being non-bias in selecting our features. We will use poles to collect feedback to ensure we have unique reasons behind our chosen trendsetters, and that we choose features that align with our goals for the content our readers want to see.

As each issue progresses and we raise more awareness, we have more opportunities to pick from a more diverse audience with people from different backgrounds, cultures, industries and more!

WHAT'S NEXT?

I encourage you to check out the digital version of the magazine. We are trying a new system that allows for more interaction and connectivity with our readers than ever. We want to make the magazine interactive, so it's fun to read and easy for readers to immediately access all things local through built-in links in the online issue!

Keep your eyes peeled for the next issue of Trendsetters which will include more great places to go, tips, picks and more for Home & Design.

Look Good, Feel Good

When working in the hospital, Veseda Hoff, RN, BSN, discovered it was often the small acts of care that made the biggest impact in the confidence of her patients. If you look good, you feel good—and if you feel good, the journey to healthy living is much easier. This led Veseda to open her own aesthetic clinic, IMAGE Medi-Spa, in 2007, with the goal of helping others look good and feel confident.

Prior to IMAGE Medi-Spa, Veseda specialized in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit and Interventional Radiology. A care-giver by nature, she realized the one-on-one care is what she loves the most about nursing. The nature of care in the hospital is structured to care for many patients at the same time, with some patients needing more care than others. Veseda knew she wanted to be able to do more for patients and invest more into the one-on-one experience. This led her to shift from ICU Nursing to Aesthetic Nursing, and thus IMAGE Medi-Spa was born. Join us for a Q & A with Veseda to learn more about her growth, expertise and positive impact in the aesthetic industry.

What is your mission at IMAGE?

At IMAGE Medi-Spa, our mission is for you to look good and feel good at any age. We offer a very relaxed and no-pressure atmosphere, and take

time to educate our clients so they feel confident in knowing they have made the best choice. Our team is highly trained to provide you with the most effective treatments in this industry. We customize our plan of care for each and every client, because it is not a one-size-fits-all industry. Ultimately, our goal is to teach our clients how to get the best results and maintain them. In my

experience in the hospital, I realized how special and important one-on-one care is with patients. It's often the little details in care that mean the most, and I wanted to bring that level of care over to IMAGE Medi-Spa when we opened. Our mission and values still ring true today, and building relationships with our clients is a top priority.

How Are You A Trendsetter in F-M?

Modern Services, Personalized Care.

What are some of IMAGE's unique offerings?

Our aestheticians provide the initial care and maintenance for every client. Just like exercise, it's not one workout and done for the rest of the year. There is an ongoing need to maintain ourselves. The skin is the largest organ in the body and is often the least cared for.

Aesthetic services such as custom facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or a DiamondGlow® every 4-6 weeks will maintain skin and keep it looking youthful. Our aesthetic services will always begin with a triple cleanse to ensure the potent products used are able to penetrate deep into the skin. We select products used in treatments based on your skin's needs. An anti-aging and hydrating sunscreen filled with antioxidants is always applied at the end of treatments for environmental protection.

If you would like to reverse the signs of aging, then nursing treatments such as Botox ®, Sculptra ®, Laser Genesis, and Lumecca ™ IPL will definitely turn back the hands of time. These treatments will focus on wrinkle reduction, removing pigmentation, stimulating collagen growth, evening out skin tone, reducing redness, removing spider veins and much more to help achieve youthful, glowing skin.

Treatment Plans for Lasting Results.

What does IMAGE do differently?

One of the things that works well for us is the individualized plans which often start with products and home care. When you visit us for the first time, we will go over a plan tailored to your needs and address your top concerns. Skincare treatment is not a one-and-done deal.

Our clients get the best outcome when using medical-grade skincare, treating the skin at home once or twice a day. We offer several high quality clinical skincare lines that do more than just protect, but provide skin with anti-aging benefits, antioxidants and hydration.

Secondly, we educate our clients on what maintaining the skin with aesthetic treatments does for your skin's health. Continuing treatments on a regular basis will help maintain your skin and turnover new cells for healthy regrowth. The new skin will not only brighten your complexion, but will also better protect itself from the aging process and harmful elements in the environment.

The sun is definitely an ager, but the wind, cold, fluorescent lights, computer screens and cell phones are also emitting harmful rays that cause signs of aging on our skin that we target to prevent and treat with our services.

Another thing we do differently is clinician consistency. This allows our aestheticians or nurses to really get to know our clients, how their skin reacts to each treatment, and we can develop a much more effective treatment plan when it's time to change settings on lasers, add on new treatments or target areas of concern.

Post-treatment, we always check-in with our clients and ensure they are healing smoothly, and address any questions or they may have. Clinician consistency has really helped our clients get the best results in the most comfortable environment, which has built our amazing clientele. We are honest, confidential and provide clear communication to deliver results.

Celebrate Your Body With Us At IMAGE.

We prioritize the client experience at IMAGE, so no matter if you are brand new to the spa, or have been coming for years, there will always be somehting new for you to enjoy. We offer monthly specials featuring a combination of aesthetic and nursing services to really see a change in the skin.

We also have a referral program where clients earn $50 for every new client they refer. After the referred client has a service or product purchase, they too will earn $50 towards their next treatment.

All clients at IMAGE are put into our VIP loyalty program, earning points to redeem as credit towards your next treatment.

The med-spa industry is constantly evolving and growing rapidly. Learning how to adapt over the years and growing based on client needs has really shaped who IMAGE is and who I am today.

I have an awesome team and loyal clientele that I will be forever grateful for. We invite you to come celebrate your body with us at IMAGE! Call us at 701.478.7700 to book a free skin consultation.

• DOCTORATE NURSE PRACTITIONER

• WOMEN'S HEALTH AND FERTILITY CLINIC OWNER

• HOST OF "HOPEFUL HINTS: AN INFERTILITY PODCAST"

• NONPROFIT FOUNDER

• INFLUENCER

Tara Brandner

BY BRADY DRAKE

Photos by Staci Just Photography

WHY DID WE PICK TARA?

Tara Brandner is a doctorate nurse practitioner and fertility coach who knows all too well the struggles of infertility. Through her own experience, treatments and traumatic pregnancy, Tara founder herself on a quest to find answers.

She owns and operates her own women's health and fertility clinic that offers a personalized approach to care. She offers 1:1 coaching services and hosts a women's health and fertility podcast, "Hopeful Hints: An Infertility Podcast." She also founded a nonprofit called Everlasting Hope, an organization dedicated to creating public awareness that infertility is a treatable medical condition while also supporting "North Dakota and South Dakota families experiencing infertility through resources, education, events, support and grants to offset medical expenses."

Did you know?

1 in 8 couples experience infertility issues according to resolve.org

Get that Vitamin D!

"Nutrient deficiencies are pretty common in people today. The most common one in the midwest is vitamin D! You could eat a diet full of supposed nutrient-dense foods yet still be deficient in key nutrients due to environmental factors, hormone imbalances, stress, medications and more. Knowing which supplements you need versus having a cabinet full and guessing is key. Find a healthcare provider who understands supplements and can help you find the one that is best for you."

Staying Mentally Well

"Caring for your mental health and wellness is a hard topic to talk about, let alone seeking care and resources when we aren’t feeling well. I want to encourage you to make that appointment if you aren’t feeling like yourself. Find a counselor that you connect with and a healthcare provider who listens to support your needs. Mental wellness is a lifelong process and one we often forget to nurture. You are not alone in this journey."

1.

AMEND HEALTHCARE FAMILY PRACTICE

Opened in 2022, Amend Healthcare is a family medicine clinic in West Fargo. Its founder, Dr. Stephanie Hendricks, has worked in the healthcare field for almost 20 years. According to the Amend Healthcare family practice website, her passions include "pediatric and adolescent health, chronic disease management, women's health, dermatology and treating both TMJ and chronic migraine with the use of Botox."

"I want to feel like a person, not a number when I need healthcare services. That is exactly what Amend Clinic creates with an environment built on a more personal and relationship-centered basis. They offer comprehensive primary care for individuals and families of all ages I believe this is exactly how healthcare should be! Many feel annual wellness exams aren’t necessary if you aren’t ill. Or if you are busy and place your family's or others' needs before yours. Please don’t skip this. During those exams, you will receive information, education and tips for staying healthy that may prevent chronic disease or address those symptoms you have been putting off. It also allows you to ask any questions on those 'little things' that have been bothering you all year long."

2.

FM Acupuncture offers acupuncture and cupping services as well as some awesome add ons like moxa, ESTIM and gua sha

"I love the personalized approach Dr. Lexi offers for acupuncture and cupping. There are so many health benefits from these two therapies that are available right here in Fargo! Acupuncture Treatment is beneficial for men and women. This care promotes blood circulation and assists with regulating hormones. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect. Acupuncture aims to restore balance in the body through qi (chi). Practitioners will place needles at specific points along the interconnecting meridians (channels) of the body. Would you believe me if I told you that you will likely take a nice nap during this session?!"

Did you know?

Botox has been approved by the FDA as a treatment for migraines since 2010.

5 PLACES TO GO IN FARGO

3. CULTIVATE FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC

"The moment you walk in the front door, you will notice the welcoming environment and big smiles from Dr. Emily Acosta and her team. Chiropractic care is a wonderful modality to incorporate into your healthcare routine."

Dr. Emily Acosta

Dr. Emily Acosta graduated from Life University, the world's largest single-campus chiropractic program.

4.

BELLE AME LUXURY SKIN STUDIO

"Did you know that our skin is the largest organ of the body? I have started to place more care into my skin routine over the last few years. Do yourself a favor and book a hydrafacial with Maggie. She is the sweetest soul and will make sure your skin is healthy and glowing."

5.

APEX PHYSICAL THERAPY & WELLNESS CENTER

Apex Physical Therapy & Wellness Center offers many of the services you would find at PT clinics, helping patients rehab their knees, back, ankles shoulders, etc. They also go above and beyond to offer pelvic floor physical therapy, massage therapy and postural restoration therapy.

The facility is also one of two places in the FM area offering an EGYM, with the other being at the YMCA Schlossman.

Did you know?

Acupuncture has been used in traditional Chinese medicine since 100 BCE.

Tara is not the only fan of Belle Ame in this magazine. Head to page 76 to see our feature on local yoga instructor Allison Grippe who is also a big fan of what is offered at Belle Ame Luxury Skin Studio!

"We often think of seeking PT care when we are injured and definitely not for our pelvic health. The team at Apex is so comprehensive and can help you with absolutely any needs you have. I highly recommend adding pelvic floor PT to your next appointment. Many are unaware of the benefits that come with receiving care from a physical therapist other than when we sustain an injury. Both men and women experience issues in the pelvic region of the body therefore, you need to receive care to train your pelvis to relax and restore balance and alignment. While the pain emanates from the pelvis, the effects of chronic pain cause issues with core activities such as movement and coordination. Manual techniques are directed at loosening and relaxing muscles and relieving abdominal and pelvic pain while restoring your overall wellness to other parts of your body."

7 THINGS TO AVOID

1. SKIPPING MEALS AND SNACKS.

"Eating every 3-4 hours has been shown to keep your blood sugar stable, which has many benefits for your health. Schedule meals and snacks into your busy schedule. This will greatly benefit weight goals and also hormone health."

2.

BLUE LIGHT IN THE EVENING.

"Blue light in the evening can trick our brain into thinking it's still daytime, disrupting our circadian rhythms and making it hard to feel sleepy. Many know this but we forget where blue light is, such as TV, phones, computers and tablets."

4. REHEATING FOOD IN PLASTIC CONTAINERS.

3.

SUNFLOWER, SAFFLOWER, SOY, SESAME AND CORN OILS.

"When consumed in high quantities, these create inflammation and hormone disruption. Instead, use avocado oil, ghee, coconut oil, olive oil and flaxseed oil."

"BPA lives everywhere nowadays, but microwaving plastic allows for releasing this and other chemicals into your food. Switch to glass or ceramic items for those tasty leftovers and meal preparations."

5.

DO NOT AVOID SYMPTOMS THAT YOU FEEL ARE CONCERNING.

"If you have a symptom or symptoms that concern you, seek care. If your provider overlooks it, seek a second opinion. You are your own best advocate and know if something isn’t right with your body."

6.

DON’T SKIP CARING FOR YOURSELF.

"It is so easy to get busy, be consumed by the needs of others and place ourselves last. Please make a strong conscious effort to put yourself in your planner and on your calendar."

7.

DO NOT AVOID CARBS OR RESTRICT YOURSELF NUTRITIONALLY.

"Substitute for healthy carbs such as sweet potatoes, brown rice, quinoa, berries, chickpea and lentil pasta, and oats. Work with a trained provider to help create a plan that best fits your nutritional needs."

"Sweet potatoes might be my favorite carb in my diet!"

- Brady Drake, Editorial Director

1. Jovi Pain Patch

"This amazing drug-free reusable pain patch is marketed for period pain, but don't be deceived, it can be used anywhere on the body for those unexpected moments of injury or pain. For those with painful periods, this can be life-changing."

3. AIRSEE Sound Machine

"Sleep and hormones follow a circadian rhythm. Research demonstrates a disturbance of the natural circadian rhythm can disrupt hormones. Sound machines generate particular sounds that stop those inconsistencies in sound from reaching our ears while we're asleep and waking us up."

2. Mira Home Hormone Tracker

"This lab-accurate hormone tracking machine can be used from conception, prevention, pregnancy and into menopause. This machine makes it easy to understand your hormones and spot potential imbalances."

4. Probiotic-GI Assist Protea

"Probiotics have been shown to have so many benefits for our health but specifically for hormone health. GI Assist also contains several other ingredients that help with overall GI health and tastes delicious."

What are some of the common causes of infertility that we don't think about?

Many don't realize infertility is equally a men's and women's disease, with research showing it is ⅓ male, ⅓ female and ⅓ both or unexplained. Many women lack the understanding of how to properly track their ovulation cycle or use products that lack reliability to really show what their hormones are doing. Additionally, in my practice, I see so many women who have had symptoms overlooked and led to the diagnosis of contributing diseases such as endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, thyroid disease and their partner having impaired sperm quality.

What are some things people who are experiencing issues can do right now to improve their chances of procreating?

Individuals and couples have the power to create a healthcare team versus just receiving care from one provider. Creating their own healthcare team that provides a variety of cares that they feel is best for them. Many diseases take a multisystem approach to care with various healthcare professionals involved, but this gets missed in reproductive healthcare. Often patients feel one healthcare provider will hold all the solutions or if that provider doesn't fully understand other cares, they may disregard the patient's desire to add them to their plan. Always listen to your “gut” feeling and find providers who listen to you while providing care that feels best suited for your needs. You are your own best advocate.

Do you have any other general wellness tips for people?

Protein with all meals and snack the best you can to help with blood sugar stabilization which in turn will help with hormone balance. Find a fitness program or routine that you enjoy and that creates a fun environment you enjoy attending. Enjoy the outdoors, even in the winter. Sunshine helps boost a chemical in your brain called serotonin, which will give you more energy and provide a calm, positive and focused feeling. Create a sleep routine or seek a healthcare evaluation to determine why you are having issues if this is challenging. Sleep plays such a vital role in our overall health, including immune health, food cravings, memory and so much more.

What are some health/beauty options in town that you have utilized that have not already been listed?

I really like Praireland Counseling as they specialize in women, couples and infertility. Catalyst Medical Center + Clinical Spa offers great wellness services.

How can partners be supportive during times when there are fertility and miscarriage issues going on?

Partners being aware of the difference in emotions, coping and how each person deals with this disease is so important. Do not judge your partner or compare them to how they may or may not be feeling. Each person can find support in each other but also different sources, knowing its okay to reach out to others as well. Using supportive comments and words during conversations is key. Feeling safe and comfortable to express feelings and emotions without judgment will allow for safe conversations to take place.

What was the most helpful resource you came across during your fertility journey?

Support groups were so important and nowadays there are even virtual ones. Mindset work was something I didn’t start until later in my journey and I wish I had incorporated it earlier. This includes meditations, affirmations and hypnosis from Circle + Bloom and Her World Hypnosis

Prairieland Counseling's women-focused services include care for people with postpartum, empty nest or self-esteem issues. And that is only the tip of the iceberg!

Tara Brandner's nonprofit, Everlasting Hope, hosts a support group monthly.

Fertility Rally is a national organization that hosts support groups as well.

SOCIALS NON-PROFIT

Facebook: /tarabfertility

Instagram: @tarabfertility

TikTok: @tarabfertility

Facebook: /raisingeverlastinghope

Instagram: @raisingeverlastinghope

tarabrandner.com

raisingeverlastinghope.org

Podcast:

Hopeful Hints: An Infertility Podcast

YouTube: @tarabfertility

• HAIR, BEAUTY & FASHION INFLUENCER

• 123K INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS

• 37.5K TIKTOK FOLLOWERS, CREATING AND SHARING CONTENT FOR 6 YEARS

• MOTHER

• ENTREPRENEUR

• SOON-TO-BE PODCASTER

Whitney Lynne

HEALTH, WELLNESS AND BEAUTY TRENDSETTER

BY GENEVA NODLAND

Check out our Q&A with Whitney to learn about her new podcast planned to launch soon!

Photos by Geneva Nodland

WHY DID WE PICK WHITNEY?

SHE HAS AN INFLUENCE ON NOT ONLY THE AREA BUT ALL OVER! 1.

Whitney Duden grew up in Fargo. She is very familiar with the area, and the area with her as she has worked with many influential people, businesses and organizations in the FM area. Now, she lives just outside of the city and moved her influence online! Her Instagram, @whitney_lynne, is home to daily curated content for her 123K followers!

SHE HAS PROVEN HER KNOWLEDGE IN THE HAIR CARE AND BEAUTY REALM AND SHARES THAT WITH HER COMMUNITY (ALSO, HER HAIR SLAYS). 2.

Whitney's social media is bursting with a variety of hair care tips, hairstyle tutorials, makeup and skincare recommendations, 'get ready with me's, fashion 'inspo,' and lots of other content surrounding general health, beauty and lifestyle. Whitney keeps her audience up-to-date on trends while keeping a very authentic energy surrounding her and her community.

3.

SHE IS REAL.

There's a common stereotype around the term "influencer," but Whitney continues to breakdown that idea. Throughout all of her posts, reels, stories, highlights and TikToks, you'll find all of the content mentioned above, but you'll also find messages to remind her followers that she is human, and that they are human, and that humans deserve grace—however that looks. See for yourself!

HEALTH, WELLNESS AND BEAUTY

5

Did you know?

Whitney uses the Heavenly Sixteen All-In-One Face Oil from the brand Summer Fridays! This facial oil is chock-full of noncomedogenic, vegan oils and is quick-absorbing— something that many people look for in a facial oil.

1.

DON'T WASH YOUR HAIR EVERY DAY.

"It’s okay to not wash your hair daily. Getting into this habit leads to a healthier scalp, better texture and overall healthier hair."

3.

HEAT YOUR LASH CURLER BEFORE CURLING.

"Heat your lash curler before curling your lashes, it helps them hold. I’ve been doing this for a year and it helps them stay curled throughout the day The heat sets them."

5.

Keep reading to learn what exercises and tools Whitney uses to stay active!

BEAUTY HACKS FOR FARGO

You can find beauty tips anywhere, but Whitney practices these herself for healthier skin, hair and body, check them out!

2.

COLOR YOUR EYEBROWS AT HOME.

"Use men’s facial hair dye to color your eyebrows at home. If you regularly dye your brows, try this. It's a great time and money saver."

4. MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE.

"Moisturize and moisturize more! Your face and your body—your skin will love you for it. Add facial oil for additional moisture."

DON'T SKIP THE BASICS.

"Water and exercise really make a difference."

Check page 86 for a feature on FACE FOUNDRIÉ Fargo manager and Co-Owner of the upcoming Bismarck location, Jordan Epping.

FACE FOUNDRIÉ is a focused facial bar, offering an abundance of variety in facial and brow wax and shaping services, as well as tinting, henna and lamination brow services. They also offer eyelash lifts and tints and eyelash extension sets and fills! Its a one-stop-shop for all things face and skin care with FACE FOUNDRIÉ's skin experts, who are extensively trained estheticians, helping you reach your skincare goals.

"FACE FOUNDRIÉ offers affordable facials and they have so many different options based on skin concerns too."

Places to Go

"I love skincare, but I'll admit most of my "facials" are at-home. This month, I am splurging on myself and heading in to get my own, professional facial at FACE FOUNDRIÉ! If you're like me and don't know what exactly to book, take their Skincare Quiz to find out which facial is right for your skin! Find it at facefoundrie.com/ facial-quiz"

- Geneva Nodland, Editor

Crisp & Green hit the streets of Fargo last spring, and has been a hotspot since! Their variety of salad and grain bowls are nutritious, filling, easy to take on the go and, let's be honest—Whitney's right—absolutely perfect for the 'gram! Whether you take the bowl to-go for a busy day, order in and enjoy it wherever you are or dine in at their modern dining area, know that you're eating good, and will feel good too.

"Crisp & Green is healthy, fast and it tastes so good! Added bonus is that the atmosphere is Instagram-worthy."

With a mindset of providing an environment for "Relaxation, Rejuvenation, Wellness, Beauty and time with your Family and Friends," its no surprise to find out that Hair Success Salon & Spa is full (and we mean FULL) of services to make this a prime destination for anyone looking to pamper and relax. Visit the salon or the spa—which is complete with a SKIN Medical Aesthetics Clinic—for a fresh or rejuvinated look. Check out their personal care, home and fashion accessories, and make sure you stop at Martini blu at the Grotto for a beverage, snack or full meal during your visit, or during any one of their community events! There's so much offered at Hair Success Salon & Spa, so much that we have to cut ourselves off here—learn more at hairsuccesssalons.com!

Whitney's go-to bowl is the Wild Wild Southwest. The bowl has spinach and arugula base with a roasted chicken protein and is topped with roasted corn and poblano, black beans, white cheddar, tomatoes, cilantro and blue corn chips. The best part about Crisp & Green? They'll toss up your bowl with your dressing so it's ready to go! This bowl is tossed with a creamy southwestern dressing for a delicious and readyto-eat meal.

"Looking for pampering or relaxation, this is it! Not to mention the atmosphere here is stunning! Secret—they also give a great pedicure."

FACE FOUNDRIÉ CRISP & GREEN

HAIR SUCCESS SALON & SPA

Vivian Fellman, a fellow trendsetter in this issue, also recommends Crisp & Green.

Places to Go WHITNEY'S

Whitney recommends the brand Redken as it is a great go-to for all hair types. Redken has multiple lines for what your hair needs are: damaged, brassy, fine and more. Plus, its more affordable than other high-end brands for haircare!

4

SKY ZONE

While you might imagine Sky Zone being a spot for the kids to have fun (and it sure is), it can also be a trip for everyone to enjoy! The park includes places to freestyle jump, an ultimate dodgeball area, sky joisting, an air court, a challenge zone and so much more. It's truly a great way to get moving and have fun!

"Sky Zone offers fun and exercise for the entire family. It’s a win-win, especially in the winter months. It's also a great spot for birthday parties!"

and gut health—so why bother it more with the day's wear on your skin (be it makeup, sweat, dust or whatever) all night long? Wash your face!"

- Geneva Nodland, Editor

1.

7 THINGS TO AVOID

NOT USING A HEAT PROTECTANT ON YOUR HAIR.

"Heat protectant keeps your hair safe by creating a protective barrier between your hair and the styling tool. It also reduces the amount of damage the heat can cause while keeping your hair less frizzy and prone to breakage."

4.

2.

NEGATIVE SELFTALK AND [NEGATIVE] PEOPLE.

"A negative mindset and being around negativity affects your emotional well-being. You are who you surround yourself with, and I’ve found that being around upbeat positive people motivates me and leaves me feeling much happier mentally and emotionally."

NOT CLEANING YOUR MAKEUP BRUSHES.

3.

SKIPPING YOUR WORKOUTS.

"Regular exercise not only helps physically, but it also reduces stress and anxiety, helps you sleep better and can reduce chances of developing illness later in life. So, stick to your routine!"

"It helps prevent bacteria build-up, which leads to breakouts and it also helps your makeup go on smoother. Another perk? It extends the life of your brush."

There are a ton of makeup brush cleaners out there. Make sure you check the ingredients for anything that might irritate your skin before you try it, here's what Whitney does!

"I just use my body wash. Mix it with water and dip my brushes in and 'brush' them off. Lay them down to dry."

5. HOT SHOWERS.

"Hot showers strip natural oils from us, leading to dry, irritated skin. Cooler showers reduce inflammation, help alleviate muscle tension, improve circulation and wake you up."

6. SLEEPING IN YOUR MAKEUP.

"Just wash your face—your skin will thank you. And, it can cause premature aging, need I say more?"

7.

FOLLOWING PEOPLE ON SOCIAL MEDIA WHO DON’T MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF.

"Everyone is different, and social media should be a healthy place to interact and inspire you. Unfollowing the people who don’t make you feel good can create more of a positive experience and be beneficial to our overall well-being and mental state."

HEALTH, WELLNESS AND BEAUTY

Approved WHITNEY

3 1

2

1. Bala Bars

"They're my favorite weights, they're easy to grip with their sleek design!"

2. At-Home Workouts

"Being self-employed and a single mom, I don’t have tons of free time to head to a gym. Doing workouts at home when I have 30 to 60 free minutes in my day has allowed me to maintain a workout routine without the hassle of trudging to and from a gym."

3. Isle of Paradise Drops

"These are a clean product (meaning it is free from harmful chemicals) and you mix them with the moisturizer that you’re already using. You can use them with your face and body lotion. And, being that they’re drops, you’re able to customize your tan level by the number of drops you choose to add. They give a good sun-kissed glow that you can control."

Whitney's go-to face moisturizer is from the brand Obagi , and she uses Aveeno body lotion Mix a few drops of the Isle of Paradise Drops, which can be found at Sephora, with your moisturizer to give your skin a natural glow. glow!"

- Geneva Nodland, Editor

Listen

The Mindset Mentor with Rob Dialfeatures] Life advice and mentorship backed by studies, facts and his personal businesses. If you’re looking to improve your life, business or mindset this is a great podcast."

Picks WHITNEY'S

Buy

"1” curling iron - It’s the equivalent of a 'closet staple' for your hair!"

Whitney suggests the tools from the brand Hot Tools, as they are quality tools available at a more affordable price point! The tools come in a variety of different barrel sizes, including the ever-dependable 1-inch!

The Sculpt Society - "I do 30-45 minute workouts on this app 6x a week. I like the full-body and sculpt classes."

started "It Ends With Us" and wow, I understand the hype now! I am so excited to finish it!"

-Geneva Nodland, Editor

Colleen Hoover - "Her books always suck me in! A

good, easy read too."

What are health, wellness and beauty to you?

I believe that they all start with how we feel about ourselves on the inside and that manifests on the outside. When we feel good naturally, we’re more motivated to do good and feel good. It starts with exercise, as cliche as it sounds you always feel better after. At the beginning of the pandemic, I got back into a regular workout routine, and taking better care of my mental and physical health naturally fell into place as a domino effect. Naturally working out evolved into eating healthier and taking better care of my overall health. I’ve found that the people you surround yourself with make a significant difference too, it’s important to align yourself with people who are likeminded and have similar values.

What inspired you to get into beauty/hair? Fashion?

My interest in all three has been very prominent in my life since I was a little girl. So it just organically evolved into a full-time career for me.

When & how did you begin to grow a following online around these topics?

I started my journey about six years ago Staying consistent is the biggest thing and I feel like it’s easy to tell if an influencer is genuinely passionate about what they’re sharing or not. People will pick up on this and naturally gravitate to an influencer that resonates with them.

What opportunities have you had from having this following, or being an influencer?

Personally, when this question arises, I get uncomfortable because I never want to make anyone feel insignificant or less than others. Just as in any industry, there are people/brands to strive to work with, businesses you’re trying to acquire and goals you’re aiming for.

What is the back story in your signature #weariswhitney, and what does it mean?

I actually haven’t used this hashtag in a long time. But when I created it, it was meant to be utilized as a way for people to search my posts to see where I was and what I was wearing

What have been some of your favorite local/regional businesses or brands that you've worked with?

My very first big job was shooting a commercial for Hair Success. I had no idea what to expect… it ended up being a 12-14 hour Saturday and I remember thinking, 'if this becomes my career, I will love working weekends.' That day was definitely a monumental day in my career. When Onyx & Pearl was here (now solely Mint + Basil) I worked with them every month, Hope and Donny know fashion, they know the business and they know fun! When Onyx closed, it was definitely bittersweet. FACE FOUNDRIÉ is a newer business in town and I love them! I worked with them right when they opened and their clean and natural facial continues to suck me in. The girls there are so sweet and helpful if you’re clueless too. I definitely recommend the gua sha!

Trends (especially online) change fast. How have you been able to stay current and keep up with these for the past few years?

Honestly, I am not much of a “trend” girl. I’m more of a do-and-wear-what-you-love girl. But I do enjoy following brands online during fashion week and seeing what’s on the runways. Pinterest has been known to suck me in too.

What do you see/what would you like to see for the future of your social media and entrepreneur adventures?

I’m so happy you asked this. I am actually starting a Podcast with one of my best friends who’s also an influencer and lives in Sioux Falls. We plan to launch that this spring with weekly episodes. It’s going to be centered around what you’d talk to your friends about if you were at a happy hour... juicy girl talks, dating and relationships, single mom life/mom life, what happened Saturday night and whatever else flies out of our mouths. I’ll share the links for that on my Instagram as soon as it launches!

WeiWei (Vivian) Fellman

BY BRADY DRAKE

Photo by Josiah Kopp

WHY DID WE PICK VIVIAN? RESUMÉ

1.

SHE IS A TRAILBLAZER

Vivian is the owner of Kota Botanics, the first premium organic CBD store in the state of North Dakota.

Spotlight ran its first story on Vivian in 2020 when her store was called Kota Organics and she was the sole employee. Now, Kota Botanics employs 7 employees, has two storefronts and is home to its own premium CBD line which is aptly named Kota Botanics.

2.

SHE HAS A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

As a Chinese immigrant who came to America in 2009, Vivian offers a unique view of the community.

3.

Vivian founded Kota Botanics, a thriving premium CBD store located in South Fargo and Shakopee, MN.

Did you know?

Vivian was featured in Forbes!

Vivian has been teaching spin classes at the YMCA for 8 years and if you follow Vivian on social media, you'll get some great workouts and tips!

SHE HAS A BIG FASHION FOLLOWING

Follow Vivian on Instagram and LTK (@cocomeetschanel) to see all of her amazing outfits and to get more information on where you can purchase some fine fashion of your own.

"She is one of my mom's favorite instructors. That has to count for something, right?"

- Brady Drake, Editorial Director

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Looking for a community?

Check out the Lets Go Running-Fargo-MoorheadWest Fargo group on Facebook!

5

HEALTH HACKS FOR FARGO

1. RUN OUTDOORS

2.

"A personal favorite class of mine is Sheila Harris's Yin class at Haute Yogis. It is slow, but it is challenging and great for physical and mental recovery."

- Brady Drake, Editorial Director

"Fargo is flat and has a lot of great routes for running. It's ideal for runners. Running is a great way to support your cardio health and mental health. I'm a runner and I love running outside whenever I can. It helps me clear my mind and stay focused."

3. WINTER ACTIVITIES

"As a hockey mom, we (my kids and I) spend a lot of time on the ice during the season. Ice skating is a great exercise for kids. Tubing is also super fun for the entire family to bond and burn some calories."

HOT YOGA

"Hot yoga has a wide variety of benefits for both your mind and body. It can help you burn calories, build bone density, boost your cardiovascular fitness and improve your flexibility. It may also help ease depression and reduce stress. When you live in a city that has a long winter, hot yoga is a great way to stay fit and feel great about yourself."

4. INDOOR CYCLING CLASSES

"Other than running, I also love teaching indoor cycling classes at the YMCA. It's super fun to ride with the music and sweat it all out. I love helping out members have fun at the fitness center and get inspired to take care of their health."

In the winter months, there are plenty of golf options for locals to enjoy including: Suite Shots, Gimmies, Golf Addiction, The Clubhouse and Dogleg North Lounge &Indoor Golf.

5. GOLF

"Fargo has a lot of great golf courses and its super affordable to play. Golf can be good for your health and your heart. If you walk 18 holes three to five times a week, you’ll get an optimal amount of endurance exercise for your heart."

Places to Go VIVIAN'S

KOTA BOTANICS

"CBD helps me manage my stress and anxiety. It's great for pain management and it helps me sleep so much better. It's truly a lifestyle that I can't live without. And there's no better place than Kota Botanics to buy all the CBD that I love to use. And yes, I'm the proud owner."

3

YMCA

IMAGE MEDI-SPA

"Image Medi-Spa is my favorite place for facials and skincare. Their staff always makes me feel welcomed and relaxed when I needed a little TLC for my skin and mind."

"The YMCA is my favorite place to workout and exercise. They have tons of group fitness classes that are available for all levels of members. They also have tons of activities for kids. We love the YMCA!"

1 5 4 2

HAUTE YOGIS

"Haute Yogis has been my go-to place for hot yoga. I love their vinyasa classes. It makes my body more flexible and toned up nicely."

CRISP & GREEN

"Crisp & Green is my go-to place when I crave a good bowl of proteins and veggies. Their food is always fresh, delicious and fulfilling."

Vivian isn't kidding the YMCA Fercho alone offers around a dozen group fitness classes per day during weekdays.

1. PROCESSED MEAT.

"Processed meats are preserved by smoking, salting, curing or adding chemical preservatives. They include deli meats, bacon and hot dogs. Eating processed meats increases your health risks such as cancer and heart disease. Try to eat things that are freshly cooked."

7 THINGS TO AVOID

2. COFFEE AFTER 3 P.M.

"Caffeine can disrupt your sleep up to six hours after consuming it, leading to an hour or more lost in rest, one study found. So if you want to start winding down and going to bed at 9 p.m., drinking coffee after 3 p.m. is a bad idea."

4. DRINK ICY COLD WATER IN WINTER.

3.

ELECTRONICS IN BED.

"Using electronic devices tends to delay the time when you actually go to sleep, reducing sleep duration. Technology affects the brain, stimulating your mind and making it harder to fall asleep."

"According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), cold water weakens the stomach and spleen. Drinking very cold water could impair digestion. The spleen aids in the assimilation of nutrients and their delivery to the rest of the body. An impaired spleen in the Chinese medicine tradition leads to faulty digestion, malabsorption of nutrients, increased risk of infections and illness, chronic bleeding and other health problems."

5.

EATING FOOD BEFORE GOING TO BED.

"When sleeping, our digestive system naturally slows down as our metabolism enters a resting state. Lying down in bed within an hour after eating can lead to symptoms such as indigestion, acid reflux, heartburn, and weight gain."

6. VIGOROUS EXERCISE DURING PERIOD.

"According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, a woman's menses is a time for rest. Your body is using a lot of energy to cleanse and empty the uterus and too much activity will deplete and exhaust the Qi and blood."

7. EXCESSIVE SODIUM. cut out caffeine after 10 a.m my sleep totally changed, better REM sleep, and not as many interruptions. Total game changer.

"High sodium consumption can raise blood pressure, and high blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke."

- Mike Dragosavich, Publisher

*Disclaimer: this is one of Vivian's products.

Approved VIVIAN

"Make sure to register for the Fargo Marathon. Races will be happening the entire week of May 15 and will include a full marathon, a half marathon, a 10K, a 5K, a youth run, a 26.2 mile cyclothon, a 15 mile cyclothon and a "Furgo Dog Run"

*Virtual runs are available as well.

"These supplement capsules have helped me feel less bloated. I take one in the morning, then one after lunch and dinner. I can feel my digestion has become better."

4. Nike Vaporfly 2

"The most comfortable running shoes I've ever owned. It provides great support to my arches. From a 10K to a marathon, it has the responsive cushioning and secure support to help push me towards my personal best."

"Small batch made by a former executive pastry chef from Manhattan, NYC, these gummies are my nighttime essentials to help me fall asleep and sleep through the night. Can't live without them."

What are health, wellness and beauty to you?

1. "This was shocking for me to learn as anyone who has worked out around Vivian knows that she can get after it! I would've thought fitness had been a lifelong passion."

- Brady Drake, Editorial Director

2. "I've tried doing the 16:8 intermittent fasting cycle multiple times with great results. I don't do it all the time, but when I am having digestive issues or feeling inflamed in my joints, it seems to be the perfect remedy to get things calmed down."

-

Brady Drake, Editorial Director

To me, they are all connected. When you eat healthy, exercise and maintain low stress levels, you feel good about yourself from the inside out.

Many people have seen you exercising around town, what does your fitness routine look like?

My fitness routine consists of running, indoor cycling, weight-lifting and hot yoga. In the summer, I try to run 5k daily. In winter, I'd try running 5k on treadmills at least three times a week. I love running.

Have these things always been important to you? If not, when/ how did you start your wellness journey?

The funny thing is that I never worked out in my life until I met my then boyfriend and now

husband Jeff in my mid 20s. 1 He's the one who inspired me to work out, stay in shape and take good care of myself. When I first started working out, I could barely do it for 30 minutes. I hired a personal trainer and worked out with her routinely. I now have transformed into teaching indoor cycling classes as a group fitness instructor.

What are some health/ beauty options in town that you have utilized that have not already been listed?

• Mojo Fit Studios

• Indigo Bloom Yoga & Wellness

• Chapter Aesthetic Studio Fargo

With your business in town, your expansion in MN, your family and your wellness routine, how do you manage it all? Do you have any tips for readers?

When I'm not traveling for business, I maintain my routine by going to the gym daily. When I travel, I make

sure the hotel I stay at would have a fitness room so that I can go and get my 5k run in. Another tip is that I do intermittent fasting. 2 I don't eat my first meal until after noon and I maintain my feeding window between noon to 7 p.m. Intermittent fasting has helped me cleanse and less bloated.

Did you know? Indigo Bloom Offers $10 college classes.

Did you know? Chapter Aesthetic Studio used to be called Rejuv.

Did you know?

Picks VIVIAN'S

Shop

"The Asian & American Market is my favorite local grocery store to buy ingredients for my Asian cooking. They have a great selection of Asian vegetables, seafood, seasonings, dimsums, rice and noodles. And, their new space is three times bigger than their previous location."

Follow

Instagram: @melrobbins

"Mel Robbins has been a huge inspiration for me. She's motivated me to take action instead of sitting and waiting for things to happen. She also shares her vulnerability and her journey of combating anxiety in life."

Buy

"If you are like me and you love hot yoga, you should invest in this Liforme Mindful Garden Yoga Mat. It's PVC free and biodegradable. Made with non-toxic materials. It provides the ultimate non-slip surface for your Yoga practice. Staying grippy even when ‘sweaty-wet’ for a safe and stable practice."

Mel Robbins was the keynote speaker at the FMWF Chamber of Commerce Women Connect event in 2022.

Read

"If you ever feel lost about yourself, I highly recommend you read this book. It's soulful and uproarious, forceful and tender. " Glennon Doyle is both an intimate memoir and a galvanizing wake-up call. It is the story of how one woman learned that a responsible mother is not one who slowly dies for her children, but one who shows them how to fully live."

"Although there isn't a ton of road space for running, Orchard Glen Park in Fargo has some great trail running. And, if you go at the right time, you might be able to pick your post workout meal from one of the many fruiting trees the park has to offer."

Listen Download

"I highly recommend The Diary of a CEO podcast if you are looking for an unfiltered journey into the remarkable stories of some of the most influential people who have defined culture, achieved greatness and created stories worth studying. Each episode discovers untold truths, unlearned lessons, unheard struggles and important insights."

- Brady Drake, Editorial Director

"The Lindenwood trail is easily one of my favorite paths in the metro to run on. When our office used to be downtown, my lunch could easily turn into a seven miler with all that beauty around me!"

- Brady Drake, Editorial Director

MapMyRun - "I've been using this app to track my runnings for years. It's accurate and it has everything to track my running performance."

Headspace - "A great app to help me meditate and relax. I love the British accent choice."

Did you know?

Headspace has a "Headspace for Work" option to help businesses unlock their full potential.

• MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE

• MISS NORTH DAKOTA 2021

• LOCAL INFLUENCER

• WRITER/ BLOGGER

• OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST

Reyna (Bergstrom)Asheim

HEALTH, WELLNESS AND BEAUTY TRENDSETTER

BY GRANT AYERS

Photo by Kara Lee

WHY DID WE PICK REYNA? RESUMÉ

We picked Reyna for her immense efforts to improve the Fargo-Moorhead area using her platform. She grew her platform through her work with Miss North Dakota and Miss America.

It wasn't until Reyna's fourth effort competing for Miss North Dakota that she was crowned the prestigious title in 2021.

After winning, Reyna was on her way to Connecticut to compete in the 100 Year anniversary of Miss America. Over the next nine days and nights, Reyna's time was filled with orientations, interviews, rehearsals and much more!

She described her time competing for Miss America as "an experience that I will never forget and I am proud to have played my part in adding to a century's worth of phenomenal women who have and will continue to positively change the world".

Today, she's continuing to support her initiative, "The Influencer Era: Impact Beyond the Screen," which highlights the dire situation of screen time in today's tech-heavy culture. Furthermore, she's continuing to champion shopping locally and supporting other businesses in the Fargo-Moorhead community. Continue reading to learn which businesses she advocates for and more!

Did you know?

The Miss America Organization is the leading provider of scholarships to women in the United States!

Reyna has been a part of The Miss America Organization for over seven years, holding titles including Miss Badlands, Miss HollyDazzle and Miss State Capitol.

Reyna gives back to the community through consistent volunteering and giving support to the community's arts scene. Read further to learn more!

After graduating with a communication degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, Reyna is now a Senior Marketing Specialist for Sanford Health, continuing to impact those in the local community!

Photo Courtesy of Tessie Jones Schwanke

Photo Courtesy of John Geyerman

Photo Courtesy of Lindsay Kaye Photography

HEALTH, WELLNESS AND BEAUTY

Places to Go

BERGSTROM AESTHETICS

"Bergstrom Aesthetics is a medical spa that was started by my dad in 2018. For years, my dad— who is an ophthalmologist with his own clinic—has had a fascination with skincare prevention and decided that he wanted to integrate this interest into his eye clinic. A few words from my dad:

One of the most unique services offered at Blushed Beauty is their medical tattooing, "A corrective and restorative procedure using custom blended pigments to camouflage an area of skin including scalp micropigmentation." They also offer eyebrow microblading, eyeliner microblading, lip blushing and areola & nipple tattooing .

“I have always had a strong interest in functional and cosmetic treatments of the eye area. I love the artistic component of cosmetic surgeries and treatments I was the first North Dakota medical doctor to provide Botox treatments for both functional problems as well as cosmetic treatments back in 1995. I was one of the original founders of Rejuv Medspa twenty years ago and the Medical Director at Hair Success for fifteen years. In 2018, space became available in my office to open my own medical spa and it's been wonderful to provide these services to our patients directly in our office.” -

Dr. Lance Bergstrom

"My dad’s entrepreneurial spirit has inspired me in my own pursuit of opportunities while having a spirit of curiosity, courage, and collaboration."

Although the Edgewood Ski Chalet is the only place to offer rentals, there are eight other trails to enjoy in Fargo alone. Head to fargoparks.com/crosscountry-ski-trials for more information.

Bergstrom Aesthetics doesn't stop with their Oxygeneo Superfacial , they also offer Opus Plasma treaments, derma filler, botox & dysport, chemical peels, spectrum laser treatements and microlasering. 1 2 3

BLUSHED BEAUTY BAR

"During my year as Miss North Dakota, I started getting eyelash extensions to save me time while getting ready for the many appearances where I needed to look 'photo ready.' Although these lashes are both a financial and time investment, they cut the time of my morning makeup routine in half. Not to mention, I always looked forward to my monthly appointment with Tanya at BBB; she always took great care of me and made me feel beautiful not only on the outside but on the inside, too."

EDGEWOOD SKI CHALET

"One of my favorite Fargo winter outings is to go cross-country skiing at Edgewood. For $15, you can rent a pair of skis at the chalet and explore the trail system that is maintained by Fargo Parks."

REYNA'S

Photo Courtesy of Liz Courtney Photography

Photo Courtesy of Reyna Bergstrom

Did you know?

While your YMCA Fercho and YMCA Schlossman passes won't grant you full-time membership to Family Wellness, you do get 12 passes per year to the facility.

4 5

"While having a gym that you enjoy isn’t essential for improving your physical fitness, it certainly makes it easier to turn that goal into a reality! I began going to Family Wellness when it first opened its doors over a decade ago, and I’ve always loved the gym for its natural light, variety of class offerings at multiple hours throughout the day, and the people who are now friends."

Did you know?

"This locally owned restaurant is currently one of my husband and I’s go-to dinner spots. Healthy, delicious, quick and the service is always excellent! I typically will order edamame for an appetizer and then Build My Own Bowl with a base of white rice, mixed greens and salmon for the main protein. A few of my favorite toppings include avocado, mango, seaweed salad, furikake and yum yum sauce. The Dragon Bowl is also delicious!"

Poke is a traditional Hawaiian food! Photo Courtesy of Reyna Bergstrom

NINJA RAMEN POKE BOWL

FAMILY WELLNESS

5 HEALTH HACKS: TIPS TO MINIMIZE SCREEN TIME

"Especially in the cold months, it’s easy to get lost in our screens; however, it’s important to balance our time with real-life activities. During my year as Miss North Dakota, I spoke on the importance of prioritizing in-person connection and shared these tips for decreasing screen time!"

Did you know?

While Blue light, the type of light found in our most common devices, can disrupt our circadian rhythm, Red light is the color that least affects your sleep cycle.

1.

FACE DOWN TO FACE FORWARD

"Hide your phone so it’s not visible, look up! A 2012 study from the University of Essex demonstrated that merely having a cell phone visible in the room—even if no one checked it—made people less likely to develop a sense of intimacy and empathetic understanding during meaningful conversations. Initiate faceto-face conversation! Work towards choosing people over the device."

3. BLACK & WHITE

"Turn your display to black & white under Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Color Filters. Believe it or not, even color is addictive!"

2.

LIMIT SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE—PRACTICAL TIPS

"Set a time limit on apps (or, for your device in general!) and keep yourself accountable. When the timer goes off, engage in another activity and commit to not getting sucked into your device. Turn off the notifications so you’re not tempted to click into the app every time there’s a new number hovering above the icon. Move your social apps to the last screen on your phone so it’s not as convenient to click into the apps when you’re on your phone."

4. 30-MINUTE RULE

"For the first thirty minutes and final thirty minutes of your day, make it a goal to not be on your phone or any device. Instead, try doing something that will quiet and center your mind and soul. Journaling, meditating, praying or reading a devotional are all great practices!"

5. DIGITAL DETOX

"Believe it or not, it's OKAY to take a break from social media! Sure, you might not be the first to know of Kim Kardashian’s newest product, but could that in fact be all right? I don’t know about you, but there are many times when social media overwhelms me, and the hours that I spent on these apps displace the time that should be used for other activities. I encourage you to try deleting your socials and any addictive apps for a day, week, month or however long you feel is a healthy break and worthwhile reset for you. Instead of letting technology control your life, use it for its intended purpose: as a tool. You are the one with the responsibility to take charge of how you use it, and it’s important to remember that “real world” interactions are always going to be more fulfilling at the end of the day."

Photo Courtesy of Reyna Bergstrom

7 TIPS FOR WINNING A FARGO WINTER

"Being someone who strives to stay active and loves being outdoors as much as possible (when the weather permits), I’ve experienced my fair share of wrestling through Fargo’s long frigid winters. Yes, living much of my life in one of the coldest climates in the world, I’ve come to view these winter months as a time to embrace my introverted creative side; however, aside from having time for personal projects, I realize that there continues to be a lot happening throughout the FM community to become involved with—if we so choose to brave venturing out into the cold to show up!"

1. CREATIVE PROJECTS

"Watercolor painting, scrapbooking, making movies, writing poetry, composing or playing music… tap into your creative side instead of scrolling TikTok (or, use TikTok to first get inspired in researching an idea)!"

2. COOKING NEW CUISINES

"Something I’ve been challenging myself with lately is stepping outside of my comfort zone in cooking new cuisines. Greek, Indian and Peruvian cuisines are a few that I currently have on my radar!"

3. PLAN SOMETHING

Creative Cuisine

Reyna has been getting into cooking Greek Indian and Peruvian cuisines lately. If you want to tantalize your taste buds, check out these options below!

ForGreekspecialtyfoods try shopping at Somali Halal Food Market which carries a ton of Mediterranean ingredients.

ForIndianrecipes try Himalayan Grocery, Namaste Grocery or Lotus Blossom.

Don'tfeellikecooking? (SorryReyna)

Organizations and businesses offering art classes in the area include:

The Art Bar

THEARTBARWFGO.COM

Fargo Parks

FARGOPARKS.COM/ YOUTHPROGRAM/ARTCLASSES

Plains Art Museum PLAINSART.ORG

"A weekend getaway to Detroit Lakes, staycation, brunch or hosting a party… in the middle of winter, I think it’s important to have something fun to look forward to in getting us through the darkness. Take initiative and make something happen!"

You can find some great Greek food at GP's Greek Kitchen, Ishtar, Tati's Mediterranean Saveur, New Gyro and Café Aladdin.

Currently in the local area are:

Himalayan Yak, Passage to India, India Palace Super Casual Restaurant, India Street Food Fargo (located inside Fargo Fresh Groceries) and Momo's N More.

EXPERT TIP:

If you are looking for a spot, the newly renovated Hotel Donaldson might be the perfect option with its location in the heart of downtown Fargo.

At Himalayan Yak, you can order in Mild, Medium, Hot and Extra Hot, but you can also order in 2x Extra Hot, 4x Extra Hot, etc. all the way up to 20x Extra Hot!!!

TIPS FOR WINNING A FARGO WINTER

4. VOLUNTEER

"There are countless opportunities to get involved with local businesses, nonprofits and organizations throughout the FM community. Just because a business doesn’t outwardly advertise an opportunity doesn’t mean that they aren’t open to welcoming volunteers. If you’re looking to give your time, try connecting with your church, local shelters, schools, food pantries or any organization that you feel drawn to. There are volunteer opportunities everywhere if you choose to seek them.

While still a student at Concordia, I spent my college summers working at a bible camp in western Montana called Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp. It was during those summers that I fell in love with both the great outdoors and student ministry. After graduating, I knew that I wanted to continue working with students because I saw the impact that having a positive role model with a supportive community had on their lives. Since 2018, I’ve spent my Wednesday evenings at Hope Lutheran Church mentoring and hanging out with their youth. I currently lead a high school small group (as part of their High School Ministry program) who in turn challenge and encourage me in my own faith journey. It is both humbling and inspiring to walk alongside these students who are so refreshingly honest, spirited and authentically themselves. In addition to volunteering at Hope, I sing in FM Choral Artists, an auditioned 78-member community choir, that feeds my love and passion for music

Thirdly, I look forward to continuing my involvement in the Miss America Organization as a lifetime volunteer in various capacities. The Miss North Dakota Organization, which is the state chapter of MAO, is regularly looking for volunteers to help with local competitions, recruitment, fundraising and more to name a few. I’m excited to continue giving back to the organization that has tremendously impacted my professional development and growth as a young woman."

5. THE ARTS

"The arts are vibrant and alive throughout our community! The FM Symphony, Fargo-Moorhead Opera Company, FMChoral Artists, Plains Art Museum, NDSU, Concordia, MSUM, M State and local high school performances… there are productions and events happening weekly that you can attend. Or, if you want to become involved more directly and audition or volunteer, that’s an option too! Check out the Arts Partnership’s event calendar to see more."

6.

LETTER WRITING

"It saddens me to think that the art of writing letters could be dying. I have friends who have told me that they just don’t know what to write; well, you won’t know until you put the pen down onto the paper! It could be as simple as a postcard. Find your favorite landscape photos from the past year and turn them into postcards and write an inspirational quote or a few words of encouragement.

It’s no secret that writing a letter is not convenient. Of all the forms of communication, sitting down with a pen and paper, finding an envelope, purchasing a stamp and then proceeding to bring that parcel of paper to the nearest post office (or mailbox) is not exactly the pinnacle of easy communication. But, perhaps that’s not the point and is in fact the true beauty of doing it: because it takes time, it feels intentional. It’s because of the effort it takes that makes letter writing feels more impactful and meaningful. And let’s be honest, when we receive a letter in the mail from a friend, does it not brighten your day? In the past, I’ve received letters that have not only brightened my day, but made my entire week and have reminded me of the power of being intentional.

Since I was a little girl, I’ve loved writing letters. And to be honest, I wholeheartedly believe it has sustained some of my long

Did you know?

Passage to India was featured on Guy Fieri's Diners, Driveins and Dives in 2021!

distance relationships, especially before social media was a part of everyday life. However, even now in the digital age that we live in, I continue to hold the perspective that letter writing can have the potential to nurture, sustain and solidify relationships— regardless of distance and time. I recently had a friend who returned from living abroad for four months and during that time, she and her boyfriend only communicated through letters. Although they could have easily called one another, because they only communicated via letters each letter received was that much more sweet and full of anticipation. Upon her arrival back in the states, he asked her to marry him to which she wholeheartedly said yes!

In my own letters, I like to reflect on my life and then ask questions of the person to whom I’m writing. I might even draw a little doodle or include a recent favorite quote. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just intentional. And I promise, whoever you're sending that letter to won’t forget it—because there is power in pausing to use words that feel intentional. "

7.

READ

"I have a random list of roughly twenty books that I’m slowly trying to get through, but the top of the list includes:

1. "The Great Alone" by Kristin Hannah

2. "Spare" by Prince Harry

3. "A Man Called Ove" by Fredrik Backman

I’m also a fan of “coffee table books” that include big vibrant photos and tales that inspire me, so, currently, on my living room table I have “Gastro Obscura | A Food Adventurer’s Guide” and “The Hidden Tracks | Wanderlust off the Beaten Path” which have both been fun and fascinating to page through with a cup of coffee in hand on my slow Saturday mornings."

1. Passage to India

"I recently had lunch with a friend at Passage to India and my goodness, while dining in I was reminded of the deliciousness of Indian food. My order included garlic naan, Tikka Masala and a Mango Lassi, and they all absolutely hit the spot!

A few of my other favorite local eats include ordering the Nordic Lamb sandwich from Bernbaum’s and the Yellow Curry (with chicken) from Sirirath Thai House. I think the reason why I especially love these restaurants and dishes is because they’re meals that I have yet to be able to replicate at home! The service is also exceptional."

2. Lole Lilly Bag

"The best everything bag! I use this as my gym bag but it can be used for so much more."

3. Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1

HEALTH,

WELLNESS AND BEAUTY

4. Nichole's Cafe

"I struggle to list just one. I love Nichole’s Cafe; every time I dine in, I order one of their loose-leaf teas steamed with milk and pretend that I’m actually in France at an artisan bakery. I’m also a big fan of Thunder Coffee (for their big south-facing windows, kindness, and delicious and unique seasonal specials. Red River Coffee Company, Steep Me a Cup of Tea, and The Grove Coffee and Wine also make my Top 5 Best F-M Meet-Up Spots."

HEALTH, WELLNESS AND BEAUTY

Picks REYNA'S

Adam Grant (@adamgrant)

"I first heard Adam Grant on the Armchair Expert Podcast a few years ago and have followed him online ever since. An organizational psychologist, professor and podcast host, his daily Instagram posts offer truth bombs of wisdom."

Nicole Renard (@nicole_thenomad)

"A former Miss Washington, we first met in 2014 through a program called Distinguished Young Women and I’ve kept up with her ever since. Nicole became TikTok famous because of her incredible smoothie bowl recipes, but she shares so much more beyond food and explores topics pertaining to travel, faith and living a fuller life on her Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. "

Bohemian Blu Studio

"Locally made Scandinavian-inspired artisan jewelry! This husband and wife team is as creative as they are kind. You can find their collections at the Red River Market in the summer and fall."

Follow Shop Buy

Bobbi Brown Face Base

"A bit of a splurge, I recently found this vitamin-enriched skin primer at Ulta and I love it!"

Sunbetter Sunscreen Compact

"I’m a firm believer that preserving the youthfulness of skin comes from diligently applying sunscreen and wearing hats. I love this specific face sunscreen because it can act as a primer and I’m also able to reapply it over my makeup without getting oily. It’s available for purchase at Bergstrom Aesthetics."

Did you know?

Most of the pieces created and sold through Bohemian Blu Studio are one-of-a-kind.

Read

“The Ride of a Lifetime” by Bob Iger (CEO of Disney)

"This is a leadership book, but the lessons shared by Iger can ripple into any area of life, including health and wellness. As someone who is fascinated by media, communication and storytelling, I found it inspiring to read Iger’s perspective on leading a multi-billion dollar creative company through a time of exponential technological change."

Listen

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

"My sister, Rikka, introduced me to this podcast just a few months ago. My favorite podcasts to listen to are interviews, and this podcast highlights the stories and perspectives of some of the most brilliant minds in the world. This #1 Health podcast is hosted by Jay Shetty, a former Monk, and his mission is to make wisdom go viral."

Goal Digger with Jenna Kutcher

"Business, marketing, health and wellness...Minnesota native Jenna Kutcher covers it all."

Download

AllTrails

"I use this anytime I'm looking for a new hike. It gives easy-to-navigate maps, reviews, photos and current weather/trail conditions! During my year as Miss North Dakota, I spent a considerable amount of time in the western part of the state, specifically around the Williston region. Conveniently, Williston is located just an hour's drive from the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, so I made it a priority during my year to stop and explore (weather permitting) on my way to Williams County. A few of my favorite hikes that I discovered included Sperati Point via Achenbach Trail and Prairie Dog Town via Buckhorn Trail. Another trail system in North Dakota that I’d like to explore is the Maah Daah Hey Trail, which encompasses over 144 miles of breathtaking terrain: majestic plateaus, jagged peaks and valleys, large expanses of rolling prairie, and intertwining rivers that offer pure, unadulterated wilderness. On the All Trails app, I currently have the Bennett-Maah Daah Hey-Cottonwood Loop saved to my Future Hikes list."

BeReal

"BeReal is a social media app that asks users to post unfiltered photos of themselves once a day. It's meant to encourage people to be more authentic, instead of trying to present their best selves. It's not just another social media. I use it as a daily journal of my life!"

"My husband Collin and I love to stop at the Painted Canyon of Theodore Roosevelt National Park for a short hike every time we road trip west, weather permitting."

Photo Courtesy of Reyna Bergstrom

What are health, wellness and beauty to you?

In some form or another, I think all of us want to feel beautiful and crave validation for being so; however, that kind of fulfillment can’t last forever. All too often, we forget that beauty is a subjective construct and that the opinions of those around us do not ultimately hold value over our worth and perception of self-beauty; what matters is that each of us are loved and we deserve to be reminded of that fact daily.

I believe that the formula for true beauty, and ultimately optimal health and wellness, is actually quite simple: genuinely and confidently love others (along with yourself!) and you’ll be amazed at the result. When you care for others along with yourself, people take notice not only because it’s externally attractive but because it’s refreshingly pure. And when we care for ourselves, we simultaneously begin to feel connected to and realigned with our truest selves—which I believe are all key characteristics of optimal mental health and wellness.

What are your next steps with your social impact initiative, “The Influencer Era: Impact Beyond the Screen”?

My “why” behind wanting to be Miss North Dakota was always my desire to be a positive role model, especially for young people Over the course of this past year, I’ve spread the message to students across North Dakota about the importance of relationships and how our true impact happens beyond the screen. Face-to-face interactions are crucial because bonds are strengthened when reinforced by the physical. Things like looking another person in the eyes, giving them a hug or simply nodding and smiling while you listen emphasize the fact that you are there for them

While encouraging young people to get off of their devices, I’ve had conversations with them about the importance of healthy social media usage and reminded them that it’s each of our responsibilities to choose how we use technology proactively. After my year as Miss North Dakota wrapped in June 2022, my speaking engagements took to the back burner (as I planned a wedding and began a new job); however, although I may no longer be Miss North Dakota, I hope to continue speaking and scaling my message to encompass mental health initiatives throughout North Dakota and beyond

"Now this is a mission that I can get behind!"

- Grant Ayers, Editor

How has competing in Miss North Dakota impacted/ benefited your initiative, as well as your other ventures?

I didn’t win the first time I competed for Miss North Dakota, nor the second or even the third. It wasn’t until my fourth time competing and final year of eligibility that I finally won the crown. And even then, although I knew I had a good chance, I didn’t expect to win. Frankly, I don’t think any of us should necessarily expect anything in life but instead, we should approach everything we do with humble confidence, a willingness to work hard (if we intend to be competitive) and a spirit of respect for others—of their perspectives, opinions and goals.

My pursuit of becoming Miss North Dakota was years in the making. Throughout the process, I learned the importance of perseverance, resilience and leaning on my community. Although it might sound cliche, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the friends and family who helped me throughout my journey. Becoming Miss North Dakota was undoubtedly a springboard for opportunities and relationships, including gaining a new family member—my soon-to-be sister-in-law who was my Miss Oregon!

"I think that this is a great way of looking at health and beauty!"

- Grant Ayers, Editor

What do you love about the local community?

I absolutely love this city. Having grown up in Fargo-Moorhead and spent the majority of my young adult years here, it’s been inspiring to watch this community evolve and transform into a Midwest cultural hub with strong Scandinavian roots. I remember when I graduated from Oak Grove Lutheran High School in 2014, I was so excited to leave and live elsewhere. However, the more I travel and see the world, the more I realize how grateful I am to be from Fargo and to call this city my home.

From hearing entrepreneurs speak weekly at StartUpBREW to seeing farmers and makers share their products and creations at the Red River Market, these are just a few of the events that display how this city’s identity is strong and our desire for connection is growing. Fargo-Moorhead is an incubator for creative minds and collective imagining, and I am so proud to be from North Dakota, specifically Fargo—a community that breathes such life and connection.

Support HOW TO REYNA

Instagram: @reynabergy

TikTok: @reynabergy

YouTube: @reynabergy

Web: reynakristine.com

LinkedIn: @ReynaAsheim

What is your primary venture/focus for 2023?

In 2022, I got engaged to the love of my life, passed on the Miss North Dakota title, started a new job on the marketing team at Sanford Health, planned a destination wedding and became the wife of my best friend in the entire world. It was a year full of many big (and small!) impactful moments in various spheres of my life with lots of change and consequently not a lot of routine. In 2023, I’m looking forward to finding my stride—specifically by prioritizing both my physical and mental health by being active, making time for creative projects and investing in lifegiving relationships. Perhaps these goals may sound somewhat cliché and typical, but I wholeheartedly believe that when we take care of ourselves, we are able to more fully show up for and serve those around us. As the saying goes, you can’t pour from a half-empty glass, right? Throughout the coming year, I’m choosing to prioritize a regular fitness routine along with investing time into creative projects; I’m hoping to make more art (specifically, watercolor and acrylic painting), contribute my writing to publications, and perhaps my biggest project, I want to dive more intentionally into my photography and transition it

from being purely a hobby to a business pursuit I have earned over $20,000 in cash scholarships from competing in Miss North Dakota and I intend to use those dollars for business, marketing and photography education. Finally, and in my opinion, the most important goal, I’m choosing to pursue life-giving relationships. I’m blessed with many incredible people in my life, and I want to make sure that these individuals feel seen, heard and valued. My husband, Collin, is a third-year medical student at the University of North Dakota, so I want to do my best to support and encourage him however I can (and plan fun trips when his schedule permits). I want to invest time into connecting with my group of high school students that I mentor at Hope Lutheran Church, my wonderful team of coworkers and my family. As I alluded to earlier, my brother is getting married this summer to the gal who was my Miss Oregon (yes, they met because of Miss America), so it will be fun to support them throughout these months of engagement and then, of course, their marriage. Ultimately, I’m a believer that it’s our relationships in this life that are the most important thing. So, I hope to love bigger, deeper and fuller and make these relationships and goals a true priority in my life.

Reyna at Maplewood State Park with her dog, Ole!

Photo Courtesy of Reyna Bergstrom

Melanie Iverson

HEALTH AND WELLNESS TRENDSETTER

BY BRADY DRAKE

• FOUNDER OF MOSAIC INTERIOR DESIGN

• EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF LADYBOSS LIFESTYLE

• SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR

• MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE

• FITNESS ENTHUSIAST

• MOTHER

Photo by Josiah Kopp

WHY DID WE PICK MELANIE?

1.

SHE HAS BEEN A CHAMPION OF WOMEN IN THE COMMUNITY

From founding a nonprofit with a mission to help female business owners improve and scale, to starting the mosaic district which houses eight female entrepreneurs to becoming the new Executive Director of Ladyboss Lifestyle, an organization that started to strengthen the presence and power of women in the Midwest business community, Melanie has made it her mission to support women.

2.

SHE IS DEEPLY INGRAINED IN THE COMMUNITY

In addition to everything listed above, Melanie has started a handful of other businesses during her career and is currently the founder of Mosaic Interior Design. All of these experiences have allowed her to make countless connections in the community.

SHE PLACES A HIGH PRIORITY ON WELLNESS 3.

Throughout the years, Melanie has been very vocal about her former struggles with addiction, anxiety and self-sabotage. Through those struggles, she has found a renewed sense of purpose and shares her steps for betterment with those around her.

About Ladyboss Lifestyle

Ladyboss Lifestyle, formerly known as Ladyboss Midwest, is an organization founded to connect and empower women through digital and in-person events, creating community for and with women. Ladyboss Lifestyle offers events like their yearly retreat, monthly events and connection opportunities through their weekly podcast, online community, newsletters and social media platforms.

Did you know?

Ladyboss Lifestyle

Group on Facebook has 9.5K members and a total of 20k followers/ subscribers across all platforms.

5

HEALTH HACKS FOR FARGO

76 for a

1.

WHEN IN DOUBT, SWEAT IT OUT.

"I'm obsessed with hot yoga. The class has to be at least 95 degrees and nothing is more soothing for my soul—and my body—than a good Bikram or Vinyasa flow. Hot yoga feels more like a good therapy session than a workout, especially in the winter. Right now, my favorite places to go are Yuj Yoga and Indigo Bloom Yoga & Wellness."

Did you know?

3.

LIFT WEIGHTS.

"As a woman, I used to worry that I would bulk up if I lifted heavy weights. I'd do all the cardio, which was fine, but I noticed how much quicker I hit my fitness goals when I included weights in my regime. I used to be intimidated but I downloaded an app that shows me exactly what to lift and helps me track my progress when I'm working out at the Y Downtown."

5.

2.

SPLURGE ON GOOD SKIN CARE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES.

"I used to buy cheap facial products. The year I became Mrs. North Dakota International 2020, I decided that I would take the time to learn what was best for my skin. I went to Fargo Center for Dermatology and their team put together the perfect plan for my skin. I could immediately tell the difference and I felt so much more confident wearing less makeup."

4. REST. REST. REST.

"Learn how to be still. In the last number of years, I've been practicing 'active rest'. It's difficult for me to sit still and do nothing. By turning off the screens and reading a good book, or taking time to journal, my body is still but my mind is occupied. It helps center my mind so that I can be present when I need to be."

FIND A FRIEND OR COMMUNITY WHO CAN SUPPORT YOUR GOALS.

"I used to think that I didn't like group classes. Turns out, I'm much more likely to stick to whatever I'm doing when I had even just one person who knows my name or can hold me accountable. I also push myself harder when I'm able to celebrate small wins with someone else. I love the community and vibe at Fly Fitness."

Check page

feature on Yuj Yoga Founder Allison Grippe.

Mrs. North Dakota International 2022 was Misty Ibach.

FLY FITNESS

"I love the community, the coaches and the vision behind Fly. It’s never about competing with the person next to you, but instead it’s about believing that all ships will rise together. I also love that it’s downtown."

5 Places to Go MELANIE'S

TWENTY BELOW COFFEE CO.

Melanie is not the only trendsetter suggesting Fly Fitness in this magazine. If we had to guess, we think it's definitely worth a try.

46 NORTH PINTS & PROVISIONS

"I’m a sucker for a good salad, especially with new goals for the new year. One of my favorites is the Spinach Berry Salad at 46 North and I always add salmon for the extra omega 3, 6, & 9s. If I can eat my vitamins, rather than take them, I’ll do it!"

LOVELY LASH COMPANY

1 2 4

"My desk at work looks like a supplement pharmacy and my extra strength turmeric pills sit front and center!"

- Brady Drake, Editorial Director

"Going to 20 Below Coffee is like going to the caffeinated version of Cheers. I feel like everyone knows my name and my drink. I am also obsessed with their bottomless Turmeric Tea, which also fights inflammation!" 3

"When I’m going to spoil myself, I’ll stop in at the Lovely Lash Company for a lash nap. Their chairs are so comfortable and I’m passionate about supporting locally-owned, female ran businesses."

NAILTIQUE

"I don’t get my nails done often, but if I have something special to go to, I will see Krystal at Nailtique. She’s so fast and friendly! I absolutely loved what she did for my nails."

Lovely Lash Company cofounder Brea Binstock is a veteran of the Army National Guard and was featured in Fargo INC!'s 2021 veteran issue.

Photo by Krystal Nelson

Kayak rentals are available at Lindenwood Rentals for just $10 an hour!

1. Mas Tequila

"One of my favorite restaurants right now is Mas Tequila. I love to sneak away from work for their lunch menu. They are the only place in town with empanadas and I'm obsessed with them."

2. Ritual Prenatal Vitamin

"I recently had a baby and started taking these vitamins while I was pregnant. My hair, nails and skin have never naturally looked better!"

3. Sephora Lip Gloss: Glossed in #Blessed

"I really don't love wearing a ton of lipstick, but love lip gloss. I recently found this Sephora brand lip gloss and am obsessed. It's the perfect nude and compliments my minimalistic approach to make up wearing!"

4. The Red River

"In the summers, I like to walk or bike along the Lindenwood trail. Sometimes, I grab my hammock, a book and snacks and chill by the river for hours. I've also rented and borrowed kayaks. I drop them in the red and go upstream first so I can float back and relax. A lot of people leave town for the lakes so it's always really quiet and peaceful."

Shop

"Mint + Basil is one of my favorite home decor, apparel and accessories stores downtown. I love the vibe, along with their beauty accessories and eccentric book selection."

Tip: If you want a unique gift for a friend or relative, this is your jam.

Follow @createthelove

"Create the Love is a great account that Mark Groves runs. It's all about human connection, healthy relationships and has relatable memes that make me laugh."

Buy

"

IT Cosmetics Superhero Elastic Stretch

Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara is amazing. My makeup bag is simple, so I want what I buy to make a huge impact. This mascara tricks people into thinking I've purchased lashes. It lengthens mine, brightening my eyes and helping me look better rested, even with the 7-month-old at home!"

"The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do In Life and Business"

by Charles Duhigg was life-changing. I wanted to create new habit loops and patterns in my life, like working out, not see-sabotaging my diet or professional goals, etc. This book helped me slow down and learn how to create better habits and retrain my brain to think differently about goals, habits and the future."

"Everything Happens For a Reason"

by Kate Bowler has inspired me over the last couple of years. Kate bucks the saying, 'Everything Happens for a Reason,' after discovering stage four cancer in her body. It addresses toxic positivity while continuing to inspire people that they can overcome obstacles in their lives. When bad things happen, it's ok to reflect, rest and discover a way of thinking that isn't victim-focused. It beautifully holds the space of the unknown."

BodySpace - "This app shows me exactly what workouts I need to follow based on my goals, enters it into a calendar and makes going to the gym much less intimidating.

I love the YMCA Fercho. I love that it has been a staple downtown for years. It is super close to where I work. I love the staff. And I'm obsessed with sitting in the sauna, especially during the winter! As a new mom to a sevenmonth-old, I like that I can bring my baby with me and drop him off in the childcare center."

1. "This is what I try to do! I think it's important to pay attention to how you feel rather than how many calories you are consuming."

- Brady Drake, Editorial Director

What are health, wellness and beauty to you?

I’ve stopped looking so much at my weight when it comes to my health. 1 I used to count calories and obsess over the number. Today, I’m more concerned about how my clothes fit and if I’m getting the right kind of calories. Personal beauty is more about walking in confidence, not comparing myself to other people. I used to try to copy what others were doing that looked good on them, and have invested more time in focusing on what makes me feel good about myself, imperfections and all.

How have your views on those things evolved over time?

What is something you have been doing lately that you are proud of in regard to these things?

I had a baby after 40-years-old and my body is just different than it was in my 20s. I’ve been mindful about giving myself grace for the season I’m in and celebrating the body that has re-created life three times, rather than shaming myself for not being in my skinny jeans.

What are some health/ beauty options in town that you have utilized that have not already been listed?

documenting it on Instagram. It includes journaling, camping and quiet kayak rides with a good book. One summer, I spent so much time on the water, just meditating. I’d bring my hammock with me, and just fall asleep on the side of the Red River. Learning how to be quiet took a lot of time.

2. Head to issuu. com/fmspotlight to check out the March 2020 issue of Fargo Monthly which is aptly name "Treat yo' Self" to find out more about some great options in town for self-care.

I used to limit my caloric intake and obsessively work out. Many years ago, it was unhealthy and I wasn’t even strong. I was only skinny. Today, I want to be strong enough to increase weights and challenge my strength. I used to be afraid of bulking up, but have realized that my body probably won’t do that with basic gym attendance and a healthy amount of cardio. These days, I wear much less makeup than I used to. So many times, I’d be putting it on and my teenage daughter would say, “Mom, you look better without it.” I’ve adopted that mentality and many days leave the house without it.

I love my hair stylist, Kristen Cigelski. She’s been doing my hair since I was 21 and I absolutely love what she does. I’ve really appreciated learning about how to take care of my skin at Fargo Center for Dermatology. I decided that if I invest more in my skin now, then I get to spend less on makeup!

What is one important lesson you have learned in your life that you think our readers should know about?

1. Self-care is more than what gym you go to and what vitamix you have. 2 Self-care includes taking silent walks without

2. As a woman, I’d spend so much time looking in the mirror, hating what I saw. It always felt disappointing because it didn’t match what I saw in magazines or on social media. Back then, I would never have called it selfhatred, but that’s what it was. One year, I went to a retreat where we were guided through an exercise of self-acceptance and healthy selflove. Part of the homework was to go home and bless the parts of our bodies we complained about. That night, I went home and looked at the stretch marks on my stomach. Marks I’d complained about when trying so hard to get a flat stomach after having kids. Instead of complaining, I thanked my body for reproducing life and blessed it. I went through all the parts of myself I didn’t like and blessed them with similar sentiments. It was very spiritual. Whenever I catch myself feeling down about extra weight or marks that I used to think should be photoshopped, I think back to that exercise and thank my body for the miracles it’s created.

Support HOW TO MELANIE

Instagram: @mosaicfargo

Instagram: @ladyboss_lifestyle_

Facebook: /ladybossfm

Twitter: @lotusmidwest

Linkedin: search Lotus Midwest

MOSAIC INTERIOR DESIGN LADYBOSS LIFESTYLE

FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM

• LOCAL INFLUENCER

• ENTREPRENEUR

• DEDICATED YOGI

Allison Grippe

HEALTH AND WELLNESS TRENDSETTER

BY BRADY DRAKE

Photo by Geneva Nodland

WHY DID WE PICK ALLISON?

A Fargo native, Allison Grippe has a deep connection to the Fargo-Moorhead area. However, it wasn't until 2014 that she began practicing yoga. In 2018, Allison suffered through a severe form of food poisoning, losing a ton of weight in the process. Since completing that, she has made a deep impact in her home community through the practice. She worked as an instructor, built an online following and even hosted practices on the roof of the Jasper Hotel in downtown Fargo. Eventually, she opened her own studio, Yuj Yoga.

Allison will continue to host rooftop yoga at the Jasper in 2023!

One of the more unique options for movement in the metro is FM Aerial & Movement Arts, a pole dancing and aerial silks studio in town that will give you a serious workout!

5

1. MOVE IN THE MORNING

"The oat milk matcha latte at Youngblood might be my favorite drink on planet Earth."

-Brady Drake, Editorial Director

"While it’s tempting to think of movement solely as a means for fitness or weight loss, it’s really much more about making you feel alive in your own body. Exercise and movement in the morning have a myriad of benefits including improved focus and productivity. I love rolling out my mat first thing in the morning knowing that I'll receive a boost of happiness."

3. DRINK TEA

"While some brews provide more health advantages than others, there's plenty of evidence that regularly drinking tea can have a lasting impact on your wellness. I recently started ordering a peach blossom tea at 20 Below Coffee and a matcha latte at Youngblood, and I do not regret that decision."

HEALTH HACKS FOR FARGO HAVE A PRODUCTIVE DAY

2.

"It feels great to accomplish something first thing in the morning. Any form of exercise can help you de-stress and prepare your mind, body and spirit for a productive day."

4. DID SOMEONE SAY CIDER?

"Did you know that Youngblood has hot apple cider on its menu? It's delicious and I often order it during the middle of the day when coffee isn't as appealing."

Downtown Yoga recently came under new ownership. You can checkout an exclusive interview with Fargo's newest favorite Kim Hobbs in the January issue of Fargo Monthly.

5. YOGA NIDRA

"Yoga Nidra literally means yogic sleep. It is a systematic practice of moving awareness from our external world to the inner world. I don't teach these classes but I enjoy taking them for the restorative benefits at my studio and Downtown Yoga."

Belle Ame offers customized skin care solutions for each client. Their services include microneedling, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, MicroCurrent and lash services.

"Skin plays such an important role in protecting your body. Maggie and her team at Belle Ame know exactly what services and products I need to stay radiant."

ALLISON'S

Places to Go

REYNA'S 1 4 5

"I have a love/hate relationship with my hot yoga bun. That is why I visit Niche Salon Studios in West Fargo. They offer deep conditioning services and are an inclusive salon that has a chair for everyone."

2

FLY FITNESS

"There are so many ways to stay active in Fargo. Fly Fitness is my favorite place to cycle and work on my endurance."

3

POWER PLATE MEALS

Power Plate Meals offers healthy, convenient cuisine that can be picked up or delivered. They even offer subscription plans

"Power Plate Meals are nutritious and convenient. I can preview the menu online and decide what I want to pick up or order."

SCRIBBLE LADY CO.

Founded by TikTok famous artist Hannah Stelter, Scribble Lady Co. sells a ton of her fantastic creations as well as the best glass pen kit on the market.

"Scribble Lady Co. screams body positivity. The art, the products and the staff all radiate good vibes. I make it a priority to visit the store every time I'm in Downtown Fargo."

BELLE AME

NICHE SALON

"My favorite dish in town is Bernbaum's vegan lox and eggs and I'm not even vegan!"

2. B Yoga Everyday Mat 4mm

"Buying a yoga mat is a big decision. I've had my B Yoga Everyday Mat for two years now and use it every day The grip is great for heated and non-heated classes. I recommend these mats to all of my students."

Approved ALLISON

3. Eminence Eight Greens Phyto Masque

"A salad for your face. This masque keeps my skin hydrated and glowing all winter long."

4. Paavani Hydrate Blend Tea

"This is one of the best tea blends I’ve ever had. I love the licorice and cinnamon combo. Plus, I know that this blend helps keep me hydrated after hot yoga or a long winter day."

Picks ALLISON'S

Follow

Instagram: @daniellelaporte

"If you enjoy deep thinking and meditating, Danielle Laporte is the spiritual leader to follow. Discover new ways to keep it real and be loving."

"Is gift-giving considered a hobby? I could treat my friends, loved-ones and yoga students to sweet gifts from Unglued every single day. It doesn't matter if it's a special occasion or a "just because" gift, I always find the best cards, candles and jewelry at Unglued. I'm excited to visit their new location inside Brewhalla this year."

Did you know?

Unglued is moving to Brewhalla!

"B Yoga Cork yoga blocks not only meet you where you are in your practice, they take you beyond where you ever thought you could go. With the support of blocks, we can better understand how to align and engage the body."

Read

"If you want to take your yoga from just asanas (the poses) to incorporating its principles in your everyday life "Living Your Yoga" by Judith Lasater is a great place to start. I read this book during my 200-hour yoga teacher training and continue to share it with my students in and outside of the studio."

Listen

"I highly suggest listening to Evolve by Erika. Erika is a kundalini yoga teacher that shares tips on how to get clear on what you want, shift your mindset, and elevate your vibration. “Episode 64: More On Manifestation” is currently my favorite."

Calm - "Find 3 to 25-minute guided meditations that promote deep rest. You don't need to be an expert to get started."

Insight Time - "Create a wellness routine at home. They have a breathwork category full of simple exercises."

What are health, wellness and beauty to you?

My approach to health, wellness and beauty may seem holistic. I believe real beauty comes from nurturing what is inside, and it shows in our mood, vitality and glow.

Why do you believe yoga is an important practice for people to incorporate?

In a world that promotes doing more, yoga reminds us to slow down and do less. I always tell people "we are human beings, not human doings." I believe everyone can benefit from taking time to rest and be present. It's in those moments that we can realign with what sets our soul on fire.

People often say things like, "Oh, I wouldn't be any good at yoga, I'm not flexible." Why should people reexamine that statement and how can beginners get involved in the practice?

Yoga is so much more than asana (the poses). There are many practices like yoga nidra that only require you to lie comfortably on a mat. Unfortunately, many people don't know about these practices because yoga is often recognized as a fitness class. Some classes

may require strength, but a good teacher will always remind you that you are exactly where you need to be and provide you the tools you need to say "YES" to yoga.

What are some health/beauty options in town that you have utilized that have not already been listed?

I recently had a 60-minute massage inside Inspire's Salt Cave and it was a magical experience. I appreciated the use of essential oils and mantras. NOW THAT SOUNDS AWESOME!

amazing teacher who I was able to open up to about my illness. She taught me pranayama (breathwork) and showed me that yoga was much more than a physical practice She created practices that grew with me as I continued to heal and flourish, but I'm not sure if that would have been possible without her guidance. That year I signed up for a 200 hour yoga teacher training and I've never looked back. Yoga changed my life and it continues to help me evolve in the best ways.

Briefly, what is your morning routine?

5 a.m. - I wake up and head to Yuj Yoga.

6 a.m. - I instruct 60-minute heated flows on Thursday and Friday.

7 a.m. - Close up, head home, drink hot lemon water and shower.

Clean beauty products are hard to find. That is why I buy my shampoo, conditioner and bodywash at Swanson Health Products. They have a brand called Giovanni that is affordable and free of propylene glycol (which I'm sensitive to).

For those out there that don't know, can you tell us about how you got into yoga?

I started practicing yoga in 2014 but it wasn't until I got sick in 2018 that I decided to learn more and dive deeper. That year I met an

8 a.m. - Head to work. I have a hybrid marketing career and most days I work from home.

Around 9 or 10 a.m. - I'll eat breakfast, listen to a podcast and make myself some tea or coffee.

Did

you know?

Swanson Health Products, a company with an estimated revenue of over $500 million was founded in Fargo in 1969!

Instagram: @yujyogafargo

Facebook: /yujyogafargo

@getagrippe

Jordan Epping

HEALTH, WELLNESS AND BEAUTY TRENDSETTER

BY JOSIAH KOPP

Photo by Josiah Kopp

WHY DID WE PICK JORDAN?

SHE'S A FORMER PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE 1.

As a former cheerleader for the Minnesota Vikings, Jordan now takes her skills and leadership and invests them in the NDSU Dance Team as their coach and mentor. Being a professional athlete means understanding how to nurture and fuel your body to achieve maximum health, both on and off the field. Now she is a positive influence to the health and well-being of her students.

SHE'S AN INFLUENTIAL BUSINESSWOMAN 2.

Jordan is both the Manager at FACE FOUNDRIÉ in Fargo and the Co-Owner of FACE FOUNDRIÉ's new location in Bismarck which is opening soon! She graduated from NDSU in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Retail Merchandising and Design and a double minor in Business and Psychology. Her athletic career, expertise in health and beauty, and entrepreneurial spirit make Jordan a game-changer in the business world.

SHE'S AN EXPERT IN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY 3.

As someone who knows all about keeping your health at its A-game under pressure, as well as having industry-leading skincare expertise, Jordan is at the peak of the health and beauty world.

Now, she is here to bring her professional knowledge, beauty hacks and guided tips to Fargo.

"Liquid IV has 10 unique flavors—I recommend trying their variety pack!"

- Josiah Kopp, Editor

5

HEALTH AND BEAUTY HACKS FOR FARGO

1. WEAR SPF EVERY DAY

"Did you know that 90% of our aging is due to sun exposure alone? 90%! The key to good skin is to protect it and wear sunscreen every. single. day. Whether it's winter, spring, snowing or raining, sunscreen must be on your face! To keep it simple, if the street lights aren't on, your SPF should be!"

2.

PRIORITIZE SELF-CARE

"It is not always easy to take time for yourself but it does make a world of a difference. Whether it's getting monthly facials or just taking an extra 5 minutes to drink your coffee and soak up the sunshine, never feel guilty for taking care of yourself! As they say on the airplane, you must put your own mask on first before helping others!"

3. HYDRATE ALL DAY, EVERY DAY

"We all know water is super important, but staying hydrated is one of the best things you can do for your health. Maybe you need to get a new water bottle as motivation or add in a product to the water like Liquid IV so it tastes more exciting. Whatever it is—make it happen and flush those toxins! Your body and skin will thank you!"

4. PREP AHEAD

"I'm a busy gal so cooking extra meals for the week doesn't always happen but places like Power Plate Meals and Juice Box help keep me ahead of the game and ready to go. My best days are when I have snacks and a meal prepped for the day. Set yourself up for success and use the resources you need to!"

5. STAY MOVING

"My favorite Power Plate Meal is the Turkey Tacos—they are to die for!"

"Sometimes this one will feel extra tough to do (especially in the winter) but I can tell you that keeping your body moving will save your physical and mental self! Even if it's as simple as committing to a 10 minute walk every day or choosing the stairs at work, you will notice how much better you feel!"

"My go-to Juice Box is the Golden Citrus—this one is bound to brighten your day!"

"I notice a huge improvement in my mental health when I take time to exercise, especially in the winter!"

- Josiah Kopp, Editor

REYNA'S

JORDAN'S

Places to Go

ORANGETHEORY FITNESS

Orangetheory fitness in South Fargo focuses on science-based group workouts that target specific heart rate zones for maximum results.

"I recently started going to Orangetheory Fitness and I now understand the hype! I get a killer workout and listen to a bumpin' playlist (that I may or may not be dancing to in between reps) while being surrounded by a great group of humans and an encouraging coach. What's not to love!"

"Recently, I tried Salt2O and I've never experienced anything like it! Everyone should try it at least once."

- Josiah Kopp, Editor

1 5 2

Salt2O offers four heated individual luxury spas filled with 800lb of epsom salt for the ultimate relaxing, weightless experience and with many health benefits. Sessions are 60 minutes and membership packages are available.

"Salt2O is one of my husband and I's favorite ways to decompress. It is a great recovery for your body but more importantly gives you the space to clear your mind and feel refreshed."

NAUTICAL BOWLS NAMASTE CHAI MAHANA FRESH

Mahana Fresh in West Fargo takes grain bowls to the next level with fresh and dietconscious options. They offer dine-in, takeout or delivery and also have a rewards program.

"Mahana Fresh has become a great lunch spot for me! I love that their food is fresh, healthy and gluten-free! It's a quick and easy option that never gets old."

3

Namaste Chai is the perfect healthy pick-me-up for local lattes in Fargo. Their business runs on wheels and their hours and location schedule can be found on their website namastechaifargo.com

"As someone with a strict diet, I can second Jordan's hype about Mahana Fresh— it's always been a delicious, safe go-to for me."

-

"Their recipes are traditionally made from scratch and the service is exceptional. There's nothing like a Namaste Chai latte to pick me up in the middle of my day!"

Superfoods are what Nautical Bowls is all about, offering nutrient-packed Açaí bowls in a fun atmosphere.

"Nautical Bowls comes to my rescue for the days that I am craving something sweet. Their acaí bowls are drool worthy and have the best assortment of no guilt ingredients—this is a yummy on the go treat."

SALT2O

Josiah Kopp, Editor

HEALTH, WELLNESS AND BEAUTY

7

1. PICKING AT YOUR SKIN

Pro Tip: Add extractions to your next facial for enhanced skin benefits!"

"Listen, I know it can be tempting to pick at a blemish, but I promise it will cause more harm than good If you are having a weak moment, grab an ice cube or a cold spoon and rub directly on the blemish This will help take down the inflammation and will make it less appealing to pick at!"

4.

THINGS TO AVOID FOR HEALTHY SKIN

2. OVER EXFOLIATING

"Exfoliation is great and is necessary in a solid skincare routine. However, over-exfoliating can damage your skin barrier which may lead to breakouts and dull, sensitive skin. I suggest alternating the days that you use a chemical and physical exfoliant and adding in a night of recovery with a hydrating mask/ cream in between!"

3. NEGATIVE ENERGIES

"We can all feel when negative energy comes into the room—it quickly brings you down. That is why it is so important to surround yourself with positive people in all areas of life. Good energies like this create environments for you to be your best self, accomplish the most and truly enjoy the moment."

GIVING

INTO TIKTOK TRENDS

"While there are certainly a lot of things to learn on TikTok, skincare trends are one thing to steer clear from. Remember that most of those sharing these trends are not licensed professionals and don't have the experience or knowledge to know what is good for YOUR skin. As these trends show up on your feed, run it by your Esthetician so they can tell if it's one to follow."

5. SAYING YES TO EVERYTHING

"I'm naturally a yes girl so saying no to anything is very difficult for me. However, I've come to know that taking on more opportunities does not always add quality to my life. Make sure that what you take on is something that you have room for, that brings you joy and that you can give 100% to. If needed, remove other items from your plate to make room for the things that you love most."

6. AT-HOME DERMAPLANING

"Dermaplaning is most effective when it's done correctly. At home dermaplaning really only gets the peach fuzz and can easily cause damage to the skin. Dermaplaning that is done by a licensed Esthetician is able to remove peach fuzz and dead skin in the safest and most sterile way possible. Trust me on this one—leave it to the professionals!"

7. TOO MUCH SCREEN TIME

"It's easy to get sucked into 'the scroll', but limiting your time on social will help you stay more present in your life. We don't realize how much stress is added just by being on our phones. Know that you are allowed to turn your phone off every once in a while to recharge (no pun intended) and enjoy the moment with those around you."

1.

"We all know how hard it is to get Vitamin D throughout the winter in North Dakota. The Isotonix Vitamin D is my favorite because it's a supplement that I can drink, that tastes great, and quickly absorbs into my system."

2.

"Sunscreen is my one desert island product that I just can't live without. The Summer Fridays Mineral Sunscreen is my go to because it's perfect for all skin tones, skin types, and skin types and makes my skin look so glowy and healthy!"

3.

"Okay, now I know that this applesauce went viral for the kids but honestly, it's a win for the adults too! I have at least 3 with me at all times. It's the perfect snack when I just need a little something in between work and dance practice."

4.

"This salve is a must in my bag! It is the perfect lip balm that actually heals my chapped lips but is also great for other dry areas (elbows!) or scrapes on your skin that needs a little TLC."

Tip: Put on your cuticles before bedtime!

Smith's Rosebud Salve

Isotonix Vitamin D

Summer Fridays Mineral SPF

Kirkland Applesauce

HEALTH, WELLNESS AND BEAUTY

Picks JORDAN'S

Shop

"I shop at Natural Grocers frequently and I love their selection of organic yams and pasture-raised eggs!"

- Josiah Kopp, Editor

"As someone who lives a dairy free life, it can be hard to find fun things to eat, but Natural Grocers always comes through. They truly have the best selection when it comes to healthy, fresh, and allergen-free products. I am so grateful we have places like these in Fargo!"

Follow

Instagram: @redrivermarket

"The Red River Market account is my inside scoop on the events that are happening around Fargo-Moorhead. I'm a sucker for a good Farmer's Market so the Red River Market keeps my dreams alive throughout all of the seasons!"

Buy

"I have a not-so-secret obsession with candles as they are one of my favorite ways to relax at the end of the day. For those that share this passion with me, I highly recommend the Palms, Psalms, & Prosecco candles that are handmade in Minnesota. They by far have the best scents, the longest burn time and will quickly make your house smell like you're baking up some goodies in the kitchen!"

Read

"Reading "The 5 Second Rule" by Mel Robbins in the middle of 2020 was a game changer for me. This book is all about changing your habits and learning how to push yourself with the 5 Second tool. It's made an great impact on my life and I bet it will do the same for you!"

Listen

"I love a good podcast and often find myself choosing How I Built This as my go-to. Learning about businesses, how they started, and the journey to their success is incredibly fascinating to me. I am a businesswoman at heart so listening to these stories gives me the inspirational boost that I need to keep striving for more!"

Download

Think Dirty - "This is a cool app to find out how 'clean' your skincare products really are!"

"I have taken musicproduction courses on Masterclass and I love the pace of learning and how well everything is explained!"

Users can scan barcodes of products and learn about each ingredient and be provided with healthier alternatives if "dirty ingredients" are spotted.

Masterclass - "An app dedicated to learning from the best of the best in any industry! Yes, please! The Anna Wintour Masterclass is a favorite of mine! So inspiring."

- Josiah Kopp, Editor

HEALTH, WELLNESS AND BEAUTY

What is skincare all about to you? How does it make you feel?

Skincare is self-care. Taking care of your skin is a gift you are giving to yourself. Having a consistent skincare routine is something your future self will thank you for. Since I've really started taking care of my skin, I have felt more confident, more beautiful in my own skin (with and without makeup) and have felt more in control of my life. It's relaxing to do and has all the great benefits on the other side. It's truly a win-win.

How has your career as a former pro cheerleader influenced your passion for beauty and skincare?

Being a professional cheerleader, it is your job to maintain good image and with that comes the necessity of a diligent beauty routine. Being in full hair and makeup every day can be damaging, so taking care of your skin is crucial. My love for beauty came before I was on the football field, but being on the team certainly brought my passion to a new level. At the end

of the day, you want to look and feel your best both during games and outside of practice. While being on Vikings, I learned that it starts with a good base of healthy nutrition (yes, food can affect your skin!), a good skincare routine, and of course, that beauty sleep. You will never regret getting into good habits!

What are some new trends or techniques you have been trying or implementing into FACE FOUNDRIÉ?

We are always trying new techniques at FACE FOUNDRIÉ as the beauty industry is always evolving. One of my favorite facials to give is the Cryo Queen facial. It uses Cryo technology to firm and tighten the skin. Mixed with the dermaplaning add-on, it quite literally makes your skin look like glass! It is a fan favorite for a reason!

much in my life that it only feels right to pass it on. Having the opportunity to coach such a distinguished team is an honor. Although my time in the NFL brought me a great deal of knowledge and a unique experience, I continue to learn from my team every day. It is truly a collaboration and I don't take this moment for granted.

What things are most dear to your heart (family, faith, etc.) and how do they empower you daily?

My faith is incredibly important to me and guides me through each and every area and season of my life. Faith is always number one but family takes a close second. It's cliche to say, but without them, I most certainly wouldn't be where or who I am today.

You coach

the

dance team at NDSU, why is it important for you to give back to the sport?

Once you are a part of the dance world, it never leaves your blood. Dance has given me so

Support

HOW TO JORDAN

Instagram:

@jordan.epping

NDSU Dance Team

Instagram: @ndsudanceteam

Facebook: /ndsudanceteam

FACE FOUNDRIÉ

Instagram: @facefoundrie

Facebook: /facefoundriefargo

Web: facefoundrie.com

Photo by Andy Kenutis

BY JOSIAH KOPP

Photo By Josiah Kopp

WHY DID WE PICK RYAN?

1.

COACH, VETERAN, HOMEBUILDER.

From coaching sports for 15 years to being a homebuilder to serving in the military for 20 years, Ryan Schulz is an influential member of our community. Ryan's education includes an MBA from the University of Mary and a Physical Education degree from NDSU (2008). In the military, Ryan was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant from NDSU ROTC (2008). He also underwent training in Military Engineering and Military Intelligence. In the summer of 2022, Ryan retired after serving 20 years in the North Dakota Army National Guard as a Major and as the North Dakota National Guard's Senior Military Intelligence officer.

2.

HE IS A COMMUNITY SERVANT.

From being involved in the community through his church at Harvest Valley, spending time with his wife Kacie and their two boys, Fletcher and Arlo, to serving as a city Councilman for the town of Oxbow, ND, Ryan is dedicated to serving and loving those around him.

3.

HE IS DEDICATED TO HOMEBUILDING.

Today, Ryan puts his dedication and hard work into motion as the Sales and Design Specialist for Spire Custom Homes as well as providing us with expert knowledge, homebuilding hacks and trendsetting things to look forward to in the years to come.

The Costco door is a trendsetting feature Schulz has been implementing though the company he works for Spire Custom Homes to allow for more efficient car-to-pantry grocery unloading without leaving doors open or tracking dirt around the house or crowding the entryway with groceries.

HOMEBUILDING & DESIGN HACKS

1. MAKE PRACTICAL, INNOVATIVE

"When building or renovating a home, think about the daily tasks you do and add make them part of your home. Dog washing stations, a light switch by your bed or a Costco Door from the garage to the pantry are easy changes to make your life easier every day."

2.

EXTERIOR UPGRADES GO A LONG WAY

"A common mistake when people build a house is they do not put money into the exterior look of the home. Take pride in the inside and outside. The curb appeal will make you feel good while you are living in it but will help when you want to sell.

Adding landscaping and exterior decor and amenities adds not only more value to your home but creates a space you want to spend time with your family and make memories."

3. ND WEATHER FIXES

"I'm seeing more and more indoor golf simulators in the homes I photograph, and I think it's a great way for families to stay active while also enjoying the comfort of indoors during those -30º F winter days."

-Josiah Kopp, Editor

YES, EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE THESE IN THEIR GARAGES!

"Being stuck inside during the North Dakota winters isn't fun for all ages. Create ways in your home to combat the cold Put a steam shower or a Sauna in your home. Build a climbing wall for kids or Golf Simulator for all ages."

4. FAMILY ROOM DISTRACTIONS

"In today's world of nonstop activities, work and distractions, why add one more to your family/living room? Take the TV out of it! There are plenty of other spots for a TV. Use your living room to be engaged with the people that are there."

5. PLAN FOR THE FUTURE

"Electrical is a big one that you can save money on now by adding it in when you are building versus after the home is done. Examples are security cameras, Christmas lights, outlets for bidets, fans in the garage, electric vehicles or generators."

VALLEY LIGHTS

Valley Lights in Fargo has provided a wide range of lights fixtures, lamps, mirrors and more for over 25 years and also provides lighting consultants to help customers choose the perfect lights for their space.

"Lighting is one where you want to see all your options in front of you at one time so you can see how they will flow through the home."

RYAN'S

Places to Go

2

CLEARWATER CUSTOM CABINETS

REYNA'S 1 4 5

Clearwater Custom Cabinets is a family-owned full-service cabinet installation business in Fargo, providing 3D renderings so clients can see their dreams come to life.

"The number-one thing you see and use in your home are your cabinets. Clearwater Custom Cabinets are of the easiest and best vendors to work with!"

3

NORTHERN STONE

Northern Stone in Fargo provides customers with a wide variety of quartz and granite ranging in many different colors and finishes

"The best part about going here is you get to see so many different options of quartz and granite—or if you only need to do one room you have remnants that will save you money on your project."

DAKOTA TIMBER COMPANY

Dakota Timber Co. places their emphasis on sustainability and low-impact production while providing quality, American timber.

"Want to add that warm wood feel to your home? Dakota Timber has so many options from shiplap, beams and floating shelves, just to name a few. This is an easy way to accent a room that needs a change!"

GRAIN DESIGNS

Want to add some character to your home? Grain Designs are your guys! From tables, wall art and custom signs to custom towel racks, they can help personalize your living space.

"Put one of their items in your home and you have a talking piece!"

1. SNOW VS SUN

"In the Fargo area, it is crucial to think about how your house will sit on the lot. Too many times we see people forgetting to consider these details. Things to think about are natural sunlight and where the snow is going to blow. Will my driveway melt in the wintertime? This is an important question to consider."

7

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUILDING A HOME

2. FLOORPLANS

"Start with floorplans that have already been used. There is a reason they are using them. Every corner or extra roof line adds costs to your home. Start with something you like that is smaller and add to it vs taking away while you build. This allows you to have the home you want vs the home you almost have."

4. TRUSTING EVERYONE

3. RUSHING IT

"Building or buying a house is such an emotional journey—don't rush it. Take the time to pick out selections and go back and check them with the other selections you have picked. Talk with the people that are going to be living in the house as well."

"Ask questions before you hire a builder or a real estate agent. Make sure they understand what your vision is and they have the ability to make your vision a reality. Like anything, if they can't answer the questions or go find an answer they might not be the best for you."

5. LIGHTING

"Good lighting can make such a difference. Expect to add some costs that you won't regret. Pretend to walk through your home like you were living in it at all times of the day. Add dimmers everywhere you can and put night lights in the bathrooms—especially if you have boys. Motion sensor lights for pantries and mudrooms are a big win as well."

6. DIY VS A PROFESSIONAL

"Depending on what the job is, ask yourself, 'do you really have the time and skill to do this or should we leave it to the professionals?' Cheaper doesn't mean it will be done right! Remember: time is money."

7. PINTEREST

"I love Pinterest for ideas but do not trust that what is on there is actually something a builder can do. A common one is a light fixture hanging over a tub. Looks amazing on the internet but no electrician will hang a light fixture over water. Just remember they have a code for a reason."

Did you know?

The coldest temperature ever recorded in Fargo was -39º F in 1996.

1. Google Nest Cameras

"Google Nest Cameras can give you comfort and safety at your home. The one thing I like about Google is they work, even when it's -30º F degrees "

2. Whole House Humidifier From Honeywell

"The whole house humidifier by Honeywell maintains a proper humidity level throughout the home and mounts directly to your furnace. No more shocks or getting sick when the temperature gets cold and dry."

Approved RYAN

3. Rachio Sprinkler Systems

"If you have a sprinkler system and don't have a smart system you are losing money. The Rachio is controlled by your smartphone and personalized schedules that automatically update to your weather. No rain gauge is needed."

4. A Bidet

"Bidets are starting to become more popular in the US. They are more sanitary than using a traditional toilet and toilet paper and most have seat warmers. Once you use one you will not go back—plus you save money on buying TP!"

Shop

Eco Chic

"Want to freshen up your home? Shop at Eco Chic and find a piece of furniture or some decor for your wall. By just walking into their store you will come away with ideas for your home."

Picks RYAN'S

Follow

Instagram: @hba.fm

Home Builders Association

"Following the local Home Builders association allows you to see what is going on in our market."

Buy

Honeywell Water Defense Leak Alarm

"Every homeowner should have this in their utility room. This is a very price-efficient alarm to let you know if you have water in your basement and also if the temperature or humidity goes outside of your comfort level."

Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink

"One book that I would recommend for anyone in any aspect of their life is Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink. Accountability is something that goes a long way in today's world."

Listen

Dream Big with Bob Goff

"Anything Bob Goff, Dream Big Podcast with Bob Goff will make you want to be a better person. Once you listen to him you will get addicted to it."

Houzz - "A great app that allows you to get ideas on any house project you can think of."

myQ - "The majority of new homes now have the ability for their garage doors to be run by your phone and to have a safe time when your garage doors should be shut."

See page 102 for more about this!

A Q

What is homebuilding and home design all about to you?

It is about being able to build a relationship with the client(s) and take their ideas from a piece of paper to a home they love and enjoy.

What are some new trends or designs you have been trying or implementing into your homes?

Starting to make the shower a part of the standing tub room—this allows for a clean look that doesn’t take up a lot of extra space. We will continue to put in the Costco door to the pantry or hidden doors.

Why Fargo? You could build homes anywhere, why did you choose this area and why do you love it?

how do they empower and inspire you and your work daily?

For me it is balance; I use my 5 F’s: Faith, Family, Friends, Fitness (Mind & Physical) and Fun. Having a balance for me makes it that much easier to enjoy everything else and be there to help others.

What trend(s) of the past should be brought back and why should they have never gone out of style?

Individual rooms, freestanding tubs and wood stoves. Open concept is great for some areas but having separate rooms is something you will see come back. The freestanding tub is a classic look and feel that can add so much to a bathroom. In our weather having a wood stove not only can be a focal point for looks, but can be a cost saving on high heating bills.

"I live by a similar group of values like Faith and Family, but this year I'd like to add more Fitness to my lifestyle!"

-Josiah Kopp, Editor

"My parents are remodeling their home and are adding a wall to one of the living rooms to create more individual spaces for guests!"

-Josiah Kopp, Editor

"Did you know the Fargo Metro recently surpassed a quarter-million people, making it the 192nd largest metro in the United States?"

-Josiah Kopp, Editor

Besides family and friends, the Fargo area has huge growth and the people here are hard-working. One thing I love seeing is people moving here for a job and then they that realize they love it here. It shows how Fargo nice is a real thing.

What things mean most to you (family, faith, etc.) and

What is the most ingenious thing you've ever seen incorporated into a home design?

I would have to go with the interior garden or herb idea, followed by heated driveways. Both are definitely more useful here in our weather.

"This sounds like the ultimate hack to never shoveling snow again—and never slipping on ice!"

- Josiah Kopp, Editor

‘ART AS ADORNMENT ’

at Salt Hill Gallery

This magazine is all about noteworthy happenings. We tell the stories of those individuals and businesses making the FM area what it is, a busy and evolving region full of entrepreneurs, creatives and doers. When Taylor Mertz founded and opened Salt Hill Gallery, she also introduced a new concept to the area: wearable art.

Taylor

Owner

Everything about the gallery screams new, modern, stylish and chic—even the location. The storefront is located in a ground-level space in the new RDO Tower, looking out to Broadway Square and one of the busiest intersections downtown. With huge, wide windows covering most of the front-facing walls, natural light pours into the gallery from mid-morning through the early afternoon during the

winter months and a majority of the day during the warmer seasons.

This light fills the mid-size room, glistening off the glass bottles of fine fragrance and other apothecaries in the east end of the room, illuminating the velvet and wood furnishing centering the store, shining into the crystal clear cases lining the west wall and reflecting more sparkle

Mertz,

& Founder of Salt Hill Gallery

Photo courtesy of Taylor Mertz

Salt Hill Gallery is located in the new RDO Tower, right off Broadway Square. The beautiful space is filled with light, bringing the store and all that's inside it to life!

Geneva

Taylor Mertz moved to Fargo about four years ago. After having her fourth child, Taylor’s schedule was adjusted to allow her more time at home. Change also inspired her motivation to devote more time to her creative endeavors. Her personal interest in

“I began working on Salt Hill Gallery approximately two years ago, first building relationships with the artists we represent and planning for collections. We launched an online preview sale as a test. I then participated in business planning with Paul Smith at the

By

Nodland | Photos by Geneva Nodland

Winter and Winter Nights fragrances, cult favorites by indie fragrance house Dasein!

ND Small Business Development Center and with Emerging Prairie's Women's Entrepreneurship Cohort,” she said. “Both guided me in conducting market research, developing a business and financial plan, and implementing a strategy. We opened our doors to the public in September 2022 and are rapidly expanding our collections.”

When hearing the words collection and gallery, one might think that Salt Hill Gallery is predominantly an art gallery; while it's true to say that it showcases art within its walls, Salt Hill Gallery is essentially a jewelry store. They display and sell a variety of different jewelry collections from different artists, as well as collected vintage pieces.

Taylor carefully chose what artists she wanted to work with to build her jewelry collection.

“The artists we work with are incredibly talented, and we feel we best represent their work by offering a collection that showcases the breadth of their talent. By working

with a core group of artists, we can show the collection well, and we can continue to support their creative process and grow with their evolving work,” she said.

The artists featured in the store come from all over. They feature regional artists from Minneapolis, such as Betty Jäger and Emily C. Johnson, and more from across the country, as well as a few from the U.K. and Paris.

New jewelry is added to the store’s display cases weekly, whether they are new acquisitions to the vintage and antique collection or new work from those existing artists.

Taylor revealed that they plan to open collections from some notable new artists in the upcoming weeks and months, and those will be featured online at salthillgallery.com You can follow and look out for new releases on the gallery’s Instagram, @salthillgallery where they typically announce those!

Nothing here is too precious to wear—that is what it is made for, after all. Come in, admire it, touch it, try it on and perhaps go home with something beautiful!” - Taylor Mertz

admiring manner but also in a way that they can touch, feel and even try on the pieces if they’d like—a bonus if they decide to take them home and add them to their personal collection.

Salt Hill Gallery is, at its essence, a jewelry store. That said, I do consider jewelry to be art you wear—tiny sculptures that move with you throughout your day. Because the collections are best experienced when thoughtfully displayed, and in a manner that highlights the materials and skills that make up each piece, we have chosen to exhibit the collections in a gallery-like setting. Hence, Salt Hill is both a showroom and retail space. It's a jewelry store that exhibits jewelry as a collection of artwork made by artists.” - Taylor

Mertz

113

Through a partnership with a European jeweler, beautiful antique rings, brooches and lockets have made their way to their gallery!

The SHG wedding collection features vintage pieces (center) as well as modern rings by artists such as Todd Reed (left) and Yasuko Azuma (right).

The SUKIMUKI Collection found at Salt Hill Gallery is produced in France, bottled in the US, cruelty-free and topped with a tassel!

social networks. That support thankfully continues, and we have experienced a rapidly expanding customer base from across the country, thanks in large part to interest in the

Duma is thrilled to showcase the Puppet Area, which wouldn't be complete without over a dozen pretty outrageous puppets!

By Grant Ayers

‘GET YOUR WIGGLES OUT’

Disclaimer: Article published Wednesday, February 15th.

at KidCo. Children’s Museum

The idea for KidCo. Children’s Museum was first brought to life in November of 2021 when Aaron Duma was stuck at home with COVID. Rather than binging a series on Netflix or doing some spring cleaning, Duma took a different route. He decided to put an entire business plan together for a one-of-a-kind, local children’s attraction that would become known as KidCo. Children’s Museum.

“We've always talked about this idea, so we took that time to put the numbers together and a plan in action for our small business. We knew that there was no reason it couldn’t work when we took into consideration what we really liked about children’s museums, as well as how we could make ours even better for the FargoMoorhead area,” Duma said.

Photos by Geneva Nodland

KidCo. Children's Museum opening March 1 at 814 Center Ave, Suite 3, Moorhead

The launch of KidCo. Children’s Museum is personal for Duma, as he states that the inspiration behind the project’s launch is his own children, as well as the need for it for other children in the community.

“We’re just a couple parents who enjoy taking our kids to things like this. My business partner, Tom Kemmer, is a contractor, my wife Emily does real estate and I come from the entertainment industry, so we combined all of our forces to make this happen and bring our idea to life. It's kind of crazy that Fargo-Moorhead has somehow ended up without a children’s museum. We don't really have anything like this in the area,” Duma said.

“Tom’s a father as well and he’s always been kind of a mentor to me. We both have kids of different age groups, so we have a great in-house research and development department that gets to come in and try everything out. We're making sure everything's safe because we're building it for our own kids. It's been a whole lot of fun and we're really excited to share this with the community.”

Aaron Duma on top of Tiny Town's Bistro, which will be home to an exciting rooftop ice cream shop!

KidCo.

is aiming for no wasted space! This ledge will have a fun track for the kids to race cars on.

Parents have a comfortable place to relax and keep an eye on their kids the whole time, all while the children are having a blast!

Children's Museum

KidCo. Children's Museum's 'Toddler Area' keeps the little ones safe!

RESOUNDING RESUMES

• One of the founders of the Sanctuary Events Center in downtown Fargo

• Owner and Partner in the RiverHaven Events Center in Moorhead

• Comes from a bar and restaurant background, including Hotel Donaldson and Usher’s House

“Originally, I went to school for teaching prior to getting sucked into the Fargo bar and restaurant scene, so KidCo. isn't completely off for me. I'm actually a licensed substitute teacher, so it's not that crazy, but I catch folks off-guard who don't know that part of my background.”

Tom Kemmer

• Owner of Kemmco Construction

• Owner of the Hawks Nest

• Runs NDSA (North Dakota Skateboarding Association)

• Partner at Harold’s On Main

• Real Estate Agent in Fargo

• Owner of Vesta Realty

• Fitness and Yoga Instructor at Mojo Fitness

Both owners' families have been to children’s museums across the globe, ranging from Vienna to Seattle, Austin to Phoenix and even Otter Cove Children’s Museum in Fergus Falls. They’re taking inspiration from around the world as they build their personal children’s museum for the FMWF community.

“We take the best of what we've seen and what our kids enjoy playing with the most while they're there. We’re asking ourselves what the ‘wow factor’ is at each place, along with seeing what’s getting actual replay value. We’re basing each attraction’s success on that, as well as a lot of internet research. It’s been between personal experience and ideas that we've come up with on our own. We want to consider what we think would be amazing if we were these little dudes again,” Duma said.

After researching and deliberating what attractions would be incorporated into KidCo. Children’s Museum's launch, Duma appears thrilled about what they have to offer upon opening. Standout attractions that Duma anticipates to be smash hits include the “Tiny Town” and “Glow Zone,” among others.

“In our Tiny Town, we’re going to have a little jail where kids can escape through the roof and run across the rooftops of other buildings. There's also a little rooftop ice cream bar on top of the restaurant.

We’ll also have a Glow Zone, which is a UV-lit room that's been splattered with UV-responsive paint. The kids are allowed to draw on these giant dry-erase boards on the wall and get crazy. Then, they can wear UV-responsive glasses, necklaces and other crazy things like that. Overall, we just tried to get really silly with it,” Duma said.

Furthermore, Duma is harking back to his entertainment roots by paying special tribute to the popular Minneapolis live music venue, First Avenue. The museum will have a special live performance stage for kids and local children’s entertainers, and will have painted stars with artists' names reminiscent of those on the walls of First Avenue.

“Rather than having artists like U2 and Prince on the stars, we’re going to have children’s artists like Koo Koo Kanga Roo and Raffi. Who knows, maybe we’ll keep a star saved for Prince. Our goal is to host kiddie concerts and other performances from musicians, magicians, over-the-top face painters, balloon artists and more,” Duma said.

“We want to incorporate those events into our memberships, in which those people will get first access to tickets to things like that. There’s a variety of tiered memberships that are all based on how often the kids want to play.”

Aaron Duma

Emily Duma

Tiny Town offers two floors of fun for the kids!

A Tiny Town wouldn't be complete without a Tiny Jail where kids can stage a breakout and escape from the roof!

Pipe drums are a form of drums that make different sounds, just made out of PVC pipe! Pipe drums will be set up on the KidCo. stage for kids and guests to enjoy.

Admission for the first parent is free!

In general, children's museums often charge the parent the same amount as the child. At KidCo. Children’s Museum, the first adult is free, with each additional adult being charged $4!

In addition to the stage, KidCo. Children’s Museum is offering a wide array of different attractions for its visitors.

“Tom built a really cool little puppet theater that the kids are going to love. We’ll have over a dozen pretty outrageous puppets that they can play with in our puppet theater. There will be costumes where kids can put on a superhero mask, cape or outfit and play as superheroes. They can also dress up as a firefighter and play in the firehouse. We don't know what will be the biggest hit yet, but we know that it’s going to be a lot of fun for them,” Duma said.

While the owners may still be unsure what the most beloved aspects of the business are yet, they have an idea as parents themselves. They have geared and packaged aspects of the business toward what they would want and need as parents themselves, as they considered what they’d appreciate seeing in a children’s museum in terms of time limits, birthday packages and more.

“Sessions will last 90 minutes. We found that to be the perfect time as we're geared toward the younger kids that don't really have an attention span for much longer than

that. We’re a one-stop shop for birthdays. You bring the kid and the cake, and we’ll take care of the rest. We'll have plates, napkins, pizza and juice boxes, and we’ll take care of the cleanup. All you have to do is show up with the kids. We try to make it as easy as possible for the parents,” Duma said.

What Makes KidCo. Children's Museum Trendsetting

KidCo. Children's Museum is truly one-of-a-kind, as they’re the only children’s museum in the FMWF area. What sets them apart from many other children’s museums is their perspective on capacity. Rather than aim for high volume from open to close, they’re focused on avoiding chaos and creating an inclusive environment for everyone.

“We're not really big, but that's kind of our whole point. We don't want to be a giant, loud, chaotic space. We're going to have 30 to 40 kids in here at the most, with probably 15 to 20 parents per visit. We want to be very inclusive and accessible to

everybody. We want to be crazy, but not chaotic,” Duma said.

Wiggle Reducer

5 plays $49

According to Duma, many other children’s facilities tend to be overrun and understaffed. It can be complete chaos, with parents just waiting for it to end. They aimed to create an environment where parents have a comfortable place to relax and keep an eye on their kids the whole time, all while the children are having a blast.

“There’s room for every parent or adult to have a seat, relax, have a cup of coffee, charge their phone and watch their kids play. That's where we differ from a lot of the other children's museums. In other places, the adult has kind of been forgotten about. They’re left to be the coat hanger and watch the kids play. I’d personally love it if I could just have a seat, relax and buy some juice boxes, snacks and pizza for the kids,” Duma said.

“We have comfortable bar stools at both table height and bar rail height that go all the way around. There, adults can relax and still see every angle of the place and keep an eye on their children, other than the Glow Zone, which they’ll have to escort the kids through since it's a darker area.”

Wiggler Package 10 plays $89

The KidCo. Children’s Museum App

In the KidCo. Children’s Museum app, adults can schedule play sessions a week before, or even up to three months in advance. “That's how we can control attendance. If we gave people the ability to walk in anytime they want, we would never be able to control attendance and guarantee people spots that they scheduled in advance,” Duma said.

“I’ve never seen anyone else ever do this in the children's museum world. Generally, I think it's because they're open as nonprofits and want to cram as many kids into them as possible, which isn’t our goal.”

$149

*All packages have a 6-month expiration

Upcoming Events

Stay tuned for upcoming events, as Duma shared some of the many fun sessions they have planned to further promote inclusivity among all kids. These special sessions include devoted time for those who are sensory-

MultiPlay Buys

Wiggle Buster Package 20 plays

We’re a one-stop shop for birthdays. You bring the kid and the cake, and we’ll take care of the rest. We'll have plates, napkins, pizza, juice boxes and take care of the cleanup. All you have to do is show up with the kids. We try to make it as easy as possible for the parents.”

- AARON DUMA

JOIN THE FUN!

Membership Options

Single Session

$14/kid

First Adult is FREE

2nd Adult for $4

Monthly 2 plays for $20/month

4 plays for $35/month

Unlimited for $55/month

*Plays do not carry over month to month

Traveler's Pass

Unlimited 7-Day pass for $25

*Must reside outside of the Fargo-Moorhead area

Membership Perks

• Early Access to KidCo.

Special Event Tickets

• Access to Member Appreciation Events

• 20% off Merchandise

• 10% off Birthday Parties

“If someone has family coming from out of town, they can grab a week-long pass for an unlimited number of play sessions each day or throughout that week. Over the holidays, we go to Arizona to visit my parents. When we’re there, we’ll grab a pass for the local children's museum and go three to four times a week because the kids have to get their wiggles out!”

- Aaron Duma

sensitive and time dedicated for young children.

“We’ll have sensory-sensitive sessions at 9 a.m. on Sunday mornings, so there will be time set aside for children that are sensory-sensitive. In those sessions, we’ll have lower lights, lower music and lower numbers of attendance,” Duma said.

“While we do have a toddler zone, we'll also be doing a Toddler Time on Saturday mornings with the whole place reserved for the little ones. As a parent, it always annoys me when the little ones are getting run over by older, bigger kids. During Toddler Time, the whole place will be theirs to run around and not have to worry about any of the bigger kids running them over.”

Aside from in-house events, KidCo. Children’s Museum also anticipates working with

different organizations to create positive change across the FMWF community.

“Once we open to the public, we can focus on the good that we can do in the community. We've talked with Rape & Abuse Crisis Center and the Ronald McDonald House, and we have friends at Make-A-Wish, so there's a ton of awesome stuff that we want to do once we get the doors open,” Duma said.

Stay up to date with the latest from KidCo. Children’s Museum through their Facebook page, app, website and other social media below.

KidCo. Children’s Museum opens March 1st!

Support KidCo. Children’s Museum

Phone: (701) 429-7432

The "cherry on top" of 'Tiny Town' is the rooftop ice cream shop, available for all kids and the ice cream shop wouldn't be complete without a serving window, placed on the ground floor!

Web: playkidco.com

App: KidCo. Children's Museum

Email: kidcogm@gmail.com

Facebook: KidCo Children's Museum

Instagram: @kidcochildrensmuseum

Address: 814 Center Ave, Suite 3 Moorhead, MN

Hours

MONDAY Field Trips and Birthday Parties Only

TUESDAY - FRIDAY

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Party rentals available at 5 p.m.

SATURDAY - SUNDAY

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Party rentals available at 4 p.m.

'Tiny Town' also comes with a kidoriented barber shop and hair salon!

We'll always be adding and tweaking things. For example, if we find that the salon isn't being played with as often as we hope for it to be, we’ll rework it into something that will get the kids excited again. It's all very organic, so we expect there to be changes.”

- AARON DUMA

Staff Picks!

Sam Kise

Ryne Bigelow EDITOR

SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST

THE ZOO...IN THE WINTER!

GENEVA NODLAND

For me, it's GP's Greek Kitchen. It's a husband-and-wife establishment. I love telling people about this place and to try it out. We have brought numerous family members there. The service is always lovely and you can tell they have a real passion and love for making the dishes, and my first time going there the husband gave us a large container of soup for free just because he was thankful for us supporting his small business.

SUITE SHOTS

"I always get the old fashioned gyro with fries at GP's. And I always ask for the soup of the day, because it varies but is always so delicious!"

The Red River Zoo! While it might seem to make sense to go to the zoo in the summer, the Red River Zoo actually specializes in cold climate species, so the animals are most active in the wintertime. I love going to see the animals when they're at their happiest, in the chillier weather! Plus it's adorable to see the wolves or the red pandas playing together in the snow.

I love going to Suite Shots. You can't play golf year-round outside here, but this place makes it close. The staff is always friendly and inviting. And you honestly can't go wrong with any of the food there.

GP'S GREEK KITCHEN

"My favorite animals to see in the winter are the river otters—they love to play in the snow!"

JOSIAH KOPP

new faces to the community, like Ladies' and LGBTQ+ nights."

Levi Dinh

EDITORIAL GRAPHIC DESIGNER

TOCHI PRODUCTS

The Salt Cave at Inspire Health and Wellness offers Halotherapy, which is a wonderful way to aid the side effects that come with respiratory ailments.

I would have to say Tochi Products. The fact that this little health store is located in an old house that has been around for years is enough "shock factor" alone. Tochi has products that I can't find anywhere else, and even if you aren't in the market for anything, the house that it's located in is a spectacle alone. Easily my favorite store in the FM area.

THE HAWKS NEST

MARKETING COORDINATOR

A BAKERY THAT GIVES BACK

TOM

I love the Hawks Nest skatepark in North Fargo. Having an indoor skatepark is wildly important for the skateboarding community in the area because in the winter, there aren't very many options for skateboarding. The owners are part of the community and care about skateboarding staying alive and well in the FM area.

Sonder Bakehouse is a great local bakery. Kayla, the owner and baker, is the lady who designed our Spotlight holiday cookies which is where I initially heard of her. I started following their Instagram account and everything they post is very aesthetically pleasing, making you want to buy all of the pretty cakes and macaroons. Sonder Bakehouse also gives back a large portion of its profits to Charity: Water, which is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide clean access to water to places all over the world.

Jessica Mullen

THE SALT CAVE

JOSIAH KOPP

HILARY EHLEN

KEMMER

Plaza Azteca will always be a favorite. They are super busy all the time, with great food and service. Rustica in Moorhead has amazing food—it's a small, intimate place with a warm, relaxing atmosphere that's still upscale at the same time. Teddy's Eatery & Parlor in Downtown Fargo is one of my favorites too— their smoked salmon salad and fancy grilled cheese sandwiches are the best.

Jonathan Chicka

Curling at the Fargo Curling Club—they have learn-to-curl events and so many league events that anyone can join.

Grant Ayers

EDITOR

RASMUSSEN TURNTABLE REPAIR

DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL ADVERTISING

RESULTS

SOMETHING TO RAVE ABOUT

Mini raves/concerts at either Proof Artisan Distillers or the Aquarium—they bring in some pretty big artists and are super cheap compared to traveling to the cities. The local scene is huge and there are a few well-known local artists, but occasionally they bring in people like Vampa, who's a big name in the scene (she played at a big EDM festival last summer), to play at Proof which is really cool and something I would never expect to see up here. Definitely worth checking out.

I've never heard of vinyl record repair outside of large companies for insane costs until Rasmussen Turntable Repair. I've recommended the company to many and they've given great feedback. It's just one person that was self-taught and seems to know the gear better than anyone else.

GENEVA NODLAND

JOSIAH KOPP