Contributor Spotlight

SFW Contributor's SPOTLIGHT

Thea Miller Ryan

20 years

Thea is a writer, reader, wife, mom, conure and cat owner, crafter, sushi addict, ally and accidental activist. She works for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of South Dakota.

How did you become a writer/contributor for Sioux Falls Woman Magazine?

I think I just bugged Jared until he let me write on spec for the magazine. I guess he liked what I wrote, because he’s let me stay all these years.

What is your favorite thing to do?

Writing, reading about art history and eating out.

Something everyone should know about you?

I was one of the founders of The Outdoor Campus in Sioux Falls and helped create the second one in Rapid City.

What is your philosophy on life?

Scatter kindness.

What are you most thankful for?

My family, of course, and a lifetime of working places that help make our little bit of the world better.

What is something you cannot go a day with out doing?

Coffee. Coffee. Oh, and coffee.

What is your most favorite article you have written for Sioux Falls Woman Magazine?

I wrote an article on moonlight gardening quite a few years ago. It’s still one of my favorites.

What do you like most about Sioux Falls Woman Magazine?

I love how it looks in the magazine stands. It looks so professional, bright and well-printed. It makes me proud to know I’m part of it. Jessalyn Holsing grew up in Sioux Falls and is a story-loving bookaddicted reader who loves writing, musical theatre, and sports cars.

Jessalyn Holsing

7 years

How did you become a writer/contributor for Sioux Falls Woman Magazine?

I started off putting together the Calendar of Events for the Sioux Falls Woman Magazine, after getting my Bachelor of Arts degree in English, I began writing articles for Beauty and Fashion Trends.

What is your favorite thing to do?

Writing and reading. Reading is writing--the more you read, the more you learn about writing, and the more ideas and inspiration you can obtain from reading as well as the world around you. Crafting paragraphs out of words and sentences brings me the most joy.

Something everyone should know about you?

I've been writing since I was 4 years old. Genuinely, the first story I wrote as a child was about puppies searching for Santa Claus--I haven't stopped since!

What is something you cannot go a day with out doing?

Stepping outside in the sunlight. I joke about being like a plant, I need proper amounts of sunlight to go on!

What is your most favorite article you have written for Sioux Falls Woman Magazine?

The first article I wrote about Tim Hall and his journey through therapeutic pilates. Even though the article was about how pilates can be useful for the body, I had a wonderful discussion with Mr. Hall about his life and his philosophies.

What do you like most about Sioux Falls Woman Magazine?

I love the way the Sioux Falls Woman Magazine puts a spotlight on a variety of women highlighting their successes in life. There are wonderful women doing wonderful things in the world, and it's great to get an insight into the lives of local women doing big, beautiful things.

62

on the cover

Featured: Jane Grime

Photography: Maggie Sweets

Life

5Contributor Spotlight 8 Calendar of Events 14 Savvy Family Summertime Fun 16 In Our Community A Life Changing Experience

Style

20 Beauty Trends Self Tanning to a “T” 22 Style Trends Our Favorite Things 23 Fashion Trends Rockin’ Resort Wear: For Vacations and All Summer Long 24 Where to Shop

Foodie

30 Healthy Eating Six Superfoods for a Super Summer 32 In the Kitchen Kitchen WOW! 34 Foodie Food Trucks!

Home

38 Home Feature Dream Home in the Making 46 DIY Pallet Nesting Tables

Health

50 Health A Healthy Life: Advice for Women from their 20’s to their 80’s 52 Wellness Just a Regular Day 54 Mental Health Mind Games

Profiles

62 Cover Story Jane Grime: Her Personal Journey of Self-Discovery 68 What's New TriState Curls 70 What's New Pet Wants 72 What's New Nautical Bowls