Area Woman Feb/Mar '24

50 cont

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ents

on t he Cover Mixing Love & Flour

The Story of Marianne Garvey's Tartan Rose Bakery

by Devin Joubert

feb mar 2024

10

features in Bloom 10 Love A Florist's Commitment to Sustainability, Beauty, and Local Sourcing

by Patrice Peterson

30 I DO European Bridal Couture

Evalina Shindieva's Artistry Comes to Life

by Devin Joubert

Love & Flour 50 Mixing The Story of Marianne Garvey's Tartan Rose Bakery

by Devin Joubert

the Rise: Mackenzie Watson 64 On Everything Zen Massage

wedding Nuptials - Hair & Makeup 19 Chic

by Liv Burke

by Devin Joubert

44

life Wondering Woman 47 Dear

by Jess Hoeper

in the Details 24 Beauty Courtesy of Gunderson's Jewelry

48 Area Style + Shop Local Fully Booked 58 She's

by Megan Elgin

Wedding: Aleasha & Conner 36 Area photos by Abby Anderson

60 Events Calendar No Place Like Home 62 There's Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson

Wedding: Amanda & Parker 40 Area photos by Lily Brundin Photos Wedding: Alissa & Alex 44 Area photos by Abby Anderson

dining

Brunch Pastry 29 Raspberry

by Stephanie Disse Eggs Benedict 39 Petite

by Stephanie Disse

24

health

the Heart 16 From

by Essentia Health / Caitlin Pallai

34

MEGAN

Megan grew up on the family farm in small town North Dakota and graduated from MSUM. She is an artist and graphic designer who loves all things creative. She is passionate about reading as many books as possible and loves discussing them with others. Megan lives in Horace with her husband and teenage son.

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OUR WRITERS

are the voice of Area Woman Magazine.

They bring to life the Fargo-Moorhead area and the incredible stories of the women we feature. These are the talented contributors showcased in this issue.

Learn more about these and our other contributors at areawomanmagazine.com.

PATRICE

peterson

With a degree in journalism, Patrice continues to pursue her passion for writing by creating articles for various Midwest publications. She left behind a corporate communications job to find her own version of a perfect work-life balance. That includes spending plenty of quality time with friends and family, including her husband, children, and two young grandchildren. It also allows time to pursue her other passion for outdoor activities. Besides biking and skiing, she loves kayaking and spending time at her “Happy Place,” their cabin on Big Pine Lake in Perham.

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:: areawomanmagazine.com

elgin

JESSICA

hoeper

Jessica Hoeper is a Social Worker, Reflective Coach, Author, Mother, and Founder of Ray of Hope, LLC. She is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with 17 years of human service experience, specializing in child welfare. Jessica runs her own human service consulting and training company, Ray of Hope, LLC. Jessica grew up in Fargo before relocating to Minnesota. Jess and her husband are raising their five kids on a farm in central Minnesota. Jessica recently added author to her tagline. She coordinated and co-authored a book that became a best-seller, “Where Social Work Can Lead You: Journeys into, around and even out of social work.”

STEPHANIE

disse

Stephanie Disse is a Certified Yoga Teacher and the owner of Time to Fly Healthy Living. Her passion for fitness and nutrition fuels her coaching business, helping clients to develop and sustain healthy lifestyle habits. She is a native of Detroit Lakes, MN and a married mother of two, grandmother of three, and consummate adventurer!

You’ll find Stephanie cooking up new recipes in her DL kitchen, traveling around the country, enjoying live music shows, experiencing the outdoors, and spending time as a student and teacher of yoga.

DAWN

duncan

Dawn is driven by creativity and sharing her passion for writing, art, and healthy living with the masses. She is from Fertile, MN and now calls Detroit Lakes her home, after living in Colorado several years. She's a UND graduate and lifelong entrepreneur who is also a published children's book author. You'll usually find her hiking in the woods, kayaking, sweating in the yoga studio, or spending time with her husband, Michael, and their German Shepherd, Reva. Dawn is a writer, artist, creativity coach, and class facilitator, specializing in teaching art as therapy. Follow her @yellowbrightinc.com

DEVIN

joubert

Devin Joubert (pronounced "yo-bear") is a freelance writer and also a fiction author of all things romantic comedy, humor, and true love. Stories have always been at the center of her heart, believing they change lives. She lives in North Dakota with her husband and mini zoo, where the prairies and forests collide. When she isn’t writing or wrangling her pets, she loves going on road tripping adventures with her husband. You can find out more about her at lifewritingwanderlust.com

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celebrating 40 years

publisher / art director KIP JOHNSON

managing editor DAWN DUNCAN

design AARON BURGENER

advertising RENEE REDENIUS | 701.212.7227 JERRY SHEA | 218.205.7454 REBECCA HAARSTAD | 262.994.8744 TERRI JO PEERY | 320.491.5618

photography JUSTIN EILER PHOTOGRAPHY

read it online issuu.com/compmedia

find us areawomanmagazine.com

Area Woman is a proud member of the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce. It is published bimonthly by Area Woman Publishing, LLC and printed in the U.S.A. ©2023 Area Woman Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from AW. Area Woman is a trademark registered at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Area Woman Publishing assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs and does not necessarily agree with content or advertising presented.

area

FEATURE

Steph Leininger has always loved flowers. When she was just 15 years old, her first “real” job was tending gardens around the City of Fargo as an employee of the local Parks District.

10 :: areawomanmagazine.com

As the owner of Botanica Floristry in West Fargo since 2021, she now focuses on growing and designing flowers for local weddings and events.

“I never thought I’d have my own business,” says Steph. “I went to North Dakota State University

for a degree in horticulture and my initial creative focus was on landscape design.” That focus led her to positions as a lead horticulturist at the Roaring Fork Club in Colorado, and later as a property manager, working with landscapes in both Colorado and North Dakota.

"I never thought I’d have my own business."

Steph Leininger “When I returned to Fargo, I worked as the horticulturist on the Microsoft campus, and then as a property manager for a family that lived in North Dakota and Minnesota,” she says. She also worked in a florist shop, where her passion began expanding from working in the soil to working with vases. That developed into growing her own flowers and using her creativity to design wedding flowers for couples on their big day.

A Niche In The Flower Industry “All of my past jobs and those experiences over 21 years brought me to where I am today,” she says.

“When I was working in the soil in Colorado on the golf course and at private homes, it helped me connect with clients and flowers – and to embrace nature. Although owning my own business was never a dream for me, it naturally evolved into what it is today.”

Once the seed was planted to design wedding flowers, Steph wanted to learn everything she could about wedding flower designs and the best ways to be there for the couples who would be her clients.

“I enjoy getting to know my couples for a longer period of time, and I love being able to ‘touch’ everything throughout the entire process,” she says.

“I can be the flower expert for them, from seed to communication to design, and I always try to be as responsive as possible.”

Starting her own business during the pandemic had its own set of challenges. For Steph, it was a time to dig deep and find her own way to that “something bigger” she was meant to pursue. The isolation and work slowdown actually worked in her favor as far as making new choices.

By combining her cut flower gardens with wedding design, she could create something uniquely her own. She realized by going after what she is passionate about, it would show her daughters that anything is possible.

When starting her business, Steph connected with as many people in the floral industry as possible.

“It provided opportunities for me to expand my knowledge, not only about gardening, but about communication and best practices of floral designs for weddings,” she says. “I was open to learning from everyone in any way I could. It was a bit limited for face-to-face, but joining groups and attending Zoom meetings took me to different places, like New York and Australia.”

One person she met through those connections was Annie Sasseville, a flower farmer and designer in Colorado.

“We were on a monthly Zoom meeting for flower growers three years ago,” says Annie. “We began texting ‘under the table,’ sharing our personal contact information, and we’ve been friends and mentors for each other ever since. We finally met in person at a flower retreat earlier this year, and we maintain a meaningful business and personal relationship. She not only deeply loves flowers, she cherishes them.”

Annie explains that while she and Steph have similar businesses, she has a stronger background and experience in flower farming, while Steph has extensive background and experience in flower designing.

“We support each other,” she continues. “As Steph begins to expand her flower farm, she might rely on me for technical questions about that process and how to improve and expand that end of her business. Likewise, if I’m stuck when designing a bridal bouquet, she’ll look at it and tell me that all it needs is for me to move the blooms to the left a little bit, which makes it absolutely perfect.”

Sustainability Annie will also call Steph with questions when she’s not sure about earth-friendly flower designing options.

“If I feel like I can’t find a way to make an arrangement work without using floral foam, she is always able to provide me with an alternative, like chicken wire, that’s good for the environment.

Sustainability is a high priority for her.”

That priority is what drives Steph to not only avoid using floral foam, but also to work hard in all her designs to utilize products that are good for the earth. Even the ribbons she uses in her bouquets and arrangements are sourced from local, women-owned businesses that use plants to hand-dye them.

Wedding Flowers Wedding celebrations may have changed over the years, but flowers have always been used to add a personal touch of style and beauty to the atmosphere. Whatever the country, whatever the state, whatever the culture, whatever the venue, flowers can provide symbolism, color, texture, and fragrance.

Choosing a florist to provide and design the flowers can be one of the first significant decisions a couple can make when planning their wedding.

Bringing art and focus into that process is part of Steph’s approach at Botanical Floristry.

According to Steph, “The process starts with an introductory phone call to discuss the couple’s preferences and color palette. I tailor the designs to the couple’s style and values, which informs my creative process.”

The process starts with an introductory phone call to discuss the couple’s preferences and color palette. I tailor the designs to the couple’s style and values, which informs my creative process.

Steph Leininger

A mood board is created for each couple, featuring images of flower designs discussed during the initial consultation, such as bridal bouquets or table arrangements, to provide a sense of what the final products will look like.

“Communication is key throughout the process to ensure the final result is brought to life.”

Steph’s approach is highly personal. She may check out what other weddings look like, but she has no interest in “replicating” anything on Pinterest.

“I’m dedicated to crafting something unique for each couple and feel privileged to apply my floral knowledge to enhance their days,” she explains.

“While I prioritize using locally sourced materials, nature is always changing, and I seek inspiration from each couple and the present moment.”

When seasonally possible, she uses flowers that she starts growing in her home from seeds, and then planting them in her flower garden. In all her designs, she specializes in using only locally grown or American sourced flowers.

Steph often refers to herself as a “one-woman show” at Botanica Floristry. However, she does occasionally enlist the help of her friend, Leah Kaspari, to assist with setting up for larger weddings or events. They’ve been working together off and on since 2015, when Leah returned to her hometown of Fargo.

“Steph is very passionate about what she does, so I enjoy working with her if she needs help doing some of the physical set-up, outside of flower design,” says Leah. “I think what sets her apart from other florists is her design expertise. She’s not trendy, but really forward in what she’s doing, and she uses space so creatively.”

They have a very good working relationship, according to Leah.

“She knows my personality, knows what tasks to give me, and when to be bossy or not bossy,” she says with a laugh. “Most people might not want to hang out with their boss, but she’s very funny with a great style, and I enjoy socializing with her.”

Most importantly, Leah says that Steph works hard to get to know her clients.

“She gets a sense of what would suit them best, and she wants to be able to spend the time necessary to focus on those clients. If that includes a

budget or space challenge, she’ll put 100% effort into her work to solve the challenge.”

For Steph, the final flower experience at the wedding is more important than anything else. Stories about individual challenges or individual successes would need to come from the couples she worked with over the past few years.

“They would have to explain how the flowers made them feel, and art is experienced differently by each person. As the artist, I have a specific connection with the flowers. For the couple, it’s the combined experience on their wedding day.”

She loves to get to know the couples who trust her process. One of those couples recalled that the results were “flawless,” and that Steph’s designs at their wedding were “even more magical than we imagined.”

“By getting to know each other through a few meetings, I’m able to sit down with them to find out who they are, look at what flowers are in season, and then figure out what to use,” she says.

“It’s a meditative process that is difficult to put into words – more of a feeling that I’ve connected with the love of the couple, my connection with flowers through growing, and my relationships with flower farmers. [aw]

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area

HEALTH

Mom shares her son's story and the impact of Essentia's patient-centered care

Emily and Max Kollar were expecting their first child – Archer – in July 2022. During their 20week ultrasound at Essentia Health-Fargo, they learned that a clear view of their son’s heart wasn’t visible. “This was due to his position, which is not abnormal,” explains Emily. The Kollars, of Fargo, were scheduled to return in four weeks. It was at the 24-week ultrasound that Archer’s heart condition was discovered.

It was at the 24-week ultrasound that Archer's heart condition was discovered.

Emily Kollar

Written By Caitlin Pallai Photographs Supplied By Heidi Morlock Photography

16 :: areawomanmagazine.com

Archer was prenatally diagnosed with congenital heart disease, specifically a variation of hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The left side structures of his heart were smaller than normal. Archer also had a coarctation of his aorta, meaning it was too narrow and would obstruct blood flow. A surgical repair would be required shortly after birth.

“It was explained that there’s a spectrum of hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and Archer was

on that path,” says Emily. “I just remember the team that told us was empathetic and so helpful.

It was tough for everyone, and of course we were shocked.”

Emily and Max were quickly referred to maternal-fetal medicine specialist Dr. Michelle Wyatt, an Essentia obstetrician with advanced training in caring for women and babies during non-routine pregnancies.

“That care team was just fantastic,” says Emily.

“Dr. Wyatt was great to work with. She was so helpful.” The Kollars also began seeing Essentia pediatric cardiologist Dr. Kristina Rauser-Foltz, who has extensive training in diagnosing and treating children’s cardiac problems.

Dr. Rauser-Foltz works closely with the fetal cardiology team at Children’s Minnesota, which specializes in complex, neonatal heart surgery.

“We were very fortunate that Dr. Rauser-Foltz and her team in Fargo could do most of the ultrasounds, or fetal echoes, and then send those to the team at Children’s,” explains Emily. “They collaborated as a group and really assessed our care and Archer’s case as a team.

“Dr. Rauser-Foltz was absolutely fantastic. She always took time to sit with us and explain fully what she knew about Archer’s condition and what could happen.” Dr. Rauser-Foltz also helped connect the Kollar family to her colleague, pediatrician Dr. Dhilhan Marasinghe, to establish care prior to Archer’s birth. For Emily, seeing Dr. Marasinghe was reassuring.

“We were able to discuss our concerns, and the normal pediatric questions versus the cardiology questions, which was very helpful to have that

perspective as first-time parents,” says Emily. “He took all the time that we needed, and we communicated frequently via MyChart.” As Archer’s due date approached, Emily and Max temporarily relocated to the Twin Cities and stayed with family.

Archer was born on July 4 and underwent surgery to fix his aorta at 10 days old.

Archer was officially diagnosed with Shone’s Complex at birth, a rare congenital heart disease – impacting less than 1% of newborns – that affects how blood flows into and out of the left side of the heart.

He continues to have additional echocardiograms and is monitored closely.

“It means the world to us that Dr. Marasinghe continues to be involved in Archer’s care, and he has a great relationship with Dr. Rauser-Foltz,” says Emily. “He always knows how Archer’s doing and how his heart condition is progressing. It helps knowing he’s extra informed.”

It also helps that Archer loves Dr. Marasinghe.

“We live echo-to-echo, but we definitely live life to the fullest in between and adventure as much as we can with him,” says Emily. “Things turned out better than we could have hoped, and we are grateful for every day we get to have with our little guy.” Archer will likely need valve-replacement surgery on the left side of his heart in the

future. “We hope he can be as big and grown, as strong as he can be, before that,” says Emily.

“We’ve had quite the journey with his heart condition. I know it’s only just begun as it will be a lifelong condition for him, but he’s currently thriving. He’s doing great.”

Emily credits Essentia’s staff and culture for making a difference for her family.

“It’s a friendly atmosphere and feels patient-centered,” explains Emily. “They look at you as a whole person and at your family. We always felt that anywhere can say that, but I’ve always experienced it at Essentia. That has made a big difference for me. Everyone from the receptionists to the echo and ultrasound techs to the doctors are wonderful and that’s why we feel comfortable.”

Emily also expresses a deep gratitude to the ultrasound technician who initially caught Archer’s condition. “Shone’s Complex isn’t always detected prenatally,” she said. “Things could have looked a lot different.”

“My husband and I talked about moving to the Twin Cities when we first found out about Archer’s condition,” she admits. “We were so fortunate to have Dr. Rauser-Foltz and the services offered in Fargo, and that they communicated with the team at Children’s. It’s the same care team, we just get to be remote and receive the same level of care if we were living in the Twin Cities. I’m grateful for that.” [aw] To learn more about our Pediatrics services, visit

www.EssentiaHealth.org

area

STYLE

model Issac clothing Haberstadt's Downtown hair Hair Success

In the early 60s, Oscar de la Renta not only shaped but defined American fashion. Fast forward to 2024, and the world of bridal couture is undergoing a spectacular makeover. As we step into this transformative year, anticipate a surge of interactive elements, bold colors, and vintage glamour, signaling a departure from tradition and embracing sophistication and rebellion.

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Bridal gowns are no longer just garments; they are statements of bold individuality.

Sumptuous silks and intricate silhouettes continue to grace the aisle, making every bride's entrance an unforgettable affair. However, what steals the spotlight in 2024 are the interactive elements and attention-grabbing focal points adorning these stunning gowns.

Watch for oversized bows that add a touch of drama and personality to wedding attire.

Feminine, pretty, and a departure from the conventional, these bows redefine bridal fashion. The resurgence of vintage glamour is another trend to look out for, evoking the timeless elegance of bygone eras.

Breaking away from tradition with flair and sophistication, black wedding dresses are making a bold statement. The rebellion is not just in color but in the very essence of defying norms. Fargo’s Your Day by Nicole (YDBN) presents dresses that embody feminine style with soft details, weaving a romantic narrative through every stitch.

model Alexis Fennell makeup Tasha Lund hair Alexis Fennell

model Hathaway Kritzeck makeup Lily Messmer hair Hathaway Kritzeck

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model Hathaway Kritzeck makeup Lily Messmer hair Hathaway Kritzeck

For those seeking to complement these stunning gowns, YDBN offers elegant custom jewelry that pulls out all the stops in capturing the latest trends. The marriage of exquisite craftsmanship and contemporary design ensures that brides find the perfect accessories to enhance their unique style. Adding bold or dainty touches to wedding attire and ensembles is key to personalization; accessories are the adornment of the look and allow latitude in how the outfits come together. They also offer the opportunity to add pops of color if desired or expressions that are very personal and sentimental.

But it's not just the brides who are embracing change in 2024.

Grooms and groomsmen are making a splash with bold colors and textured fabrics, showcasing their individual style. The groom, too, is taking center stage in expressing his personality through fashion, ushering in an era where grooms wear becomes a unique form of self-expression.

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model Randi Jo Wieland makeup Alicia Upton hair Kate Algren

Accessories take the bridal ensemble to new heights, with intricate combs, accent pieces, and colorful shoes peeking from under gowns, adding a dash of the bride's personality. Bejeweled handbags bring old Hollywood flair to modern weddings, completing the ensemble with a touch of timeless sophistication.

In the realm of wedding decor, expect a riot of bold colors, abundant flowers, and dramatic LED lighting setting the stage for romance.

Desserts are not just sweet treats but statements in themselves, with macaron towers and interactive dessert stations featuring mini dessert pies and donuts. The wedding cake, too, is undergoing a revamp, with masterpieces adorned with hand-painted details and sugar flowers as works of art.

model Alexis Fennell makeup Tasha Lund hair Alexis Fennell

As we step into the enchanting world of weddings in 2024, it's evident that tradition is taking a backseat to creativity and unique personal expression. This year promises a celebration of love, fashion, and the bold reinvention of wedding elegance. Get ready to witness nuptial celebrations like never before, where each detail is a testament to the couple's special love story. [aw]

[AW] Februar y / March 24 :: 23

area

WEDDING

The world of wedding jewelry and accessories is a vast one and perhaps it can seem overwhelming to choose the right pieces that you will wear and cherish for a lifetime. Learning the basics of the jewelry world is a great way to immerse yourself and feel knowledgeable when selecting beautiful heirlooms that you will love to wear.

Take a look at a few ideas provided

by Gunderson’s Jewelers of Fargo and make note of anything that catches your eye. What is it that you like about the piece, is it timeless, and will it coordinate well with your wedding attire? Whatever your taste or theme, there is jewelry that will suit your look and provide lasting impressions for years to come.

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Photos Supplied By

Gunderson's Jewelry

Here is the perfect combo! For her, a three stone diamond engagement mounting paired with a 25 stone band and for him, an 8.5MM white gold band with high-polished edges and center with frosted sides.

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Accent any center stone with unique sparkle in this engagement setting featuring clusters of brilliant cut diamonds totaling 0.11 carats. Finish the look with a 0.34 carat 21 diamond contour band designed to fit perfectly next to your engagement ring.

Add a touch of glamour to your big day with a set of 14K white gold hoop earrings featuring 1.20ctw diamonds.

A beautiful ring option is the solitaire engagement mounting with surprise diamonds, which lets the center stone be the star of the show but hides a sparkling treat with a diamond pave gallery. This ring includes a quilted interior to provide a fantastic fit and a luxurious feel that prevents spinning.

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Brilliant diamond tennis necklaces in 14K and 18K gold and silver are a gorgeous and special way to enhance your wedding look!

There are many options for wedding bands that pair perfectly with your engagement ring.

Make your wedding day even brighter! There are bracelet styles for every taste and budget and the right bracelet finishes off your wedding looks perfectly.

All items featured are available at Gunderson’s Jewelers, Fargo, ND About the retailer: Gunderson’s Jewelers was founded as a small business over 75 years ago in Sioux City, Iowa. From humble beginnings, the business has grown to be one of the largest independent jewelry stores in the Midwest with locations in Sioux City, IA; Sioux Falls, SD; Omaha, NE; Fargo, ND; and Wayzata, MN.

Gunderson’s Jewelers | Uptown & Main 5601 28th Avenue South | Fargo, ND 58104 701-532-3020

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area

RECIPES

SERVINGS ................

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R E C I P E B Y STEPHANIE DISSE P H O T O B Y DAWN DUNCAN

................

raspberry

Brunch

pastry

t i e k ba today THE METHOD

.....................................................................................

Heat oven to 350 F. Cut the packages of crescent roll s each into 1 2 even pieces . Mix the cream cheese with 4 T of the powdered sugar until fully blended together. Pl ace the sl ices of roll s onto a greased sheet pan and press an indent into the center of each one using the back of a spoon. In each indent, pl ace a teaspoon of the cream cheese mix and then one teaspoon of jam. Mix remaining 4 T of powdered sugar with the al mond ex tract and mil k . Stir until blended. Driz zle the al mond mix over the top of each pastr y. Bake for 1 5 minutes then remove from oven to fully cool before ser ving. [aw]

TOOLS

.....................................................................................

Sheet Pan / Small Knife / Cooking Spray / Measuring Spoons

INGREDIENTS

..........................................................

2 packages of crescent rolls, each roll cut into 12 even pieces 1 8 oz. package of cream cheese, brought to room temperature 8 (heaping) T powdered sugar, divided in half 8 oz. raspberry jam (can substitute another flavor of jam if desired) 1 tsp. almond extract ½ tsp. milk

Teaspoon / Two Small Mixing Bowls [AW] Februar y / March 24 :: 29

area

FEATURE

In the heart of Fargo, there’s a unique bridal boutique called I DO European Bridal Couture. Evelina Shindieva has created a place where dreams are woven with delicate lace, sequins sparkling like stardust, and where every stitch tells a unique love story.

“My intriguing approach involves creating a small, individual, one-on-one experience for brides, and steering away from the conventional bridal shop model.”

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Shindieva’s journey into the bridal world wasn't a traditional one. She immigrated to America in her early twenties from Russia. She transitioned from a background in mechanical engineering to running Roza's Sewing & Alterations, the business her mother started and ran, and then opened I DO European Bridal Couture. “I'm a tailor, so I design dresses, but I design them with the bride because if I work on a custom dress, then the bride comes with ideas. They know what they want and then I can accommodate their needs with the resources I have,” said Shindieva.

More Than a Dress: Building Relationships I DO European Bridal Couture is a place for relationships to blossom and grow. While talking with Evelina, I could tell how much she loves and cares about her brides. She shared a story with me about a bride who forever stayed in her memory.

She had terminal cancer. “I was really affected by it because it was after my mom passed away from cancer. She was diagnosed and then, around seven months later, she was gone. She’d been absolutely healthy before that. We take so much for granted.”

Each and every bride who comes into I DO European Bridal Couture stays in Evelina’s mind. She went on to tell me how she loved that the bridal industry was a happy place where no matter what the bride was going through, that they could just enjoy the environment and dream about their wedding day. And throughout the years, each bride she has worked with has become like family. “They text me pictures when they get pregnant or when they have a baby and they tell me things such as that they had twins and I'm like, wow, wow, that's awesome! So that's a relationship I'm looking for when I work with a bride,” said Shindieva.

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Besides creating that personal connection with each client, she strives to make each bride’s wedding beautiful by designing the dress of her dreams. She also strives to make the wedding day run smoother by sharing her partner list and some discounts with them as well, such as from other wedding industry pros in the area (florists, venues, etc.).

A Shop is Born When Shindieva was in grad school at NDSU, her mother passed away, so she took over Roza's Sewing & Alterations.

“My mom never taught me. I didn't know anything about alterations,” said Shindieva. So she taught herself. Shindieva laughed when telling me that during high school Home Economics classes she’d have sewing assignments and worried she’d fail, so she begged her mom to help and she did them. “I remember my mom did all of them because I just… I would have flunked the class,” she laughed. “Life really teaches you. And now I do this for a living.”

She sees things as a blueprint, with having her background in engineering, “So that part of my brain that was responsible for being analytical helped me, because I’d open up a sleeve, to see how it worked and then I’d replicate that. And back then, we didn't have YouTube videos where you could just go watch a video and have them guide you through it, one step at a time.”

The moment the space next door to Roza's Sewing & Alterations became available, Shindieva jumped at the chance to open her shop. “My friend told me, take it!! I’ll help you. And that’s how it started. I love the bridal industry. I DO European Bridal Couture opened on January 1st, 2018.”

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Working With The Bride

My friend told me, 'Take it!! I’ll help you.'

And that’s how it started.

I love the bridal industry. I DO European Bridal Couture opened on January 1st, 2018.

Evelina Shindieva

The question Shindieva asks every bride when they come into her shop is, ‘What is your desire?’

“I will accommodate you if I know what you're looking for. Something to think about when looking for a dress is have you tried dresses on some place else, have you shopped around or am I the first store you shopped? Are you one of those people that the second you get engaged you browse Pinterest?”

Of course with every bride, it’ll be different and one dress might work out better for one from another place. “If I did not work out for her, then she's going to be somebody else's bride and that's totally fine. A bride came once and kept talking about a dress from somewhere else, so I ended up telling her, you know, maybe you should just go and get that dress. If you can’t get a dress out of your mind, you’ve made up your mind. Yes, that would mean I’d lose a bride, but I’d just feel that was the right thing for me to do. I want the brides to be happy and comfortable.”

Self-Taught Bridal Couture

I love how it's different every time.

I love the hardest projects.

Evelina Shindieva

"I'm self-taught in design," said Shindieva when talking about her ability to seamlessly blend technical skills with her creative flair and the inspiration she gets from the bride, fabrics, and more. Each custom wedding dress begins with a sketch and a conversation with the bride to get a feel for their bridal fantasy. The art form of being a tailor is a “skill that goes beyond the technicalities and requires a deep understanding of the bride's desires,” said Shindieva.

“I love what I do. I mean, I love how it's different every time. I love the hardest projects. Once this girl brought in her dress after having posted on Facebook about it and how no one wanted to touch it and fix an issue with her dress. So when I read that on Facebook, I told her to come into Roza's Sewing & Alterations and that I’d love to look at her dress because it triggered my curiosity.

I did figure out the dress. And after this, she recommended me on Facebook. Actually, she tagged me and she said she took her dress to me and that it was beautiful. I received the best satisfaction when I finished that project.”

Contact

Evelina Shindieva at

5 8th Street South | Fargo, ND 581803 701-212-2822 | Website: Idobridend.com

Shindieva does sell some dresses designed by other people, but most of the dresses she sells are ones that she has designed. She also does custom bridal party dresses, custom veils to match specific dress designs, and groom attire rental packages. The prices are competitive with the wedding dress market in the FM area, but they are couture.

“I also work closely with my partner in Italy, who works in the bridal industry. She’s exposed to all the European fashion and everything happening in the bridal fashion world. She encouraged me.

I wanted to be that small bridal boutique in the FM community where there’s more one-on-one attention. That's it. And that's how I'm not really competing. I'm just mining my little niche where I feel comfortable. I work here by myself. So at that volume, I also had to adjust to running two businesses, this one and my late mother’s business next door (Roza’s Sewing & Alterations). I do have a helper that does alterations for me, but I do 100% of the bridal work because I know the bride. Then I don't have to explain anything to anyone else.”

I DO European Bridal Couture isn't just a bridal boutique; it's a testament to the art of tailoring, personalized experiences, and the profound impact a wedding dress can have in a love story.

Each stitch carries not just the weight of the fabric but the weight of dreams, making Evelina's bridal haven a truly magical place for brides in Fargo, North Dakota. [aw]

[AW] Februar y / March 24 :: 35

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WEDDING

“Love at first sight” is how the romance between Aleasha and Conner Riley began back in 2019. Upon meeting at a college party that Aleasha attended with Conner’s sister, Conner describes first setting eyes on Aleasha as “tunnel vision” throughout the crowded room of partygoers. Throughout the night, he continued to whisper to his sister that one day he was going to marry Aleasha and, like a true charmer, he offered his coat to her when she was cold and stayed by her.

Shortly after that evening, he strategically met up with Aleasha by having his sister invite her to a dinner party that was being held before he departed for a summer internship in Washington. The pair have been inseparable every since.

Fast forward to the early part of 2023. Fresh into the New Year, Aleasha and Conner embarked on a ski trip to Breckenridge, CO. At the top of one of the slopes, there is a café where they stopped for hot chocolate and after sipping their drinks, they headed out to a balcony overlooking the mountain. When they had taken in the beautiful views, Aleasha turned around to see Conner down on one knee. “I will never forget that life-changing moment,” she remembers.

As tears flowed from my eyes, he asked to spend his life with me.”

Both Aleasha and Conner are small town natives. She is from Horace, ND and he grew up in Olivia, MN. Currently, Aleasha works as a personal loan officer and Conner’s primary work is as an architectural designer. From the beginning phase of wedding planning, the two sought to create a “wholesome, airy, and timeless” style for their wedding and one that was true to them as a couple.

Photography by Abby Anderson

36 :: areawomanmagazine.com

When it came to photography, the couple chose to work with Abby Anderson Photography, which turned out to be a fantastic experience.

“Where do we even begin to describe working with Abby?” Aleasha commented. “From our first meeting with her, she radiated so much positive energy while staying very professional. I was impressed by her level of communication and time that she spent taking on more than just the role of photographer. From helping me buff out deodorant marks on my dress to assisting in cake cutting, she really rolled with the punches! She finds solutions.” The couple noted that comments from family and friends were also favorable and they said they hardly noticed she was there!

Abby handled numerous requests from guests for pictures and Aleasha remarked that she did so professionally; she accommodated when able and redirected when necessary to stay on schedule. “Thanks to her,” Aleasha noted, “we have the wedding photos of our dreams!” [aw]

From the very beginning we sought to create a wholesome, airy, and timeless style that was true to who we both are as a couple.

Aleasha Riley [AW] Februar y / March 24 :: 37

The Wedding Pros ceremony / Horace Lutheran Church reception / Jasper Hotel invitations / The Knot bridal gown, veil/headpiece, & jewelry / Your Day by Nicole hair stylist / Salon Duo bridesmaids dresses / Birdy Grey men's formal wear / Halberstadt's on Broadway floral design / Love Always Floral officiant / Will & Father George dj / Andy Austin catering / Rosewild cake / Nichole's Fine Pastry favors / Etsy transportation for bridal party / All Occasions & Limousines

38 :: areawomanmagazine.com

area

r o f t i make brunch

RECIPES

P H O T O B Y DAWN DUNCAN R E C I P E B Y STEPHANIE DISSE

[ aw ]

petite

Eggs

benedict INGREDIENTS

.................................................

Toppings: 1 “Take & Bake” demi baguette (6 oz.), cut into 20 slices (approximately ½” thick) 7 T butter, melted (brush bread with melted butter and reserve the rest for the sauce) ½# deli ham 8 hard boiled eggs; cut off the ends of the eggs, then cut egg into thirds Salt and Pepper; Paprika and/or chives Hollandaise Sauce: 2 egg yolks

SERVINGS ................

20

................

THE METHOD

............................................................................................

Heat oven to 350 F. A ssemble bread sl ices on a greased sheet pan. Brush melted but ter l ightly over bread sl ices . Top with small sl ices of ham, one sl ice of egg.

Once sauce is done, top each ser ving with a driz zle of sauce then pl ace in oven for 10 minutes .

Top with salt and pepper. E x tra sauce can be made if you prefer to have sauce on the side or for more topping. Garnish with paprika and/ or chives .

Sauce: Using a double boiler (or you can pl ace a bowl on top of a saucepan), f ill pan 1 /3 full and bring to a boil . In the bowl on top, pl ace the Holl andaise S auce ingredient s and whisk quickly for 3 minutes . Add the remaining but ter and whisk until the sauce thickens .

Remove from heat and use in steps as directed. [aw]

TOOLS

1T water

............................................

1 T vinegar

Sheet Pan / Bread Knife / Small Knife

(Remaining butter from the 7 T originally melted)

Double Boiler / Whisk / Small Spoon [AW] Februar y / March 24 :: 39

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WEDDING

Medical school at UND is what brought doctors Amanda and Parker Rosenau together initially. As first year med students in 2019, they were in the same small learning group and became fast friends. Amanda commented that it was their same “immature sense of humor” that bonded them! “Our friendship was essential to both of us surviving the transition to medical school and then things quickly changed into something more by the end of that first year.”

The setting for the wedding proposal was in Minot, ND, where Parker was doing his clinical rotations the couple’s third year of medical school. Amanda noted, “Parker was originally planning a more traditional proposal involving dinner (with a ring sneakily presented at some point during one of the courses), but changed his mind last minute. He instead decided it was not a proper proposal without the inclusion of their shared mutual obsession, their kitten named Pancake.

Parker attached the engagement ring to Pancake’s collar and got down on one knee while holding the bedecked kitten. When Amanda came through their home’s front door, he and Pancake surprised her.

Photography by Lily Brundin Photos

40 :: areawomanmagazine.com

Amanda and Parker’s wedding style is what Amanda described as “romantic with some DIY flair.” She said it was important for the wedding to capture the essence of them and Parker added that Amanda made almost all of the decorations herself. This included painting recycled glass jars and designing the centerpieces, creating the seating chart, and crafting the faux flower arch used at their ceremony. “A lot of the other décor was secondhand from friends or Facebook Marketplace. We also rented items from The White House Company in Fargo,” he added.

Today, Amanda, a Brooklyn Park, MN native, is an Internal Medicine resident physician in Minneapolis, MN. Her goal after residency is to be a Hospitalist. Parker is from West Fargo, ND and is currently a Psychiatry resident physician at the same hospital. His goal after residency and fellowship is to be a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist.

"We will always cherish these beautiful reminders of the happiest day of our lives."

Parker Rosenau

As for capturing the memories of their special day, Amanda and Parker chose to work with Lily Brundin Photos, a destination micro-wedding and elopement photographer based out of Fargo.

“It was incredible working with Lily,” said Parker.

At our first meeting, she described her style as “fly on the wall” and that was exactly what Amanda and I were looking for. We didn’t want our wedding photos feeling too staged; we wanted to capture as much authentic joy and love as we could throughout the day. The photos are absolutely stunning; she really managed to get the spirit of the day in the photos and we will always cherish these beautiful reminders of the happiest day of our lives.”

The couple noted that the most important things they had on their list when it came time to choose a photographer were style and personality. Amanda remarked, “Something we didn’t realize until going through the process is what a big difference your photographer makes, not only for the photos, but also when it comes to organizing the day, keeping everything on schedule, and helping to get ready.”

Something we didn’t realize until going through the process is what a big difference your photographer makes, not only for the photos, but also when it comes to organizing the day, keeping everything on schedule, and helping to get ready.

Amanda & Parker Rosenau

The Wedding Pros venue / Riverhaven Events Center makeup artist / Faces by Lizzie flowers, bougets, & bouts / Botanica Floristry faux flowers / Ling's Moments / Etsy caterer / Urban Foods cupcakes / Nothing Bundt / Mehl's Gluten Free Bakery engagement ring / Knowles Jewelry speaker rentals / Guitar Center suits / Halberstadt's on Broadway wedding dress / The Wedding Shoppe bridesmaid dresses & groomswoman jumpsuit / Birdy Grey hotel blocks & transportation / Clubhouse Inn

and Suites / Hilton Garden Inn rental decor / The White House Company hair stylist / Final Touches

[AW] Februar y / March 24 :: 43

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WEDDING

Alissa and Alex Roll’s story is a fairytale romance, one that isn’t very common in that they actually met in elementary school. Long before the days of online dating became popular the couple grew up outside of Fargo/Moorhead. Alissa is originally from Glyndon, MN and Alex is from Sabin, MN; the two attended Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton’s school system together. Today, Alissa is a high school science teacher in Horace, ND and Alex is the owner of a snow removal company, Baker Snow and Ice. Although the two knew each other nearly their entire lives, it wasn’t until they attended senior prom together that they began dating.

Photography by Abby Anderson

44 :: areawomanmagazine.com

Eventually, while dating, Alissa and Alex bought their first house together. They have now built a shop on the property and it’s not only a work space, it’s a spot where they spend time together with their pets and friends. Alex planned an at-home proposal, dressing up the couple’s Yellow Labrador Retriever in a bow tie and outfitting the shop with letter balloons. Alissa commented, “It was very personal and sentimental the both of us and commemorated the life we made together thus far.”

Alissa described her wedding style as simple, clean, and classy with a touch of trendy included. “I love the straight lines and contrasting black and white in our wedding. I did not include any color in any of the wedding’s items, but did include different textures and sheens.”

I love the straight lines and contrasting black and white in our wedding. I did not include any color in any of the wedding’s items, but did include different textures and sheens.

Alissa Roll

Working with Abby Anderson as their photographer was a great experience, the couple remarked. “We could not have asked for a better experience than working with Abby,” Alissa stated. “She made the process so easy, which is amazing when you are dealing with so many people and planners at one time. I initially chose her based on her style of photos represented in her portfolio.” She added that Abby’s bright and simple style felt timeless. “I wanted photos that I would still love years and years from now, without a trendy filter applied to them. Abby made us feel so comfortable while taking pictures, telling us exactly how to pose and moving things along to stay on the schedule she created.” Alissa and Alex’s advice for choosing a photographer is to remember your wedding lasts for a day, but your photos last a lifetime. [ aw ]

I wanted photos that I would still love years and years from now, without a trendy filter applied to them.

Alissa Roll

The Wedding Pros ceremony / Trinity Lutheran Church reception & catering / Jasper Hotel invitations / Designed by Bride & Printed at UPS Store bridal gown / Your Day by Nicole veil/headpiece / Bride's mother's hair stylist / Salon Duo makeup artist / Jamie Springer bridesmaids dresses / JJ House men's formal wear / Halberstadt's - West Acres floral design & cake / Hornbacher's Azool officiant / Paster Jess Olson dj / Harmon Entertainment event lights / Alphalit transportation for bridal party / Fargo Party Ride

46 :: areawomanmagazine.com

wondering WOMAN

response by :: jessica hoeper

Hello Jess-

Dear Lindsey T.,

I wonder how other women find and keep hope?

Warmly, Lindsey T.

Thank you for this wondering! I enjoy wondering about hope very much. I was immediately curious when I read your question, because when you break the wondering into parts, there is A LOT here to wonder about! I appreciate you specified your wondering with two specific concepts: finding and keeping. These are two different avenues to explore for sure!

In terms of finding hope, this is where I too wonder often. Finding hope has ease in some spaces and feels hard in broader context for me. The current world we live in offers us both big and small spaces to find the hope, or at least practice finding hope. When I feel hopeless or little hope, I try to find it again by remembering the places/ spaces I still have experience it or find it easily accessible. Did you know that hope is actually good for your whole self, body included? Hope causes your brain to release endorphins (there is actually’ hope science’ for anyone curious),which can mean when we remember where we still have hope, it activates our whole self to remember the possibility of hope and helps it show up in the space we are searching to find it again!

In terms of keeping hope, I immediately think about the moon phases. The waxing and waning of the moon make it appear to change in shape and luminosity, however we know the moon stays big and bright all the time. We just only see it though phases. Hope to me is much like this; it appears to change shape and brightness within each of us,

but the collective light of hope is always big and bright. Which means we cannot lose it; we always keep it. However, how we feel about hope changes.

There is this TikTok that has been passed on pretty broadly about sharing your spark. A man uses two lighters to demonstrate two human beings. He takes one lighter, puts it into a glass, fills the glass little by little with more water to represent “life adversities”, until the cup is full. He then takes the lighter that was covered by water (“life struggles”) and attempts to ignite it. The lighter does not light of course, but then he takes the second lighter that was not immersed in water, he ignites that lighter and uses the lit lighter to share its spark with the other lighter. The lighter that was under water is relit by the lighter that works. This is a beautiful representation of sharing your spark, but also in terms of hope, we can share our hope with others.

other’s active hope, so, for instance, when mine is waxing or waning, I would welcome another person’s hope, and when theirs is waxing and waning I will offer mine!

Hope is not an expectation that all things will work out great, but instead hope invites possibility that things could be good! For hope to be active, we have to actively desire it. We can also be each

You can email questions to me at wonderingwhywithjess@outlook.com.

I can’t wait to connect! Your “wondering” may be featured in an upcoming issue! [ aw ]

Lindsey T. thank you for this wondering as it was very meaningful to think through the finding and keeping of hope!

Jess

Your friend,

P.S.

Write to me with your “wondering whys.”, a column where we can join in honest, real and love-filled conversation around our shared wonderings. Let’s collectively as women share this wonder filled journey of life together! I plan to respond to a reader’s “wondering why” in each issue.

[AW] Februar y / March 24 :: 47

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STYLE

14K White Gold Diamond Pavé Heart Ring 0.56ctw ($1,490.00)

GUNDERSON'S JEWELERS 5601 28th Ave S, Fargo, ND

THE HOMESTEAD TO TABLE Cookbook ($26.99)

CREATIVE COOP Bowls ($5.99) and Crocks ($9.99)

CERAMIC CANISTER VASES ($22.99) and ($24.99)

Located in the Rail District in Dilworth, MN, The Mix Picks & Décor showcases home décor, accent furniture, kids & baby items, and a wide variety of gifts. We carry top name brands like Geometry, Stonewall Kitchen, Magnolia Home Rugs, and Pura as well as supporting small local businesses as much as possible. Stop by 7 days a week and let our friendly sales associates and designers help bring some spring vibes into your home. Or shop online and pick up at your convenience.

THE MIX PICKS & DÉCOR, 212 15th Street NE, Dilworth, MN | www.themixpicks.com

48 :: areawomanmagazine.com

CREATIVE COOP Woven Cotton Pillows ($39.00)

STONEWALL KITCHEN Bloody Mary Mix ($8.99) Honey Mustard Dip ($7.99) Pineapple Chipotle Salsa ($7.99)

GEOMETRY Kitchen Tea Towel ($16.99) [AW] Februar y / March 24 :: 49

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STORY

[AW] Februar y / March 24 :: 51

A

t Tartan Rose Bakery, Marianne Garvey mixes flour, butter, and love into sweet delights for wedding celebrations. She also bakes edible gifts for companies who wish to do corporate gifting. Her business was formerly known as Love In The Oven Bakery, but in January 2024, the name was changed to Tartan Rose Bakery in honor of Marianne’s English-Scottish heritage.

It's amazing how one bite of a beloved dessert or food can trigger a flood of memories and bring back special times with family and friends.

Whether it's the scent of fresh cookies from the oven or the taste of a special treat your grandmother made for you as a child, sweets open the mind to recall experiences. That’s an important thing to keep in mind when picking out a baker for your wedding; you want someone who can help you create a memory with the emotional connection you’ve always dreamed of and you want someone who can bake treats that’ll forever

bring back memories from the day you were married. It’s a great way to relive your happy moments, so anytime in the future when you have that cake or treat, you’ll get thrown back to your special day. In the long run, it isn’t just a dessert, but also an edible memory.

Marianne mentioned how she got the love for baking from her grandma, saying, “There’s a community in Tucson called Winterhaven, where my grandma lived. They were famous for how all the people would decorate their houses for the holidays. Every Christmas, everyone would come over to my grandma’s house. Usually, I’d spend the night and then during the day I’d help her make things; my favorite memory was when she taught me to make Snowballs, also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies, or Russian Tea Cakes. After learning how to make them, I got to eat them. That is always the best part.” And now, anytime Marianne sees these treats, she’s instantly thrown back to that moment when her grandma taught her how to make them. Marianne lamented lovingly about her grandma as we

food photos by Marianne Garvey

“

talked. “Grandma loved to cook and bake. She’d often watch cooking and baking channels on PBS back when there was no cooking network. I was there almost every weekend. I lived close to her, so I was often wanting to help her. She taught me to cook. She loved cooking and baking for the holidays and she eventually bought me my own cookbook so that I could cook at home.”

Behind

the Bakery

With Marianne’s background in anthropology, she loves people deeply and enjoys getting to know others. That’s one thing she appreciates about having her bakery—being able to combine the two things she loves most: people and baked goods. Marianne has worked plenty of cake decorating jobs, honing her skills and savoring the joy her creations bring others.

Marianne Garvey

“

“

Grandma loved to cook and bake.

She taught me to cook. She loved cooking and baking for the holidays and she eventually bought me my own cookbook so that I could cook at home.

She is originally from Tucson, Arizona and her journey to Fargo began when she met her future husband online, about 25 years ago.

After relocating, she saw an online posting where someone wanted to sell their bakery business: Love in The Oven. On October 3rd, 2022, she bought it, embarking on a new chapter where her love for people and the culinary arts converged in a delightful blend. She bakes all of the cookies, cakes, and more at Square One Rental Kitchen and Events in Fargo near downtown. “Casey Steele, who owned it, trained me with her techniques and also gave me the company’s recipes.

It was a smooth transition. I still use some of her recipes, but I’ve changed many of them and use different ingredients. She owns Square One Rental Kitchen and Events now.”

I Do Love

Weddings

“Weddings are one of my favorite things to bake for and my favorite thing about doing them is getting to know the bride and groom. I love getting an idea for what they are like and what they enjoy. One bride asked me if it would be alright for her grandma to make the cake. I told her it was an awesome idea. Another part I love about this is creating something that makes their day great and memorable–so they will remember it for the rest of their lives,” said Marianne.

Tartan Rose Bakery takes on about two weddings a week. “Of course, some weeks are slower and others are busy. Last year I probably did around 200 weddings. And the busy times are primarily in June, September, and October.”

Marianne wants to make the experience easier for her brides and grooms. Whether that means advising on guest counts, accommodating budgets, or offering flexibility in dessert choices, she ensures that everything is tailored to meet the unique needs of each of her clients. “I am flexible and go out of my way to make sure people have great experiences. Things are tight right now for people, and I don’t want to gouge them—I want to be reasonable and flexible. Let me know if there is a budget concern. Or if I don’t make what you want? Chat with me. Or if I’m booked, I can give you recommendations for other bakers.”

Marianne has an exclusive-use clause, set in place to protect the business from any reputation hits. Say you ordered a cake and one dessert but [AW] Februar y / March 24 :: 53

“

The sample boxes allow you to taste the quality. I can’t offer everything in the samples, but if you liked the quality of the chocolate cake, you will also like the quality of my strawberry cake.”

Marianne Garvey

54 :: areawomanmagazine.com

Sample Boxes

Allow You To Taste The Quality Whenever you think about finding a baker, one of the images that might come to your mind is of a bride and groom meeting with the baker to try samples of what they offer. Samples are a great way for you to taste the quality of the baker’s cakes. “You can ask for samples. I have a complimentary sample box with four of the most popular cake flavors. If you want specific flavors or more than four flavors, I charge $40 for another box. The sample boxes allow you to taste the quality. I can’t offer everything in the samples, but if you liked the quality of the chocolate cake, you will also like the quality of my strawberry cake.”

then went to Costco or Sam’s Club to buy a huge platter of cookies. That would be against the exclusive-use clause.

“Just because, one of those is mass produced. And mine is made using real butter instead of oil. I use homemade vanilla. So there is a huge difference in taste. Of course, there are some exceptions, since I don’t make some of the cultural desserts (Lefse, Krumkake, and Swedish Wedding Cakes) that are popular in this area or certified gluten-free baked goods. If you needed certified gluten-free, I’d give you some recommendations.”

Marianne made an edit to the exclusive-use clause to state if you wanted a dessert from another bakery as well, you’d just need to make sure it’s a bakery with a good reputation.

Also, they would need to be fine with you getting desserts from Tartan Rose Bakery as well and vice versa. Her exclusive-use clause is a testament to her commitment to quality, ensuring that every dessert carries the mark of Tartan Rose Bakery and that you experience professionalism and delight in every bite.

top photo: Marianne Garvey right photo: taken by venue

Marianne makes everything to order, which means she doesn’t have a freezer and cooler space like a grocery store, or a large bakery might.

“I make them fresh, to order, because they taste better that way. Plus, the samples I give are usually what I’m making that week.”

Corporate Gifting +

Collabs Around The FM Area

Tartan Rose Bakery does more than just weddings as well, including birthdays and also corporate gifting where Marianne creates delightful treats for companies to share with their employees and

clients during the holiday seasons. “I usually have an annual Christmas order from one company in Fargo where they have several hundreds of cookies and cake bites (like cake pops but without the sticks) shipped nationwide to their clients. I enjoy it, but it's a lot of work.”

She has also done collaborations with different businesses in town. “I made gluten-friendly and vegan items for Atomic Coffee in downtown Fargo. They are gluten-friendly because I do cook things with gluten. I can’t be certified gluten-free, because gluten sticks to equipment after cleaning it,” said Marianne. Additionally, she also makes muffins for a coffee shop in Dilworth called Roasted Rail.

Dreaming For The Future

As for future plans, Marianne dreams of having her own shop, a space where customers can indulge in pre-made cakes, plus get customized desserts, muffins, croissants, and even lunch items like quiches. Her vision also includes having a cute, cozy sitting area for people to enjoy their treats or lunch, and having a place where she can have consultations with brides and grooms. “Opening my own shop would be the goal, but I’d miss baking at my kitchen because you get to love the other bakers and cooks there.”

“

Running your own business presents its challenges, and the weight of managing every aspect can be overwhelming. Marianne hopes to bring on more workers in the future so she can solely focus on cake orders instead; it would lighten the workload.

As Tartan Rose Bakery continues to flourish, Marianne Garvey's story stands as an inspiration—a testament to the transformative power that comes when you mix flour, butter, and love. With this blend, the opportunities are endless. [aw] To reach Marianne at Tartan Rose Bakery: www.tartanrosebakery.com/ 701-630-1342

bottom photo: Marianne Garvey

Opening my own shop would be the goal, but I’d miss baking at my kitchen because you get to love the other bakers and cooks there.

Marianne Garvey

56 :: areawomanmagazine.com

[AW] Februar y / March 24 :: 57

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BOOKS

L

ove and marriage is a well explored theme I love reading about, from first bloom to long-time couples.

In this issue, you’ll find an enemies-to-lovers romance between a bridesmaid and groomsman; a wildly original debut about marriage, love and sharks; a heartwarming and funny exploration of womanhood in the 1960s; and an intimate, witty look at marriage and wellness culture.

The Stand-Up Groomsman

by Jackie Lau

If you’re looking for a fun contemporary romance with characters that have real-life flaws and complicated lives, pick up Jackie Lau’s books. This book is second in the “Donut Fall in Love” series, but you don’t need to have read that title to pick up “The Stand-Up Groomsman.” (Although I also loved book one, so do read it if you’re interested).

This book follows Vivian Liao (a banker) and Melvin Lee (a comedian) who meet because their friends are getting married. Their first meeting quickly turns sour and Vivian and Mel walk away hating each other. But, they must keep interacting to collaborate for their friends’ upcoming wedding.

As they continue to coordinate bridesmaid and best man duties — from the bachelor and bachelorette parties to cake tastings and karaoke — they also learn more about each other.

58 :: areawomanmagazine.com

Mel is loud and abrasive, but also very caring and loveable. Vivian can come off as cold and aloof, but is really reserved and shy with solid boundaries she’s built around her life because of her complicated family history. These two are very different and I loved watching them break down each other’s walls and fall in love in a way that feels real and honest. They are well rounded leads who understand and respect each other’s boundaries.

The author addresses the complexities of being both bi-sexual and also Asian in a way that feels masterful and eye-opening. And it all comes together in a beautiful, thought provoking love story I couldn’t put down.

Loved this?

Be sure to pick up book one, “Donut Fall in Love” by Jackie Lau, if you haven’t read it yet.

I also loved “Partners in Crime” by Alisha Rai.

Shark Heart

by Emily Habeck

“Shark Heart” is about marriage and love, but also about memory and grief and creating a meaningful life. Newlyweds Lewis and Wren are just beginning to settle into married life when Lewis receives a rare diagnosis. He is gradually turning into a great white shark. Yes, I know how weird that sounds … trust me, this book is worth it.

es … right? But when she gets a glimpse of his developing carnivorous nature, Wren’s long-repressed memories of her childhood and her mother’s own transformation rise to the surface. Eventually, Wren’s grief and Lewis’s nearly complete transformation collide forcing her to make an impossible choice.

As Lewis develops the features and impulses of a shark, he struggles to make peace with his unfulfilled dreams. Wren initially resists her husband’s fate. There must be a way for them to be together after Lewis chang-

Told in short snippets of lyrical prose, storylines from Wren’s past and present interwoven amidst Lewis’s transformation, and the occasional humorous interjection, “Shark Heart” is wildly original.

Don’t Forget to Write

by Sara Goodman Confino

Heartwarming and funny, “Don’t Forget to Write” is an irresistible exploration of what it was like to be a woman from a conservative family in the 1960’s.

Marilyn Kleinman refuses to marry the Rabbi’s son after being caught making out with him in front of the whole congregation. In order to save her reputation, Marilyn’s parents ship her off to spend the summer with her great-aunt Ada, Philadelphia’s strict premier matchmaker.

Marilyn arrives expecting a humorless old maid, but is surprised to find her sharp, stylish, Cadillac driving, straight-talking aunt who takes her work as a matchmaker very seriously. Ada puts Marilyn to work taking notes and scoping out eligible matches for her clients — but never for Marilyn herself. As the summer unfolds, Ada teaches Marilyn about

living the life she truly wants without settling. Eventually, Marilyn must make her own choice for the future. Will she return to the comfortable life she knows under her father’s control, or will she embrace a risky, unknown future of her own making.

Marilyn’s path to self discovery and choosing to fall in love was exhilarating. I laughed and cried and cheered for both Marilyn and Ada throughout the novel.

Loved this?

Looking for more romance with a side of quirky family? Try “Penelope in Retrograde”

by Brooke Abrams. “The Marriage Clock”

by Zara Raheem is another great story about a woman making her own choices in love and life.

Wellness

by Nathan Hill

An exploration of a modern marriage, “Wellness” is full of irony, insight and heart.

Jack and Elizabeth first meet as college students in gritty ‘90s Chicago amidst the thriving underground art scene. Twenty years of marriage later, they struggle to recognize each other and reconnect with the couple they used to be. Alongside the challenges of parenting and careers, they encounter cults disguised as mindfulness support groups, suburbia detox diets and Facebook wars, and the baffling pursuit of health and happiness.

Forced to face their demons, from unfulfilled career ambitions to painful childhood memories, Jack and Elizabeth must find a way to excavate their own issues before they can find their back to each other.

Told in dual perspectives and non-linear storylines, I enjoyed how Hill examines both the conflicts of marriage and modern wellness culture throughout the book. While it is quite long, the short chapters, intimate prose and shifting perspectives kept me engaged and wanting to read more.

Area Woman’s resident Bookista, Megan Elgin, serves you up with books worthy of spending your entire afternoon with. Search for Megan by name on Goodreads or @meganann on Litsy and find out what she’s reading now.

Read one of these books? Searching for something new to read? Tell us what you thought by using #areawomanbooks in your online review or send me an email with requests, thoughts or questions at bookishmeganann@gmail.com.

[ aw ]

Feb

29

6 p.m.

FAMILY TRIVIA NIGHT

Each month we’ll feature a different theme and see who knows the most! Family trivia night is open to individuals, families, or teams of all ages - trivia works best for kids who are reading independently. Families are invited to pre-register at the beginning the current month. All materials provided including prizes for our top winners and snacks for all! Registration is required. Feb. 29: We the People: American History and Government LOCATION: Main Library, 101 4th St. N.

Feb Fargo Public Library events are free and open to the public. A complete schedule of upcoming events is available at all Fargo Public Library locations and on our website at : www.fargolibrary.org

4 SILENT READING Feb

2 p.m.

PARTY AT WILD TERRA

B.Y.O.Book or check out a librarian-selected title.

Enjoy a good book & a good beverage along with others who appreciate the same. Librarians will be on hand to provide snacks, reading suggestions, set up library accounts & check out books. This is a 21+ event.

LOCATION: Wild Terra Cider, 6 12th St. North, Fargo

Feb

5

10

10 a.m.

PAWS FOR READING

Our furry friends from Pet Partners of the Red River Valley are here for another season of reading fun at the library. Reading Therapy pets are available on the second Saturday of each month (through April) to listen to children practice their reading in a relaxed, informal setting. Kids in Kindergarten to 6th grade are invited to register for a 15-minute session with one of our non-judgmental listeners. Sessions begin at 10 a.m. at the Main Library. Bring your own books to read or choose from a selection of library books.

Call the Children’s Services desk at 701.241.1495 to register for the current month.

LOCATION: Main Library, 101 4th St. N. CONTACT: Children’s Services at 701.241.1495 701.476.5978 or teens@fargolibrary.org

Feb

17

10 a.m.

WINTER POP-UP STEM EVENT FOR KIDS 5 p.m.

TEEN CRAFT: DIY BOOKMARKS

Come make some cool bookmarks for yourself, friends, or other library goers. Experiment with different mediums like watercolors, washi tape, and collage!

LOCATION: Dr. James Carlson Library

60 :: areawomanmagazine.com

Mar

2

1:30 p.m.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO RUN THE LAST GREAT RACE?

Mushers and their dog teams have participated in the Iditarod race for the past half century. This grueling race is held each year to commemorate the 1925 Serum Run, when dog sled teams relayed lifesaving medicine from Nenana to Nome, AK after an outbreak of diphtheria. What does it take to run the 1,000 mile race through some of the harshest winter conditions? What is packed on a sled to help both dogs and their musher survive the many days on the trail? Learn this and much more when Jim and Mary Ann Miller of Prairie Bilt Sleds visit the Main Library at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 2 - ­start day of the 2024 Iditarod. Jim and Mary Ann have been building sleds for mushers around the country since 1999.

LOCATION: Main Library, 101 4th St. N.

Mar

9

10 a.m.

PAWS FOR READING

Kids in Kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to join us for a Winter Pop-Up STEM Event at the Main Library on Feb. 17. We’re excited to partner with staff from the Fargo-Moorhead Science Museum, students from Concordia’s Physics Dept., Dr. Graeme Wyllie and students from Concordia’s Science Academy, students from MSUM’s Physics and Astronomy Dept. and NDSU’s Society of Women Engineers, for lots of hands-on STEM learning activities and fun! This open house event will run from 10 a.m. to noon.

Our furry friends from Pet Partners of the Red River Valley are here for another season of reading fun at the library. Reading Therapy pets are available on the second Saturday of each month (through April) to listen to children practice their reading in a relaxed, informal setting. Kids in Kindergarten to 6th grade are invited to register for a 15-minute session with one of our non-judgmental listeners. Sessions begin at 10 a.m. at the Main Library. Bring your own books to read or choose from a selection of library books.

Call the Children’s Services desk at 701.241.1495 to register for the current month.

LOCATION: Main Library, 101 4th St. N.

LOCATION: Main Library, 101 4th St. N.

CONTACT: 701.241.1495 or kids@fargolibrary.org 701.476.5978 or teens@fargolibrary.org

CONTACT: www.fargolibrary. org/kids or 701.241.1495

Mar

23

1 p.m.

VOLUNTEER FAIR

Learn about the different volunteering opportunities for all ages in the FM area. representatives from local organizations will be in attendance to answer questions.

LOCATION: Main Library, 101 4th St. N.

Mar

28

6 p.m.

FAMILY TRIVIA NIGHT

Each month we’ll feature a different theme and see who knows the most! Family trivia night is open to individuals, families, or teams of all ages - trivia works best for kids who are reading independently. Families are invited to pre-register at the beginning the current month. All materials provided including prizes for our top winners and snacks for all! Pre-registration is required. Upcoming dates and topics: Mar. 28: Snow, Shine, and Showers: Weather LOCATION: Main Library, 101 4th St. N. CONTACT: Children’s Services at 701.241.1495

25 SOUL SHOP: MINISTERING Apr

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

TO FAITH COMMUNITIES AFFECTED BY SUICIDE

It's estimated that one out of every two people in a given congregation has personally been affected by suicide. Soul Shop trains faith community leaders to offer support, hope and connection to those in their congregations. Cosponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Soul Shop equips participants with the resources and guidance they need to foster hope and healing in their community. CEUs and contact hours are available.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?: Faith-based leaders and anyone who wants to address suicide from a faith-based perspective.

LOCATION: Courtyard by Marriott Fargo Moorhead 1080 28th Ave S, Moorhead, MN COST: $25-This includes continental breakfast, lunch and resources REGISTER: afsp.org/SoulShopFM QUESTIONS? barbarahanson2309@gmail.com or schristopherson@afsp.org

[AW] Februar y / March 24 :: 61

area LIFE

HIGHER ED PARTNERS CREATE A THRIVING COMMUNITY

“What is good for the university is good for the city.”

MOORHEAD MAYOR

Shelly Carlson

62 :: areawomanmagazine.com

When Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson spoke at the inauguration of Minnesota State University Moorhead President Tim Downs last October, she pointed to her shoes. She was wearing red heels, her Dorothy shoes.

“There’s no place like home,” she said.

For Carlson, the comment and fashion choice were a nod to the city she serves and MSU Moorhead, where she earned two degrees.

She firmly believes the futures of both are intertwined. For college students to thrive, the community around them needs to reach its full potential – and vice versa.

“What is good for the university is good for the city, and that makes lives better for everyone in the city of Moorhead,” she said.

Carlson was elected to the Moorhead City Council in 2018. She was unanimously appointed mayor by fellow council members in February 2021.

That same month, she was appointed FM Metro Flood Diversion Authority (MFDA) chair.

Public service was something she saw modeled by her professors at MSUM, so serving her community felt natural.

“They encouraged me to think about ways to be engaged and active in my community,” she said.

“They taught me that every person has the ability to contribute and make good things happen.”

However, taking on two significant leadership roles at the same time was terrifying and presented a huge learning curve. Still, Carlson persevered. After serving as mayor for nearly two years, she ran for election and was officially elected in November 2022. During her tenure as chair of the MFDA, the board secured financing for the entire diversion project.

Carlson credits part of her success to skills she learned as an MSUM student and honed as a professional working for and with government agencies. She knew how to analyze systems and how to explain them.

At MSUM, she learned these skills while taking her most challenging class – legal writing and research, which kept her in the library for many nights. But the assignments forced her to present information in a way that was easily understandable.

“I gained the ability to write and communicate clearly,” she said.

For Carlson, going to MSUM for college was a big deal. Nobody in her family had left her hometown of Minot, North Dakota, to attend school.

“I took a leap of faith and packed everything I owned,” she said. “I was excited and apprehensive.”

She worked her way through school and joined the paralegal club. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Legal Assistance. After graduation, she worked for a temp service until an MSUM classmate mentioned that Moorhead’s city prosecutor’s office had an opening.

In the years following, her professional and volunteer work has included advocating for victims of abuse. She also earned a graduate degree in Public, Human Services, and Health Administration from MSUM in 2006.

Carlson is a criminal justice systems manager at the Minnesota Elder Justice Center. She trains people across the country and internationally on the topics of domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse. She interprets and communicates new and complex ideas in both her professional work and public service.

“The unknown is scary,” she said. “Information and knowledge help provide some comfort.

When you have good information, you can make better decisions together.”

Carlson is excited about all that is ahead for Moorhead. “Most significantly, there are plans for a revitalized downtown, a new community center library, housing options, retail, cultural amenities, parks along the river, and places for great experiences.”

That means engaging with the community’s higher education institutions.

Shortly after Downs joined MSUM, Carlson talked with him about ways the university and city could improve the community for everyone. She views the city’s colleges and universities as important partners in community development.

“It’s exciting to consider a vision that could benefit all of us,” she said.

While no specific projects have been identified, Carlson wonders what collaboration might look like in a downtown project or whether there’s space for cooperation at Romkey Park, which recently received a grant for renovation.

Carlson believes every person and every institution can contribute to the community around them. When they do, the place many call home will be stronger for it.

“We all play a role,” she said. “It’s about what we can do together.”

ABOVE

Mayor Shelly Carlson speaking at MSUM’s December 2023 commencement ceremony.

[AW] Februar y / March 24 :: 63

area

FEATURE

Healing Your Body: Mackenzie Watson's Journey to Holistic Well-Being Through Massage Therapy and Self-Care Mastery Mackenzie Watson got together with me over a cup of tea. We chatted about why she loves massage and thinks everyone should get them regularly. Now, you might not know this but Mackenzie has healing hands and she’s a total sweetheart. “I went into massage, because I’ve been getting massages since I was probably 12 years old. It was the only thing that truly helped me–alleviating my discomfort,” said Watson. “One day I was getting a massage from another person. I was in a rut in life–one of those where you don’t really know what you want to do.”

After realizing that college wasn’t for her, she was working full time. “Then my massage therapist told me she thought I had the energy to do what she did. I never really thought of that. I thought massage therapists were just born to do what they do,” laughed Watson. She decided to go to Josef’s School of Hair, Skin & Body in 2018 and then graduated in 2019.

Starting Out:

Mackenzie began working at a small chiropractic office in Horace, ND upon graduation. “I loved it, but I just felt like I didn’t have enough clients, so I went to work at corporation that offers massage services. There, it was tough to build a relationship with my clients or keep regulars.”

One night she was talking to her fiancé about wanting to work for herself someday. “He told me to go for it and just do it. I talked to my dad because he has his own business, and he said to move forward. I thought to myself, ‘Oh, it’s that easy?’ So everything fell into place. I found the perfect place to rent a room and my clients came rolling in; the business grew. And it’s those relationships that I build with my clients that I love.”

The Importance of Pain & Stress Management

When people come into Mackenzie, they may either be wanting to exercise self-care or they are battling with pain and/or stress that they need help to manage. Mackenzie is an expert in her field and known for her skills. For one thing, she knows how to kill pain.

The thing that Mackenzie loves most about what she does is that, “Each person has their own pain, stress, or problems and it becomes like a project for me. I want to see the end result of helping to alleviate or fix that for them. To see people being pain free, which is different for everyone, is so rewarding. It may take four sessions to three years of seeing me. When I wasn’t on my own, I couldn’t really see that whole process. That’s something I like experiencing now. I love seeing the immediate satisfaction clients have after a service. I see this change in people’s mood from the moment they come in to when they leave. In my shoes, you can also visually feel the pain disappear. It’s rewarding to see a change in people’s demeanor.”

When asked about what inspired her in her busi-

ness, she answered without hesitation that it’s all about learning. “Also, another thing that inspires me is when people come in with a new problem and then I have to think on my feet about how I’m going to fix it. I love finding the best route to take with their treatment.”

When talking about her dreams, she mentioned how she’d love to have her own place where she could be the booth renter, but that family was important and is something she wants in the future.

If you want to pursue holistic well-being, having regular massages and also incorporating various practices into your daily routine can significantly enhance your life and help you manage stress in between massages. Mackenzie mentioned how allowing your mind to focus and de-stress by creating an inner calm helps. Some ways you can do this are to prioritize regular exercise and stretching, choose activities that bring you joy, get enough sleep, nourish your body with a balanced and nutritious diet, and take breaks from screens to alleviate digitally-related stress.

It's important not to push yourself too hard, even if you find immense satisfaction in what you do.

However, it's crucial to strike a balance and avoid overextending yourself to ensure overall well-being. “I don’t mind working. But that means it’s even more important to make sure I set aside times to go on a vacation and to schedule selfcare days. The thing at the top of my self-care list is bubble baths. I encourage everyone to take one if they are feeling stressed out. It does wonders, but it always feels like I’m pulling teeth when I recommend for people to take a bath who aren’t bath people. I am obsessed about Epsom salt baths. I tell people to try it. I also always recommend icing, because some people can have a lot of inflammation and the ice will help that go down.

Drinking enough water also helps.”

Self care is important for everyone no matter your career or lifestyle. Every person pushes themself a little too hard once in a while. Mackenzie said, “Self care shouldn’t be the last straw, like only go-

ing to a massage when you feel like you’re burned out; you’ll feel much better if you create a habit of maintenance by going every two weeks, three weeks, or four weeks–just to level yourself out and give yourself a break. Tell yourself to add it to your schedule and do it because you’ll never regret it. It’s just you never want to wait until it’s too late and you're picking yourself up again. You never want to let yourself get to that point. You’d be amazed.

Some people don’t even know they have all this stress bottled up inside until they get a massage.”

If you’re struggling with pain in your back or neck, don’t just wait for it to go away on its own. “Some people end up waiting months for the pain to go away when they could’ve just had a massage or gone to a chiropractor and it may have been gone in a day. That pain turns into stress, which causes even more issues that will constantly nag on your body.”

Benefits of Massage The different massage benefits and duration of the benefits one can expect to experience are different for all people depending on a few things, such as overall health, the specific type of massage you are getting, and the purpose of the massage session. Immediate effects such as relaxation and improved mood may last for a few hours after the massage. For more therapeutic benefits, like reduced muscle tension and pain relief, the effects may persist for a few days to a week.

However, to experience long-term benefits, regular and consistent massage sessions are often recommended. Mackenzie remarked, “A 60-yearold who has never had a massage, will probably have much more tension, so it’ll take a lot longer to release that. Pain and stress management is a big one for me and at times, helping people recover from surgeries and accidents can be hard. But massage flushes out toxins. When we give you a massage, we are moving fluids around in your body, flushing lymphatic fluids, and moving the blood around. That’s why we always tell you to drink water afterwards.” [aw]

Contact Mackenzie Watson, CMT at Everything Zen Massage www.Everythingzenmassage.com Located inside Magnolia Salon Suites, 5621 36th Avenue South, Suite 100, Fargo, ND 58104 701-429-7641 / everythingzenmassage@outlook.com

areawomanmagazine.com