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.
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
MISSY wokasch
Life Coach & Women’s Advocate. Based in Detroit Lakes, Missy is a life coach passionate about helping women avoid burnout and live with purpose. Her mission is to support and uplift women, encouraging them to care for themselves as well as they care for everyone else.
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 Area Woman seeks new writers regularly. If you have writing experience and would like to be considered, please send an email including a writing sample to: design@areawoman.com
DEVIN joubert
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.
FRANCINE guck
A self-professed bibliophile, Francine Guck finds inspiration in the written word and the people behind the stories. She is co-author of Suitcase of Memories: Hollanders Create Butler Township Legacy, available on Amazon. A lover of flowers, bees, and quiet time in the garden, Francine can be reached at TheHoneyBeeFactory@ gmail.com.
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ADVENTURE! It’s that time of year when the weather is (finally) beautiful and inviting, which means it’s time to get outside and see what new experiences await. This is our “explore” issue where we showcase select Fargo/Moorhead venues, business owners, and events you can connect with and learn about.
The word “explore” means something different to each person, but for me, it means discovery and challenging myself to break out of my routine. This includes everything from fitness, restaurants, stores, and ways to spend my time in terms of entertainment. Fargo/Moorhead is full of established businesses and legacy events, but also rife with a fresh crew of entrepreneurs who are opening businesses in multiple industries.
We learn by exploring and we grow by challenging our mind. If you’ve never been to the area art galleries, try Gallery 4, which we feature in this issue. If you are stuck in a rut of eating at the same places when you go out, explore new cuisine and dining spots. There is a tremendous amount of ethnic food in the city, especially for its size, and if you have yet to try Sirirath Thai House, put it on your list. Owner Nittaya, our cover story subject, is a dedicated woman bringing us authentic flavors of her native Thailand in a beautiful setting.
Ready for festival season? Fargo/Moorhead has a plethora of offerings! Street Fair, Fargo Blues Festival, and more await. We also cover Jamestown’s Thrivefest for those ready for a short road trip!
Whatever you love to do, push yourself to find new adventures— always, not just in the summer. The offerings here are abundant and it starts with one intention to explore something new. Enjoy this exciting time of the year and have fun! [ aw ]
Best,
Dawn Duncan MANAGING EDITOR
Summer is like a long-awaited exhale after our cold winters. The air is buzzing with activity, patios are packed, and weekends are full in the best kind of way. Whether that means you’re a music lover, a baseball fan, or someone who loves a good stroll with a cold lemonade in your hand, this season is loaded with all kinds of fun to experience! Here are some select events you and your family won't want to miss...
www.thrivefestnorth.org
If you're looking for a day packed with good vibes and even better music, Thrivefest North is where you’ll want to be. It’s the largest Christian Music Festival in the region. This year it’s being held at Stutsman County Fairgrounds in Jamestown, North Dakota from July 25th–27th, 2025. This year’s lineup features some of the biggest names in Christian music: Sidewalk Prophets, Katy Nichole, Petra, and Colton Dixon, among plenty others. “There will be lots of kids' activities, inflatables, great food vendors, and we have two stages. There will be wagon rides and a horse competition, which is an interesting thing you usually don’t see at a music festival. Besides all the amazing artists that we’ll be having, we’ll also have 20-25 speakers as well,” said Nathan Endris, Vice President at Thrive Productions Group.
Thrivefest isn’t just about incredible Christian music — it’s also about making a difference in 12-18-year-old girls' lives who were rescued from trafficking. “Whatever is made from the event
after expenses goes directly to Rising Hope Foundation. Eight girls are going to our Minnesota home,” said Dave Leckie, Co-founder of Rising Hope Foundation and President of Thrive Production Group. “There’s a huge need for long-term recovery homes like this and not just those quick overnight or two night stays and then they’re back into a bad situation. Most states need more long-term recovery home options like this or similar. We need more of them. On any given night in Minnesota, there are more than 3,000 children under 18 who are being trafficked. And with only
about 40 beds in the state, this is not adequate. Nationwide, there are more than 200,000 kids under 18 who are being trafficked every day. It’s in most counties in Minnesota and North Dakota, even though it’s really rural. They travel through and go from place to place. You don’t think small towns have a problem with this, but they do. It’s more prevalent than you think.”
By attending, you're supporting young girls locally who are recovering from the trauma of human trafficking.
It’s the perfect night out with family and friends — a time to enjoy soulful, uplifting music under the stars while knowing that your ticket is helping to change young lives for the better.
Tickets are available online at www.thrivefestnorth.org
www.fargoblues.com
Blues fans can kick off their shoes and feel grass under their feet while enjoying the music, food, drinks, and chill atmosphere of Fargo Blues Festival. RedHawks' Brad Thom and his team have ensure that Fargo would continue to host one of the only continuously running blues festivals in the country.
“This is the 30th consecutive annual blues festival. We were one of the only ones who had our festival running during Covid, so we're one of the only continuous running festivals in the nation,” said Brad Thom President/CEO at the RedHawks. “This year, it’ll be taking place August 1st–2nd. We will be having another unforgettable lineup: Shemekia Copeland has been nominated for five Grammys and local favorite Shannon Curfman will be returning. She is a Fargo prodigy who performed with Kid Johnny Lang back in the 90s. She has been on tour with Kid Rock for many years singing and playing guitar. We're excited to have her back.”
They’ll have vendors with food, crafts, and clothing. It'll be a fun, easy festival. Whether you're a diehard blues fan or just coming to enjoy some live music and a fun environment, there's something for all to enjoy and nothing quite like it in the region. There are general admission and limited number VIP seating tickets available.
For advance tickets: www.fargoblues.com or call to reserve: 218-287-7775
www.redriver.market
Saturday mornings at the Red River Market are a summer MUST. You’ll find everything from farmfresh produce to kombucha, handmade jewelry to small-batch pastries, plus new and vintage goods. And it’ll be under the backdrop of live music and delicious local food trucks. It’s more than just a farmers’ market; it’s a gathering place, a celebration of local creativity, and an excuse to grab one more cold brew or wood-fired pizza slice while you wander. The food is delicious!
Each week, the market transforms downtown Fargo into a vibrant, walkable celebration of community. For locals and visitors alike, the Red River Market offers a taste of what makes Fargo special: its warmth, its artistry, the community, and its deep-rooted support for small business. Whether you’re there to stock up on ingredients for the week or just soak up the atmosphere, you’ll leave with your hands full and your heart fuller. It’s a Fargo summer essential that locals love. It keeps growing year after year.
For more about the market: www.redriver.market
For RedHawks tickets: www.fmredhawks.com visit Newman Outdoor Field, or contact the organization by phone at 701.235.6161
The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks are more than just a baseball team—they’re a summer tradition and a cornerstone of community spirit in the Red River Valley. Family and friends have been gathering to watch them since 1996.
They’ll be back again for their 30th season this summer at their Newman Outdoor Field. Nothing is as nostalgic as a good baseball game with the crack of the bat, the smell of fresh popcorn, or the energy of a close game. It’s an easy, affordable night out, whether you're a veteran baseball fan or just there for the mini donuts. (Absolutely no judgment!)
“Our first regular season game is going to be May 9th. We run all the way until August 28th at home and then in September we’ll hopefully have playoffs,” said Ashley McCoy, RedHawk’s promotions, merchandise, and special events director. The games are family friendly and they are doing a kiddo’s special this year. “We're hosting our league's AllStar game on July 21st. There will be a HomeRun Derby and skills competition on the 22nd. And then throughout the summer, we do have a bunch of fun promotions scheduled as well.”
www.downtownfargo.com
You know it’s Street Fair season when Broadway transforms into a colorful sea of tents and people! Every July, hundreds of vendors line downtown Fargo selling art, clothing, jewelry, and much more. It’s part shopping spree, part street party, and fully one of Fargo’s signature summer events that you’re not going to want to miss. Make sure to wear comfy shoes, also stay hydrated, and bring your best “shopping” energy.
“This year, the street fair will be July 17th-19th in downtown Fargo. We have the largest outdoor event in North Dakota. And we get over 100,000 visitors during that three-day event, so it's good. It's a big boost for the region where you get people traveling from all over the state, if not the country,” said Rocky Schneider, Executive Director at Downtown Community Partnership. “We’re hoping to finalize the map here in the next month, but we did have our first round of acceptances. So we have over 200 vendors right now. Marvin Windows is a sponsor for Broadway Square during the street fair. We get to put on free performances. We have several different community groups that are coming, many kids' theater groups as well, and then evening concerts on Thursday and Friday. We also have free outdoor concerts with Javi & The Brambled Hearts on Thursday and Stella! on Friday. Stella! was here last year and he is really popular. It's fun to get a free outdoor concert experience."
No matter what kind of summer you’re craving — whether you're wanting live music under the stars, cheering in the stands, wandering through local markets, or even dancing in the streets — FargoMoorhead has something fun and unique waiting for you, your family, and friends. These events aren’t just ways to pass the time; they’re what makes this region feel like home. So mark your calendars, rally your family and friends, and get ready to make some sun-soaked memories that’ll carry you through the next winter.
[ aw ]
SERVINGS 4
INGREDIENTS
unsweetened pineapple juice
ketchup
low-sodium soy sauce
brown sugar
cloves garlic, minced
freshly minced ginger
boneless skinless chicken breasts
vegetable oil, plus more for grill
pineapple, sliced into rings & halved
Thinly sliced green onions, for garnish
make it
tonight
pineapple H tropicalgrilled chicken
Here it is…a heavenly dish from the grill! With the perfect combination of sweet and savory, mixed with the beloved grilled chicken flavors we associate with summer, this recipe will be an instant hit at your family table or parties! Use low-sodium soy sauce so the flavors can really come through and the spices balance with one another. Fresh pineapple is the cornerstone of this dish, so letting a fresh one ripen a bit before cutting into it will ensure sweetness that finishes the flavor profile perfectly!
THE METHOD
Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger until combined.
Step 2: Add chicken to a large resealable plastic bag and pour in marinade. Let marinate in the fridge at least 2 hours and up to overnight.
Step 3: When ready to grill, heat grill to high. Oil grates and grill chicken, basting with marinade, until charred and cooked through, 8 minutes per side.
Step 4: Toss pineapple with oil and grill until charred, 2 minutes per side.
Step 5: Garnish chicken and pineapple with green onions before serving.
TOOLS
argo was founded in 1871 by the Northern Pacific Railway, serving as an outfitting post for settlers, and Moorhead is its sister city across the Red River.
The city's original name was Centralia, but it was renamed Fargo by the Northern Pacific Railway Director and Wells Fargo Express Company founder, William G. Fargo.
Moorhead also received its name from an executive of the Northern Pacific Railway, William G. Moorhead.
ALEXIS
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BRIE
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Metropolitan Area:
The Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area encompasses Fargo, Moorhead, and West Fargo, with a population of over 248,000.
Diverse Cuisine:
Fargo-Moorhead offers a variety of food options, including Asian, Mexican, Southern, and Italian cuisine, as well as ice cream and coffee shops.
Fargo consists of three cities in two states – so it’s no wonder our reputation is a little off-kilter. In North Dakota, there’s Fargo (naturally) and West Fargo (which has the added distinction of being north and “west” of normal). On the Minnesota side of the Red River, Moorhead propels our community beyond conventional boundaries. We owe a lot to our northern prairie locale. Our adventurous, pioneering spirit is alive and well. In our people, you’ll find a unique mix of Midwestern gregariousness and quiet strength. Ingenuity, vision and down-to-earth practicality define our distinct prairie soul.
The Fargo-Moorhead area has such a rich and fascinating history, intertwined with the growth and expansion of the Northern Pacific Railway and the pioneering spirit of its people. Here’s a summary that captures its beauty and history: This region spans two states, with Fargo and West Fargo located in North Dakota and Moorhead in Minnesota, giving the area a distinctive geographical and cultural flavor. The people here embody a unique blend of Midwestern friendliness and quiet resilience. Their ingenuity, practicality, and adventurous spirit reflect the enduring influence of the area's early pioneers.
The Red River Valley and Agriculture
Geographically, the Fargo-Moorhead area sits in the heart of the Red River Valley, a fertile region stretching over 30 miles, gently rising from the Red River to the west. The valley's rich, black soil supports a variety of crops, including potatoes, sunflowers, sugar beets, wheat, and corn. The region’s agricultural strength is further bolstered by industries like meat packaging, sunflower and sugar processing, and a malting barley plant.
The bond between agriculture and industry in the region speaks to the area’s historical roots in farming and its ongoing commitment to growth and development. The legacy of the early settlers, who worked the land and built a community from the ground up, is still evident today in the area’s vibrant and forward-looking culture.
BRIE
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TAYLOR
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ARONAH
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ALEXIS
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A Proud Heritage and Bright Future
The spirit of the pioneers who shaped Fargo-Moorhead continues to inspire the community. As they look to the future, they remain rooted in their colorful past, honoring the ingenuity and resilience that defined their forebears. Today, Fargo-Moorhead is a dynamic, growing region, rich in both history and culture, with a bright future ahead.
ARONAH
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Here are just a few hidden corners:
The Fargo Theatre:
The Fargo Theatre, originally built as a vaudeville and cinema house, was constructed in 1926. It also went through restoration in 1999.
Brewhalla:
The building that houses Brewhalla in Fargo, originally a locomotive repair shop and foundry, was built in 1883 by the Northern Pacific Railway Company. Drekker Brewing Company opened Brewhalla as its second location in September 2018.
Hjemkomst Center:
Hjemkomst Center is a unique museum in Moorhead that houses a replica of a Norwegian Viking ship and a wooden stave church. The facility is also used for multiple events and features an educational theater, gift shop, county archives, and various exhibits.
Step into Gallery 4 in downtown Fargo, and you’re stepping into more than just a gallery. With walls that hold five decades of creativity, collaboration, and community spirit, Gallery 4 invites visitors to explore new perspectives, meet local artists, and immerse themselves in the surprising beauty of the region.
Founded in September of 1975 by a small group of artists who shared a dream, the founding members pooled their resources and creative energy. Together, they established a model that would nurture talent and build community. At the time, opportunities for local artists to exhibit their art were limited, and the concept of an artist-run space was both novel and necessary. The concept allows artists to have a visible, brick and mortar location to show and sell their work.
But Gallery 4 is more than a gallery; it's a true cooperative where visitors are encouraged to ask questions, talk with artists, and experience art in an approachable and welcoming environment. Member Artists take turns in the Gallery, serving as greeters, answering questions and even showing how they create their work.
The Gallery’s physical location has changed over the years with its name coming from the first location on the fourth floor of the DeLendrecie's Department Store building on Fargo’s Main Avenue. Today, Gallery 4 sits in a cozy, light-filled space on Robert’s Street in the heart of Downtown Fargo. It is one of the longest consecutive running artist cooperative galleries in the country.
For painter Connie Riedman, exploration is both literal and artistic. After retiring from a career in art education, she now devotes her time to painting, capturing scenes of lakes, skies, and everyday objects directly from life. Raised on a farm
"I want the process to show.I want people to explore how a painting was made."
- Connie Riedman
near Valley City, North Dakota, Riedman’s love for the rural landscape was born early and nurtured through years of creative play. Her “painterly” style is characterized by loose, expressive brushwork and a vibrant energy that invites viewers to see the familiar in a new way. "From across the room, my paintings may look fairly realistic, but up close, you’ll see the imperfections—and that’s the point," says Riedman. "I want the process to show. I want people to explore how a painting was made."
“I became a member of Gallery 4 the summer right after I retired from teaching,” continues Riedman. “Joining this supportive, creative family of fellow-artists was the best move I could have made. I’ve painted more in my time at Gallery 4 than at any other time in my life. There’s always an incentive to bring in new work or prepare for an upcoming show. Without this sense of purpose, I’m afraid I might put creativity on the back burner. Instead, my days are infused with “all things art,” and I have Gallery 4 to thank for that.”
"My days are infused with “all things art,” and I have Gallery 4 to thank for that"
- Connie Riedman
Watercolor artist Judi Koehmstedt brings warmth, humor, and nostalgia to her artwork. Her paintings often capture moments that spark a smile or evoke a cherished memory – something she credits to her upbringing in Langdon, North Dakota. Her work reflects an acute awareness of human behavior, layered with gentle humor and sincerity. Having exhibited at numerous regional juried shows since the 1990s and actively participated in art organizations like the Red River Watercolor Society and Fargo Moorhead Visual Artists, Koehmstedt’s dedication to both her craft and her community is clear.
“What I enjoy most about belonging to Gallery 4 is the opportunity to share not only my art, but also the stories behind what I create and why. It gives me a meaningful way to explain the importance of art to the public,” says Koehmstedt.
“I’ll admit, I get a little overly enthusiastic when someone walks in who has never been to an art gallery before — there’s just so much to see and talk about! Our gallery is full of diverse and fascinating creations. After spending most of my career as a geriatric nurse, being a painter now feels pretty darn neat.”
Both Riedman and Koehmstedt are part of the core group of 16 premier level artists at the gallery. Premier members receive dedicated exhibition space, space on the gallery's website, and regular social media posts.
There are 34 artists also currently affiliated with Gallery 4 at the supporting member level. These artists have an opportunity to publicly exhibit their art at Gallery 4 in the Matilda Roberts Gallery. A space named in honor of one of the pioneering women who helped settle Fargo.
The Gallery also has a dedicated space for monthly pop-up exhibits. Carmen McCullough’s mixed media creations inhabited the pop-up space in April. McCullough, who usually sells her artwork via her Strange Farm Girl website, says "It was fun to see so much of my artwork out “in the wild” during the pop-up exhibition. I enjoyed meeting and talking with those who came to the closing reception — both artists and non-artists alike. Gallery 4 did a fantastic job promoting the month-long show, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity!"
Gallery 4 is celebrating their 50th Year in 2025. After five decades, one thing remains constant: their commitment to local art, to the artists who create it, and to the visitors who stop in to experience it. Because at Gallery 4 art isn’t something to stand back and admire—it’s something to step into, to ask questions about, and to carry with you long after you’ve left. [ aw ]
For more information visit Gallery4Fargo.net or follow on Facebook @Gallery4Fargo
Madina Omar is in her element, greeting every soul who comes through the door at Hoyoo’s Kitchen with an easy grin. Technically, she’s the head chef at this bustling little neighborhood spot just off 45th Street in Fargo. But the kitchen can’t contain her energy.
Her eldest daughter Mina Ali handles the business side of things so Madina can do what she does best: creating and plating artful Somali-Ethiopian-Mediterranean fusion dishes and connecting with her customers. Madina says she got into the restaurant business for one reason.
“Making the people happy,” she says simply. Her dark eyes, framed by the perfect oval of her expertly draped hijab, sparkle. “And I love it. It makes my life happier to share the food, and cooking with care and love.”
Her happiness is apparent the second customers walk in the door. Hoyoo (pronounced hoy-oh) means mother in Somali. Mina chose the name because it honors her mom’s heritage. But Madina (who, like Beyonce and Rhianna, is known by just one name) also brings a feeling of warm, maternal energy to her roles as cook and hostess. She possesses that rare spirit of hospitality that makes people feel like they’re not paying customers, but honored guests. You don’t need to have grown up with East African cuisine to appreciate the comfort and care invested into every bite.
Madina’s favorite things to cook at the moment are chicken suqaar (Somali spiced chicken), slowcooked goat and rice, and tender chicken shawarma with basmati rice. Customers love the injera platter (meat or veggies served with Ethiopian flatbread) and a lamb gyro and fries. Her crispy sambusas stuffed with savory beef are legendary.
“The sambusas cannot be stopped!” Madina laughs. “Like, every 10 minutes — gone. It’s hard to catch up with them, but I work fast.”
Hoyoo’s Kitchen is new. It opened in March 2025. But the menu is not.
Madina — which rhymes with “arena” — brought her recipes from her previous restaurant, Madina Cuisine, which operated on 13th Avenue in Fargo for many years. Fargo-Moorhead is blessed with a strong African food scene, so it’s a mark of Madina’s excellence that local foodies were as devastated by the restaurant’s closure as she was.
“The owner, he sold that building. That’s why it was closed,” Madina explains with a deep sigh. “It was heartbreak. People saw me in the grocery store and they stopped me and they said, ‘Are you not open in Madina Cuisine?’ It made me super sad.”
Madina took a factory job to make ends meet. It was an unusual choice for a woman who has built a career in hospitality. But she had a family to support. And she’d been through dark and uncertain times before.
When Madina first moved to the United States, she was a young wife with two children and another on the way. It wasn’t her first move; her family was displaced by the civil war in Somalia and spent time in a refugee camp in Kenya. She lived in Sioux Falls briefly and in Marshall, Minnesota for three years before settling in Fargo, where she’s built a home for the last 24 years. Along the way, she has four more babies — and a divorce — followed.
“It was just my children and me. I raised them. I was just…struggling. I struggled to be a single mother with seven children,” Madina pauses, draws a shaky breath. “Yeah, it was a long, hard time then. But I did it, to give them that life they deserve."
There is triumph in her voice.
Cooking is Madina’s passion, her life’s work. But her three boys and four girls give her life. Working at the factory put food on the table. But Madina wasn’t done with cooking for others outside the family just yet.
“When I had a day off, I started cooking a lot of food, putting up posts on Snapchat, and people called me and said, 'I need this,'" she says. “That's when I decided to start cooking again. This is the family business.”
Running a restaurant goes back a generation. Just as her daughter helps her run Hooyo’s, Madina’s own mother, Fadumo, ran an eatery from that Kenyan refugee camp.
Madina learned the art of cooking at her mother’s side. Even when cooking in challenging conditions, Madina’s mom and the other women in her life were focused on quality and consistency.
“I started with sambusas,” Madina explains. “I kept doing it. And they said ‘not good enough’ until I got it correct. Ethiopian food is same thing. It took me two years straight. You have to be patient to get it right. And I am a patient person.”
They can feel welcome, like a home, to feel comfort, the blessing I make. Madina Omar
This was Madina’s cooking school. In addition to developing her patience and commitment to quality, it also made her focused, unfazed by difficulty, and unafraid of failure — key traits for a business owner. Her tireless work ethic and time management skills (honed by raising a large family) help too.
“Oftentimes I wake up,, sometimes at four, sometimes five, to get things ready done, keep the business running,” she said. “I want my children to have a better life.”
It’s a little easier now. Five of her kids are grown and building their own lives. The youngest two are still in school in Fargo. Her friends drop by the house or pop into the restaurant.
She counts her customers as her friends, too. And since Hoyoo’s Kitchen is close to several eateries, grocery stores and shops run by small business owners with roots in several continents, diners come from around the world.
“I meet a lot of people here — from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Indians, Americans, Black Americans, Somalians — every culture, they come and they like to eat my food,” Madina says. “I learn everything from them. They can learn from me. They make me motivated, doing different things, trying different things.”
It’s not just the food or the conversation that keep customers coming back. They come for that sense of welcome, the tangible feeling of coming home. Madina makes it her mission to provide it.
“They can feel welcome, like a home, to feel comfort, the blessing I make,” Madina says. She pauses, smiles, then opens her hands.
“I love them,” she says simply. “I'm serious — bottom of my heart. And I love for them to come here.” [ aw ]
f you’ve ever dreamed of traveling the world, all you really need to do is stop into the O’Day Cache in downtown Fargo to meet Cindy O’Day. She’s the kind of woman who, within minutes, makes you feel like you’ve known her forever. Her warm smile, sparkling eyes, and unstoppable curiosity have taken her across the globe—and those same qualities are what make her so unforgettable.
Cindy’s love for adventure was sparked early. Her father was a professor, and their family summers were split between lakeside days in Vergas, and road trips around the U.S. and Canada. Her first big leap came at 16 with a school trip to Paris, but the world truly opened at 18, when she and a friend backpacked through Amsterdam, Norway, Sweden, Germany, Italy, Greece, and Spain. That summer changed everything for her. It wasn’t just about the places she visited; it was the people she met along the way.
In 2000, what started as a spontaneous Thanksgiving trip to China with her children turned into something far more profound. Among the temples, side streets, and open-air markets, she didn’t just discover pearls and trinkets, she discovered a new calling. She returned home with pearls and jewelry she’d found abroad, and a spark was lit. Two years later, she bought 500 mesh bags from a Chinese street vendor named Geng—who is now a dear friend and trusted business partner. Today, they speak almost daily, sharing laughs, updates, and ideas.
Over the past 25 years, Cindy has taken more than 60 international trips, uncovering treasures and stories in remote villages and bustling markets across China, India, Morocco, Turkey, and beyond. She prefers to travel solo, with no itinerary—just a good pair of walking shoes and a heart open to adventure. On a typical day, she might log 11 miles on foot, guided by instinct and connection.
Cindy’s secret to navigating unfamiliar lands? People. “India was especially hard at first,” she recalls, “because there are no addresses. You have to know someone who knows someone.” But for Cindy, forming bonds comes naturally. Her network of friends around the world has been built not just on trust, but on genuine affection. She has key people in each country who act as her scout to source new items, as well as her driver, interpreter and master negotiator when she is there. “They know what I love. They know me,” she says. And that connection works both ways: Cindy is deeply invested in their lives, their families, and their cultures. Whether it’s giving fruit to the Monkey Gods or sharing meals in remote homes, she embraces every custom with respect and curiosity.
A typical shopping day for Cindy starts very early – much earlier than her local guides want to begin. But she is so excited for what she might find that she can’t contain her energy. “I’m a really fast shopper,” she laughs. “I know immediately if I like something.” Her signature move? Holding up one finger and circling it in the air, a signal that she wants everything in the shop. Her helper hangs back to figure out the details with the vendor while Cindy moves on to find the next hidden gem.
And while the items she brings back are extraordinary, such as rugs woven by the same family for over 300 years, or pottery with faces that resemble a family member, the stories and relationships behind them are what matter most to her. “I never go searching for a specific thing,” she explains. “I go searching for good people. If I find someone honest and kind, I’ll work with them forever.”
Walking through her store is like touring a global bazaar curated by your closest friend. She strives to give it an aura of happiness, whether it’s through the bright colors, or unique and playful merchandise.
Every corner tells a story, every item has a name, a place, and a history. Whether it's centuries-old architectural pieces, hand-carved wood figures, silk scarves, or whimsical jewelry, Cindy can tell you where she found it, who made it, and what drew her to it. It’s not just shopping, it’s an experience.
And it shows. Visitors from major cities like New York or Los Angeles often stumble into her Fargo store and leave stunned “How does this place exist here?” they ask. But for Cindy, it’s not about the location. She wants her shop to feel like a burst of happiness—bright colors, playful pieces, and a sense of discovery around every corner.
So, what’s next for this modern-day explorer? Cindy’s eyes light up as she talks about future travel plans—maybe a trip to Peru, maybe more treasures from Morocco or South Korea. Her mind is always turning, always wondering: What haven’t I seen yet? Who haven’t I met?
One thing is certain—wherever she goes, she’ll return with not just beautiful things, but beautiful stories, and many new friends. And if you ever get the chance to meet her, you’ll understand why so many people around the world call her a friend. [ aw ]
make it
tonight
saladgrilledromaine
INGREDIENTS
4-6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
1 C seasoned breadcrumbs or croutons, crushed
2 T unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 stalks Romaine lettuce, sliced in half Olive oil, for brushing Kosher salt and pepper
1 C cherry tomatoes, quartered or halved
1/2 C of your favorite dressing (I used creamy Ranch)
¼ C crumbled blue cheese
1 lemon, quartered
TThis is a simple, fresh recipe that you can enjoy all summer! It is excellent on its own, but also perfect as a side for your gatherings. It’s excellent alongside grilled steaks, chicken, fish, and other vegetables, and the bacon can be on the side (or optional)! Enjoy this fresh and flavorful burst of summer!
THE METHOD
Preheat the grill to high heat. To start (if using), I like to cook the bacon so it’s ready to go. Fry the bacon and place it on a paper towel lined plate to remove excess grease. I also toast the breadcrumbs.
To toast them, melt butter in a nonstick skillet. Add the breadcrumbs and garlic and stir to coat, then cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring often, until golden and fragrant. Remove from the heat.
Brush the cut sides of the Romaine with olive oil. Sprinkle all over generously with salt and pepper. When the grill is hot, reduce the heat to medium.
Place the Romaine stalks on the grill, cut side down. Grill for 1 to 2 minutes, until the lettuce becomes charred, then flip over and grill for an additional 1 minute.
Remove the romaine from the grill. You can serve the Romaine family style on a large platter or 1 or 2 stalks on a plate. Drizzle the Romaine all over with the dressing - as much as you’d like.
Top with the tomatoes, crumbled bacon, blue cheese crumbles, and sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs on top. Serve immediately and squeeze fresh lemon over the entire dish.
TOOLS
Written by Caitlin Pallai
Born and raised in Fosston, Minnesota, Harriet Erckenbrack was 30 when she had her first mammogram.
Her grandmother, Hulda, passed away the same year Harriet was born. Harriet was 29 when she lost her mother, Alice. Both died from breast cancer.
Given her family history, Harriet has always prioritized mammograms. And it was during a regularly scheduled exam on Aug. 27, 2023, at Essentia Health St. Mary’s-Detroit Lakes that a small mass was discovered in her left breast.
“It was a surprise; I didn’t know I had anything there,” Harriet admitted.
A biopsy — a procedure to remove tissue for examination — followed. Within a week, testing confirmed that Harriet had breast cancer.
Initially scheduled for surgery, her treatment quickly changed course when it was determined that Harriet had HER2-positive breast cancer, meaning it had a specific protein that promotes cancer cell growth.
Photos supplied by Essentia Health
Brittani Boehlke-Fiecke a certified physician associate at Essentia Health
“They wanted to shrink it and kill anything that could be there,” said Harriet, who began her treatment with Dr. Bassim Kobrossy, an oncologist at the Essentia Health-Cancer Center in Fargo. “He wanted me to start chemo immediately.”
With a plan in place, Harriet was able to continue her treatment back home in Detroit Lakes under the care of Dr. Janet Macheledt and Brittani Boehlke-Fiecke, a certified physician associate.
Harriet underwent chemotherapy from October through February, and it was during this time that she really connected with Boehlke-Fiecke.
“Brittani is this little gem that we have here,” Harriet said. “She always made me feel comfortable and like the most important patient. Her knowledge, honesty, bedside manner, everything about her was great.”
Boehlke-Fiecke has practiced oncology for almost 15 years, primarily at Essentia. She credits her interest in medicine to growing up on the family dairy farm in Waverly, Minnesota.
Boehlke-Fiecke also recalls meeting Harriet for the first time.
“She’s full of life and has this spark,” the caregiver said. “She loves all of those around her and really tries to lift people up.”
Following chemo, Harriet had a lumpectomy to remove what remained of the tumor. This breast-conserving surgery was performed by Dr. Shang-Yee Yeh, a general surgeon at Essentia.
Harriet then transitioned back to Fargo for daily radiation treatments, held Monday through Friday for four weeks in April 2024. Throughout her treatment, she remained on Herceptin, a drug that specifically targets HER2-positive breast cancer, until her final session — and her bell-ringing moment — on Oct. 10, 2024.
Harriet emphasizes that her care team’s compassion and openness made her treatment journey easier.
“The nurses at the infusion center, the doctors, the nurse practitioners, all the women in imaging; they are all so wonderful,” she said. “I can’t praise them enough.”
In addition to knowing and advocating for your body, Harriet’s advice to other women is simple — prioritize your mammograms.
“It might be a five-minute pinch, but it’s worth that,” she said.
“Mammograms can detect small changes, millimeters in size, in breast tissue that we often cannot feel,” added Boehlke-Fiecke. “This is why sequential imaging is critical as it can catch cancer in its earliest stages and when it is most treatable.”
Essentia offers digital 2-D and 3-D mammograms. Ultrasounds and breast MRIs can also be used if further imaging is needed. Women with an average risk of developing breast cancer should get a mammogram every year beginning at age 40.
If you are at higher risk due to factors such as a family history of breast cancer, your provider may recommend beginning screening earlier. They may also suggest additional testing as part of Essentia Health’s High-Risk Breast Cancer Program. It’s important to speak with your provider about an individualized plan.
“I would recommend Essentia to everyone, and I do,” said Harriet, who had her first six-month follow-up in April and remains cancer-free.
“It meant a lot to get care close to home,” she added. “What you’re going through is a lot to begin with and then if you have to drive, you get in your head.”
Along with her husband, Dave, Harriet has called the Detroit Lakes area home for almost 25 years. They enjoy spending time with their four children, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
“Growing up in a rural community, I think it’s my calling to treat patients like Harriet,” explained Boehlke-Fiecke. Located in Fargo, she provides outreach services to Detroit Lakes, Park Rapids and Fosston. “I feel like this is where I’m meant to be.”
With a geographic service area that is about 84% rural, Essentia Health works hard every day to safeguard the health and well-being of all our patients, regardless of where they live.
“We have an outstanding group of nurses, pharmacists and primary care providers available to our rural patients,” said Boehlke-Fiecke. “As oncologists, we feel blessed to be part of these communities. We are available and can meet you where you are.”
Essentia offers comprehensive cancer care services at four cancer centers in North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as mobile mammography services to several rural communities. Learn more about cancer care at :
Medicine wasn’t Dr. Jessie Lindemann’s initial journey. As a young professional in her twenties, with degrees from Oberlin College and the University of Wisconsin-Madison complete, she was in the throes of her new career as a chemist when she began to experience health issues.
Over a period of 2-3 years, with multiple misdiagnoses or sometimes no diagnosis and just doctors at a loss to identify the problem, Jessie finally received clarity. She had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. She was just 28 years old.
Overnight, her life changed completely as she now had to embark on the journey of cancer treatment and not knowing if she’d survive. It was then that she began to bargain with herself. “I told myself, ‘If you make it, then you’re going to do something to make the world better,’” and that is when she decided she would become a doctor. Along with this, after making it through harrowing treatments and navigating the healthcare system, she also committed to creating ways for people to have a different and more positive experience.
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Jessie explained, usually affects teens or individuals 40+. She was in that small in between window in her late twenties, as she fought for her life against aggressive cancer treatments. Today, the Fargo native is 22 years cancer-free, a reality that isn’t taken for granted. In fact, it has become the catalyst for Dr. Lindemann’s latest venture, Willow Health, located in Fargo.
After completing medical school at UND, with the support of her husband, going through pregnancy while still there, and having her daughter, Dr. Lindemann also completed the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire Family Medicine Residency Program. While there, she was able to further her knowledge in the field of Cancer Survivorship through a specially designed residency rotation through University of Minnesota and dive deep into this highly overlooked and misunderstood aspect of the cancer experience.
Now, this specialized area is a cornerstone of Dr. Lindemann’s work and where she intends to leave her mark. “I worked for a large healthcare organization prior to opening Willow Health in the fall of 2024,” she states. “I wanted to find a way to be more in control of decisions that would directly impact my patients. Now I can do this and it’s very rewarding.”
Cancer Survivorship is complex, encompassing many facets of someone’s path through cancer. “Anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer is considered a survivor, even if it’s day one. They’re part of the survivorship,” Dr. Lindemann adds. Cancer Survivorship involves an ongoing medical plan and approach that doesn’t just see the patient to the “clear” mark; it considers the impact cancer has on the body long-term and stays steps ahead by addressing possible risks, offering helpful resources, lifestyle recommendations, specialized screening labs and imaging, and more. The body may heal from cancer, but it changes after the experience, notes Dr. Lindemann. This includes mentally as well as physically.
She explains that in her own experience, her oncologist, whom she worked so closely with for years, met with her at the 10-year clear mark and unfurled her it was time to transition to primary care. “As someone I trusted so much all that time, this was really confusing and scary,” Dr. Lindemann says. “I went to a primary care physician who was not aware of what tests I would need as a cancer survivor, or all the treatments, tests, labs, etc. I had been through. Patients should be monitored for the return of the primary cancer, development of a secondary cancer, and late effects from their cancer diagnosis and treatments.”
Cancer Survivorship plans include getting care that includes protocols, guidelines, and the TSSP: Treatment Summary and Survivorship Care Plan. This approach looks at a patient’s full history then delves into each individual piece of it to ensure proper treatment moving forward.
Her approach is sparking great interest as Willow Health continues to grow. Currently the space is shared with Dr. Cheryl Bauer-Olson and thus includes a shared receptionist plus an LPN. It is a full family practice serving patients of all ages and many of Dr. Lindemann’s patients from her prior employer have sought her out, following her to Willow Health. She comments that many of her patients have expressed that they’re happy that she’s practicing on her own.
With a transparent and warm approach. Dr. Lindemann openly states her story with others. She has founded the North Dakota Cancer Survivorship Foundation, which is securing its 501(c)3 status.
The Foundation provides education and awareness for the community on Cancer Survivorship and offers opportunities for engagement, including the Cancer Survivor Walk at north Fargo’s Trollwood Park on June 22 at 6:30 pm. The event’s $30 registration fee includes a T-shirt, and the walk is free for survivors. (ndcsf.org)
Dr. Lindemann is also one of only 11 Elevate Ambassadors in the US as part of the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship. She’s a member of the Fargo-Moorhead Chamber of Commerce and has received tremendous support from the other members. “People here are very giving,” she remarks, “and many have called to see how things are going, offer assistance, or just provide support for me as a new business owner.” She has also recently taken on the part-time role of Health Officer for Fargo Cass Public Health.
At home, Dr. Lindemann enjoys life with her family, including husband Art and 12-year-old daughter Adeline, who recently began expressing an interest in Neurology.
The vision for Willow Health is robust and includes creating a health hub for patients where they can access mental and physical health services under one roof. A dietitian, mental health professionals, a massage therapist, physical therapist, and other specialists will one day be housed under Willow Health when Dr. Lindemann expands the practice.
For now, she is exhilarated knowing her patients are being taken care of and that she can continue offering a new type of healthcare experience. Through an app that has HIPAA protection, patients can call or text Dr. Lindemann or her staff directly. “This is so refreshing and effective,” she states. “It allows total connection and that’s the root of helping others live healthy lives.” [ aw ] willowhealthllc.com
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Chamber Photos By Leah // Perham Area Chamber
Welcome home.
This is the core statement that Sirirath Thai House’s founder and owner, Nittaya Braziunas, had in mind when she created her restaurant in West Fargo five years ago. She wanted a place where everyone feels welcome, no matter what their background or their familiarity with Thai cuisine and chose a family name to represent the establishment. Nittaya was on a mission to showcase her native Thailand, where she grew up in a family that have farms (rice, potatoes, bamboo, fish, and more) and bring the culinary experience of flavors and loveinfused meals to the Fargo area.
Nittaya, however, didn’t always know that being a restauranteur would be her career. Prior to coming to the United States, she attended colleges in Thailand, first to pursue nursing, then law, and eventually business. She earned a business administration degree with an emphasis in Human Resources from Phranakhon Rajabhat University in Bangkok. From there, she worked in luxury goods for a duty-free enterprise and eventually opened her own jewelry export business in the fashion industry.
In 2012, Nittaya’s aunt and uncle in Reno, Nevada, requested help with running their restaurant as they were approaching retirement. With no children of their own, they reached out to other family members and Nittaya accepted the invitation to relocate and assist them. She began help-
ing at the restaurant, which led to assuming ownership of it a few years later. It was in Reno that she met her husband, Aretas Braziunas, a native of Lithuania and a physician who is now on staff at Sanford in Fargo. “It was my husband’s job that brought us here to Fargo,” Nittaya comments. She arranged for a friend to take over the restaurant in Reno and moved to North Dakota in 2015.
“I was pregnant with my first child when we moved here,” she explains. “We had visited the area and even though it is very different from where I’ve lived before, I love it. I love winter! It’s my favorite season. White is my favorite color, so the snow, to me, is beautiful.” Having grown up in extreme heat and humidity in Thailand, North Dakota is a stark change. “Winter is very pretty, and I love seeing snow!”
Today, Nittaya and her husband are the parents of two young children; a son, 7, and daughter, 6. Family is extremely important to them, and they are dedicated to finding balance between their careers and home life. “We love to swim, ski, hike, go for walks, and spend time with our dog,” she says, “and we appreciate that everything in our lifestyle is so close to home.” The couple reside in West Fargo, just minutes from the restaurant and hospital, their kids’ school is close by, and as the area expands, there’s more shopping right in the immediate neighborhood, including Costco, which is across the street from Sirirath Thai House.
This fact is one that played into Nittaya’s choice to open her restaurant in its current location. She is a strategist who loves business, and that includes research. “Five years ago, it was the pandemic,” she states, “but I continued with my plans. I researched this neighborhood constantly. Before this building even opened, I sat in the parking lots of the existing businesses, and I counted how many cars went by in a given amount of time. I looked at proximity to neighborhoods and exactly how the area operated in terms of traffic flow and what businesses were here.”
From there, Nittaya made her move. She began working with Senior Vice President at Bell Bank, Shannon Dye, for her lending needs and through
"We had visited the area and even though it is very different from where I’ve lived before, I love it."
Nittaya Braziunas
an agent to secure the then unfinished space where she has her restaurant. She hired a designer to work with her in bringing her vision to life in the restaurant’s décor and ambiance. “Style is important to me,” she comments. This is reflected in Sirirath Thai House’s soothing environment, which exquisitely blends shades of white, tan, and grays with touches of live foliage as well as authentic Thai wood carvings made of Teak.
Design is fascinating to Nittaya and she thinks about it seriously, studying the décor of other
businesses and different styles. “I love Scandinavian design, the modern and clean look. I mixed in some of that here, especially in the neutral color scheme. I opted for big, long booths in dark grey that are comfortable and that multiple people can occupy together. Cozy and intimate.”
At the time of our interview in April, the restaurant was already decorated for Mother’s Day, well in advance. Joining the regular greenery that is placed throughout the room, Sirirath Thai House was also bedecked with fresh florals, including
white blooms and periwinkle blue/lavender Hydrangea. “Everything that we do here has meaning behind it. For Mother’s Day, we wanted something that would reflect a woman being a queen, because that is what mothers are. In Thailand, white and purples represent royalty, so we chose these colors for our spring décor and to honor the mothers of the world.”
The ”Thairopean” restaurant, as Nittaya describes it, offers a blend of cultures in its always fresh, never frozen, foods. Nittaya is excited to continue
"Everything that we do here has meaning behind it."
Nittaya Braziunas
to expand her own garden this summer. “We cut the food by hand and it’s healthy, fresh. We use authentic framed woks, and our chefs are professionally educated and trained. They hold degrees in the culinary arts and along with some of the other employees, a few worked with me in Thailand.” Currently the restaurant has ten employees and is open seven days a week.
The restaurant boasts a full menu with something for everyone, including desserts. “When I opened, people asked me if I had cake. I didn’t in the beginning, but I quickly changed this. I wanted to give people what they asked for and something that they were used to, so after a tasting of about 100 cakes with one of our suppliers, I selected a few to have on rotation. We now have a great dessert and pastry case as well as ice cream!” Additionally, Nittaya brought in coffee. Good coffee. She has a Breville espresso machine at home that she loves, so she bought one for the restaurant. “If we were going to offer coffee, it had to be the best,” she remarks.
And making people happy doesn’t stop with the customers. Nittaya also believes in keeping her staff engaged and excited to work with her. “If you’re not happy, then come to my office and talk to me. I will work hard to fix it.” Nittaya’s team
enjoy benefits, good pay, a comfortable environment, and a relaxed atmosphere. “They work five days a week, but some, at times, want seven days. I don’t promote that way of working because I really want people to be healthy in the long term and not overwork.” This is evident upon entering the restaurant, where smiling, happy employees are eager to greet those who walk through the doors.
The restaurant offers dine-in, carryout, and drive through pick up meals. “We don’t have a drive through sign or an outdoor ordering platform. Customers order online or by phone then drive to our pickup window on the back of the building,” Nittaya explains. Always the strategist, Nittaya had the window option included in their launch
"You can do anything you want to do, but always be honest with yourself and those who work with you."
Nittaya Braziunas
since it was during COVID, and she knew that it would drive business at a time when the dine-in traffic would be limited.
It seems everything has been consciously thought through and selected as Nittaya describes her philosophies of business. With a passion for style, she notes that this includes not only the restaurant’s aesthetic, but also the way food, uniforms, and demeanor are presented. Her staff wear pale blue button-down tops with black pants and are neatly put together. Nittaya’s self-described uniform of sorts includes that same pale blue, usual-
ly in a satin or silk blouse, paired with a tailored blazer and pants. She is refined and glamorous, yet warm and approachable. This is the exact combination she strives for in the way the restaurant is perceived.
Now, as owner of Sirirath Thai House and partner in Little Brother on Broadway, a more casual establishment that offers counter service and that is designed for the downtown workforce to access fresh, simple Thai food, Nittaya remains committed to being present in her business. “Fargo is a growing community and has a rich entrepreneurial culture,” she states. “If I were giving advice to someone looking to open a restaurant here that reflects their culture, I’d tell them my mantra of ‘bring your own kitchen.’ Everyone has their own
749 23rd Ave. E., West Fargo Open 7 days a week 701-532-1692
Siriraththaihouse.com
style and authentic foods they know from their country. Show the community your unique style through food, decorations, flowers, and everything you do.”
She adds, “You can do anything you want to do, but always be honest with yourself and those who work with you. Keep sharing openly and just be a good person. It doesn’t matter how big the business is; just be genuine, kind.” And, as Nittaya laughs, always remember to “stay spicy!” [ aw ]
JUN 21/ JUL 19
FARGO MASONIC VENDOR & CRAFT SHOW
Come to the vendor & craft show and support small businesses. The show will be from 11-3 and lunch will be served from 11-1. It all takes place at the Fargo Masonic Center, 1405 3rd St N Fargo.
TIME: 11:00 am.-3:00 pm.
LOCATION: Fargo Masonic Center Building, 1405 3rd St N, Fargo
JUL 21-22
2025 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION SKILLS COMPETITION / HOME RUN DERBY
The American Association of Professional Baseball’s best and brightest will descend on Fargo-Moorhead July 21-22 for the annual AAPB All-Star Game at Newman Outdoor Field. Catch the All-Star Skills Competition/Home Run Derby on Monday, July 21, before players from around the Association take the field on Tuesday, July 22, for the All-Star Game! The 2025 All-Star Game will mark the third time the RedHawks have hosted midsummer festivities at Newman Outdoor Field after previously playing host to the 1999 and 2007 Northern League All-Star Games.
LOCATION: Newman Outdoor Field 1515 15th Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102
WEBSITE: www.fmredhawks.com
JUL 25-27
THRIVEFEST NORTH
Christian Music Festival that benefits Rising Hope Foundation, which provides long-term recovery to girls freed from the abuses of Human Trafficking. Find more information at RisingHopeFoundation.org. Grab your tickets now!
LOCATION: Stutsman County Fairgrounds 3325 83rd Ave Se Jamestown, ND 58401
WEBSITE: www.thrivefestnorth.org
photograph by: Dylan Engel
photograph by: Elizabeth Eden
AUG 1-2
FARGO BLUES FEST
Visit fargoblues.com/tickets, call 218-287-7775 or visit the Newman Outdoor Field box office to get your tickets
LOCATION: Newman Outdoor Field 1515 15th Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102
WEBSITE: www.fargoblues.com
June 2 & July 7
COMMUNITY GAME NIGHT AT NORTHPORT
LIBRARY 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Northport Library
2714 Broadway N.
701.476.4026
June 4
THE LIT LOUNGE:
CRIME FICTION 6 p.m.
Dr. James Carlson Library
2801 32nd Ave. S.
701.476.5980
June 9, 16, 23, 30 & July
7, 14, 21, & 28
MARIO KART
CLUB 5:30 p.m.
Main Library
101 4th St. N.
701.241.1492
by: Dylan Engel
June 17
GROOVIN' THROUGH THE '70S: A TRIVIA TIME CAPSULE 6:30 p.m.
Main Library
101 4th St. N.
701.241.1492
June 9
TEA TIME BOOK
CLUB 6:30 .m.
Dr. James Carlson Library
2801 32nd Ave. S.
701.241.5980
June 10, 24 & July 8, 22
CRAFT NIGHTS FOR ALL AGES 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Dr. James Carlson Library
2801 32nd Ave. S.
701.476.5980
June 12
DIVERSE PERSPECTIVE
BOOK CLUB 6:30 p.m.
Main Library
101 4th St. N.
701.241.1492
June 21
FAR OUT FASHION AND DISCO GROOVES 1:00 p.m.
Main Library
101 4th St. N.
701.241.1492
June 27
MIXED NUTS COMEDY
SHOW 1:00 p.m.
Main Library
101 4th St. N.
701.241.1495
June 27, July 11, & July 25
SUMMER MOVIES 1 p.m.
Dr. James Carlson Library 2801 32nd Ave. S.
01.476.4040
July 19
FPL SUMMER PUZZLE
COMPETITION 10 a.m.
Main Library
101 4th St. N. 701.241.1495
June 25
SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY BOOK CLUB 6 p.m.
Dr. James Carlson Library 2801 32nd Ave. S.
701.476.5980
June 26
FARGO'S 70S RETRO REWIND TIME
CAPSULE OPENING 5 p.m.
Sodbuster Plaza near the Main Library 101 4th St. N. Cindy at 701.476.5985
July 21
LOCAL AUTHOR TALK WITH ZACH SOLLIE 6 p.m.
Dr. James Carlson Library 2801 32nd Ave. S. 701.476.5977
July 24
BEHOLD THE BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLY 10 a.m.
Main Library 101 4th St. N.
701.241.1495
July 29
SPY PILOT: PRESENTATION BY AUTHOR FRANCIS GARY POWERS JR. 1 p.m.
Main Library
101 4th St. N.
701.476.5977
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 : fargolibrary.org
photograph
For many, a salon visit is a routine appointment, but for clients at Hairapy Beauty Co., it’s something more—it’s a safe space, a reset, a little bit of therapy with a fresh cut, and a whole lot of heart. Lisa Nelson, is the encouraging stylist behind Hairapy Beauty Co.
“In 2005, I purchased Blond Ambition. I started there as a receptionist and then I had the opportunity to purchase the salon about nine months into working there. I owned it for 14 years. But after having the salon for 14 years, we lost that location to a fire. Because of that, I moved quickly into Magnolia Salon Suites. I loved the idea of having my own salon, but I liked that it was also a private room,” she said. “When the opportunity came up, I got another space with a massage therapist which is where I am now. She [Everything Zen] and I share a lot of the same clients and have a good flow. We both had the same dream of providing a space for people to relax in. It’s about helping people feel like their best, most authentic selves.” That ethos extends to the little things as well—customizing cuts for face shape and lifestyle, using cleaner, natural products, and gently guiding clients toward choices that enhance their natural beauty without making their routine complicated. “Less is more. Healthy hair starts with simple things—don’t overwash, clarify now and then, and use clean products that don’t leave buildup.”
So what are the top products Lisa can’t live without? She shared her go-to essentials: “Dry shampoo (make sure to apply it to your clean hair at the root to extend the time between your washes and it will also promote natural volume), a heat protectant, a clarifying shampoo, a wet brush to gently remove tangles (this also puts less tension on the hair), and last but not least, a professional, preferably organic, shampoo and conditioner."
Hairapy Beauty Co. Hair Advice:
• Don’t over wash your hair. It's very common for people to feel like they have to wash their hair every day. Having your natural sebaceous oils does a lot for your moisture barrier in your hair. Also, you'll train your hair to not over-produce oil if you're not constantly stimulating your scalp by shampooing it.
• If you’re more prone to oil, use a good dry shampoo after your hair is dry. Then you'll get a couple more days out of the hair than you normally would.
• Thinking about a bigger change? Lisa encourages clients to think about it for one more appointment. “I would recommend just easing into it.”
A Hairapy Mission:
Lisa’s mission is to make sure everyone leaves with a pep in their step. She wants them to leave better than they were when they first came in. “I want to bring out everybody's individual beauty and make people feel better. I chose Hairapy, because behind the chair was my favorite part of what I do, which I’ve found to be very therapeutic. Not just for my client, but for me too, especially after the fire happened.” She combines a “hair” and “hope,” ideology. The name encapsulates what she offers behind the chair: a therapeutic experience that goes beyond aesthetics.
That sense of healing and connection to and with her clients isn’t just something Lisa talks about— it’s something she’s lived and witnessed many times in her chair. One moment, in particular, has stayed with her over the years. “One of my most memorable experiences was working with a woman from the Dress for Success program. We’d just given away a beauty package for a day of beauty. So I got to do her hair and makeup.” Lisa said. “She had been through so much—domestic abuse, fear, and rebuilding her life with her son. Just helping her feel confident enough to stay and fight for a new life was powerful. Just the confidence she had to be like I’m going to stay here and not be afraid that just because he had connections here, that she did too and that she was going to make a better way for her son and her. It’s hearing those kinds of stories that are powerful.” Once people sit in the chair, their wall drops down and Lisa gets to know them authentically. “It’s just really beautiful.”
What Drives Her
When asked what drives her, she lit up when mentioning her family. Life outside the salon is a lively mix of travel, laughter, and cheering from the sidelines—most of it centered around the people and animals she loves most. “I have two kids; Jack is a junior and Scarlett is in eighth grade. My fun outside of work is traveling and following my kids around. They're both really active in sports. Jack is into baseball and Scarlett is in soccer season and on a couple different teams. We also have two dogs. I have a miniature wiener dog called Penny and a lab named Hawk.
Whether she’s in the salon, at home, or on the sidelines, Lisa brings that same heart and attentiveness to the people around her. That care is also something she extends to every client who sits in her chair. “I always tell my clients, you’re not going to hurt my feelings,” she said. “Be honest. Tell me what you want. This is your time, your experience. I’m just here to help you feel better—inside and out.”
Hairapy Beauty Co. isn't just about hair—it’s about heart. For Lisa Nelson, every appointment is an opportunity to uplift, to connect, and to remind someone of their worth. Whether she’s customizing a cut, cheering on her kids, or offering a quiet moment of encouragement in the chair, Lisa is rooted in purpose. She’s created more than a salon–she’s built a space where beauty, healing, and hope meet. [ aw ]
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