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 .

Alicia is the creator of prairiestylefile.com, a website that explores the arts, culture, shopping, events and fashion of Fargo-Moorhead and the upper Midwest. She frequently travels across the region in search of what's beautiful and what's next.

Wasifa is a dentistry graduate, full-time blogger and makeup artist. She blogs and makes videos about beauty, makeup, fashion and lifestyle on her blog sifascorner.com.

Stacy is a photographer that specializes in high school senior and commercial portraits. Her years in the fashion industry and behind a camera lens has gained her the reputation of creating images that stand out. Check out her portfolio at stacykennedy.com.

Balancing a life of family, friends and fashion. Whitney lives for laughs, good people and great clothes, with a few other things too. Whitney graduated from UND with a degree in marketing. She goes by the title of "fashion maven" (also known as a fashion influencer). You can see her daily fashion posts, and catch her crazy ideas on Instagram @whitney_lynne.

Our cover story was written by Alicia Underlee Nelson and photographed by Stacy Kennedy, page 58.

Ashley is a full-time wedding, lifestyle and destination photographer with her husband Ryan at FloraPine Photography. She is passionate about documenting the every day, writing about home simplicity and renovation projects, and writing music.

Mariah is the owner of MPX Fitness, founder of the non-profit NOW Project, professional MMA fighter, coordinator of fitness at MSUM, motivational speaker, corporate wellness coach and single mother. Find her online at mariahprussia.com publisher

JON-MICHAEL SHERMAN art director

MEGAN ELGIN proofing editor

JILL OCKHARDT BLAUFUSS advertising

MIKE SHERMAN 701-306-5119

JON-MICHAEL SHERMAN 701-306-1288

TAMIE ZACCHEA 701-306-7932 photography

ALICIA MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

ASHLEY OBERHOLTZER PHOTOGRAPHY

DAVE ARNTSON

ELENA K PHOTOGRAPHY

EXPRESSIONS BY ASHTON

FLORA PINE PHOTOGRAPHY

JILL OCKHARDT BLAUFUSS

JUSTIN EILER

SCHERLING PHOTOGRAPHY

TRUE EXPRESSIONS, KELSEY BUCHHOLZ

Ashley is a local health, fitness and life coach with a passion for inspiring and motivating others to live their best life. She started her own business, BUFF Inc., teaches group fitness classes at the YMCA in Fargo, is a health and fitness writer, has appeared on local TV as a fitness expert, and shares her life and expertise candidly on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. To work with Ashley for nutrition, fitness and life coaching, contact her online at eatlivebebuff.com.

Driven by her goal of leaving you happier than before you met, Angel's main goal in life is laughter. She owns her dream, AKA, where she is a multifaceted consultant and coach. Her expertise ranges from sales and marketing to writing, educating and fitness. Her man-bun wearing husband and two precious kids keep her grounded, fulfilled and grateful. Stop by for a daily dose of yoga, motherhood and all things life-inspired on her blog angelskeenangles.com and instagram @angelskeenangles.