MEET THE
Kasta A
s we keep things local and fashion-infused for this issue, we can’t wait to introduce you to kasta here in Fargo-Moorhead! We’ve loved their clean, minimalist beautiful jewelry and the creative duo behind it - Kelly & Jessie.
Tell us a bit about yourself: Well, I grew up in Washington, D.C., and moved to North Dakota about five years ago. My background is in the arts. Performing arts, culinary arts, etc. I’ve known for years that I wanted to create a successful business model for myself, my family and my community. Now that I’ve done that, to be honest, I don’t have time for a lot of hobbies. My dream is actively coming true, so I try to focus most of my attention on that. I do enjoy trying new foods though, as well as watching good documentaries. But mostly, I’m learning about business and experimenting with new flavors and ideas. What you create under Uncle Charlie's Gourmet Snacks? Uncle Charlie’s Gourmet Snacks makes five flavors (Banana Split, Brownie Truffle, Cotton Candy, Orange Creamsicle and Red Velvet) of a gourmet spin on what is known regionally as “puppy chow.” We start with rice squares, coat them in gourmet chocolates and our proprietary blend of flavors, then toss them in powdered sugar. Each batch is handmade right here in Fargo and we take great pride in that. We are also releasing a line of Charlie’s Chocolate Crunch Bars this fall 2021; they’re going to knock your socks off!
By Ashley Morken, Unglued
52 | APRIL 2021 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM
Tell us where your name came from? Kelly: I was born and raised in Minnesota but now live across the river in Fargo with
my husband, two young daughters and our ragdoll named Princess Fluffy Marshmallow. I have worked in the senior care field for over 15 years in senior housing, hospice and homecare all while making and selling my artistic creations online, in coffee shops and boutiques. I love color and how it shifts a moment or a mood. Visitors to my home are welcomed by a bright yellow door and lots of bold tones. I joke that artwork is my therapy. My friends and family will tell you that I'm most happy when I'm creating something, and my hands are full of paint. People have always asked me how I got to be so creative, and I like to tell them that I ate glue as a kid. Jessie: I live in Moorhead, Minn., with my husband, our high school-aged son and a variety of pets. We also have a daughter in college. I work full-time running the histology lab for NDSU’s Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. I am passionate about home design, DIY everything, woodworking, blogging, painting and refinishing, home remodeling and basically anything that involves building and creativity. Over the last 10 years my wood and furniture designs through my business, deuglied designs, have been featured in local boutiques and publications and even won
