Lake Minnetonka, MN May 2024

Boat

LIFESTYLE LETTER

The Ladies Issue

Welcome to our Ladies issue!

First and foremost, I want to thank all the women who contribute to our magazine every day: my amazing editor, Lauren Beaubaire, columnist Jen Fortner; writers Kendra Johnson, Sara Hoeman, Hannah Harms, and Kimberly Blaker; photojournalist Rebecca Hahn, and photographers Emily John and Anna Kostochko.

All these creative and amazing women tell the stories of our community month in and month out. The majority of our partners in the magazine are women-owned businesses, and in this issue, we wanted to feature them and tell their stories. Am I excited to see our pages celebrating some of the great women of Lake Minnetonka? You bet! But where do I start?

Overall, I’ve been incredibly impressed with the support women and women-owned businesses receive from our community. When we recently asked our Instagram followers to help us celebrate their favorite women-owned businesses, our comments were flooded with responses. While we are always huge proponents of shopping locally, this month is the perfect time to patronize businesses owned by the women of our community. This led us to some of the people who comprise this issue. But let’s put business aside for a minute.

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, all eyes are, for good reason, on moms. But it’s not just the biological mothers that need to be celebrated. It’s the mother figures in our lives who have made an indelible impact on us. It’s the family members, teachers, friends, and neighbors doing awesome things in our communities, pouring into our lives - making themselves unforgettable and irreplaceable. In this issue we celebrate them, and we highlight their stories. I could continue to highlight all the incredible women featured in these pages, but I will let you discover it for yourself. They all imparted their wisdom and shared their stories and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did when we were putting this issue together.

So, let’s make the women in our lives who have made a difference feel special. Send a card or a text, make a call, and go see some of those amazing people. Tell them how you feel and give them a thank you because…. They deserve it.

DAVE ROBERTSON, PUBLISHER

@LAKEMINNETONKALIFESTYLE

CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/LAKEMINNETONKA

May 2024

PUBLISHER

Dave Robertson | dave.robertson@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Lauren Beaubaire | lauren.beaubaire@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Lynlee Critz | lynlee.critz@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kendra Johnson, Sara Hoeman, Lauren Beaubaire, Rebecca A. Hahn, Kimberly Blaker, Angela Broockerd, and Jen Fortner

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Emily John, Anna Kostochko, and Janie Jones

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

Beyond Beauty

What Advice Would You Give to Your Younger Self?

The Buying Power of Women

city scene

1-7: Bach to Rock student bands from all their locations (Minnetonka, Plymouth, and Coon Rapids) took the stage at First Avenue, performing in front of over 300 of their families and friends, students, and staff. Photography by Bach to Rock

Celebrate Mom (and a great cause!) with a Spavia Gift Card

To celebrate Mother's Day, Spavia in Minnetonka hosted a fun event with a great cause. Guests enjoyed refreshments, door prizes, freebies, and demos of hypervolt, cupping, skincare, and makeup matches. During the event and through May 12th, 10% of all Spavia gift card sales will be donated to The Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Foundation, an organization that helps alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with treatment. Support this amazing cause and give Mom a great gift with a Spavia gift card!

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Minneapolis Integrative Medicine Center Comes to Wayzata

Dr. Cassie Wilder, NMD, and her team opened a new Minneapolis Integrative Medicine Center location in Wayzata, providing a whole-body approach to medicine that helps you connect the dots between the symptoms you are feeling and the underlying causes. Their health team takes the time to get to know you as an individual and form real, genuine provider-patient relationships. By blending the best of conventional diagnostics and overlapping integrative treatment strategies, they help make their patients well again.

EmpowHER Women’s Network Launched this Year

Over the past year, the Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce has been looking to expand programming that uniquely serves women business and civic leaders in the Chamber, and this year launched the EmpowHER Women’s Network. Women can attend four 90-minute luncheons each year, volunteer opportunities, “stay connected” get-togethers, and more to foster a supportive and empowering community where women can engage in peer-led mentorship by providing a safe space, which allows them to feel heard and receive advice and feedback.

Photography by Anna Kostochko

Photography by Wayzata Chamber

Photography by Wayzata Chamber

BEYOND BEAUTY

How community connections foster success at Bella on the Bay

ARTICLE BY KENDRA JOHNSON

PHOTOGRAPHY

BY ANNA KOSTOCHKO

Passionate. Determined. Independent. Kindhearted. Those are just a few words I would use to describe Melissa “Missi” Davis, the owner of Bella on the Bay in Excelsior — a spa and salon with services ranging from hair, skin, and nail care to lashes and massages.

“When the previous owners approached me about purchasing the business, I didn’t even bat an eye. I felt like that was where I was supposed to go.”

The current success of Bella on the Bay, according to Missi, is owed to her team and the community. But Missi has her own role in keeping everything up and running.

When Missi was 16, she started working in the healthcare field. She went from a nursing home to a hospital and finally found her initial calling as an EMT, where she worked for 15 years. Then, one corporate job and a few big life changes later, Missi found herself wanting to go back to school.

Deciding to major in aesthetics — the career that would eventually lead her to Bella on the Bay — can be linked back to her son, who struggled with acne, and after several rounds of medication, she decided to explore other options.

“Never once did anyone ask me ‘what does he use for his skincare? Does he wash his face? What does he eat?’ I spoke with an esthetician and she asked me those questions. And we got my son on a great skin regiment. It was just amazing to me how she could help his skin. So that is why I decided to pursue — aesthetics,” Missi says.

In 2013, Missi was hired as an esthetician at Bella on the Bay and just four years later was given the opportunity to purchase the business from the former owners, Paula and Bryce Johnson.

“When the previous owners approached me about purchasing the business, I didn’t even bat an eye. I felt like that was where I was supposed to go with what I do,” Missi says.

And while stepping into the role of owner was a leap of faith, Missi’s team members and the community helped ensure a successful transition. And to this day, that support system is one of the reasons she loves what she does.

“With the community, being part of Excelsior is hard to describe because it’s such a great, tight-knit community. The longevity of our clients is a testament to that,” Missi says.

And longevity is right. In 1997, the building that houses Bella on the Bay was renovated to suit the spa and salon. But prior to that, the building had apartments in it. One client who used to live in those apartments now comes back to get her hair done at the same location. “It’s just really cool,” says Missi.

Getting to build connections with the community is a huge part of why Missi comes to work every day, but seeing the actual impact her and her team’s efforts have is also a major point of pride.

“It’s a really great feeling when you not only help somebody with their hair or their skin, but it’s also really rewarding to us to make those connections with clients.”

And getting to connect with women on a personal level and make them feel as beautiful on the outside as they do on the inside is a privilege, according to Missi.

Being the owner of Bella on the Bay gives Missi the opportunity to learn something new every day. And she handles every new challenge with grace and a little bit of grit.

“It’s a really great feeling when you not only help somebody with their hair or their skin, but it’s also really rewarding to us to make those connections with clients.”

For example, if there’s ever a time that something in the salon breaks, Missi takes it upon herself to fix it.

“I take a lot of pride in doing a lot of things at Bella myself. I am that independent, and I’m that determined. I don’t like being at the mercy of waiting for someone else to come along,” Missi says.

When it comes to supporting other women in the community, Missi and the Bella on the Bay team are always happy to volunteer their time and talents.

In the past, Bella has helped with hair and makeup for the Excelsior Chamber of Commerce’s Black Gown Gala. Most recently, they participated in a women and wellness group in Chanhassen that worked to connect other women business owners and other women in the community.

Missi’s advice for other women interested in becoming a business owner is simple: Have a clear vision and stick to your core values. https://www.bellaonthebay.com/

In my experience, traveling with children isn’t relaxing. If you have very young children now and cling to the hope that it will be so much better in five years when you don’t have to remember sippy cups, packets of squeezable applesauce, and

SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PLANS

extra clothes to tote around…you are lying to yourself. Those items get replaced with trendy water bottles, a giant tumbleweed of charging cords, and extra clothes to tote around. I’ve been carrying a ‘just in case’ sweatshirt for other people for 20 years.

Once upon a time, in what felt like a Netflix depiction of a military operation, I was attempting to move eight people through

Life Minded

blistering heat at Disney World. I was pushing a double stroller 20,000 steps, checking Fast Passes, slathering sunblock on unwilling humans, and eating a life-giving $15 Dole Whip when my husband (who dislikes heat, crowds, and chaos) asked, “How do you know for sure you are at Disney with kids?”

And I said, “Someone is always crying?”

Yes. That is the answer. Every fifteen minutes, we saw a child sobbing. But also every fifteen minutes, we saw a sweaty parent balancing a light saber, mouse ears, two stuffed animals, a beloved heirloom baby blanket, a diaper bag, and their sanity like a circus act. Meanwhile, they were quiet-yelling through clenched teeth at a crying child to CALM DOWN and HAVE FUN wearing a Happiest Place on Earth tank top. And that is why I consider all of these adventures ‘trips’ and not vacations.

The term vacation indicates respite. Tranquility. Paring down from all of the doings and things of daily life. And this is how traveling with friends is an entirely different story than a trip with kids. Nobody cries unless they are laughing, and there is plenty of that. And the mental burden of remembering everything for everyone else is eliminated. Because each person is only responsible for remembering about 25% of the things. My friends are so prepared. For anything. For everything. There is no outcome they have not considered. I find it relaxing that it isn’t all up to me.

Minded

I once jumped in a lake in northern Minnesota on a weekend trip with my shoes on. To be fun. I thought the shoes were waterproof. They weren’t. They were some type of hiking shoes that doubled as ugly sponges. My friend ended up loaning me some running shoes, and I wore those for the rest of the weekend. She had an extra pair in my size AND in a cute color.

For my birthday a few years ago, eight of us went to Savannah, Georgia. During hurricane season. Did I research every hotel, restaurant, and tourist attraction before we went? Yes. Was I aware that hurricane season lasts six months there? No. Let’s say we experienced everything the city had to offer with the exception of sunshine. And yet, nobody complained. Nobody even flinched. We marched on, and my friends pulled out their layers, and we traversed the city like drowned rats. One person secured tickets to an indoor tour while another grabbed two tables in an Irish Pub while another found a store that sold umbrellas. We bought eight umbrellas.

We have photos from the trip taken in historic Forsyth Park. When I show people, they say, “It almost looks like you had the whole park to yourselves!” We did. Because not everyone is willing to walk around that park in torrential rain like eight women from Minnesota who just roll. with. it.

A couple of us went to a weekend music festival once. We camped. People around us ate trail mix and

COLUMN BY JEN FORTNER

freeze-dried food. We had a charcuterie board and hand-crafted buttermilk biscuits. Because YOLO.

Venturing out anywhere as a group, we boast multiple pairs of sunglasses, hand sanitizer, pens, extra books, wet wipes, scarves, cash, apps to find anything on earth, blankets, and a bevy of beverages that range from still spring water to caffeine-surging coffees to prebiotic/probiotic offerings in exotic flavors. It’s leisurely to move through life with these ladies.

Recently, we have been in discussions about what local field trips we could take. Educational. Artsy. Fitness related. Pastry themed. A spreadsheet was sent to drill down on interest and new ideas. Yes. A spreadsheet. Because these women prepare. On the thread is a high school English teacher, a social worker, a psychologist, a physical therapist, a nurse, an elementary school teacher, a physician’s assistant, and a marketing guru. Aside from planning an outing, we could likely open up our own social service agency.

This spring, grab a friend and head out on a field trip if you can’t go on a fullfledged vacation. Leave everyone else behind. If you go with three friends, you don’t even have to pack your own things. Someone else has already thought of what you’ll need. And should you ever find yourself stranded in the woods, look for a group of women. They have directions. And they have a wedge of artisanal cheese with a gluten-free cracker for sustenance until you find your way back.

Jen Fortner is a freelance writer who enjoys asking friends and strangers far too many questions. She spends her spare time sitting in inclement weather watching youth sports, traveling, cooking, and searching for the very best baked goods. She lives in Shorewood with her husband, three children and the most spoiled dog.

JAN GUENTHER

Owner of Gear West

“Think BIG and BACKWARDS. I grew up before Title Nine and the Women’s ‘movement’. As women were seeing more opportunity to become whoever ‘they wanted to be’, we were all told about our choices. There were many avenues for us to take besides that of a homemaker. However, I had not the vision of where the choices might take me. As the owner of Gear West Ski and Bike, my path might not have been so circuitous or random if I entertained a larger thought than just opportunity. For example, I wanted to become a vet. But midway through organic chem, all I could see was the chemistry classes ahead of me, and the lack of perceived creativity stopped me from completing my studies. IF I saw the vision of running a vet business (which still intrigues me ) and worked backward from the business of running a clinic, I might have better accepted the grueling steps needed to achieve a greater goal.

To young women I would say, think of the bigger picture, the who or what you want to become or the lifestyle you want to lead in your future and then work backwards to identify the steps to lead you there.” —Jan Guenther, owner of Gear West. https://www.gearwest.com/

ERIN HAUGERUD

Owner of EH Design Co

“Listen to the guidance of those you admire, but ultimately trust in your intuition - those two combined will ultimately guide you to where you need to be. Remember to cherish the journey, for whether it’s a peak or a valley, every step molds you into the person you’re destined to become, worthy of reaching your dreams. And always remember, you will never stop growing and learning along the way. It’s in this growth that you find who you are.” —Erin Haugerud, owner of EH Design Co. https://www.ehdesignco.com/

DANI ANDERSON

Owner of Vi Beauty Lab

“Hello there lovely little girl,

My advice to you is, do it all again. You love with your heart wide open. You believe in the best parts of people. You trust yourself, your gut, and your heart. You believe in magic and possibility. You gave all of this to me like a gift and I have kept it. I see the world through your childlike heart and while it hasn’t always worked out for me, do not change it. I would say, do it all again, maybe a little slower this time. Observe it all and write it all down this time. You will know grief, you will know hurt, you will have regrets, you will make so many mistakes and then you will learn things you couldn’t have without the pain. Do it all again, my little self, heart splayed wide open, a little slower this time.” —Dani Anderson, owner of Vi Beauty Lab. https://www.vibeautylab.com/

KIM CASSENS

Owner & Operator of Nothing Bundt Cakes in Minnetonka

“If I could give my younger self advice, I would say believe in yourself and your choices. Trust your gut and your intuition. For me, personal and professional growth often happens in the moments when things don’t go as intended. Valuable learnings came from when I trusted myself to pivot or shift my original plan. Believing in oneself is not always easy, but it is something I am mindful of and wish I would have trusted more in my early years.” —Kim Cassens, owner & operator of Nothing Bundt Cakes in Minnetonka. www.nothingbundtcakes.com

MELISSA SCHOELLER

Owner of GYPSET Midwest Yoga

“Invest in your relationships! Quality friendships and relationships are vital to your personal happiness and health. My friend group has naturally shrunk as I have gotten older and I am 100% OK with that. As you get older life gets busier and time fills with more responsibilities and you start to realize that the quality of friendships is so much more important than the quantity. Take a moment and go through your relationships and ask yourself the following:

Can you count on your friend to be there for you?

Are your experiences often negative or positive with this person?

Do you trust them?

How do you feel around them, do they bring out your best self?

Life is short folks, do yourself a favor and cut ties with those who are not really your people. Take that trip, invest your time with your selected quality humans, building memories that make your life and those around you richer. And don’t forget to wear sunscreen and be kind!” —Melissa Schoeller, owner of GYPSET Midwest Yoga (1st Yoga or Fitness class FREE!) https://gypsetmidwestyoga.com/ & check out a list of wellness retreats around the world here https://gypsetyogaretreats.com/

DEBBIE SLUSAR

Owner of Amore & Fede

“Dear Younger Me…

Dear younger me, do not be so naïve, and believe everything you hear, have more discernment.

Dear younger me, communicate more openly, do not hold things in, it’s ok to express your feelings and ask questions.

Dear younger me, do not compare yourself to others, it is a competition you cannot win, just be you, your unique self who God made you to be. Except when you have a twin sister and are identical LOL!

Dear younger me, forgive more, do not hold onto bitterness it only steals your joy. Forgiveness sets you free.

Dear younger me, I wish you would have come to a personal relationship with Jesus much sooner in your life, it would have saved you much heartache and pain.

*(A song by Mercy Me, worth a listen to!)” —Debbie Slusar, owner of Amore & Fede. https://amorefede.com/

JEAN STELTEN-BEUNING

Owner of Top Dog Country Club

“Don’t wish your life away waiting for the “next thing” . . . live for today with an eye on tomorrow but don’t worry about what you cannot control . . . and realize that you control almost nothing other than your reactions and attitudes to what happens in your life. Make big plans but be flexible and learn to let things go when they don’t turn out the way you had hoped.

Push yourself harder than you think you should. Be stronger than you believe you are. Don’t let the fear of missing out cause you to make premature decisions. Don’t take life so seriously and criticism so personally. Find your passion, pursue it, and don’t let anyone crush your dreams.” —Jean Stelten-Beuning, owner of Top Dog Country Club. https://www.topdogcountryclub.com/

AMY KELLY

Owner of Jett Beauty

“If I could go back in time and give advice to my younger self I would share the following:  Practice gratitude and appreciate the small things in life. Cultivate a positive mindset and focus on the good. Do not hesitate to be generous with everything, your time, talents and material things. The joy in giving is much greater than keeping for yourself. Be kind to yourself and have patience with things that do not go your way or are hard to learn/ experience. You are always learning and building skills throughout your life. Enjoy the present moment and live in the present. Don’t constantly worry about the future or dwell on the past.” —Amy Kelly, owner of Jett Beauty. https://jettbeauty.com/

SANDY MAHONEY

Project Development at Highmark Builders

“Be kind. There is no perfection. We all look differently and think differently for a reason.  Embrace your unique gifts and celebrate the differences in others – they are a gift too!

Let your intuition be a guide. It’s good to be an optimist, yet important to listen to your gut. Don’t be afraid to go in a different direction or let go of the things not meant for you.

Believe in yourself. Dream big! Visualize what you want, and why it’s important to you. Plan and shift when you need to. Life changes and you’ll learn. You’ll get knocked down, more than once, get up, and dust off. Be humble, learn, grow, and keep believing.” —Sandy Mahoney, Project Development at Highmark Builders. https://highmarkbuilders.com

Thursday, June 13 5:30-9 p.m.

ARTICLE BY REBECCA A. HAHN

Ninety Minutes with Mom

Without a doubt, being a mom is the toughest yet most rewarding title anyone could claim! Even the word MOM, if you read it upside down, spells WOW! When was the last “WOW” moment you can remember? What was it that caused you to hear your own voice exclaim, “WOW?” It’s a powerful word, describing a moment in time that is “halted and memorized” simultaneously!

When you think about your mom, common words such as cook, teacher, listener, wage earner, nurse, doctor, coach/cheerleader, gardener, baker, birder, supporter, advisor, and perhaps “best friend” come to mind. All these words describe what she does, but within each one of these words, there’s a story or a memory associated with it.

My mom was a great cook and baker. She had seven kids, a husband, a full-time job, a house to clean, and dinner to put on the table at the end of each day, WOW! She even managed to bake the best chocolate cakes with fudge frosting from scratch to bring to work the next day for someone’s birthday.

As an often hungry 7-year-old, waiting for dinner was something I had trouble doing. Often, I would skip it and just go to bed early, only to be woken up by a loud growling noise in my tummy! Like a mouse, within minutes, I would find myself nibbling mom’s freshly baked cake. Just one little bite became a bigger bite, and so on. The next morning, Mom would yell, “Danny, Becky, and Robin, come down here!” With residual evidence of chocolate still covering my face, she need not ask, “Who got into my cake?”

Mom passed at the age of 56 due to cancer. It was the single hardest thing I had ever experienced. My best friend was gone, so who was going to teach me how to be a great mom one day? Thank goodness many of her life lessons remain in my heart. I do, however, regret never recording her voice if only to play it back for my grown children today.

We celebrate our moms in May. It’s just one day out of the year, yet we have trouble deciding “how to do it?” Will it be flowers, a card, and lunch at her favorite eatery, or something different? What would you do if you had 90 minutes with your mom?

HERE ARE SOME MOTHER’S DAY IDEAS:

Spa day for you and mom at Spavia in Minnetonka. Relax and unwind with a personalized treatment from Spavia’s expert therapists and estheticians.  https:// minnetonkamn.spaviadayspa.com/

Treat mom to a Mother’s Day Sparkling “Schrampagne” Tasting event at Schram’s Vineyards, an interactive sparkling wine tasting with a spread of mini pastries and desserts! https://www.schramvineyards.com/

Rosé all day at Red Cow in Wayzata. For all the moms, enjoy free rosé on Mother’s Day. https://redcowmn.com/wayzata/

See  Cabrini , a spectacular true-life movie that you’ll both love! Or rewatch your mom’s favorite flick!

Enjoy an evening out strolling through the incredible exhibitions at the Hopkins Center for the Arts, or snag tickets to one of their upcoming concerts. https://www. hopkinsartscenter.com/

Create a book of memories with Storyworth. They’ll help you create a beautiful and meaningful keepsake for your mom. http://buy.storyworth.com

Asking your mom what she would like to do on Mother’s Day is something you probably do every year. Have you ever considered celebrating that special day on a Tuesday or a Saturday, and then just with mom only? This wouldn’t work for small children, but it would make the occasion even more special for your mom. Carving out a non-traditional time from your schedule says she’s very special!

Back to that chocolate cake story, I’ve tried to recreate my mom’s recipe many times without the same success. If I could have 90 minutes with my mom, I just might spend that time in the kitchen asking her to show me what wasn’t on the recipe card. How did she fold in that “WOW” factor? After that, I would snap a selfie of the two of us together, punch the video button, and ask her to reveal her thoughts, her fondest memories, and any advice on how to be a great mom. Oh, and one more thing, I would gently take her hand in mine and whisper softly, “Thank you, Mom, for being my best friend and for showing me that being a mom is the greatest accomplishment of my life.” Happy Mother’s Day to all moms. We would not be here without them!

The Buying Power of Women

HOW WOMEN SHAPE THE ECONOMY AND BUSINESS WORLD

ARTICLE BY KIMBERLY BLAKER

Women today control about one-third of household financial assets, constituting more than $10 trillion, points out Ted Jenkin, CEO/founder of oXYGen Financial, in his May 3, 2022, CNBC article, “Women are gaining power when it comes to money – here’s why that’s a big deal.” Moreover, he says the female economy will reach $30 trillion by 2030. These statistics reveal the crucial role women play in keeping the economy afloat—in good times and in bad.

As a result, many businesses have taken heed. Still, plenty of industries and companies remain behind the times when it comes to treating women as major consumers. They fail to see the power this segment possesses.

For example, most women can attest to occasions when their gender has negatively affected the service and attention they received. Additionally, women are still taken advantage of because of their lack of or perceived lack of knowledge in certain industries.

Women, however, have become increasingly educated consumers, and businesses that don’t recognize this are learning the hard way. Many women, offended by these biases, walk away from a purchase and go elsewhere, demanding to be treated with respect.

Advertising and marketing specialists are also catching on. Advertising that stereotypes women and marketing explicitly geared to male audiences doesn’t sit well in the minds of women today. Stereotyping and the absence of recognizing women as potential consumers for traditionally male products are off-target, offensive, and fail to give these large consumers the information they need.

HOUSE AND HOME

Women today account for well over half of the spending on household goods and personal items. That’s because they take more interest in shopping for these items, especially non-essentials. Women control most of the expenditure not only on décor, linens, and kitchen gadgets, but furniture, cabinetry, carpeting, lighting, and more.

Furthermore, women play a significant role in the purchase of real estate, the biggest investment most families make. According to the National Association of Realtors’ 2020 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, “19% of first-time home buyers and 17% of repeat home buyers were single women,” totaling 36%. Single men accounted for only 20% of home buyers in 2020.

Married women also markedly influence real estate decisions. According to David Powers Homes of Houston, Texas, couples ultimately agree on the purchase together. Yet research conducted by the company found women make almost 80 percent of the home-buying decisions in the company’s $180,000 to $500,000 price range.

When buying a home, men and women each look for certain features. Women are most concerned with floor plan and design and how these factors will accommodate their lifestyle. Specific features of importance to women include large closets, kitchen space and design, space needs, and overall comfort. Men focus mainly on technology, energy efficiency, and garage functionality.

“One of the most under-recognized areas of women’s buying power is in the tool and home improvement industry. With the surge in do-it-yourself remodeling, women have fast become big spenders in tool departments and home improvement aisles.”

“Women make 70% of all travel decisions, and they’re the larger clientele of adventure travel. They participate in more leisure activities while traveling on business and are much more likely to order room service while traveling alone.”

Probably one of the most under-recognized areas of women’s buying power, however, is in the tool and home improvement industry. With the surge in do-it-yourself remodeling, women have fast become big spenders in tool departments and home improvement aisles. Kimberly Stevens, a staff reporter for  The Wall Street Journal , explains, “We’re talking buzz saws, routers, and power sanders.”

The growth of female tool shoppers isn’t minimal, Stevens points out. A survey by the Home Improvement Research Institute, found women have been outpacing men in their involvement in do-it-yourself projects since at least 2000. According to a female industrial designer at Porter-Cable of Jackson, Tennessee, as reported by Daily Gist, “Women are using these tools on a regular basis.”

What’s also increasing female tool sales is the significant increase in women working in the construction field, which has nearly doubled over the last 15 years.

HEALTH CARE

Women’s voices are gaining prominence in the healthcare industry, as well. Women make at least twothirds of the healthcare decisions in U.S. households, according to Amy Ertel Bellcourt, vice president of corporate communications for MVP Health Plan. So healthcare systems are paying particular attention by improving maternity wards and focusing a portion of their marketing on services affecting women.

TRAVEL

Women are equally important to the travel market. They now make 70% of all travel decisions, and they’re the larger clientele of adventure travel.

But business travel has also seen marked growth by females. Women make up nearly half of all business travel, according to research by Judi Brownell, Ph.D., professor of Cornell University’s Management & Organizational Behaviour Program.

Over 75% of women traveling on business are college-educated and abler than men to articulate their needs. They participate in more leisure activities while traveling on business and are much more likely to order room service while traveling alone. For these reasons, they have a significant impact on this industry.

INVESTMENT

While the percentage of women who own stocks still lags behind men, ample research has found women make better investors. In 2017, Fidelity Investments reported after analyzing more than 8 million clients that when it comes to the return on investments, women outperform men.

AUTOMOTIVE

Another area where women play a crucial role is in the automotive industry. “Women,” according to a report by the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence, “are not only becoming more influential in deciding what car to buy, they are also taking over the traditionally male-dominated responsibility of maintenance and repair.” Women make up between 65 and 80 percent of auto repair and service shop customers.

Women are also responsible for almost half of new car sales and slightly over half of the used-car sales, according to Art Spinella, of CNW Research. Women influence 80% of all transactions. Not to mention, says Ford Motor Marketing, 95% of women have the power to “veto” an automobile purchase.

What women want from this industry, experts say, is not to be treated differently. They want to be treated with respect. “Women ask more questions, inquire about details, and are more willing to look under the hood, or check out parts,” says Diane Hohman, an automotive aftermarket consultant in Herndon, Virginia. So, they’re beginning to get the respect they deserve in this market.

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Women are not only spending increasing amounts on clothing but on entertainment and electronics.

Furthermore, the women’s sports apparel market is valued at $26.8 billion, nearly a third of the total sports apparel market of $80.1 billion as of 2018, according to Euromonitor International. In fact, an unexpected 45% of NFL fans are now women according to the NFL’s 2017 estimate.

What this all boils down to is twofold. As America’s biggest consumers, women not only keep the economy from stagnating during times of stability but also from collapsing during a recession. This means women are gaining the upper hand in the way the business industry treats them. Women aren’t demanding preferential treatment, but they do expect equal treatment and respect.

New in Lake Minnetonka

HOW TWO LOCAL WOMENLED BUSINESSES ARE TRANSFORMING THEIR COMMUNITIES IN BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT

ARTICLE BY SARA HOEMAN

RÊVE STUDIOS

Aspen King and Molly HantenTomaszewski noticed a gap in fitness offerings in the Wayzata area, and they aimed to change that. “I was searching for a Pilates studio that checked all of my boxes,” says Aspen, CEO and co-founder of Rêve Studios alongside Molly. “I wanted somewhere to go that inspired me, gave me an incredible well-rounded workout including a classic reformer and didn’t make me feel depleted after finishing a class.” Instead of hoping something came to fill that need, the two women established Rêve Studios. With Aspen’s drive to create something that worked and Molly’s background as a pioneer in the fitness industry, the two created a 50-minute class that takes students from the treadmill to the reformer, all under the guidance of one of their motivating instructors. “We truly had our clients top of mind when developing the studio and the programming for the workout,” says Aspen. The classes are designed to not only get students in and out, but they are a well-rounded workout to target strength, mobility and cardio all in one session. “You’ll spend half of that 50 minutes on the treadmill and the other half on the reformer, broken into perfectly tailored 8- and 12-minute blocks,” says Aspen.

Molly Hanten-Tomaszewski and Aspen King, coowners of Rêve Studios

Getting a well-rounded workout in is only part of what makes Rêve Studios so special. “Our studio is a luxurious and tranquil space that inspires and excites you to come in for your workouts,” says Aspen. “The spaces we surround ourselves with are so crucial for our well-being, so we created a studio that really feels grounded, calm, and elevated.” Since the space opened in 2023, clients have been giving rave reviews. Sentiments such as ‘It has felt amazing on my body, and I’ve noticed great results’ to ‘Thank you so much for bringing this concept to life. I believe it is really life-changing” has only fueled the desire to keep making Rêve Studios a key part of the community and more. “We have a lot of big plans for Rêve, including growth here in the Twin Cities and beyond,” shares Aspen. “We will continue to expand our offerings and would love to branch into the digital space as well. We truly are just beginning what is bound to be an incredible lifestyle brand.”

For more information and to book a class, visit revestudios.co.

STAY BALANCED WELLNESS CENTER

Kayla Parker, founder of Stay Balanced Wellness Center, knows the importance of addressing both the emotional and physical aspects of mental health. In fact, she has seen it firsthand with her 14-year experience as a nurse. She noticed gaps in healthcare and asked herself, ‘How can I help?’ “So, I went ahead and pursued becoming a family nurse practitioner.” When the pandemic hit, the need for mental health services and resources skyrocketed around the country. “You started seeing a lot more mental health patients seeking help that you wouldn’t anticipate in primary care,” says Kayla. At that point, Kayla furthered her education and became dual-certified in psychiatric care alongside FNP. “I was seeing there was a gap in education and support for patients trying to make healthy lifestyle changes, so I started Stay Balanced Wellness Center to change that.”

Today, Kayla is focused on providing her patients with personalized care and giving each of them the attention they deserve to help find solutions that work realistically in their everyday lives. “When you give your patients the time to discuss how their life circumstances impact their mental health, my treatment plan changes to fit their goals and needs,” shares Kayla. “I promote a no-judgment environment, so, together, we can address and manage lifestyle factors that may be a barrier to their wellness goals.”

Kayla offers a variety of services to enhance mental and physical wellness, such as mental health services, IV therapy, and weight management. “It’s been a great experience having the opportunity to build a practice that really is about the patient’s goals for their own care,” says Kayla.

For more information on the services offered, visit staybalancedmn.com.

Kayla Parker, founder of Stay Balanced Wellness Center

Spotlight: Selina Martire

HOW SELINA IS USING HER EXPERIENCE TO CREATE A SUPPORTIVE SPACE FOR WOMEN IN BUSINESS

ARTICLE BY LAUREN BEAUBAIRE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNA KOSTOCHKO

“I want to go even further by helping the next generation of women and letting them know, ‘You can do what you want to do.’”

— SELINA MARTIRE

“I didn’t dream of becoming an insurance agent. I’m not sure anyone grows up with that dream,” laughs Selina Martire. “I did know I always wanted to do something to help people and make a difference ever since I was a kid.” But before stepping into the position as an insurance agent at State Farm, Selina worked at a non-profit as a case manager in a residential shelter with domestic violence and sexual assault victims, facilitated support groups at the local jail that taught healthy relationships, and was a legal advocate, supporting clients in the courtroom.

“I wore a lot of hats working at the nonprofit,” says Selina. “I loved what I did, but it was also emotionally and mentally exhausting. I knew I needed to change. I’m the third State Farm agent in my family and the fifth employee. My family asked if I had ever thought about becoming an agent, and I said, ‘No, no one thinks about that, it sounds very boring.’ But, after a few conversations with others in the company, I realized this

is a field where I can still do all those things to help people and really make a difference. It can make or break someone’s life, taking something potentially financially catastrophic and turning it into something that is only financially inconvenient.”

Selina started her own agency, Selina Martire - State Farm, after working as a team member for two years. However, Selina’s desire to help people extends beyond her clients, and why she is starting an all-female BNI (Business Network International) group where women can have a space to connect, refer business to others they trust, build their personal and professional networks, and learn from each other.

“As a female business owner, I love to help people who are in the same position as I am. I also want to go even further by helping the next generation of women just entering college, high school, and elementary school and letting them know, ‘You can do what you want to do,’” says Selina.

CONTINUED

Selina and her State Farm team

The idea for the BNI group came about a year ago. “A lot of my close female friends are entrepreneurs of some kind, and when we got together, we would have the same conversations around our businesses — what are the struggles, what can we do to help each other? So, we thought, why not start our own all-female BNI group? It’s an area where I think most women feel safer and are more confident in a room full of women,” reflects Selina.

Selina is also currently in the process of creating a networking system with women’s groups at the University of Minnesota, including partnering with the collegiate chapter of Gamma Phi Beta, of which Selina is an alumna of the UW-Milwaukee chapter, and with the Women in Business group at the U, which her State Farm team member, Liz, was also a former member of.

“We want to create a welcoming space for the next generation of like-minded women who have the entrepreneurial spirit,” says Selina. “So often those ladies are going into very male-dominated fields, and we want to assist them along the way, supporting them with potential jobs and internships, connecting them with a mentor, or just giving them the boost of confidence to pursue whatever their goals are!”

Selina is also a sponsor of Girls on the Run, an organization that blends physical

activity with life skill development for elementary-age girls. “I love how Girls on the Run teaches girls that confidence piece starting so young, giving them the skills to go after what they want,” says Selina.

Whether it’s her customers, team, friends, or family, Selina’s approach is the same – asking what’s important to them and how she can help them get there. You’ll see Selina and her team visiting local businesses each month to see how they can support them and their business, even if it’s something as simple as liking and sharing social media posts. “We love doing referral gift cards for local businesses, and especially women-owned businesses,” says Selina. “We want to bring awareness to the great businesses here for folks who haven’t been there before. And we always typically leave with $100+ of gift cards to give out to clients.”

Selina hopes to get the all-female BNI group off the ground soon. “The plan is to meet at least once a month, and possibly bi-monthly with one virtual meeting,” says Selina. “I’m excited to connect likeminded ladies and generate a larger network of support for personal and professional growth. I want to help! And I would welcome and love it if more people came to me and asked!”

To connect with Selina, visit: https://selinamartire.com

STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR COMMUNITY

HANDMADE

BREAKING BREAD

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Making homemade bread is coming back, and while the convenience of buying a pre-made loaf is readily available, there is nothing like the taste of a warm, homemade loaf right out of the oven. This easy-to-follow recipe is exploding with flavor and is simple to make.

FOCACCIA

This recipe is quick and easy to make with just a few simple steps. It tastes great on its own, but dipping it in olive oil infused with fresh herbs adds an extra level of flavor.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ¾ cups warm water

• 2 ½ teaspoons sugar

• 1 package active dry yeast

• 4 cups flour

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 4 tablespoons olive oil

• Optional:

• Fresh rosemary

• Coarse sea salt

• Fresh pressed garlic

INSTRUCTIONS:

Use a stand mixer with a fitted dough hook, and stir together the water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and stir again. Set mixture aside for 5 minutes. Mixture should be foamy. Next, add the flour and salt and mix on low until a shaggy dough forms. Increase speed and mix for an additional 4-5 minutes. Brush a large bowl with olive oil. Transfer the dough to the bowl and cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Set aside for about 1 to 1 ½ hours until the dough has doubled in size.

Brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of oil. Uncover the dough and rub hands with olive oil. Slide your hands under the dough and fold it onto itself. Continue to work your way around the edge of the bowl, folding the dough onto itself until there is a ball that you can lift from the bowl. Place the dough in the prepared pan and press the dough to the edges. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a damp towel and set aside to rise for about 45 minutes until the dough has doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the dough. Rub your hands with olive oil and use your fingers to make indentions on the surface of the dough. Sprinkle it with salt and rosemary and any desired toppings. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MAY 4TH

Bingo & Burgers by the Bay

Downtown Excelsior on the Corner of Lake and Water Streets | 1:00 PM

Don't miss the 2024 Bingo & Burgers by the Bay event! For the 11th year, this great event has raised funds for Excelsior’s 4th of July Fireworks & Celebration. From 1pm-6pm, head to the giant tent for Bingo. There will be 35 games played total and a giveaway of more than $7,500 in prizes donated by local businesses. Stay from 6pm-9pm for live music.

MAY 9TH

South Lake Minnetonka Community Wide Garage Sales

Shorewood, Deephaven, Minnetonka, Greenwood, Tonka Bay, & Excelsior | 9:00 AM

The 3rd Annual South Lake Minnetonka Community Wide Garage Sales is here! From May 9 -12, local treasures will be waiting for you throughout South Lake Minnetonka. While searching for great deals, grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant, check out the great Chamber member stores and organizations, and support your local community. Garage sale hours are up to the discretion of the seller.

MAY 11TH

Make Mom a Beautiful Orchid Arrangement for Mother's Day

Minnetonka Community Education Center | 10:00 AM

Skip the store-bought flowers and make Mom a beautiful orchid arrangement designed by you! Learn how to make a living arrangement using a variety of spring flowers, foliage, and an orchid plant at this workshop led

875 Lake St. N #309, Wayzata, MN 55391 2 Bd | 2 Ba | 2 Car | 1,220 SF | $4,900/mo

This newly available residence at Wayzata’s Regatta building boasts a 2 bed, 1 and ¾ bath condo that exudes elegance with white enameled woodwork, gas fireplace, and a west-facing third-floor patio offering breathtaking views. Enjoy the building’s impressive amenities, including two party rooms, workout facilities, and designated underground heated garage stalls. Located steps from Lake Minnetonka, shopping, and restaurants, this condo provides a resort-like experience in this highly desirable Wayzata location.

Property Highlights:

• 1200+ square feet

• Gas fireplace

• Two heated garage stalls

DISCOVER LUXURY & CONVENIENCE WORK WITH

• Steps from downtown Wayzata

• Private outdoor patio with view

• Onsite party room & fitness center

CHRIS DENNIS, ASSOCIATE BROKER

Lakes Area Realty Excelsior 37 Water Street, Excelsior, 55331 (612) 229-9322

Chris@ChrisDennisGroup.com

LakesAreaExcelsior.com

by Marie Raley, florist and master gardener in Minnetonka and the owner and lead designer for Sammen Design, formerly known as Laine Moire Floral. All materials and flowers are included.

MAY 11TH

Mother’s Day Makers Market

Boom Island Brewing | 12:00 PM

Treat Mom to something special this Mother’s Day at Boom Island Brewing’s Makers Market! From 12pm-5pm enjoy a delightful afternoon of shopping, sipping, and celebrating all the amazing moms out there. Explore an enchanting array of handcrafted treasures from 19 talented local artisans, enjoy refreshing brews, and soak in the joyful atmosphere of community and creativity. You might find just the perfect gift for Mom!

MAY 18TH

10th Annual Donut Dash 5k & Mini-Donut 1/2 Mile for Kids

Eagle Ridge Academy | 7:00 AM

Whether you are a runner, a walker, or a donut enthusiast, this is the event for you! This 5K takes you on a picturesque run or walk through Minnetonka. There will also be complimentary chair massages, rock tape applications, DJ music, giveaways, fun youth activities, postrace refreshments and snacks, and DONUTS! Plus, all registrants will receive a commemorative 2024 Donut Dash shirt.

MAY 18TH

Mainstreet Day Arts and Craft Fair

Downtown Hopkins | 9:00 AM

Head downtown Hopkins from 9am4pm on May 18 for the annual Mainstreet Day Arts and Crafts Festival! This event features more than 140 handmade crafters, food vendors, live entertainment, and fun kids’ activities. It is sponsored by JCI Hopkins (formerly the Hopkins Area Jaycees), and all proceeds are reinvested into the community to support programs and projects.

These late-model, meticulously maintained fishing boats, ski boats, and pontoons have served our members well. Most of our boats have been in service for only three years and are regularly detailed and refurbished. It is simply time to replace them with brand-new models and find them a new home!

The average age of our fleet is 1.5 years old- meaning our members- and you- get to experience the newest boats in the market. Because our boats are in service, they are cared for better than the average boat.

Especially after the initial depreciation, boats tend to hold their value extremely well. If you are considering buying a boat, why not eliminate the risk of overpaying and save all of that expense?

When it comes to your family’s next great adventure, you can trust Your Boat Club. With decades of experience and an unmatched love for boating, you can rely

We are boating! Find out