The Ladies’ Issue
ARTS + CULTURE
HEALING THROUGH ART

FOOD + BEVERAGE
BRUNCHING WITH BESTIES
HEALTH + WELLNESS
THE JOURNEY OF FERTILITY
TRAVEL
TRAVELING WITH DAUGHTERS
MAY 2023



ARTS + CULTURE
HEALING THROUGH ART
FOOD + BEVERAGE
BRUNCHING WITH BESTIES
HEALTH + WELLNESS
THE JOURNEY OF FERTILITY
TRAVEL
TRAVELING WITH DAUGHTERS
MAY 2023
I don’t know about you but I love any opportunity to recognize the women in my life who make it more rich and beautiful. I have been incredibly fortunate to meet with, support, and collaborate with female business owners and community members who inspire me every day. The way they pave their path with joy, love, and a lasting legacy in this community captures my heart and creates fire in my soul.
And of course with Mother’s Day this month, all eyes are on moms. It's not just the biological mothers but the mother figures in our lives who make an undeniable 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.
This issue is dear to my heart for so many reasons. Both my mom and aunt went through breast cancer and came out survivors; two very influential and strong women in my life. It brings up so much emotion and pride as we feature the art Cheryl offers to support breast cancer survivors and other clients scarred in their lives, as well as Stephanie at Waconia Women’s Health, who is changing the lives of women all around our community with their fertility journeys. These stories and the others; traveling with daughters and simply bringing the women in our lives together to gather and connect, bring our team so much joy.
While it’s always important to shop local and support our area businesses, this month is the perfect time to specifically recognize businesses owned by women in our communities. That’s one of my favorite parts of this role - connecting with and championing amazing businesses when it comes to Waconia’s women.
They are movers and shakers, builders and makers. They are both seen and unseen. Their silent service blesses those who are under their care. Their attention to detail shows us something about beauty that can’t be seen or understood any other way.
I hope you’ll take a few minutes to send a text, make a phone call or get your kids on a video call with the women in your life who deserve recognition. It only takes a minute to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much you love them. Happy May!
May 2023
PUBLISHER
Amy Janzen | amy.janzen@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Emily McKeever | emily.mckeever@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Natalie Finazzo Fox | natalie@nataliefinazzofox.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Alison Lee, Lutie Ronglien, Emily McKeever, Amanda Wagner
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Maria Claire Photography
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
AMY JANZEN, PUBLISHER @WACONIACITYLIFESTYLE
Want to be seen in the magazine?
Tag your Instagram photos with @WaconiaCityLifestyle
Grab your gal pals and plan a relaxing or upscale day, weekend, or GNO (Girls Night Out!) with any one of these local experiences fit for the females.
MINNESOTA LANDSCAPE ARBORETUM: Tell your Mom you love her with a Mother’s Day buffet followed by a walk or drive to take in the beautiful spring blooms. 3675 Arboretum Dr Chaska, MN
SCHRAM HAUS BREWERY: Paint Your Pet on May 3rd from 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm. Sip a beer as you re-create a pet photo of your choosing. 3700 Chaska Boulevard Chaska, MN
RUBY'S ROOST BAKERY & COFFEE: Invite your besties to a coffee date at one of the sweetest establishments in Victoria. Enjoy time chatting over a vanilla latte and caramel roll. 7924 Victoria Dr Victoria, MN
THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG: Buy tickets to The Play That Goes Wrong May 11th - 13th at Waconia High School. A classic whodunit complete with blunders, pranks, and pratfalls.
MAINSTREAM BOUTIQUE OF WACONIA: The change of seasons calls for a change in wardrobe and Mainstream Boutique has you covered. Stop by to freshen up with new spring styles. 761 Marketplace Drive Waconia, MN
Scan for more photos and the full list.
MEET THIS MONTH’S CURATOR
Emily McKeeverSpring has finally sprung and what better time to celebrate with the important women in your life? Set up that long-time coming coffee date, take a class while enjoying a beer together, or go on a springtime shopping spree around town. As we all emerge bleary-eyed, from what seemed like the longest winter ever, spring is a great time to stop, look around, and be reminded how lucky we are to live in this community, surrounded by charming and unique opportunities and strong women to experience them with. -Emily
HOW WACONIA WOMEN’S HEALTH IS HELPING WOMEN CULTIVATE A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR FERTILITY
ARTICLE BY ALISON LEEPHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA CLAIRE PHOTOGRAPHY
Every woman’s journey to becoming a mother looks different. For some, it’s an easy road, for others, it’s met with significant challenges and heartbreak. But no matter the path that’s paved, pregnancy is a celebration of the incredible things a woman’s body can do.
Stephanie Braunwarth, a board-certified women’s health practitioner and founder of Waconia Women’s Health, opened her clinic six years ago but has been practicing holistic medicine for twelve. She has a passion for helping and treating women and what lights her up the most is supporting them along their fertility journey.
When Stephanie first realized she wanted to pursue a career in healthcare, nothing traditional resonated with her. It wasn’t until she met and shadowed an acupuncturist that she found her calling. During her post-secondary education, Stephanie started to treat fertility patients. She loved the intricacies and the connections she was developing with women from start to finish.
After she became a mom for the first time and fully understood the weight women carry, her desire to help women buffer their body’s response to stress to improve their quality of life grew stronger.
Brooke and her husband had no problems conceiving their daughter but Brooke was met with pre-eclampsia and hemolysis that resulted in an emergency c-section five weeks before her due date. They desired to have their children close together, with dreams of delivering their second child with a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). Just before their daughter turned one, they started trying for the next, however, Brooke experienced irregular cycles with no positive results for 5-6 months.
Brooke found Waconia Women’s Health and scheduled a consultation the very next day.
“Stephanie was so knowledgeable, and caring, and I felt extremely confident that she could make a difference in my current health.” She had reached out to her Obstetrician and started a supplement a few months prior, but wanted to do further work to support her body more naturally. Stephanie prescribed her additional holistic supplements, gave very detailed lifestyle suggestions, and treated her with regular acupuncture. Just two months later, Brooke received a positive test!
The next challenge was keeping her body healthy and well during the pregnancy to prevent the conditions she experienced with her daughter. She was met with apprehension when she revealed her dream of having a vaginal delivery but was determined to try and see her body through it. With continued treatment, Stephanie tailored each appointment to address the symptom(s) Brooke was experiencing. She wasn’t as sick as she was in her first pregnancy and believes acupuncture played a role.
Much to the surprise of her doctor, herself, and the rest of her family, she made it 40 weeks and 4 days. After a 25-hour labor and delivery, without complications, on November 17, 2022, a healthy baby boy arrived. VBAC, no less! Brooke credits her experience to the amazing support and care that Stephanie provided.
“Stephanie was so knowledgeable, caring, and I felt extremely confident that she could make a difference to my current health.” -Brooke
Brittni always knew she wanted to be a mom, with a persistent longing in her heart that told her she was meant to have three children. When she and her husband decided to start their family, she suffered multiple miscarriages before welcoming their first son. Three years later, they welcomed a second son. She considers it a blessing that the path from one child to the second was so smooth. With this, she was hopeful that her road to the third would be subsequently seamless. Unfortunately, it was anything but.
After suffering 3 more miscarriages Brittni was left shocked, scared, and heartbroken as she watched her dream of having three kids fade quickly. However, the one thing that wasn’t fading was her faith. She could still hear God’s voice within, so she continued to trust and believe there was a plan. It was at this time that she started seeing Stephanie at Waconia Women’s Health.
After her first meeting with Stephanie, Brittni left with so much hope, peace, and a little homework. “The wealth of information that I received was impressive and encouraging,” she said. Brittni adjusted her diet, started weekly acupuncture therapy, and both she and her husband started taking supplements.
“The wealth of information that I received was impressive and encouraging.” -BrittniBrittni is forever grateful for the treatment and care she received from Stephanie
She found herself pregnant after a few months of regular acupuncture, along with her diet and supplement plan. Only this time, it felt different. It felt promising. Brittni experienced the pregnancy with minor complications and carried the baby full term.
Brittni and her husband were convinced it would be another boy but much to everyone’s surprise, on April 9, 2021, they welcomed a beautiful baby girl! Not only did Brittni see her dream of having three children come to life, but she was also blessed to add a little girl to her miracle mix.
Brittni truly believes that acupuncture and her treatment at Waconia Women’s Health, along with a doctor who listened, and her strong faith is how she was able to complete her family and fill her heart.
The mission of Waconia Women’s Health is to support women with their health concerns and help optimize every stage of their life, so they can thrive. Stephanie recognizes that every woman walks a different road to motherhood but finds it her job to support them regardless of the way.
Stephanie feels honored to be a part of this very personal and sometimes painful experience in a woman’s life. She’s hopeful that when her clients come to her, they feel supported and heard and know that they’re not alone. These experiences tell a story, one that Waconia Women’s Health finds joy in helping write positive and impactful endings for their patients.
Cheryl Shohet isn’t just an artist; she’s a healer. She doesn’t heal people in the traditional sense with medicine or surgeries. She heals with her art.
Cheryl, who owns Cheryl Rae Shohet Designs, is something of a renaissance woman when it comes to art. A huge part of the local art scene, she founded the former Unearthed Arts in Waconia, designed the boat at the Ridgeview Hospital Healing Garden and the slides at Richie Wagner Park. She now runs a studio space out of The Parlour Salon and Spa in Victoria where she works as a tattoo artist specializing in traditional tattoos, permanent makeup, and restorative tattoos. This is where the healing comes in.
Cheryl got started with restorative tattoos after a breast cancer scare several years ago. She reached out to a friend for advice who’d recovered from cancer and undergone a double mastectomy. Her friend mentioned she and several other women were having a tattoo artist from New York tattoo areolas on their breasts after reconstruction.
“I’d never heard of tattoos being used for that purpose,” Cheryl said. “I immediately thought, ‘I want to do this!’ I wanted to use my talents to help people regain their confidence and their lives.”
According to the American Cancer Society, there are currently 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. The median age at the time of breast cancer diagnosis is 62, meaning half the women who develop breast cancer are 62 or younger. We all know someone impacted by this and the toll it takes on the person dealing with it. Not only do they have to deal with the fear that comes with the diagnosis, but they also have to go down the road of treatment and everything that follows. A double mastectomy leaves a lot of scars, both mentally and physically.
“I wanted to use my talents to help people regain their confidence and their lives.”ARTICLE BY LUTIE RONGLIEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA CLAIRE PHOTOGRAPHY
“Most of my paramedical tattoo clients are women,” Cheryl says. “They often feel a part of their femininity has been erased. Some of my clients won’t let their husbands see them in the light of day. In addition to the nipple area, I can camouflage some of the surrounding surgical scars as well as stretch marks.”
Paramedical tattoos after a double mastectomy are often considered elective and not covered by insurance, but Cheryl offers this service free of charge. The cost is typically $600-$800 by a tattoo artist. Restorative tattoos can be done one year after treatment with the initial session typically taking about 1.5 hours. The procedure is usually painless due to limited nerve sensation.
Cheryl’s space, which is spa-like and relaxing, is not like a doctor’s office or stereotypical tattoo parlor.
“Often I’m involved in the last leg of the cancer journey,” Cheryl said. “And it’s the good part. I get to help clients reclaim something that makes them feel whole again. We often cry together. It’s pure joy to watch a woman look at herself in the mirror for the first time after her tattoo is complete.”
One of Cheryl’s restorative tattoo clients illustrates what Cheryl provides: “Cheryl is simply amazing! Her skills, knowledge, attention to detail, and professionalism are impeccable. She’s like talking with a friend I’ve had all my life. I’ll be a lifelong client, that’s for sure.”
Healing through art is an intimate and deeply fulfilling journey for both Cheryl and her patients. She wants people to know this service is available right in their own backyard. “It’s my life’s purpose”. And upon entering the studio and meeting Cheryl you will immediately feel it.
IF YOU ARE READING THIS... SO IS YOUR BEST CLIENT.
2 OUT OF 3 of our readers regularly purchase from our ads.
Travel is important to many -- as a way to unwind, create memories, and avoid burnout. After the pandemic, the desire and ability to travel is something that shouldn’t be taken for granted. For Jill Dawson and her husband, travel has always been a priority. With two daughters and a business, it’s looked different over the years, but it has always provided a way to spend quality time as a family while exploring, learning, and experiencing.
Jill shared that they have always preferred to bring the girls along. “We were more relaxed because we weren’t constantly checking in at home,” she said. “This meant we could unplug and spend quality time together, while also making life-long memories.”
In their early days of travel, this meant bi-annual trips to Fort Myers, Fla. to visit Jill’s parents, for some extra sunshine and warmth, along with a visit to Disney World in Orlando. Now, as
business owners, travel is a part of their lifestyle. “I believe when you take time to get away and disconnect, you come back ready to kick butt,” said Jill.
As business owners, they run two American Family Insurance offices -- one in Waconia and the other in Bloomington -- with a focus on hiring the best people and building a culture that supports great work and balance. When traveling, the team handles
everything, creating a seamless experience for clients and employees alike, because the right people are in the right roles. They are empowered to make decisions and take action. And because she wants her employees to prioritize travel and time off too, they offer a generous PTO plan to encourage their team to do the same.
Something Jill does with her daughters on every vacation possible is parasail. It’s something they enjoy doing together and if there is an opportunity, they always fit it in. They also celebrate vacation birthdays. Each day on vacation, they pick one person and act as if it’s their birthday. This can include any number of activities but especially a special dessert. They use travel in lieu of gifts and now have travel traditions that have allowed them to teach their kids about the world and different cultures, all while building strong family bonds. One of those traditions is a trip every year, leaving the day after Christmas and returning in time for New Year’s. “No matter the trip, travel lets our girls unplug and spend quality time together, in a place where they are not worried about what their friends are doing or what they might be missing out on. My parents still reside in Fort Myers, and I have to say, Orlando with teens is so much more fun,” Jill said.
Now yearly travel is a mix of two to three family trips a year and quarterly getaways with her husband, ranging from a long weekend away to a favorite all-inclusive resort. When asked about their favorite family trip, Jill recalled a road trip (which stood out since they normally fly) to Banff and Lake Louise in Canada. Because they drove, they could take their time getting there and sightseeing along the way. They spent a week in both Banff and Lake Louise, and every member of the family has said they can’t wait to go back to this scenic destination and explore even more.
Something her family does a bit differently is avoiding the jam-packed itinerary. “We always know where we will stay, but then we tend to play it by ear so we have plenty of time to unwind,” shared Jill. “Once we arrive, we each select one or two must-do activities, but the rest of the time is fluid and flexible.”
“I believe when you take time to get away and disconnect, you come back ready to kick butt,” said Jill.
Jill is hopeful her girls have memories of their travels that last a lifetime
Exploring together is high on their list of things to do when traveling
Besides getting in your laugh until you cry (or cry until you laugh) quota for the month, spending quality time with your girlfriends fills your bucket in ways that can sometimes be hard to put into words. Some would say it’s akin to hopping on a life raft during a storm, putting on your air mask as the plane goes down, or simply having someone point out the piece of spinach in your teeth or that your outfit just doesn’t ‘go.’
This month, show your besties just how much you appreciate them letting you be your most authentic self by hosting an at-home brunch complete with uninterrupted conversation and permission to stuff
yourself silly. Celebrate with delicious food, a drink or two, and a little time away from the daily grind. Keep it chill and make it pretty because, just as connecting with your gal pals is essential to survival and sanity, so is treating your friends, and yourself, from time to time. A day together, versus the nightlife shenanigans that usually come to mind when mentioning ‘time with the girls’, allows you to return home relaxed and refreshed just in time for dinner and pajama-thirty. Or maybe you wear your favorite two-piece jammie set to brunch. Don’t worry, your friends will lovingly let you know if they don’t match.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 pound strawberries, washed and sliced
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Kosher salt
• 1 loaf Italian or French bread, cut into 12 slices
• 1 cup goat or mascarpone cheese, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, basil, or mint leaves
• Good balsamic or balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper to taste
1. Combine strawberries and sugar in a small bowl and set aside.
2. Brush bread with olive oil and a sprinkle of kosher salt.
3. Position oven rack a few inches below broil and preheat broiler. Align bread slices on a baking sheet. Broil first side until golden brown, about 1 minute, then flip bread slices to the opposite side and broil opposite sides until golden brown.
4. Spread cheese on toasted bread. Add a pinch of black pepper, salt, and herbs to the strawberry mixture. Spoon the strawberry mixture over the cheese-topped bruschetta. Garnish with additional herbs. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Substitute peaches for strawberries in the summer.
INGREDIENTS
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Kosher salt and ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons of honey
• 4 ounces spring greens, baby arugula, or butter lettuce
• 1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
• 1 cup fresh fava beans, shelled, blanched, and peeled, or frozen lima beans, thawed
• 4-6 radishes very thinly sliced
• 6-8 stalks of roasted asparagus cut into 2-inch pieces
• 4 ounces soft goat cheese or feta
Dressing
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and honey.
Salad
1. Place the lettuce in a separate bowl and toss it with enough vinaigrette to moisten.
2. Put the lettuce on a serving platter or bowl and arrange the rest of the ingredients on top.
3. Drizzle with additional vinaigrette, if desired, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add spring peas, artichokes, sliced avocado, or cucumbers as an option.
SPRING QUICHE
INGREDIENTS
• 1 pie dough
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups mixed veggies, such as raw spinach leaves, cooked broccoli, and asparagus
• 7 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 1/4 cups light cream
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
• 3/4 cup grated gruyere or white cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmigiano-reggiano
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate and press it into shape. Crimp the edges if desired.
3. Place a sheet of parchment paper or foil into the pie shell and fill with pie weights, uncooked rice or dried beans. Bake until the edges are very lightly golden, about 25 minutes. Remove the pie crust but keep the oven on. If edges start getting too brown, cover with a pie cover or foil.
4. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, cream, herbs, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a large bowl and lightly whisk.
5. Sprinkle half of the gruyere or cheddar and parmigiano-reggiano on the crust, followed by the veggies, and remaining cheese. Pour the egg mixture over the top and bake until set, about 35 minutes.
“Celebrate with delicious food, a drink or two, and a little time away from the daily grind.”
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
MAY 6TH
Don't Worry Be Hoppy
5/10K Run/Walk & Kids Run
WACONIA BREWING COMPANY
9:30 AM
In his 1988 song, Bobby McFerrin urged us not to worry...be happy, which are the vibes you’ll get at the 9th annual Don’t Worry Be Hoppy 5/10K run/walk & kids run. Race tickets include a tee, a Hoppy beer glass, and a free beer at the WBC! The fun begins at 9:30 am. tinyurl. com/hoppyrunwalk
MAY 13TH
Sister Saturday
DOWNTOWN WACONIA | 9:00 AM
Even if you’re not from Waconia, most likely you’ve heard of one of the most colorful events of the year here, Sister Saturday. From 9:00 am – 5:00 pm celebrate the ladies in your life with deals offered by over 25 Waconia businesses. Thanks to the Waconia Chamber of Commerce for putting on this event. Don’t forget your pink! https:// www.destinationwaconia.org/events/ chamber-hosted-community-events/ sister-saturday/
MAY 19TH
ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL | 6:00 PM
Carb loading before a race will boost your energy levels and knowing that you’re supporting an important cause will boost your feelgood levels. Fill up on both at St. Joseph’s Catholic School from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm with a lasagna dinner by L & L Catering. Buy tickets at http://www.walkonwaconia.com/ or purchase them the day of. Takeout is available.
MAY 20TH
Walk on Waconia
ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL | 8:00 AM
Spring is here and that means it’s time to get outside! What better way to take in the long overdue fresh air than signing up for Walk On Waconia? Hosted for the first time by Gather and Grow, rid yourself of the winter blues once and for all and support this incredible organization. Register at https://www. runreg.com/walk-on-waconia
MAY 20TH
LOLA’S LAKEHOUSE | 11:00 AM
Lola’s Lakehouse is celebrating their 15th Anniversary this month with a party on May 20th! Swing by Lola’s for food and drink specials, live music by the Jason Paulson Band, and giveaways! For more information visit Lola’s Lakehouse website https://lolaslakehouse.com/events.
MAY 29TH
CITY SQUARE PARK
The best season is upon us and we’re not talking about deck season, we’re talking about marching band season! Join the Big Black for their first performance of the year on Memorial Day at City Square Park. And what’s even more exciting about this year is it’s the Waconia Marching Band’s 50th anniversary! Visit https://waconiabands. com/ for more info.
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Waconia
The best way to help maximize the tax benefits that come with an IRA can be to contribute as much as you’re able—up to the maximum amount allowed each year.
I can help you examine your assets, and if your current IRA does not meet your needs, we’ll determine the amount that’s right for you. Let’s connect to compare options.