ON THE RISE
LOCAL DESIGNER AND MODELS STUN AT NEW YORK FASHION WEEK
The Galleria Edina
DR. NANCY ZEIS
Unique solutions for living.
MN LIC. BC627402
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Floating Memories, page 16
Photo: Chris Mottalini
FROM THE EDITOR
Welcome to our travel and outdoor living issue. This month, we bring you the inspiring story of Edina’s Ellen Hunter Gans, who completed the Great World Race, also known as the 777. It’s seven marathons, on seven continents, in seven days. Even more remarkable, she is the first person with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome to accomplish this incredible challenge. Read more about her journey on page 34.
We often focus on home decorating, but what about boats? Emily Gedde takes us aboard Freya, the boat of interior designer Victoria Sass of Prospect Refuge Studio. She transformed her boat with a playful 1980s-inspired aesthetic. It’s a reminder that great design doesn’t stop at the shoreline (page 16).
At home, my teenage daughter has a love for cooking. A few weeks ago, she surprised me with her first-ever crêpe cake—a labor of love that sparked a new appreciation in me for this delicate and time-consuming dessert. For those whose kids may not be whipping one up on their own, there’s no shortage of talented local bakers who can create truly unforgettable crêpe cakes. Avery Vrieze spoke with Gavin Kaysen and Claire Corvaisier about their shared love of the crêpe cake and why it makes such a perfect Mother’s Day treat (page 12).
Do you remember those episodes of The Nanny where Fran takes little Gracie to the clearance sale at Loehmann’s and women start fighting over garments? Well, let me tell you about Loehmann’s in real life. The Fitting Room is known for its quarterly fashion shows that showcase local designers. Its Merry Merry show was held in December at the Gold Bar inside the Edina Theatre. When the model who was wearing Jordan Carpenter’s one shoulder plaid holiday dress walked down the runway, I immediately looked at the two women who bought the most items at the previous show. Their expressions were like Carrie from Sex and the City when she sees a pair of shoes she adores. They looked at the dress, then the crowd, then at each other as if to say, “Don’t even think about it. It’s MINE!” Right after the show was over, the clothes were brought out on racks. The two women jumped out of their seats and lunged themselves toward the dress. But this is Edina, not The Nanny, and the ladies were civil. I just knew I had to chat with Jordan Carpenter and find out the secret to his success (page 24).
I wish you a May full of warmth, joy and love. And Happy Mother’s Day.
Feroza Mehta
feroza@localmedia.co
On the Cover:
Gayle Smaller Jr. wearing Jordan Carpenter’s designs, page 24
Photo by: Chris Emeott
The Cedar Roof Man
STRAIGHT TALK FROM STEVE KUHL
Let’s face it. Cedar roofs look great but owning one is a little scary. “Has it been damaged by hail?” “Will it blow off in a storm?” “I hear something chewing up there!” But despite what you may hear, your cedar roof is still one of the most beautiful and long-lasting products on the market. The only catch is you have take care of it.
That’s where I come in. My free, written estimate includes a thorough analysis of your roof. Bringing over 25 years of experience to the table, I will evaluate its’ condition to determine whether or not maintenance, repairs or replacement is the best option for you. Worst case scenario you get a free inspection from a true expert. Best case, we work our magic on your roof and add years to its lifespan.
In fact, Kuhl’s Contracting is looked to for the evaluation and restoration of cedar roofs by more insurance companies, home inspectors, realtors and architects than any other company in Minnesota. Not to brag, but we are pretty awesome. Don’t take my word for it. Check out our talents at www.kuhlscontracting.com. Or ask around. We have probably done work for someone you know.
I started this company in
on
that
VOL. 21 NO. 10 May 2026
PUBLISHER
Susan Isay
EDITOR
Feroza Mehta
MANAGING CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Renée Stewart-Hester
MANAGING EDITOR
Hailey Almsted
DIGITAL EDITOR
Madeline Kopiecki
COPY EDITORS
Kellie Doherty and Sherri Hildebrandt
STAFF WRITERS
Kassondra Burtis, Ashley Cardona, Findlay Drabant, Mollee Francisco, Emily Gedde, Alexandra Tostrud and Paige Udermann
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sarah Davis, Emily Deutschman, Taylor Ellingson, Daniel Green, Gregory Rich, Twila Singh, Kelly Smith, Maureen Millea Smith and Laura Westlund
DIGITAL INTERN
Danielle Gallus
EDITORIAL INTERNS
Abigail Larson, Diane Meyer, Emma Souza, Kate Thompson and Avery Vrieze
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Daphne Edwards, Edina Public Schools ; Greg Hoyt, Gather Venture Group ; Shelly Loberg, Edina Chamber of Commerce ; Nicole Meehan, Edina Education Fund ; Rebecca Sorensen, 50th & France Business Association ; Kelly Vickers, Zimmer Design ; and Annette Wildenauer, Design Mode Studios
SENIOR MANAGING ART DIRECTOR
Sarah Dovolos
ART DIRECTOR
Allison Nolden
ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR
Jamie Klang
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Yaz Lo
LEAD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Chris Emeott
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Brittni Dye
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Lisa Stone
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
Mimi Coz
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Laura Bjorgo, Cynthia Hamre and Sara Johnson
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Rochita Chatterjee and Gina Neumann
PRESIDENT Pete Burgeson
Chicken Shawarma, Restaurant Style
This Grilled Chicken Shawarma brings bold, Middle Eastern–inspired flavor to the table with minimal effort and maximum reward. Marinated in a fragrant blend of warm spices, garlic, lemon and olive oil, the chicken grills up juicy and lightly charred, delivering layers of savory, smoky flavor in every bite. Perfect for stuffing into warm pita, topping fresh salads or serving alongside rice and sauces, this versatile recipe captures the essence of classic shawarma while keeping it approachable for home cooks who want a restaurant-quality meal straight from the grill. For the full recipe, go to edinamag.com.
Taylor Ellingson’s blog, Greens & Chocolate, can be found at greensnchocolate.com.
Off the Beaten Path
Once spring finally arrives, it’s impossible to resist the desire to get outside and go for a walk. The paths at Centennial Lakes Park with new public art or the nature trails at Lake Cornelia and Bredesen Park are popular strolling destinations. But many other parks throughout Edina provide an excellent break.
Arneson Acres Park on West 70th Street was formerly a tree nursery and now features several beautiful gardens created and maintained by the Edina Garden Council. A greenhouse for the plants in Edina parks, the Edina
Historical Society and Edina Museum are also on the property.
Todd Park has a lovely, short wooded trail that offers quiet space for meditation and views of Minnehaha Creek and Meadowbrook Lake.
Braemar is much more than golf, with pedestrian hiking trails along the eastern, southern and western perimeters of the park. Take the opportunity for an alfresco meal at Red River Kitchen if it’s still too nice to go home after your walk.
Laura Westlund is an arts writer and editor.
Photos:
Taylor Ellingson; City of Edina
Arneson Acres Park
An Epic Journey
Jessica Francis Kane’s latest novel, Fonseca, recreates an episode from the life of the Booker Award-winning novelist Penelope Fitzgerald.
In 1952, Penelope sailed on the Queen Mary from England to New York City with her 6-year-old son, Valpy. They then took a bus to Mexico and arrived on November 2, the Day of the Dead. They stayed through Candlemas.
Three months pregnant, Penelope has left behind her husband, Desmond, and her almost 3-year-old daughter, Tina. Why did she make this journey? Two elderly and wealthy Mexican women of Irish descent corresponded with her. Their families were once friends, and possibly relatives. The women need an heir, and they think that Valpy might do. But they make it clear that they need to meet Valpy before that can be possible. Thus, the journey.
Penelope and Desmond desperately need the money. Shell-shocked Desmond returned from World War II an alcoholic, and the modest income that he and his wife made from their literary journal, World Review, often ended up in the coffers of his favorite pubs. However, Valpy is not the only heir apparent. Penelope records this all in her diary and letters.
This beautiful novel is the book that Penelope dreamed of writing but never did. It is a delight.
Maureen Millea Smith is a retired librarian and an award-winning novelist.
Layers Worth Celebrating
Local bakeries create crêpe cake masterpieces for Mother’s Day.
By Avery Vrieze
When chef Gavin Kaysen was working at Café Boulud in New York City, he lived next door to a bakery serving crêpe cake. He knew that when he opened his own restaurant, these traditional crêpe cakes or mille crêpes (French for 1,000 crêpes) should be on the menu. The cakes are made with many layers of paper-thin crêpes with a classic whipped-style cream layered between. When Kaysen, an Edina resident, opened Spoon and Stable, he added it to the brunch menu. When it soared in popularity, he added it to Bellecour’s menu. It is now a Mother’s Day favorite. It is also a labor of love.
“Making a crêpe cake is a process that requires a lot of attention and patience,” Kaysen says. “Total hands-on time is about an hour and a half with the making of the crêpes and the cream and then assembling, but with overnight cooling, it's nearly a 12-hour process.”
Edina bakery Oh Crêpe! also specializes in these elegant cakes. Owner Claire Corvaisier began experimenting with crêpe cakes during COVID-19. Although she’d already mastered the art of making crêpes, these cakes were a new challenge. “I have always been very creative with different flavors and flavor profiles, so I wanted to have fun with that,” Corvaisier says. “It really was during that time where I was experimenting with flavors and also with different techniques to build the cake that would stay together and look pretty.”
To make the crêpe cake, Corvaisier first makes around 25 individual crêpes, then creates the flavorful filling. She often makes multiple fillings for one cake. For some fillings, like those with fresh fruit, it can be a longer process to make sure the texture is right.
Left: A crêpe cake creation from Bellecour with raspberries and vanilla Chantilly cream.
Right: Oh Crêpe!’s Claire Corvaisier has a passion for exploring new flavor combinations. Pictured is her Tiramisu Crêpe Cake.
Photos: Bellecour; Chris Emeott
Since opening its doors in 2024, Oh Crêpe! began selling its crêpe cake by the slice and also offers customers the chance to order a full cake. Corvaisier says she usually rotates six to eight flavors for crêpe cakes by the slice and enjoys having full creative freedom when making cakes customers order. “I give [customers] a very long list of flavor profiles I can work with and also tell them that if they have something in mind that they really want, I’ll work around that too,” Corvaisier says. “I think it’s a good creative escape for me to work on a great cake.”
Both Oh Crêpe! and Bellecour offer special flavors for Mother’s Day. “I think Mothers really deserve a delicious cake,” Corvaisier says.
Bellecour bellecourmn.com
@bellecourbakeryandbistro
Oh Crêpe!
ohcrepemn.com
@ohcrepemn
Sophia Grotkin
Heather Chakirov
Craftsmanship on Cue
Greg Peterson reflects on his family’s decades-long stewardship of Peters Billiards.
By Emily Gedde
When Greg Peterson shares the story of his history with Peters Billiards & Home, he chuckles and says it started long before he owned the business. The story began in the woodshop at Ramsey Junior High School in the early 1960s. As an eighth-grader, the longtime Edina resident described himself as, “the only guy who liked to work in the wood shop … I was the teacher’s pet.”
While his peers goofed around, Greg built shelves and bookcases, paving the way for expert craftsmanship that became more than a hobby—it was his entire life. Good enough for entries to the Minnesota State Fair, Greg was proud of his work and eventually took on
more challenging projects. After playing pool at a friend’s house, Greg decided he wanted a pool table too. The price tag was a little too high for him, so he decided to build one. He bought parts from Peters Billiards, then owned by Kenny Peters on 31st Street and Nicollet Avenue. “Slate was too expensive, so I used particleboard,” he says.
Greg admits the finished product wasn’t what he wanted. “So, I sold it,” he says. He used the profit to build another pool table— this time with slate. Ironically, he sold that table too. “That’s how it all began,” he says, adding that he was always on the lookout for old tables to repair and sell.
Throughout high school and college, Greg restored and flipped antique pool tables, sourcing cloth, cushions and pockets from Peters. Then, in 1972, one quarter shy of finishing a five-year architecture program, Peters offered to sell Greg the business. Greg and his wife, Carol Peterson, “took a leap of faith” and Peters Billiards officially became part of the Peterson family.
Today, it’s entering the second generation of Peterson family ownership with the Petersons' daughters and Edina High School alumni—Sarah Sturgis, Leah Haymaker and Krista Peterson—all part owners. “We want this to be here for the next generation,” Greg
says, laughing as he shares that his daughters have been part of the business since they were babies. “My wife and I had a crib set up at the store,” he says.
During the past 54 years, the Peterson family added barstools, motion seating and eventually outdoor furniture to not only accommodate an expanded showroom, but to adapt to consumer trends. Billiard rooms became in-home theaters, and outdoor entertaining became extensions of the home.
The location has changed over the course of the last five decades. When Peters Billiards’ 12,000-square-foot store had to be torn down in 2007 due to freeway construction, the Petersons built a 36,000-square-foot showroom on Lyndale Avenue, a location selected after Greg was once told the smartest business decision he could make would be to build on the busiest street in town.
“It worked in our favor. Everyone knows where we are,” Greg says. “It’s all about the people. The people who support us and the people who work here. We’re proud of every category we sell. That’s what I learned growing up, and that’s what we’re going to keep doing.”
Peters Billiards
petersbilliards.com
@peters.billiards
A truly rare opportunity awaits in one of Edina’s most prestigious neighborhoods. This custom-built Charles Cudd home showcases refined elegance, modern design, and exceptional craftsmanship across 5,333 square feet. A 2019 Parade of Homes Reggie Award winner, it sits on a premium cul-de-sac corner lot among luxury estates. Features include a finished garage, three-season porch with hot tub, and $300,000 in landscaping. Inside offers expansive windows, custom millwork, a gourmet kitchen, and open-concept living. The primary suite is a private retreat, while the lower level adds a wet bar, fitness room, and dual laundry areas for comfortable, elevated everyday living. 5095 Kelsey Terrace - Edina $3,295,000
Left: Greg Peterson says the outdoors is an extension of the home. This cozy patio combines comfortable seating with a patterned rug and outdoor fireplace.
Right: Greg Peterson in his workshop in 1976.
Floating Memories
A couple creates nostalgia on the water with a 44-foot vessel named Freya
Written by Emily Gedde — Photography by Chris Mottalini
Victoria Sass’s childhood is full of memories of a Volkswagen van making its way up the California coast. Her husband, Torben Rytt, has fond memories of growing up in Copenhagen and spending summers on a sailboat navigating the coasts of Finland and Norway. The nostalgia for the southwest Minneapolis couple is strong, and they wanted their children to feel the same magical connection to something.
That dream led them to a 44-foot vessel named Freya, waiting to be brought back to life on the water. “We found her in Red Wing, [Minnesota], and she needed a lot of work,”
Sass recalls of the 2021 purchase. “My husband was always pining for a sailboat, and I wanted a Volkswagen van.” Freya was where the two nostalgic threads met.
The 1983 vessel wasn’t glamorous and needed a lot of work, but in the heart of COVID-19, the couple was up for the challenge and had time to do it. Though the boat was covered in carpet and blackedout window traps, Sass who owns Prospect Refuge Studio in southwest Minneapolis, saw potential and an opportunity to push some design boundaries. “The beauty of designing your own space is that I could
living area, which she designed to mimic the interior of a cabin, complete with blankets, a sofa, textured rugs and throw pillows. It’s a feast for the eye the way that Sass plays with different colors and patterns. She creates a cohesive look reminiscent of a classic cabin interior one sees from the summers of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Left: Victoria Sass sits in the boat’s
When it comes to tile, Victoria Sass often collaborates with ceramist Kristen Falkirk of Indiana. To create this woodland cabin look for the boat’s kitchen, Falkirk created handmade tiles in shades of black and green. The tiles were installed by Sam Devine of Devine Tileworks.
When it comes to renovating a boat, whether it be a 44-foot vessel like Freya or a pontoon, Victoria Sass says owners should be willing to break the rules.
• Don’t shy away from custom work. Boats require a lot of customization.
• Reupholster the seats with outdoor fabrics made from synthetic materials, including the inserts. This will help with repeated sun exposure and moisture.
• Think about function, and choose movable furniture to accommodate hidden storage spaces.
• Work with vendors familiar with marine environments. Sass gave a shoutout to Union Place in Excelsior for boat draperies.
make the decision to do something form over function, if I wanted to,” she says. “Interior design for me is the native language I speak. It’s hard to even think about how it breaks down, especially when I don’t have to translate my vision to someone else. It’s already all in my head. I could just think it and do it.”
Rytt worked for weeks updating the boat but also preserving the look and feel of the 1980s. The exterior was the first major undertaking. Originally maroon and brown, Freya was repainted and mirrors the look of a classic Danish sailboat, complete with a deep blue hull and red stripe. Inside, Freya took on more of the 1980s California-hippie spirit with warm colors and a retro vibe. “Freya represents a little of each of us,” Sass says of her and Rytt’s childhoods. “And now we’re creating memories for our own kids.”
While the renovations of Freya required a lot of time and attention, Sass says it was a fun experience. Boats can require a lot of customization and had Sass hunting for a lot of hard-to-find items, including an almondcolored toilet and a canvas top in a shade that’s rarely—if ever—used anymore. “Of course, that was the color I wanted,” Sass says with a laugh. “There was a lot of custom on top of custom projects for Freya … Everything had to be modified.”
Window treatments were among those challenges. Sass wanted privacy in the boat but also light. It had been dark for too long. However, when light is brought in, it needs to be managed appropriately. On the water, sun exposure is often overlooked when choosing fabrics. “These fabrics sit in the sun for extended periods of time,” Sass says. “Not only does the sun fade materials, but it can also degrade them.” GOOD DESIGN, SMOOTH SAILING
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Her expert advice is to stay away from indoor/outdoor fabrics and stick with truly outdoor only. Synthetic materials like nylon or polyester blends stand up against the sun’s rays. “There are so many cute outdoor fabrics,” Sass says. “I actually wonder why more people don’t reupholster the seats in their boats.”
And if sun exposure is a challenge, Sass laughs that boat storage is even stealthier. “Everything is a hatch,” she says. On Freya, she needed to be mindful of where everything was placed. The couch, every picture on the wall and the chairs all needed to be moveable because they likely hide or cover another access point. Fortunately, storage is
plentiful and accommodates a family of five, plus a dog, traveling down the Mississippi River for weeks at a time. “We fit all the clothes, food, toys and books,” Sass says. “She holds stuff well.”
Outside of Freya’s main living areas, the kitchen remains largely original with updated countertops and handmade tiles by ceramist Kristen Falkirk. Laid by tile setter Sam Devine of Devine Tileworks, Sass credits his expert precision, which constantly navigated the boat’s many angles. “More custom on top of custom work,” she says.
In the bathroom, Sass chose to have stripes hand-painted by Minneapolis-based
artist Kelsi Sharp of Sharp Signs. “Choosing to paint was brave,” Sass says. “But I am so happy with how it turned out.”
Through all the renovations, both rewarding and challenging, Sass believes she achieved the goal of creating something her children will remember forever. They’ve already made memories traveling down the Mississippi River with a lot more summers to come. “Freya is like a member of the family,” Sass says. “She’s not fancy, but she’s friendly, and we love her.”
Prospect Refuge Studio prospectrefugestudio.com @prospectrefugestudio
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ON THE RISE
An emerging designer blends art, beauty and modern flair.
Written by Feroza Mehta — Photos by Chris Emeott
Jordan Carpenter
Jordan Carpenter has the enthusiasm of a young Christian Siriano. Except he hasn’t been on Project Runway. Yet. “I just sent in my application,” says Carpenter, a 27-year-old fashion designer whose collection can be found at The Fitting Room in Edina.
Carpenter’s ethos is simple: to be himself and to always be true to himself. “My favorite quote is by one of my absolute favorite fashion and musical icons, Judy Garland, ‘Always be a first rate version of yourself instead of a second rate version of somebody else,’” he says.
And that he is. Fashion aficionados may have seen his homage to Wicked in his 2024 New York Fashion Week (NYFW) collection, which was almost entirely green and pink. His favorite piece was a pink and green brocade sheath dress with puff sleeves, a green tulle overskirt and matching green opera gloves. “It’s so pretty. It’s so simple. The fabric really speaks. I covered it in rhinestones … On the runway, it was so sparkly,” Carpenter says.
This year’s NYFW collection had a Wicked-adjacent theme. “This year’s theme is inspired by the Wicked Witch of the East with her legs under the house from The Wizard of Oz. It’s my favorite story of all time,” he says. “I focused on sculptural aspects to see what I could do. I hadn’t really branched out into crazy silhouettes. I wanted to be physics-defying.” His collection was full of bodices that came to a point or had structured hips. “I wanted this collection to be the best I’d ever made. I really wanted to push myself,” he says.
Jordan Carpenter’s New York Fashion Week collection adorns these pages, inspired by the Wicked Witch of East from The Wizard of Oz. Each outfit was custom-made to fit the models who graced the runway. While these specific designs are not available for purchase at The Fitting Room, a selection of Carpenter’s outfits can be found there.
That drive has been fueling him ever since he discovered sewing at the age of 12 in a home economics class at junior high school in Red Wing, Minnesota. After the class was over, he knew he had to continue to create. “I got a sewing machine for $5 from a garage sale. I used to spend the hours before bedtime making pillows,” he says. After pillows, he branched out into making costumes for himself and friends for Halloween. Then he started to reproduce gowns from movies and would reimagine looks for other characters. “I’m a fashion designer, even though I was a dressmaker to begin with. I was able to develop my design eye and that creative aspect of it and be able to produce my own designs,” he says.
Carpenter’s family were his cheerleaders. His parents, four older brothers and little sister, are all in his corner. “My dad had all these boys, and he went to all these football games. And then I came along and did not do all those things,” he says. “And he would put things on that I made, so that I could pin the hem before I even had a dress form. My parents have always supported my fashion endeavors. They couldn’t always financially, but they did emotionally, which is honestly worth more.”
With their support, Carpenter went to the University of Wisconsin–Stout to study fashion design and development. “I went in knowing how to sew … I learned how to pattern by hand, drape correctly on the mannequin, sell a collection, produce a line. It was an amazing experience,” he says.
After fashion school, he moved home to Red Wing, but after a few years of driving back and forth to the Twin Cities for fashion shows and events, he decided to make the move and now resides in south Minneapolis. “It has really pushed my career forward, being around this clientele base and other people who have similar passions,” he says.
“Beauty is truly undefined. I feel that it’s my job to help the world define it for themselves. Being who you are is truly what is trending.”
Jordan Carpenter, fashion designer
Carpenter also caught the eye of Kim Jurek-Valanzasca, the owner of The Fitting Room at 50th & France. She only carries clothing from local designers. “The first time I saw Jordan’s work, he applied to be a part of EVOLVE (our spring and fall shows featuring local designers). I was immediately impressed with his craftsmanship, attention to detail, and I loved that he offered a style of couture that we didn’t carry at The Fitting Room,” Jurek-Valanzasca says. “He has also proven to be an excellent ready-to-wear designer and a very kind soul.”
Carpenter was the only designer on his stage at NYFW to have a plus size model strut her stuff down the runway. “In the industry, anything over an 8 is plus size, but my model was 14/16 and stunning … I immediately decided I’m doing more of this. It’s the direction fashion is moving, I truly feel,” he says, adding it’s more than just a trend. It’s personal. “Growing up, being told that somebody who is larger has no place in fashion, shouldn’t be seen, shouldn’t eat in public … I decided that it’s my purpose to make people who are considered the underdog feel
important, to bring them into the light and say these are real people who have real lives and real problems who deserve to be seen and feel beautiful,” he says.
Inclusivity for Carpenter is more than just dress size. This year at NYFW, Carpenter’s models were from many different ethnicities, gender and sexual identities and backgrounds. “It’s the number one piece of DNA in my body—inclusivity,” he says. “Beauty is truly undefined. I feel that it’s my job to help the world define it for themselves. Being who you are is truly what is trending.”
Jordan Carpenter prides himself on inclusivity. Model Karlowba Adams, who has vitiligo—a condition that affects skin pigmentation—models Carpenter’s showstopping piece.
“It’s not my job to make you hide all the things you want to change about yourself. It’s my job to accentuate what’s perfect about your body. I always tell my clients, ‘It’s never your body. It’s the clothes.’”
Jordan Carpenter, fashion designer
Models:
Karlowba Adams @vitiligo_konfidence
Rai’Janee Meadows @rai_janee
Trina Morris @theheadwrapsocialite
Maude Sinoe @tetee_sinoe
Gayle Smaller Jr. @gayle.is.king
Olivia Winfield @bigliv100
It’s his work and personality that have people gravitating toward Carpenter and helping him get on the road to success. One such person is Rebecca Sorensen, the director of the 50th & France Business Association. Sorensen adored Carpenter’s plaid one shoulder dress at a December fashion show and asked him to make one for her with sleeves and a bow. “Jordan knows how to design pieces that flatter every body and make you feel like you’re wearing the very best,” Sorensen says. “You can spot his work a mile away and know it will be uniquely Jordan Carpenter.”
Sorensen and Jurek-Valanzasca say it all comes down to the fit and cut of the clothing. Carpenter says that is his ultimate specialty. “To make anyone feel beautiful in the skin that they were given is a gift. Being able to look at a garment, assess the fit and form a plan of action and execute it is something that just itches that special spot in my brain,” he says. “It’s not my job to make you hide all the things you want to change about yourself. It’s my job to accentuate what’s perfect about your body. I always tell my clients, ‘It’s never your body. It’s the clothes.’”
As for what he wants for the future, Carpenter “wants to be successful in my career and to be open to what success looks like,” he says. “I want my own fashion house. I want couture runway shows, fabulous clientele. I want to be a household name.”
Jordan Carpenter
jordancarpenter.fashion @jordancarpenterfashion
The Fitting Room thefittingroommpls.com @thefittingroommpls
Trunk Show & Personal Appearance May 1&2
Ellen Hunter Gans and Sarah Hunter run a marathon in Antarctica, one of seven marathons of The Great World Race.
THE 777
Runner Ellen Hunter Gans completed seven marathons on seven continents in only seven days.
Written by Emma Souza
Photos by Mark Conlon–The Great World Race
On a crisp Thursday morning, running shoes tread fresh footprints across the untouched snow of Antarctica. By Sunday night, bodies weave along the Bosporus Strait of Istanbul in the dark, pelted by wind and rain, steering clear of the local’s fishing lures being cast over the stars and into the sea.
The Great World Race takes place over seven days. Entrants run seven marathons on each of the seven continents. Such a challenge takes the word “adventurous” to a new level, but runner Ellen Hunter Gans is a mile— or 26—above the typical adrenaline junkie. “People ask me if [The Great World Race] was on my bucket list, and the answer is absolutely not,” says Hunter Gans, an Edina resident. “I never would have dreamed of—let alone dared to—put something this absurd on my bucket list.”
Hunter Gans did one year of junior varsity track during her freshman year of high school. “I was so bad that I’m pretty sure the coach never bothered to learn my name. I don’t blame him,” she says. Though athleticism ran in the family, it wasn’t exactly something she enjoyed. “My parents dragged me out cross-country skiing, backpacking, cycling and canoe camping,” she says. “I wanted a comfy chair and a book.”
It wasn’t until college when she ran her first marathon, inspired by her brother and sister-in-law’s cross-country bike trip. “My parents very gently and wisely suggested that I consider starting with a 5K,” she says. “I didn’t listen.” Hunter Gans’ dreams ran faster than her feet could catch up with. Twenty-one years, multiple injuries and seven continents later, she’s completed 38 marathons and counting.
The Great World Race (informally the 777) begins and ends in the blink of an eye. After assembling all 60 participants in Cape Town, South Africa, a private jet whisked the group to Wolf’s Fang, Antarctica, on November 14, 2024. Each consecutive day, the runners would fly via business charter to run a new marathon on a new continent. According to The Great World Race website, competitors with the fastest average marathon time across all seven races are declared the winners.
The race order and locations included Wolf’s Fang, Antarctica; Cape Town, South Africa; Perth, Australia; Istanbul (This was run twice, once for Asia and for Europe, as the Bosphorus Strait straddles both continents.); Cartagena, Colombia; and Miami.
Upon meeting in Cape Town before the races began, the runners were met with an unexpected surprise. “We found out that the entire adventure was being moved up a day to accommodate a sliver of good weather in Antarctica,” Hunter Gans says. “We still thought we had time to prep and they were like, ‘Be in the lobby at 5 a.m., we’re flying to Antarctica tomorrow!’”
Prior to the mid-November start of the 777, Hunter Gans and Sarah Hunter, her sister-in-law and running partner, had been training for something else—a 100-mile run in October. After discovering The Great World Race, however, Hunter Gans wanted to do “something else.” “She asked what the ‘something else’ was,” Hunter Gans says. “When I told her, she immediately said, ‘Oh, yeah, I want to do that instead too!’”
Thus began a regular schedule of runs between daily meetings and more than 30 miles on the treadmill at night. “I [saved] up a lot of trashy TV for those overnight runs,” she says.
Several weeks before the event, Hunter Gans stopped running due to what she assumed were shin splints; an MRI three months later would reveal it was a grade-4 stress fracture in her tibia. But this wasn’t the only physical challenge she’d overcome throughout the race; Hunter Gans ran the 777 with a chronic illness she had been dealing with since adolescence: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).
EDS is a rare genetic disorder affecting the body’s connective tissues. It can cause cardiovascular problems, chronic pain, fragile skin, joint instability and more. “I was met with a lot of well-intentioned shrugs at doctors’ appointments until someone finally suggested EDS just a few years ago,” Hunter Gans says. “It was surreal—and validating.”
The condition required her to adapt her 777 race preparation and packing list. “Aside from bringing every joint brace, muscle wrap and skin protection known to humankind, the only change I made in preparation … was cautiously starting to run on back-toback days,” she says, noting that she typically runs only three days per week to lessen the impact on her joints.
Hunter Gans was the first person with EDS to ever do the challenge. “While EDS probably should have been the reason I didn’t attempt The Great World Race, it was a big
reason I did,” she says, emphasizing that running isn’t possible for a lot of those with EDS. “If nothing else, EDS has given me an appreciation of what’s possible right in this moment.” And the possibilities were something that most people will never do in their entire lives—catching planes every day for a week to wake up and run in a new continent.
She and Hunter formed inspiring bonds with the other 777 runners, including a female firefighter, who did the entire race in her uniform, and a man with terminal brain cancer, attempting to break the world record for the most money raised for charity through running marathons. “The people I met, the memories made, the opportunity to shed even a tiny speck of light on the condition I have—it’s all amazing,” she says.
What does one do after they accomplish
such a feat? For Hunter Gans, it was a 50-mile ultramarathon in September followed by a 100-mile ultramarathon in February, with several regular marathons in between. But a more unconventional race might be in the works. “The same people who put on The Great World Race have been teasing us with plans to host an ultramarathon at the North Pole,” says Hunter Gans, noting that the opportunity would require a sponsor.
Hunter Gans wrote a book about her and her fellow competitor’s experiences—The Great World Race: Seven Marathons. Seven Continents. One Unforgettable Week is set to come out later this year. “Above all else, I’m just so incredibly grateful for the massive privilege and opportunity to take part in something like this,” she says. “I keep waiting for it to sink in.”
Top:
Ellen Hunter Gans runs the third marathon of the 777, which takes place in Australia.
Bottom:
Smiles and hugs abound as Ellen Hunter Gans celebrates finishing the Great World Race. The final marathon was in Miami.
French Twist
Written by Feroza Mehta — Photography by Day Photographies
Left: Chef Julien Chambriard creates dishes that marry American brunch food with French flavors.
Right: Kinga Chambriard crafts a latte with care and precision.
A café on the Riviera proudly calls itself, Edina.
On a sun-drenched street in Cavalaire-surMer, a seaside town on the French Riviera just outside of Saint-Tropez, sits Edina, a café that serves American brunch with a French twist. To owner Kinga Chambriard, Edina is not just a place—it’s a philosophy. “What is Edina? The idea of family, the idea of success, happiness, hospitality,” Kinga says.
Kinga was one of 27 interns in Normandale Elementary School’s French immersion program from 2012–13. Originally from Poland, she learned French in college and practiced it in the summertime as an au pair in France. She then moved to France to pursue
a master’s degree in French didactics. It was there that she learned about the internship program. “Kinga was the first intern who was not from a native francophone country, but she learned French like a native French speaker,” says Karen Meyer, a third grade teacher at Normandale Elementary. Kinga worked with Meyer for the entire school year and helped with French language arts, history, math, science and social studies. “She was caring, kind and smiley. All students and parents who met her, loved her,” Meyer says.
“The time I spent in Edina shaped me in ways I could never have imagined,” Kinga says. “Above all, it allowed me to witness the quiet strength, resilience and power of the women who surrounded me. It began with my host families—the McCarthy and Epple families—and my partner family, the Bensons. They did more than welcome me into their homes; they opened their hearts. Through them, I discovered not only American culture, but also what generosity, kindness and unconditional support truly look like.”
After the internship, Kinga moved back to France and settled in the Alps where her husband, chef Julien Chambriard, worked
at a restaurant. When they had their second child, the couple began dreaming of a better work-life balance. Kinga immediately thought of her host families. “They were an example. I wanted the same for myself. I wanted to work, be a successful woman, but also a mother,” she says. She thought of how busy restaurant life was and wanted reasonable hours, so she and her husband could still focus on their family. “That’s why the idea of brunch was born,” Kinga says, adding it was an unconventional idea as brunch is not popular in France.
Kinga had never eaten pancakes before coming to the United States and her first bagel came from Breadsmith. But with Julien’s culinary experience and Kinga’s vision, they began experimenting. Four months before opening their first restaurant in the Alps, she called her host mother and role model, Christina McCarthy, who suggested Kinga should add waffles to the menu. “I didn’t even know what a waffle was,” Kinga says. “I checked on the internet. We looked for recipes for bagels, for waffles, for pancakes. I was looking everywhere on American blogs to find good recipes. Julien started to modify
Below: The restaurant is in the town of Cavalairesur-Mer. Customers get spectacular views of the Mediterranean
them to create something French. American ideas with a French taste.”
The couple opened the first iteration of Edina in the Alps. Their sons, Adrien and Anatole, were 2 and 1. “I was serving my first coffees with my baby,” she says. Later, during ski season, their children went to daycare and rejoined them after 5 p.m. Meyer even ate there. “Hot, hearty comfort food in the mountains,” she says. But their success was brief. COVID-19 arrived. Lockdowns shuttered restaurants. Bills mounted. They then had a 4-month old, Augustin, and, with three young children and rising uncertainty, Kinga and Julien made a radical decision. Just before France’s fourth lockdown, they took a ferry to Corsica and spent weeks in a small house by the beach, rethinking everything. From there, they decided to sell it all. Within 24 hours of posting their restaurant for sale, a buyer called. Within three months, the restaurant and house were gone. “It was the craziest time of my life,” Kinga says.
By early 2022, they had relocated to the French Riviera and reopened Edina in Cavalaire-sur-Mer. Edina families often stop by during their trips to France. “All
Left: Julien and Kinga Chambriard pour love into their cafe, which is affectionately called Edina. Kinga was an intern at Normandale Elementary School in Edina and her experiences inspired her to create her own business on the French Riviera.
Sea.
her experiences in this community had a deeply touching effect on Kinga,” Meyer says. “It is remarkable that she chose Edina for the restaurant in which she and her husband make a living.”
The ethos behind the restaurant is healthful food. Everything is made from scratch. “The bagels, we make them ourselves. It’s two times cooked. Everything is made by hand. My husband, he makes everything himself. He boils the bagels in water with spices, and after, he finishes the cooking in the oven. We make the waffles with four types of flour: rice, corn, white flour and Sarasin [buckwheat flour from Brittany],” Kinga says. “When people come to the restaurant, they can try those dishes that are different from typical French cuisine, but there’s still that French touch because my husband is French. He made these American dishes more French.”
It’s her hope that good food fosters connection and community. “The idea of this restaurant is very important to us: We create our best memories at the table,” Kinga says. “My clients say they can feel love in our cuisine. That is Edina.”
Edina edina-cafe-cavalaire-sur-mer.eatbu.com @edinacavalaire
Allstar Construction
A home is your most expensive investment, and ensuring good quality, long-lasting durability and great craftmanship is what Allstar Construction takes great pride in providing its customers.
Allstar specializes in roofing, siding, windows, doors, gutters, decks and water protection. With the weather turning warmer, now is the ideal time to have many of those areas checked and fixed after a Minnesota winter—and before small issues become larger problems. While serving the entire Metro area, the Allstar team also works with clients in the Brainerd Lakes area. With its broad reach across the state, they are prepared to assist home and cabin owners alike. Whatever the need, Allstar is made up of more than 45 years of industry experience. “Whether it be a basic
roof replacement or enhancing curb appeal, our teams can do it all—protecting your investment,” says Grady Stephens, president.
“I am very pleased with the work that Allstar did on my home,” Lori L. says. “They worked like a fine-oiled machine! As the work was being done, they were cleaning up the area constantly. They did a fabulous job, and even my neighbors commented on how hard they worked and efficient they were.”
“Levon was our main Allstar point of contact,” Tom M. says. “Levon did an excellent job of helping us understand the scope of work that we needed, providing us pricing options and managing the communication and timing for the completion of the work. The quality of the finished work was outstanding.”
Human Powered Health
Edina is poised to be home to the most comprehensive health and human performance facility in the country. Opened in 2023, Human Powered Health has expanded into the Boston and Phoenix markets, and its new headquarters and flagship Performance Lab, spanning approximately 11,000 square feet, is set to open later this year.
“Our vision is to transform clients’ health trajectory by leveraging bestin-class technology, evidence-based science and data-driven insights,” says Dan Cohen, Human Powered Health’s chief performance officer.
Guided by expert performance physiologists, clients are empowered to achieve their longitudinal health and sports performance goals. “We offer a comprehensive range of health and athletic performance assessments to support clients’ goals across longevity, health optimization, sports performance and general wellness,” Cohen says.
Assessments include body composition analysis (DXA Scan and InBody), metabolic testing to determine aerobic capacity
(VO₂max), precise caloric expenditure (Resting Metabolic Rate) and blood lactate testing. Human Powered Health also provides advanced running and walking gait analysis, functional movement screening and advanced bike fitting.
Additionally, Human Powered Health established a Preferred Partner Network, seamlessly integrating services into patient and client care journeys. It supports collaboration with concierge practices, physical therapists, nutritionists, health clubs and employer groups to enhance patient and client outcomes.
Human Powered Health is ideally suited for clients across the health and performance spectrum—from athletic teams, professional endurance athletes and Olympians to recreational athletes and those focused on longevity. “Whether pursuing peak performance or simply aiming to improve overall health, we support anyone motivated to enhance how they live, move and perform,” Cohen says.
begins with our youngest Hornets. The Cen nurtures creativity, sparks curiosity, and builds critical thinking skills—all within a safe, inclusive environment where every child can discover their possibilities
Edina Public Schools, excellence Early Learning and Family Center and thrive.
Registration for Early Chilhood Family
Education opens May 19.
Enrollment for Preschool 2026-2027 now open with limited spots remaining.
Ready
early.learning@edinaschools.org
earlylearning.edinaschools.org (952)-848-3908 5701 Normandale Road Edina, MN 55424
Dearest Gentle Tea Drinkers
Sip, savor and step into a Bridgerton-inspired high tea experience.
Fans of Netflix’s Bridgerton and the novels by Julia Quinn on which the show are based are in for a treat. Bridgerton Afternoon Tea returns to the Westin Edina Galleria April 10 through May 10. Step into an atmosphere of refined indulgence and classic traditions. Set against a backdrop of lush spring florals, the afternoon tea unfolds in Prelude’s light-filled space, creating a scene directly out of the TV show.
Guests can expect a thoughtfully curated menu of savory and sweet offerings, including delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones served with cream and jam and signature desserts. For more information, go to edinaweekendwonders.com. —Feroza Mehta
Photos: Lauren Page
05.01
May Day Bingo
Held 11 a.m.–noon at Edina Senior Center, this lovely bingo event is for citizens aged 55 years or older.
05.02
Art Lab
Start the weekend off by exploring art with the whole family. This free event is from 10 a.m.–noon at the Edina Art Center and welcomes all ages.
05.03
Spring Luncheon
Enjoy lunch, a fun spring-themed craft and the company of fellow women from noon–1:30 p.m. at Wooddale Church.
05.05
Business Bites
Designed to give local businesses insight, feedback and networking opportunities, this lunch from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Edina Chamber of Commerce is one you won’t want to miss. edinamn.gov
05.08–05.09
Edina Tree Distribution
Organized by Tree Trust, this event promotes a greener Edina. Stop by Friday after 4:45 p.m. or Saturday after 8:45 a.m. at Braemar Golf Dome to pick up and learn to take care of a new leafy friend. eventbrite.com
05.10
Harmonic Relief Show Choir
The whole family can enjoy musical entertainment from 6–7 p.m. at Edinborough Park’s indoor amphitheater. edinamn.gov
Compiled by Abigail Larson and Kate Thompson
To have your event considered: email edinamag@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication. Please note that some events may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.
Images of Edina
When you look through your photo files, what do you see? Whether it’s a candid moment, an iconic area landmark, a brush with nature or something in between, odds are it captures a glimpse of what it’s like to call Edina home. From May 1–June 21, the Images of Edina photo contest is open to shutterbugs of all ages and experience levels. Explore your shots from this past year, and share what the spirit of Edina looks like through your lens.
The contest is a joint venture between Edina Magazine and the City of Edina. Categories include: Activities & Events, Businesses, Learning, People, Places in Edina and Plants & Animals. Judges reserve the right to recategorize submissions if they feel the photographs are better suited to a different category. Visit edinamag.com or edinamn.gov for additional rules and information. —Editorial Staff
THE DETAILS:
• Submissions are accepted between 8 a.m. May 1–5 p.m June 21, at edinamag.com.
• Entrants must live, work or attend school in Edina.
• Entrants may submit up to five photos, with no more than three in any category.
• Photos should be taken in Edina.
• Generally, photos should have been taken within a year of the submission date.
• Readers’ Choice voting is open July 1–31 on our website.
• Winners will be displayed in a city building and could be featured in Edina Magazine, our website and more.
• Entries could be featured on the city’s website, publications and social media platforms.
• The results of the contest will be posted on our website and edinamn.gov by October.
Photo: Judy Fulk
