THE DENIM EDIT
Discover how a local boutique styles the most versatile wardrobe staple
yourbody can.
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A natural gift turns author and illustrator into a social media sensation with a bestselling manga
20 The Denim Edit
Discover
28
Photo: Ami Kochendorfer, Finn & Gray
Love at First Brush, page 28
from the EDITOR
In summer 2023, as I was preparing for my wedding that September, I stayed out of the sun as much as possible. I felt nervous about the potential to burn (I turn into a lobster within hours!) or to be left with poor tan lines that might show on the big day. Although there was no risking it for me during those summer months, I also wanted that bronzed, glowy look that all brides hope to achieve.
When I opted for a spray tan, I was a bit worried that it would turn out too orange or splotchy—I didn’t want it to look like the spray tans of the early aughts. So when I stepped into goGlow’s Maple Grove location, I felt at ease knowing that I’d leave with a natural glow that was perfect for my wedding day. (No surprise there, I did!) Now, there’s a location closer to home in Woodbury, opened by resident Erin Callahan. Read more about the services on page 10.
This issue is all about beauty and style—but even more so, it’s about how we welcome back trends of the past. The ’90s are back again with hairstyles for men of all ages, including longer styles and its opposite, the buzz cut. Discover more with expertise from local barbershop House of Handsome on page 16. Plus, we take a look at women’s most versatile wardrobe staple—denim—that’s been around for decades and how to style it with Mainstream Boutique on page 20.
Readers, what are your favorite trends of the past that you hope make a surprise comeback? I’d love to hear from you! Shoot me an email (hailey@localmedia.co), or share with us on Instagram (@woodbury_mag).
On the Cover:
The Denim Edit , page 20
Photo: Chris Emeott
Hailey Almsted hailey@localmedia.co
Photo by: Chris Emeott
VOL. 21 NO. 3
October 2025
PUBLISHER
Susan Isay
EDITOR
Hailey Almsted
MANAGING CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Renée Stewart-Hester
MANAGING EDITOR
Hailey Almsted
DIGITAL EDITOR
Madeline Kopiecki
COPY EDITORS
Kellie Doherty and Sherri Hildebrandt
STAFF WRITERS
Mollee Francisco, Emily Gedde, Meredith Heneghan, Jennifer Pitterle and Paige Udermann
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Megan Koren, Amy Leferink, Gretchen McNaughton, Manali Shah, Patty (Stutzman) Paulus, Rachael Perron and Katie Tomsche
DIGITAL INTERN
Claire Krieger
EDITORIAL INTERNS
Ellie Heyerdahl, Diane Meyer, Emma Souza and Avery Vrieze
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Shawn Hogendorf, South Washington County Schools ; Michele Magistad, Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce ; Sue McKeown, Resident ; and Shelly Schafer, City of Woodbury
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
To subscribe to Woodbury Magazine , please visit localmedia.co. For customer service inquiries, please contact hello@localmedia.co, or call 612.208.6248. ©Local LLC 2025. All rights reserved.
Floral Displays
While I’m a fan of the outdoors all season long, there’s something about the late fall that really makes me swoon. Maybe it’s because we get to say goodbye to high temps and humidity, but I think it’s mostly the beauty of the plants. Views of fallen leaves, antiquing blooms and the multitude of autumnal hues are unbeatable. It’s a celebration of the season you had and a preview of
what’s to come. So, when plants are in this fabulous stage, why keep the enjoyment just outside?
This season is the perfect time to bring moments from your garden inside. Cut and dry the last hydrangea blooms for featuring in dried arrangements or fall wreaths. Press fallen leaves, and turn them into place cards for dinner parties. Or, add a little floral moment to your
pumpkin displays. That’s the beauty of the garden—you don’t have to just enjoy it outside. Bring those warm, autumnal views inside to add something extra special to this time of the year.
Gretchen McNaughton is the communications and content strategist at Bailey Nurseries. Grow more at endlesssummerhydrangeas.com.
Photo:
Pumpkin arrangement featuring Endless Summer® BloomStruck® Reblooming Hydrangeas.
Ed Myatt: Master Craftsman Sharpening Made Easier
In its fourth year, the popular Community Garden, created by Woodbury Thrives (part of the Woodbury Community Foundation [WCF]) in partnership with the City of Woodbury, has increased the number of plots to 96. The garden has plots for residents and community organizations to grow flowers and food in the summer.
Many helpers brought this project to fruition, but Ed Wyatt played a major role. Wyatt, a retired Exxon Mobil sales executive, is a key figure in the community garden’s success, and he and his wife, Vicky, are both UMN Extension Master Gardeners.
When the idea of the garden came up in 2022, a committee of six visited every community garden in the Metro to discover what worked and what didn’t. The city donated 5 acres on Dale Road for the project.
This year, 35 raised beds for those with mobility issues were added. Wyatt built the raised bed panels in his garage, and they were later assembled at the garden. Six wheelchair accessible plots were built too. “Creating new gardens gives a true sense of community. It has been the most fulfilling project I’ve done,” Wyatt says. “The ADA-compliant wheelchair accessible and senior raised beds are the only combination in the state of Minnesota. We’ve even been getting requests for design and collaboration.”
Learn more on page 38.
Manali Shah is a board member of the WCF and has been volunteering in Woodbury and Washington County for over 20 years. Find more at woodburycommunity.org.
Founder of knife-sharpening company
Vivront Joseph Rueter is expanding his services to deliver meal-ready knives straight to users’ front doors. He saw the common issue of household kitchen knives being too dull to properly enjoy the experience of cooking a meal.
Here to solve that problem is Sharpow, a mail-in kit now available at Kowalski’s Markets—including Woodbury’s—to ease the process of getting kitchen knives sharpened. “Most people have never experienced what a truly sharp knife can unlock in the kitchen,” Rueter says.
“I wanted to build something that made professionally sharpened kitchen knives both effortless and wildly accessible for home cooks, so no one has to put up with dull knives again.” —Claire Krieger
Now available for pick-up at any Kowalski’s Markets location, Sharpow kits are priced at $9.99 for an expert to assess and correctly sharpen any kitchen knife to ensure they are ready to chop, dice and slice like new. Learn more at woodburymag.com.
All Aglow
A spray tanning salon puts skin care and wellness first.
By Jennifer Pitterle
When Erin Callahan decided to open her own franchise of goGlow, a sunless tanning salon, she wasn’t just starting a business—she was creating a confidenceboosting experience. “We are going to change the world, one goGlow at a time,” Callahan says. “People just feel so good after they leave.” Callahan had tried lots of traditional spray tan services, especially for her daughters, while they were participating in beauty pageants. She loved their experience with goGlow at its original location in Edina.
A few years ago, as Callahan was hoping to make a career pivot, she came across the opportunity to open her own goGlow location. She believed in the process so wholeheartedly that it was a nobrainer and opened her Woodbury salon in late March. “It’s more than just a spray tan,” Callahan says. “It really is a skin care treatment for people.”
That focus on skin health is at the heart of the goGlow process. The tanning sprays are packed with nourishing ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, and each client’s spray is custom-colored to complement their skin tone and their desired tan level. “We want to deliver exactly what the client wants, making sure everything’s tailored to what they need for their event or lifestyle,” Callahan says. Even as winter approaches, goGlow stays busy—some clients are getting ready to show more skin during vacations to warmer climes, while others are preparing for formal parties.
A goGlow tan typically lasts seven to 10 days (some up to two weeks with proper care). Callahan and her staff provide lots of education on how to prep for a tanning session and to care for skin afterward. In addition to drinking plenty of water, clients should use a rich moisturizer. (goGlow stocks a line of body butters and other products designed specifically for
Erin and Rob Callahan
Photo: Sigrid Dabelstein Photo
spray tans.) They should also follow the pretan instructions, including when and how to exfoliate, when to wax or shave and when to briefly stop using soaps and suds to help the tan adhere best.
So, what does a typical goGlow appointment look like? After booking online, you’ll arrive at the salon and discuss your color needs with your technician. The studio offers two primary services: a traditional tan and a rapid tan. The rapid formula can be rinsed off sooner (within three to five hours). The traditional formula needs to stay on skin for at least 12 hours before you rinse. The salon provides complimentary disposable undergarments and hairnets, and you can choose to keep covered any body parts you’d like. The entire process takes around 20 minutes.
While some clients stop by just once in a while for special events, many are making goGlow part of their regular skin care routines. “We’re seeing spray tanning become more of a lifestyle,” Callahan says, as people forgo suntanning in favor of safer, UV-protective color. Woodbury client Michelle Skinner had been getting goGlow tans in Edina for a decade—she says the commute from Woodbury was worth it. Now, she can get some “sun” closer to home. “My formula is stored in their system. I get the same results every time, the staff makes me feel comfortable while spraying, the tan lasts and they choose better ingredients,” Skinner says.
Like Skinner, most clients walk out with a little summer color and a lot of confidence and body positivity. “We want everybody to feel good about who they are, no matter their size, shape, color,” Callahan says.
goGlow goglow.co @_goglow
Drawing His Own Path
A natural gift turns author and illustrator into a social media sensation with a bestselling manga
By Feroza Mehta
Ethan Johnson
At first glance, Ethan Johnson might seem like any other 23-year-old. But scroll down his Instagram, TikTok or YouTube channel and you’ll quickly discover his hidden talent—and his growing audience.
The Woodbury High School Class of 2020 alumnus is the creator of Dishonor, a self-published manga (Japanese comic book) series inspired by samurai films, Japanese mythology and a lifelong love of storytelling and art.
“I’ve always been into drawing and writing stories ever since I was a kid,” Johnson says. “And during quarantine, when COVID-19 was at its peak, I got back into it. I was drawing the characters for it, and eventually I thought, ‘Why not actually make the story and not just have it be something in my head?’”
Some of Johnson’s earliest memories are of drawing. “My earliest memory was drawing stick figure images for my dad to post in his workshop,” he says. “I could have been 2 or 3 years old.”
While in the third grade at Bailey Elementary School, he discovered manga when his friend gave him a copy of Dragon Ball Z. Over the years, his creative influences expanded. “I loved superheroes as a kid. I originally wrote a superhero-inspired story,” Johnson says. “As I got older, I got into movies and especially mob movies and gangster movies like Goodfellas and The Godfather.”
What began as a superhero story evolved into a mafia script. Then, during the pandemic, Johnson rediscovered manga and anime (Japanese cartoons).
“I transitioned the movie script into a manga story, and from there it completely took off. I pulled inspiration from all the things that I loved,” he says.
Those things include black-andwhite samurai films like Harakiri, which Johnson describes as “anti-samurai and critiques a lot of the samurai ways,” and Chungking Express, which captures “the vibe of a condensed, overpopulated city,” a key element in Dishonor. He also credits the TV show Better Call Saul for its intricately woven web of character development and plotlines.
The artwork is just as intricate as the story itself, and Johnson’s artistic gift propelled him to popularity on social
drawing and self-publishing manga
media. “The first video I posted [on TikTok] blew up overnight. It got over 1 million views,” he says. Encouraged, he expanded to Instagram and YouTube Shorts. He is now preparing to launch his first YouTube video, where he plans to break down the process behind writing,
The work is meticulous. “It’s a lot more work than people realize,” he says. “I’ve had a lot of people comment on my posts and say, ‘Why can’t you make one chapter a week?’ It’s a complicated process. It’s writing a story, writing an entire script for a chapter and then storyboarding the entire chapter and then actually drawing the pages for each chapter. And the final step would be scanning those physically drawn pages to digital and then adding all the extra edits and dialogue in Photoshop and then publishing it.”
Each step in the process can be long.
“Some pages can be as quick as four hours. I’ve had other pages take me as long as 35 hours to finish,” he says. While he knows the full arc of the story, he only writes a few chapters at a time. “I keep most of it in my head. I can remember every single important detail that I want. If I think of a really great idea, I’ll make sure to jot it down,” he says.
Despite the painstaking nature of the work, Johnson finds joy in the process. “I love how I can share this, and people are enjoying it. That’s really cool,” he says.
But, he may be his toughest critic. “Artists are never really satisfied with
Photos: Chris Emeott
Left: Dishonor is Ethan Johnson’s first self-published manga
Right: Woodbury High School alumnus Ethan Johnson spends anywhere from four to 35 hours creating one page of his manga
their own work,” he says. There’s one image that stands out. On the back cover, his main character sits on the hilt of a samurai sword, looking off into the distance in deep contemplation. “I’m proud of the back of the book,” he says. “I like the pose and the look it has. When you think of Dishonor, that’s the image people will think of.”
Dishonor can be purchased online at Amazon and medibang.com.
Ethan Johnson @ethanjohnson
TURNING
From the looks of the ’90s to short and simple, House of Handsome helps clients look their best.
Ready to feel nostalgic? A popular hairstyle trend from the 1990s is making a stylish comeback.
Brittany Block, co-owner of House of Handsome in Woodbury, says the hairstyle that once graced teen heartthrobs like Johnathan Taylor Thomas, Leonardo DiCaprio and Nick Carter is once again rocking in style. You know the look—long bangs parted down the middle, tousled in a relaxed-looking heap of hair. “It’s definitely back in style,” Block says of the requests made by the shop’s adolescent clients. “It’s fun to revive a style I remember from junior high and high school.”
Serving boys and men of all ages (and anyone who enjoys a shorter style), House of Handsome is operated by Block and six other women. With a long history of cutting hair alongside each other, the stylists at House of Handsome are committed to serving their clients and their locks.
In addition to the return of the looks of the ’90s, Block says buzz cuts and modern mullets are in style and will likely be around for a while. Using a number 2 or 3 clipper—which refers to the guard sizes used to determine length when cutting—the buzz cut is a short look all around, but it can also have faded, clean sides. The higher the guard number, the longer the hair. “The modern mullet features faded, tapered sides with longer length in the back,” Block says. “Guys like the look it creates when it flips out from under their hats.”
One thing Block enjoys about cutting
HEADS
Written by Emily Gedde
While the styles of the ’90s are popular in younger clients, House of Handsome owner Brittany Block says shorter cuts, including the buzz cut, is making it’s way back to the scene.
Photos by Chris Emeott
FACE FIRST
With No-Shave November on the horizon, beard care is important, Brittany Block says. The end-of-the-year campaign features men who stop shaving to help raise awareness for cancer.
“The big thing with beard care is they need moisture, and they need to get washed,” Block says. “Water in the shower is not good enough. It needs to be scrubbed
with high-quality shampoo.”
For beards to be healthy, the skin underneath needs to be healthy. Beards that feel coarse and prickly need moisture. And while some men aren’t fans of using oil, it’s the best for healthy facial hair. “An oil with a jojoba or coconut base will absorb quickly into the skin,” Block says. “Beards don’t have to be super high maintenance.”
men’s hair is that it’s typically less of a commitment than women’s hair. Men might get more adventurous, too, she says. “While some will have the same look for years, others change it up often, depending on the style at the time,” she says.
So, what about clients who are unsure of what look they’d like? Block says the first thing the stylists at House of Handsome ask is how much time they want to spend on their hair. Some want to wash and go, and others use products and some need direction.
Sensory issues also come into play. “Texture and smell deter a lot of people from trying something,” Block says. “But again, hair is low risk. If you hate the product, you wash it out. If you hate the cut, you grow it out or we take more off … Everyone is so different on what they can tolerate, and we’re happy to sort that out.”
To help achieve great hair, Block says House of Handsome recommends the product line GIBS. Batched out of Colorado, its 3-in-1—hair, beard and body—Original Man Wash is especially designed for men. Block says it’s preferred because of the convenience and scent.
“While I don’t always encourage a 3-in1, this brand is designed for a professional setting,” she says. “The surfactants in them aren’t as harsh.”
No matter the look—whether reviving a ’90s heartthrob style or a more modern cut—clients of House of Handsome can trust they’ll walk out looking their best, no matter what look they choose.
House of Handsome houseofhandsomemn.com @house.of.handsome.mn
Brittany Block (pictured) is the owner of House of Handsome, which serves boys and men of all ages as well as anyone who desires a shorter style.
Written by Hailey Almsted
Photos by Chris Emeott
THE DENIM EDIT
Discover how a local boutique styles the most versatile wardrobe staple.
When it comes to denim, discovering that perfect fit is different for all of us. Whether you’re holding on to your beloved skinny jeans or always looking for the next big trend, we should wear what makes us feel the most confident. Anne Bunkers of Mainstream Boutique couldn’t agree more. “Don’t buy what the trend is; buy what fits your body type the best,” she says.
After being an avid Mainstream Boutique shopper for years, Bunkers, who previously worked at a different location of the boutique, took over the Woodbury and Mendota Heights locations last fall. Now, she gets to do what she loves every day: Helping women feel and look their best. When it comes to denim, Bunkers
says there are several things to consider when finding the right pair, including the style and wash, plus your specific body type.
Wide-leg jeans are here to stay, according to Bunkers. She says it is one of her favorite trends as of late. “[The wide-leg jean] has a place for everyone,” Bunkers says. “I hear a lot of comments like, ‘I’m too short to wear it.’ And it’s not true. It doesn’t make you look shorter. You find a pair that fits you and looks good on your body type, and that will be the staple piece.”
She adds that the versatility of wideleg jeans shouldn’t be overlooked. They can be paired with tall or ankle boots, sandals, sneakers and more.
Denim brands are traveling back
DAY TO NIGHT
Denim doesn’t need to be reserved for more casual events. Anne Bunkers says it’s easy to style denim for a day at the office or an evening about town. “I would suggest wearing darker denim,” she says. “Look for a wash that’s darker. We have this amazing black-blue wash that we carried last year, and we will carry it again this year.”
For daytime, pair that darker jean (sans distressing) with a fitted top, jacket or sweater, rounded out with an office shoe or “sandals or sneakers, even,” Bunkers adds. Take your look from day to night with a leather jacket, beautiful jewelry and boots—tall or short.
in style
Arrive
this fall with the Mac and Me high rise boyfriend jean with fixed cuff ($88) and the Dirty Laundry patent leather Mary Jane pumps ($80).
DENIM ON TOP
There’s no reason to stick to denim on the bottom, Anne Bunkers says. Play around with incorporating the material elsewhere in the look. “Denim shirts will never go out of style,” she says. From jackets to buttondown tops—and even boots!—there is a vast assortment of different looks to choose from.
For a denim-on-denim look that doesn’t give Canadian tuxedo, look toward pairing two different washes or even colors together. “People think that it has to match perfectly to pair it together,” Bunkers says. “It doesn’t … In my mind, denim goes together.” A few style combinations recommended by Bunkers include wearing a dark pair of jeans paired with a light wash denim jacket; playing around with patterns, such as a striped or floral top; or pairing a cream denim jacket with dark brown jeans. “Everything is neutral,” she says.
Left: Channel the ’90s with the Mysteree knit mock neck long sleeve top ($48) paired with the Fate flutter sleeve denim jacket vest ($84). Top off the look with jewelry from No Whining, including its magnetic bracelet ($36) and JJ tear drop necklace ($56).
Right: Consider a traditional jean, such as the KUT Meg wide leg jean ($109), or go for a more autumnal-inspired tone seen in the Mainstream high rise fly front palazzo pant ($98).
Keep it simple with the KUT Catherine boyfriend
jean ($99) paired with a Liverpool sleeveless boat neck top ($59) and Chinese Laundry
Delicate jewelry, including a No Whining ring ($36) and a stack of five Erimish
black mules ($80).
bracelets ($35), adds a pop of shine.
in time—2000s-inspired denim has never been more popular. “Cargo jeans are coming back,” Bunkers says, adding that cargo corduroy is another popular wardrobe addition. Animal-print denim, like the oncefavored leopard or cheetah print, is also back in style. Plus, Bunkers says she wouldn’t be surprised if a pair of low-rise jeans snuck its way back into the closet too.
Black, brown, gray and even maroon, Bunkers says colored denim is returning to the spotlight. But these aren’t the jeans of 2010—don’t look toward the technicolor tones that were once a hit. Instead, focus on muted neutrals that can accentuate a look rather than take it over. “That’ll be super exciting to add to people’s wardrobes,” she says. Bunkers has a personal tip for styling colored jeans. “I would bring in the black hues, and maybe a navy would be gorgeous,” she says. She adds that a black denim wash on the bottom could be paired with a dark brown on top. “It’s such a neutral color that you can pair it with a jean jacket, easily,” she says. It’s impossible to forget the fanfavorite skinny jeans. Yes, they’re coming back in style, Bunkers says— but not as trending as other cuts. Straight leg jeans continue to be the more popular choice, alongside the high-waisted style.
Written by Hailey Almsted
Homemade Happiness
Let’s Dish! brings the ease of cooking back to your table— so you can enjoy the moments that truly matter.
Welcome to Let’s Dish!, where your love for home-cooked meals meets the convenience of ready-to-cook perfection.
With over 20 years of Minnesota roots, co-founder and CEO Darcy Olson says that Let’s Dish! has evolved from its origin—which welcomed customers to participate in sessions to assemble their meals—into what it is today. With five locations across the Twin Cities—and now available at select Target locations—Let’s Dish! offers a wide selection of simple-to-cook meals made with fresh ingredients that can be easily stored in the freezer and prepared when you’re ready.
Woodbury residents Anne and John have used Let’s Dish! for several years. Although they first began using it while they had their three children at home, Anne says now, as empty-nesters, Let’s
Dish! is still a part of their routine. “It’s nice to have them in the freezer,” she says. “We have a cabin, and we go backand-forth, so when we come home and think, ‘What are we having?’ it’s nice to have something in the freezer that’s easy to put together.” Let’s Dish! even became a part of their eldest son’s college experience. “When my oldest was … at school, I’d order meals for him. When he was home on holiday, I could send him back to school with meals; he would take them back in a cooler,” Anne recalls. “He loved that.”
That’s what Olson and the team like to hear. “For all the unpredictable things that happen in the world, it’s great to make dinner a sure thing,” Olson says. Plus, with a variety of options, including gluten- and dairy-free, vegetarian, low
sodium and under 400 calories, there’s something for just about everyone.
“It’s ready to cook and ready when you are,” says Katie Suttenberg, chief operating officer. “Dinner happens 365 days a year, and our meals make your life so much easier so you can enjoy other things. You don’t have to have the stress and mental load every day of, ‘What’s for dinner tonight?’”
Whether you’re a professional, a parent on the go or simply someone who values quality meals, Let’s Dish! makes it easy to create delicious meals in the comfort of your kitchen. Favorites, such as Barbacoa Beef Burrito Bowls, Bourbon-Glazed Meatballs & Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Cheese Curd Crusted Chicken Ranch Bake, Crunchy Chicken Queso Bake, Indian Butter Chicken with
Rice and Skillet Pot Roast, are available year-round. At the same time, seasonal items are added throughout the year. All options are available in serving sizes of three ($20) or six ($35).
Let’s Dish! prioritizes a successful shopping experience by inviting customers to shop online or in-store at any one of its welcoming locations, including Apple Valley, Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Prior Lake and Woodbury. Additionally, the aforementioned favorites in serving size of three are available to shop at 25 Target locations. “We’re excited to bring a small selection of our quality family meals to the aisles of these select Target stores” Olson says. “These are meals made by our team, just like the wide selection of meals in our Let’s Dish! stores.”
For Olson, it’s all about providing that homemade happiness. “Life is so busy. We’re running around and doing so many things,” Olson says. “Sometimes that happiness and joy that we’re chasing is right there at home, and we like to make it easy to enjoy that.”
Anne shares that sentiment, especially as the holiday season approaches. “They have holiday things that are really nice,” she says, mentioning the Ham and Swiss Sliders, dips and more. “I usually stock up on those things around the holidays. It helps out with company and entertaining.
“The kids are like, ‘Ooh, ham sliders, yum!’ They all ask for it. They say, ‘Is it Let’s Dish?’ … The meals are very consistent. There’s never a time when it’s not as good as it was last time.”
Let’s Dish!
@letsdishmn
Learn more at letsdish.com and visit Let’s Dish! at the following locations:
15052 Gleason Path #103A, Apple Valley; 952.997.2380
16364 Wagner Way, Eden Prairie; 952.208.2163
12187 Elm Creek Blvd., Maple Grove; 763.425.9383
6880 Boudin Street NE, Prior Lake; 952.226.3663
10150 Hudson Road Suite 110, Woodbury; 651.730.6600
Love at First Brush
Erika Small discusses how artwork has a way of connecting through stories and emotion.
Written by Emily Gedde — Artwork by Erika Small
From the moment Erika Small’s paint brush touches a canvas, a new story unfolds. Emotion is ignited, and what was once a blank slate is suddenly visible and ready to make an impact. Passion pours from the Woodbury artist as she discusses her gift. She is proud and humble at the same time. Her art is a lifelong love that she found her way back to after detours and rediscovery. “When I was in grade school, I started to realize I could create something fun if I put my mind to it,” Erika says of growing up in Winona.
Some of her earliest memories as an artist were alongside her grandmother, Georgia Flemming, who would bring 12-year-old Erika to painting classes at the local senior center. A giggle erupts from Erika as she recalls the memory. “She actually got in trouble because she wasn’t supposed to bring me every time,” she says.
“But it didn’t matter back then, I would do anything with her.”
With her sights set on art while attending St. Olaf College, Erika admits she struggled. She explored different careers before landing in the medical device industry. Erika realized her creative side was still active, just not in a drawing sense. “I took a technology class and ended up fixing a lot of things,” she says. “That’s a kind of art too.”
Amid her thriving career and eventual marriage, Erika and her husband, Jesse Emerick, adopted two boys from Ethiopia: Samuel was adopted in 2008 at 7 months old, and Efrem was adopted in 2010 at 11 months old. The couple also gained custody of Erika’s nephew, Garret Small, after her brother’s death in 2019. With three boys and a full-time job, art stayed in the backseat of Erika’s life. “I had to take this detour,” she says. “I had to get
rid of my student loan debt and raise children.”
Then, COVID-19 hit. The unanticipated pause button reunited Erika with her brushes. “And I haven’t looked back since,” she says. It was like riding a bike. The skill Erika had long neglected was still there, waiting to be freed. Inspired by the world around her, Erika says she finds herself typically doing a narrative style painting with a lot of symbolism. “I like to tell stories in my art,” she says. “I like to spark emotion and mood.”
Art can foster unexpected friendships and deep connections between strangers. A particular piece can create a space for people to share personal details and stories about their own lives. While her brother’s death was a big part of Erika’s life, it isn’t something she paints about. Yet when two different people bought paintings from her, they shared a story of losing their own
brothers. “I enjoy when people tell me what my work reminds them of,” Erika says. “Art helps people open up and create a powerful connection. I pay attention to that.”
Animals spark emotion too, and Erika frequently finds herself highlighting different species in her work. “I sold a painting of a rooster recently, and the buyer told me it helps him stay present,” Erika says. “Animals do that for us. They make us think and feel things beyond words.”
As her creative process evolves, Erika says she’s learning to hone her skill, exploring a more realistic approach than she’s used to. In fact, she’s most proud of a painting she did of two children, inspired by Erika’s neighbors, playing in a field at dawn in the summer. “It captures the mood of my brother and me playing as kids,” she says. “It gives me joy to paint young people.”
Erika Small
Erika’s children are grown now, and three-day weekends allow her to concentrate on her paintings, often working on a few projects at once. As she grows her inventory, Erika says she continues to seek a gallery that’s the right fit, both for her and her art. “I want to keep working on getting my work out there,” she says, leaving readers with a message to consider when adding artwork to their walls. “Art is healing. It’s something wonderful
to have in your home. It connects us. I encourage everyone to support artists and make their work part of your life. Let its story become yours.”
Page 28: Guardian of the Plains
Page 30: I am Noble because I am Myself
Mathnasium.com/Plymouth
Mathnasium of Plymouth plymouth@mathnasium.com(763)567-8143
3505 Vicksburg Lane N #900 Plymouth,MN 55447
Erika Small erikasmall.art @erikasmall
Mathnasium of Plymouth plymouth@mathnasium.com(763)567-8143
3505 Vicksburg Lane N #900 Plymouth,MN 55447
Set It
Amateur cooks and culinary enthusiasts alike can enjoy these slow cooker recipes.
Written by Hailey Almsted
As the seasons change, so does what’s on our plates. Comfort food, rich flavors and hearty meals reign supreme during this time of year—especially when made with the slow cooker. These flavorful recipes, contributed by a few of our Editorial Advisory Board members and Noteworthy columnists, are easily prepped in the morning or afternoon and ready to eat by dinnertime. Enjoy!
WHITE CHICKEN CHILI
Chili hasn’t always been a fall staple in our household—in fact, I only recently started enjoying it, and it has even been added to our weekly meal rotation. A crisp evening doesn’t feel complete without a heaping bowl of White Chicken Chili served alongside
a bowl of tortilla chips. This recipe is made all the easier with the precooked rotisserie chicken. No matter how you top your bowl, this recipe will satisfy adults and children alike. —Hailey Almsted, managing editor and social media manager and Woodbury Magazine editor
» 1 lb. precooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
» ½ tsp. chili powder
» fresh cilantro, to taste, chopped
and Forget It
» 1 tsp. cumin
» ¾ tsp. oregano
» 1 tsp. salt
» ½ tsp. black pepper
» 1 white onion, diced
» 2 clove garlic, minced
» 2 15-oz. cans great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
» 1 15-oz. can whole kernel corn
» 24 oz. chicken broth
» 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
» ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
Toppings:
» sour cream
» tortilla strips or chips
» shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Add precooked rotisserie chicken to the bottom of the slow cooker. Add chili powder, cilantro, cumin, oregano, salt and black pepper. Add diced onion, minced garlic, great Northern beans, corn and chicken broth; stir. Cover, and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. Add cream cheese* and heavy whipping cream; stir. Cover, and cook on high until chili is creamy and slightly thickened. Stir well, and serve with desired toppings.
*For a smoother consistency when adding cream cheese, soften it in a separate bowl by adding a few ladles of the chili from the slow cooker. Whisk until smooth. Stir mixture into the slow cooker; add heavy whipping cream, and cook on high for 15 minutes.
ITALIAN ROAST BEEF
[This is an] amazing family recipe from a good friend of mine—Italian Roast Beef. It’s great to put together the night before when you are having a group over. [It’s] great for a crowd, especially during the winter months because it’s warm and hearty, but it really works anytime. The family loves the savory taste. It can also be made with
green peppers instead of pepperoncini for a not-so-spicy flavor. Enjoy! —Sue McKeown, Editorial Advisory Board member
» 3 lbs. rump roast
» 2 medium green peppers, chopped
» 1 package Mrs. Grass onion soup
» dash garlic salt
» 2 4-oz. cans mushrooms with juice (if omitting mushrooms, replace with 14.5-oz. can of beef broth)
» 1 medium onion, chopped
» 1 small jar pepperoncini with juice
Add all ingredients to the slow cooker; stir together. Cook on low for 12–16 hours. Break the meat apart after 8 hours. Serve on kaiser rolls.
GERMAN COUNTRYSTYLE PORK RIBS AND SAUERKRAUT
When fall comes around, I have a desire to make this very easy recipe that uses brown sugar on top of the sauerkraut that layers between the ribs … [And it has sauerkraut on the] top and bottom! When I was teaching school, it was so wonderful to put this together in the morning and come back to this main dish, which pairs well with baked potatoes. It has the sweet/sour taste that is so common in German recipes. —Patty (Stutzman) Paulus, Noteworthy columnist
» 2 ½ lbs. pork loin, country-style pork ribs
» 4 cups fresh packaged sauerkraut
» 1 cup light brown sugar
» salt, to taste
» black pepper, to taste
Place 2 cups of sauerkraut to the bottom of a large slow cooker. Sprinkle ½ cup of light
brown sugar on top of sauerkraut. Add salt and black pepper to pork ribs, and place on top of sauerkraut and brown sugar. Add 2 more cups (the remaining amount) of sauerkraut to cover the ribs. Add the remaining ½ cup of brown sugar over the sauerkraut. Cover, and cook on low for 8 hours. Serve with baked potatoes for a hearty family meal.
BEEF AND BEAN SOFT TACOS
[This recipe] is actually a Weight Watchers recipe because my husband and I have been committed to healthy eating for a long time. That said, you would never know it’s a healthy recipe, as it is absolutely delicious. It is always a favorite of our family and guests. —Shelly Schafer, Editorial Advisory Board member
» 1 ½ cups fat-free beef broth
» 1 tsp. chili powder
» 1 lb. lean flank steak
» ¾ cup salsa, additional for serving (optional)
» ½ cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
» ¼ cup cilantro, fresh
» 2 Tbsp. canned diced hot green chiles, drained
» 12 7-inch flour tortillas, warmed
» ¼ cup fat-free sour cream
Whisk together the broth and chili powder in a slow cooker. Add the steak. Cover, and cook until the steak is fork-tender, 4–5 hours on high or 8–10 hours on low. Transfer the steak to a cutting board, discard all but ¼ cup of the cooking liquid; wipe out the slow cooker. With two forks, finely shred the beef. Return the beef to the slow cooker, and stir in the reserved cooking liquid, ¾ cup salsa, beans, cilantro and chiles. Cook on high until heated through, about 5 minutes. Top each tortilla evenly with beef, salsa mixture and sour cream. Fold the tortillas in half, and serve with additional salsa on the side if using.
As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, there’s no better time to discover the warmth, comfort and peace of mind that come with independent living at Saint Therese of Woodbury. Nestled in one of Minnesota’s most vibrant communities, our campus is a welcoming retreat where seniors can enjoy the beauty of the season without the burden of home maintenance.
Step outside your door and into a vibrant community offering:
• A warm saltwater pool and fitness center
• On-site bistro, library and Club Room
• Chapel and spiritual support
• Salon, barber shop and boutique
• Serene gardens and a therapeutic labyrinth
If your health needs change, a full continuum of care is available within the same familiar campus.
Come see why Saint Therese of Woodbury has been a trusted choice for nearly 10 years.
FAMILY FUN
Valley Creek Mall welcomes back its annual Fall Festival.
For more than 20 years, families and children have been invited to roam the Valley Creek Mall during its Fall Festival. This year, the indoor mall welcomes all ages back from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on October 25 for a day of fun.
The free, Halloween-themed event features trick-or-treating with the many participating merchants throughout the mall, the opportunity to meet Charlie the Scarecrow, plus a coloring station and craft area. “We’re also excited to wel-
come back Tim the Balloon Man, who will be creating fun animal balloons at no cost,” says Curt Cruz, events coordinator. Hailey Almsted
Visit valleycreekmall.com for details.
10.03
Cinnamon Bun Day
The Gammelgården Museum of Scandia invites visitors to enjoy free cinnamon buns while exploring the beautiful museum grounds, celebrating Swedish culture and the 45th anniversary of the beloved Cinnamon Bun Day in Scandia. gammelgardenmuseum.org
10.04
Nature Journaling
Join others interested in feeling closer to nature by recording observations through words, numbers and drawing at Belwin Conservancy’s Savanna Center in Afton. Remember to bring a notebook, something to write (or draw) with and dress appropriately for the outdoors. belwin.org
10.13
Masterworks Choir Concert
Visit East Ridge High School for a night filled with music from the student choirs of East Ridge, Park and Woodbury high schools. erhs.sowashco.org
OCTOBER 2
APPLE ORCHARD TOUR
Bring little ones on a field trip with SoWashCo Early Childhood Family Education to Afton Apple Orchard. Go on a hayride, learn about and pick apples and sample apple cider while connecting with other families. sowashco.ce.eleyo.com
10.14
Memory Café
Hosted through FamilyMeans, Memory Café is a way for those with memory loss and their caregivers to connect with others encountering similar issues. Meetings occur on the second Tuesday of each month in the R.H. Stafford Library’s quiet study room. washcolib.org
10.19
Vintage Market
Welcome the Twin Cities’ best vintage accessories, clothing and home goods vendors to downtown Stillwater’s JX Venue. Registration is required. mplsvintagemarket.com
10.25–10.26
Fall Bonanza
Shop from more than 150 vendors, selling antiques, arts, crafts, home decor and more at the M Health Fairview Sports Center. mhealthfairviewsportscenter.com
10.25–10.26
TV Terror
Experience thrills and laughs at the Merrill Arts Center during this musical centered around a reality TV show that takes a dark, but comedic, turn. merrillartscenter.org
10.26
Trick or Treat Trail
Local Afton businesses will supply festive Halloween flavors and fun along the St. Croix Trail, plus enjoy a costume competition and a scream for ice cream contest at Selma’s Ice Cream Parlor. exploreafton.com
Compiled by Diane Meyer and Avery Vrieze
To have your event considered: email woodburymag@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.
“We are so grateful for our clients, who truly have become friends. We love to catch up and connect at our events and watch everyone grow! Selling and buying homes is such a personal process; everyone has unique needs, and it is sometimes emotional. We love that you choose us over and over again to help you through these special transitions. It is such an honor! Thank you to our faithful tribe of ASG fam.”
-Angela Sadat and Team
A Growing Garden
The Woodbury Community Garden held its kick-off event, and grants from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and AARP Minnesota allowed for an expansion of plots, raised beds and wheelchair-accessible beds. The University of Minnesota Extension Washington County Master Gardeners helped construct the raised beds and refurbish the tool shed. Scouting American Girls’ Troop 7071 of Woodbury, under the guidance of future Eagle Scout Audrey Siefken, constructed the wheelchair-accessible beds. Institution Community Work Crew from Stillwater assisted in getting soil into the garden beds, and Jerry’s Foods granted each gardener a coupon for a free plant. Find more information at woodburymn.gov.
To have your event considered: send date, time, location, photos, contact information and a brief description of the event to woodburymag@localmedia.co.
Photos: Margaret Wachholz
Enjoying the Season
FOCUS ON WOODBURY
Photographer: Taylor Limbeck
Title: Grab the Rake!
Equipment: Lumix or Olympus
Micro Four Thirds with Lumix
Leica Nocticron 42.5mm lens
Category: People
Award: First Place
To view other Focus on Woodbury photo contest winners, visit woodburymag.com.
“… Every fall, our two royal oak trees provide us with at least two or three weekends of raking and mulching,” says Taylor Limbeck, who has recently started photographing events, portraits and weddings. “I always make it fun and rake up a monster pile for my son to jump into before we mulch them up and haul them away. This, of course, makes for a great photo op with a fast shutter speed and a fast lens.” —Hailey Almsted
