Collective Newspaper | Spring 2023 | Digital Edition

HERE’S WHAT’S INSIDE:

Creativity in Bloom

Written by Emma Geary

The first warm, sunny Saturday in Minneapolis is a day unlike any other. It might be the most hard-earned day of the entire year, especially after one of the snowiest winters on record. Gone are the hours spent digging ourselves out of snowdrifts and dodging potholes - it’s time for afternoons on local patios and making small talk with strangers. Who knew our neighbors were still there under all that snow? It’s time for golden-hour walks around the lakes and the scent of lilacs floating through our windows. Dare we say, it’s spring in Minnesota!

As we button up this newspaper in early April, it’s still snowing. But in a true Minnesotan spirit, that won’t keep us from connecting with our community, come rain, shine, sleet or snow! To celebrate the beauty of a Minnesota spring, our cover illustration is a bouquet of local wildflowers to brighten your day by our very own designer and illustrator, Erica Gloeckler. Turn to page 8 for another floral surprise, too!

The Twin Cities is home to one of the most vibrant creative communities in the country, and as we continue our work of supporting small businesses through creative services, community events, The Collective, and beyond, we know that passion and hard work are crucial to bringing dreams to life. The pursuit to follow our passions and make connections is precisely why we think the Twin Cities is such a special community - it’s the secret ingredient to help new ideas thrive.

Connection is the core of everything we do at LAB, so much so that we designed an entirely new space next to our current studio to help new ideas grow. Read more about The Clubhouse, our 100% locally designed second space, on page 10.

Running a small business can be a thrilling and terrifying endeavor. It’s like wearing your passion on your sleeve and going along for the ride. While shopping small has long been a popular phrase, it’s easy to forget about the people behind the products, especially when we’re bombarded with an algorithm of content and ads on our phones every day.

When we launched The Collective in 2016, it was as a 1-day interactive pop-up market for local artists and small businesses. We wanted to provide local creatives a chance to meet customers they wouldn’t otherwise find online, and every single year, the event amazed us with the outpouring of growth and support. Post-pandemic in 2023, we’ve expanded The Collective to not only include TWO markets in both the spring and fall, but an

entire year of digital and print content to spread the word about these amazing businesses, along with a handful of ways to connect & support throughout the year. We are only a just getting started, and it’s incredible how many connections and collaborations have already occurred! Learn more on page 8!

We’ve found that while The Collective Market is a valuable sales opportunity for artists, it is equally as valuable for attendees to see the craft, expertise,and love that goes into every single handmade product.

Collective Member, Erin Duininck, of Golden Rule Gallery said it perfectly earlier this year on Instagram, writing, “I know times are precarious and strange, but I think it’s okay to remind you that if you *are* shopping, it’s always worth considering whether you can

LAB Team: Newspaper Roles

Creative Direction: Mollie Windmiller

Writer: Emma Geary

Designer: Victoria Tinjum

Designer + Illustrator: Erica Gloeckler

Distribution + Marketing: Kate Wing

shop small or shop local or pay a couple dollars extra, knowing it’s going directly to women artists, makers, and entrepreneurs who are following their truest calling.”

At LAB, our pillars have always been “create, connect, collaborate.” Being a part of the local community is the driving force behind every project we create, brand we design, and relationship we make. If we aren’t amplifying the creators we love, we aren’t living up to our full potential as a creative agency. So, shake off those winter blues, stretch toward the treetops, and embrace another Minnesota spring. Thank you for joining us in our mission to create, collaborate, and connect with our incredible community. We truly wouldn’t be here without YOU!

Happy Spring from LAB!

LAB is a creative agency in Minneapolis elevating businesses through branding, websites & connecting brands to our local audience. Follow us on Instagram and check out our website to learn how we create, connect, and collaborate on the daily.

@LABMPLS — LABMPLS.COM

All About Al Fresco

Fresh air is good for the soul. Bring your next gathering outside for a change of scenery, easy cleanup, and an opportunity to spend a little more time among the fresh air and trees. We are sharing some inspiration for sipping, serving and hosting sustainably.

SUSTAINABLE HOSTING

For effortless ways to make a sustainable event seamless, we consulted Ashleyn Przedwiecki, Founder of LUUM Collective, who is a thought leader in the event industry for creating more sustainable events. Ashleyn believes that we can all make an impact wherever we are. As a designer and recovering perfectionist, she is constantly reminding herself and others, ‘don’t do nothing because you can’t do everything.’

CHEERS TO SPRING!

Our friends at Glass House created a custom cocktail for The Collective Spring Market, and it was so delicious that we couldn’t keep it to ourselves. Meet The Pollinator, a citrusy drink meant for buzzing around.

“Even if you aren’t totally into sustainable living, thinking about reducing waste and plastic is not only more stylish but healthier all around. Plastic disposable products are toxic so phasing these out can be healthier

HOW TO MAKE THE POLLINATOR:

2 OZ. Du Nord Foundation Vodka

.75 OZ. Koval Chrysanthemum & Honey Liqueur

.5 OZ. Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

.5 OZ. Honey Simple Syrup (1:1 honey to water)

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a coupe glass. Enjoy!

for people, save you money, and keeps trash from entering our natural environment! You can absolutely host a stylish outdoor summer event without spending a fortune.”

HERE ARE A FEW EASY WAYS ASHLEYN SUGGESTS TO MAKE SUSTAINABILITY STYLISH:

Swap plastic disposables for reusable plates, utensils, and glassware. Invest in a lightweight nonbreakable reusable dinner set for backyard parties for years to come. Or reuse and find your festive summer tablescape items from a local thrift shop - mix & match to have some fun with it!

Design your menu around colorful in-season fruits and vegetables from your local farmers market. Not only are these items at their peak flavor, but also sourced from a local farmer near you!

Reuse wine bottles for the perfect water vessel for the table, or throw a touch of greenery and flowers inside for an instant centerpiece. Old jam jars can serve as the perfect glassware to add a special touch to your table.

sun seeker playlist

The perfect sunny day playlist to enjoy when hosting your next dinner party al fresco.

don’t do nothing because you can’t do everything.

Apero Hour, Anyone?

OUI, OUI!

Jamie Malone may be a James Beard-nominated chef for her incredible work in restaurants, but what she really loves is creating food to compliment the art of gathering. With Paris Dining Club, Malone and her team are on a mission to make French cuisine easy and beautiful for at-home dinner parties and date nights. We were lucky enough to get the secret recipe for this month’s Apero Hour show-stopper, Pepperoni Butter. Make this for your next impromptu gathering and watch it disappear.

elevate the impromptu with Paris Dining Club

Scan here to place an order for your best dinner party yet.

PEPPERONI BUTTER, FROM THE KITCHEN OF JAMIE MALONE

This butter is a fantastic surprise on a warm baguette with a chunk of honeycomb (or drizzle of honey) and a sprinkle of crunchy sea salt. But the real magic of flavored butters is that you can make a batch, reserve it in the fridge (10 days) or freezer (3 months) and use it in a multitude of ways to whip up a quick and incredible meal!

INGREDIENTS

1 LB Butter

7 OZ N’duja or Sobressada (spreadable pepperoni)

2 CLOVES Raw Garlic

15 G Sherry Vinegar

1 Lemon (zest and juice)

5 G Paprika

Combine and buzz until smooth in a food processor. Roll in parchment to store.

A FEW OTHER WAYS TO ENJOY PEPPERONI BUTTER

• Stir into pasta with cherry tomatoes and top with grated Pecorino cheese.

• Toss with cubes of sourdough and stuff into a chicken before roasting.

• Steam clams and whisk in butter and a splash of white wine.

@gem_salon_spa

In Our Bags: Local Edition

What’s in our bags this season? Hint: there are dozens of local innovators that have created must-have products for a busy routine. Minnesota brands have long been at the forefront of wellness and sustainability, and are making it easier than ever to shop your values on everyday products. From a beach tote to a carry-on, here’s what we’re stocking up on.

1. Welly Bandages

At Welly, they prefer to call these bandages “bravery badges,” and we couldn’t agree more. Keep a few of these in your bag so you can adventure with ease all summer long - Welly will be ready to catch your fall in style.

2. Rae Destress Supplements

These are a team favorite for the way they block out distractions and bring calm to our daily routines. Rae is on a mission to make wellness accessible to everyone, and no matter what your wellness routine needs, they’ve got an affordable and effective option. If you’ve yet to see the TikTok hype on De-Stress, grab these on your next Target trip before they’re sold out (again!).

PSST!

We’ve got a special surprise on the next page! Use our Minnesota wildflower illustration as a recyclable gift wrap to package your local goodies in color and style.

3. Odele Volumizing Shampoo

Odele is a women-owned business providing affordable, high-quality products that are safe for everyone in the family, made with nothing but clean ingredients. This shampoo is a workhorse product, they have so many good ones, it’s hard to pick a favorite! As designers, we are obsessed with the packaging.

4. HiBar Solid Conditioner

We’re all for the solid shampoo movement, especially when it means a higher concentration of quality ingredients with less waste. HiBar is perfect for traveling, too - we love throwing these in a carry-on for an easy liquid-free option! This has been a staple for our Creative Director, Mollie, she swears by their conditioner and volumizing shampoo. Trust us, they work!

5. Sigma Beauty Renew Lip Oil

We love a lip oil as a way to get a dose of color and hydration in one simple swipe. If you’ve yet to try lip oil, add this cultfavorite to the top of your list. With natural ingredients and just the right amount of pigment, it lives up to the hype and is perfect for a quick refresh on the way to a meeting or before happy hour.

6. Bim Bam Boo Tissues

If you’re like us and always have a tissue on-hand in colder months, stock up on these sustainable favorites. Bim Bam Boo makes sustainability-focused, health-forward, elevated paper essentials from fast-growing bamboo fiber, so you can be at ease that your essentials are planet-friendly.

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Meet the Collective

Consider this your ongoing resource for shopping MN-made brands all year long. Meet The Collective 2023: a community of stellar local brands, creatives, and entrepreneurs. The Collective provides connection and brand awareness for a full year to support the passionate people behind the business with their ideal audience. From pop-up markets to curated digital content, LAB is on a mission to elevate and amplify small businesses across Minnesota.

A QUIET WINDOW

@AQUIETWINDOW aquietwindow.com

Art to uplift and soothe the soul, creating an inner quiet window.

ALLISON LARSON LOANS

@MPLSMADEMORTGAGE allisonlarsonloans.com

Mortgage Lender and Strategist helping people finance their homes and build wealth.

ANNA LISABETH

@ANNA.LISABETH annalisabeth.co

Original artwork capturing a memory, a fragment of nostalgia, or a hope for the future.

ASHTYN SIBINSKI ART

@ASHTYNSIBINSKIART ashtynsibinskiart.com

Original paintings on paper and canvas, to hand-painted collage’s and collage kits, prints, and even candles.

BEENATURALZ

@BEENATURALZ beenaturalz.com

Natural skincare with #beepower.

BEKAH WORLEY CO

@BEKAHWORLEYCO bekahworleyco.com

Colorful acrylic paintings in a range of sizes, as well as prints, stickers, cards and other small items.

BIG STICK STUDIO

@BIGSTICK.STUDIO bigstickstudio.com

High end wooden puzzles that come nestled inide unique and intricate wooden boxes, perfect for gifting.

BLNCD

@BLNCDNATURALS blncdnaturals.com

Cannabis beauty and wellness products that are Esthetician and Chemist formulated.

BRISTLE & WHIM

@BRISTLEANDWHIM bristlewhim.com

A muralist specializing in joyful and vibrant abstract murals.

BUYWITHBRANDYN

@BUYWITHBRANDYN brandynrealestate.com

Minneapolis Lakes Neighborhoods Realtor creating ease during the process of selling & buying your home.

CAIT COURNEYA

@CAITCOURNEYA caitcourneya.com

Abstract painter who also dabbles in textile design.

CAMP BIRCHWOOD

@CAMPBIRCHWOOD4GIRLS campbirchwood.com

An all-girls Summer Camp, providing an opportunity for self-growth by promoting authenticity through freedom of choice.

CATHERINE BRINKER PHOTO

@CATHERINE.BRINKER catherinebrinker.com

Minneapolis based photographer specializing in product photography and content creation.

COSMOS FLORAL

@COSMOS.FLORAL — cosmosfloral.co

A floral designer specializing in designing sustainably and with local blooms when possible. Focused on floral installations for events, weekly/monthly arrangements, and flowers for special occasions.

CREACIONES BM

@THECREACIONESBM

Handmade products for home decor, from pillow covers to kitchen towels and products for dress up your table like cutlery pouches and more.

CYM WARKOV CERAMICS

@CYMWARKOVCERAMICS cymwarkovceramics.com

Sculptural ceramics & lighting.

DEB REUTTER JEWELRY

@DEBREUTTER debreutterjewelry.com

Handmade beaded jewelry.

SPRING MARKET MEMBER

FALL MARKET MEMBER

SOCIAL MEMBER

DEBORAH VAN EENDENBURG REAL ESTATE

@DVE.REALTOR deborahve.com

A Realtor specializing in new homebuyers and sellers in the Twin Cities residential real estate market.

DINNER PARTY CERAMICS

@WELCOME_DINNERPARTY

Handmade ceramic pieces that are distinct addition to your tablescape. Glaze application are are simple to highlight the form, tonal for a subtle moment of discover and vibrant monochoromatic bold shapes.

DOTTIR JEWELRY

@DOTTIR_JEWELRY dottirshop.com

Contemporary jewelry line with silver and bronze work that focused on clean lines, geometric shapes, and elegant forms, pulling inspiration from nature and traditional Scandinavian design.

ELLEN JEWELRY

@ELLENJEWELRY_ ellenjewelry.shop

Upcycled Jewelry created using recycled metals, vintage findings, and modern jewelry practices.

EVERTHINE JEWELRY

@EVERTHINE_JEWELRY everthinejewelry.com

Handmade jewelry from precious metals, and natural stones and also offers permanent jewelry.

FANCY MEETING YOU HERE

@FMYH.CO fmyh.co

An interior design studio shaping spaces that enhance brand experiences for creative entrepreneurs & their clientele.

FLICKER & FIZZ

@SHOPFLICKERANDFIZZ flickerfizz.com

Spirited candle and cocktail pairings hand-poured in vintage glassware. The result is a deliberate piece of bold self-expression.

GOLDEN RULE GALLERY

@GOLDENRULEGALLERY shopgoldenrule.com

An extensive collection of vintage art and local jewelry. Each item carried is chosen intentionally.

HALEY FRIESEN PHOTOGRAPHY

@HALEYFRIESENPHOTOGRAPHY haleyfriesenphotography.com

Portrait, editorial, and commercial photography services.

Designing for Connection

Written by Emma Geary

Connection is one of the founding pillars of LAB, and designing is our true passion. Over the last few months, we have been sharing the different ways LAB and other creatives and entrepreneurs design for connection in the Twin Cities. With a LAB Talk in February, and conversations on our blog, we have discussed the importance and practices to connect with others through design.

Earlier this year, we had the opportunity to expand into our neighboring studio space, and it sparked the conversation of what it truly means to design a space to effectively connect with others through both beautiful design and functionality.

“We have a hybrid work model, so when we are together at LAB we wanted to create an environment to effectively connect with others with functional furniture and beautiful design. Having everything in the space from local artists and businesses also supports our mission of elevating local brands through design, storytelling and immersive experiences. There is a story behind each individual design element, which makes it that much more meaningful and special,” says Mollie Windmiller, owner and creative director of LAB, who had the creative vision for the space design.

The Clubhouse is designed with 100% local furniture and decor, down to the paint on the walls. While our studio is designed for workshops and events for larger groups, we craved a more intimate space for imagination, smaller gatherings, and client meetings.

In this new space, you can grab a hand-thrown artisan coffee mug from our custom scalloped cabinets made by Hóll Studio at the coffee bar made with Cambria counters. Connect with others around the Room & Board circular table and comfortable chairs. Settle for a thoughtful conversation in a creative corner lit with Hennepin Made lighting. Get inspired by a gallery wall of local artists.

FORM + FUNCTION

While any space can be beautiful, we wanted to create a place that felt truly inviting, like it could be an extension of your home. We designed The Clubhouse with the goal of balancing form and function at the forefront. This space feels like the LAB living room offering functional

spaces for connection using round tables, versatile counter height tables, and cozy swivel chairs, all ideal spaces to connect and collaborate.

COLOR PLAY

We had an internal rule when designing this space — fully lean into color! Color plays a huge role in everything we design and can evoke instant emotion. We challenged ourselves to lean into creative color combinations that bring both positive energy and focus. It was an opportunity to go the opposite direction from our modern, Scandinavian style studio, drenched in white and bright light. Who says you can’t paint the ceiling a deep, burnt orange? Local paint company, Hirshfield’s had the ideal color selections. We couldn’t be happier with the result!

MADE IN MN

From furniture to fixtures, every single item in this space is from Minnesota businesses and artists. Not only is the space outfitted with local goods, but every item can be purchased on our website to support the makers directly.

shop the clubhouse

There is a story behind each individual design element, which makes it that much more meaningful and special.

COLLABORATIVE EFFORT

We couldn’t have created this space without the help of so many amazing local businesses and artists. We asked our partners what it means to them to design for connection.

No matter the industry, our partners take their craft personally and are always thinking of ways to create a conversation with their work.

“At Room & Board, one of our favorite terms is ‘resimercial.’ After the pandemic, the lines have blurred between residential and commercial spaces, and we love that our commercial line reflects this blend of comfort and function. When LAB came to us with the idea of creating an office space that felt as welcoming as a living room, we knew it was the perfect fit. Our products are designed to not only look beautiful, but stand the test of time no matter if they’re in a young family’s home or a buzzing office space. And with LAB’s true passion for the local community and for bringing people and ideas together, we knew our focus on American craft would help bring their vision to life in such a meaningful way.”

–  Elise Nicpon, Room & Board, Director of Retail Customer Experience

“At Hirshfields, we believe color greatly influences the rest of the space. We worked with LAB to help their team find the perfect blend of colors that would complement each other in the space and showcase the natural light streaming in from the skylights. We couldn’t be more excited about the results!”

–  Marsha Keppel, Hirshfields, Marketing Director

“As a family-owned, American-made and Minnesotabased company, Cambria values qualities like connectivity, collaboration and innovation. Our American-made quartz surfaces, which are designed to last a lifetime, are often selected for important gathering places--whether it’s the home, workplace, or commercial business---inspiring the exchange of ideas and making enduring memories.”

–  Summer Kath, Cambria, EVP of Design

“The lighting we craft Hennepin Made shows the makers’ hand and brings richness and character to the object. Living with this character and quality of handcrafted objects makes us feel more connected to the spaces we inhabit.”

–  Jackson Schwartz, Hennepin Made, Founder

When LAB came to us with the idea of creating an office space that felt as welcoming as a living room, we knew it was the perfect fit.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TAYLOR HALL O’BRIEN

HUNT & GATHER

FIND THESE WORDS IN THE WORD SEARCH

BETTER TOGETHER

BLUEBELLS

CRIMSON CLOVER CONNECT

FORGET ME NOT HONEYSUCKLE

MARIGOLD

MINNEAPOLIS

PETUNIA

PERIWINKLE

SHOP LOCAL

SPRING

TWIN CITIES

VIOLET

RENT OUR SPACES

OUR STUDIO features over 1,000 square feet with large picture windows and skylights to provide loads of natural light. From birthdays to bridal showers, consider this your blank canvas to make magic happen. We are conveniently located on the north end of Loring Park.

THE CLUBHOUSE is a place for great ideas to shine. From brainstorm sessions to team happy hours, this new space is designed with teamwork in mind.

SAVE THE DATES

Upcoming

SOCIAL MEDIA WORKSHOP WITH WHITE STRIPE SOCIAL @ LAB

MAY 25

MAY

NOV 3&4

THE COLLECTIVE FALL POP-UP MARKET @ GLASS HOUSE

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