• Memory Maker, Laughter Promoter, and Emotion Capturer: Sarah Grace Photography

    This woman-owned, certified Green Business provides fine art eco-conscious landscape prints, tailored portrait sessions, and one-on-one photography instruction. 

  • Nashke Native Games: Ojibwe Culture and Fun for Everyone

    Tony is a first generation Direct descendent Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. He currently lives in Ham Lake with his family. The journey to launching Nashke Native Games in the summer of 2023 included early assistance from the Tiwahe Foundation to support a goal in an educational “impact” area. 

  • Nourish the World: Bridget O’Boyle’s Oh Soup!

    Bridget O’Boyle wants to nourish the world, one soothing bowl of soup at a time, through her Minneapolis small business Oh Soup! and as a traveling chef for First Descents.

  • Best in Show: First-Generation Family Farm Rustic Roots is MN Garlic Festival Winner

    The Olberdings bought a neglected piece of farmland in Alexandria. Removing the decaying farm equipment and taking care of the land itself allowed them to establish their award-winning garlic crop.

  • Bring Home a Piece of the Lake: Resin Artist Rebekah Rush of Wonderfully Made

    Rebekah is a full-time resin artist who incorporates natural materials found along Lake Superior’s shores and northern forests to create distinctive Minnesota art. Birch bark is one of her favorite mediums.

  • From Kitchen Saucepan to Main Street Tasting Room: Sweet Haven Tonics’ Elevated Cocktail Adventure

    Leah Treleven of Sweet Haven Tonics in New Ulm used to think of herself as a cautious person. “I became a teacher in part because my parents had been teachers. I knew the path. I knew where it was going. It felt very comfortable.”