It was really fun to catch up with Dana Thompson, formerly co-creator of Minneapolis’s Owamni. and now founder of a new hemp-derived, low-dose THC/CBD cannabis seltzer featuring the Indigenous botanicals of North America called Heti. “I am thrilled to announce the launch of Heti, a line of new botanical beverages that celebrate the plants around us,” said Thompson. Heti is launching four flavors—River Path, Woodland Edge, Meadow Cat Nap, and Marshland Harvest—which can also be purchased in a starter pack. Highlighted flavors include cranberry, sumac, dandelion, cedar, rosehip, wild mint, and b ..read more

In this episode, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Chris Montana, the founder of Du Nord Social Spirits. You may remember Chris from our previous interview when his distillery was starting a few years ago. But since then, his journey has been nothing short of remarkable. From surviving the devastating events surrounding the murder of George Floyd to expanding, rebranding, and retooling his business, Chris has experienced a renaissance. Join us as we hear from Chris himself about the evolution of Du Nord Social Spirits and the creation of the Du Nord Foundation. Discover how authenticit ..read more

Welcome to another episode of the Makers of Minnesota Podcast! Host Stephanie Hansen sits down with Robert Lillegard, the mastermind behind Duluth's Best Bread, in today's installment. Stephanie recently visited Art in Bayfront Park in Duluth and indulged in some of the incredible breads and pastries. Join them as they dive into the history of Duluth's Best Bread, learn about the baking industry, and explore the unique collaborations they have been working on with local breweries and cideries. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and discover the secrets behind Duluth's most beloved bakery ..read more

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Makers of Minnesota! In today's episode, we dive into the world of pet products and meet a company that is making a splash in the industry. Say hello to Wet Dog, an online retailer that offers high-quality pet products and gives back to dog rescues with every purchase. We'll hear from Heather Johnson, the sales and marketing expert behind Create it's Wet Dog shampoo, as she shares insights into the challenges of the competitive shampoo market and the importance of sourcing ingredients locally. Plus, we'll discover how Wet Dog is expanding its brand a ..read more

On today's episode, we dive into snack foods with Nosh Posh. With a focus on unique and healthy products, Tatiana Freeman brings her passion for Bi-POC and Women-owned businesses into an innovative snack vending machine, corporate gift box, and snack subscription business. We will explore her experiences with social media, the importance of resilience and resourcefulness, and the plans for expansion and partnerships. Stay tuned for an exciting and inspiring episode of Makers of Minnesota with Nosh Posh’s Tatiana Freeman. SHOW TRANSCRIPT FOLLOWS: Stephanie [00:00:12]: Hello, everybody, and welc ..read more

On this episode of Makers of Minnesota, we hear from Angela Comeck and Jessica Ammel, daughters of Janet Birkin, as they share how they turned their family recipe into Janet’s Finest Compotes, a successful company. They discuss the unique flavors of their compotes, the difference between jelly and compote, and how they maintain high standards of quality set by their mother. The guests discuss their unexpected success during the pandemic, their direct-to-consumer growth, and how cheeseboard preferences have changed. Tune in to hear their journey and learn how they became the premier jam brand f ..read more

Welcome back to Makers of Minnesota! Today, we have a special guest, Christie Johnson, the creative mind behind United Goods. Christie is a talented artist who shares her passion for illustration and collaboration in her work. Christie's journey in the art world has been filled with surprises and successes, from her notebook filled with ideas to her unique artwork that can't be found in big box stores. Tune in as we delve into her story, from her beginnings in greeting cards and event design to her participation in the Stone Arch Bridge Festival, where she connects with a community of fellow a ..read more

On this episode of Makers of Minnesota, Stephanie interviews Danielle Goss, the founder of Kul Mocks, a woman-owned beverage brand that offers non-alcoholic mocktails. Despite having no prior experience in the industry, Danielle and her husband were determined to provide a fun and social drinking alternative that caters to health and wellness enthusiasts. In this episode, the couple shares how they adapted to the pandemic's limitations by leveraging virtual meetings and social media to promote Kul Mocks, using micro-influencers and authentic content. They also discuss their challenges in build ..read more

On this episode of Makers of Minnesota, Stephanie talks with Ralf and Mary Loeffelholz, the founders of Dampfwerk Distilling Ralf and Mary share the unique story of how they found their niche-producing high-quality spirits, fruit brandies, and liqueurs. They also talk about the importance of having a strong team with diverse skills and how this has contributed to the success of their product. Additionally, they discuss the development of their cocktail lounge and the unique menu featuring collaborations with local personalities. Ralf and Mary highlight the importance of storytelling, packaging ..read more

On this episode of Makers of Minnesota, I interview Jessica Berglin, the founder of Flicker and Fizz. This candle-making company specializes in vintage glassware candles and cocktail pairings. Jessica shares her journey from hosting themed birthday parties to creating a successful business with the help of her passion for creative entrepreneurship. Listeners will learn about the different types of vintage glassware Jessica collects and her techniques for creating seasonal scents and cocktail pairings. Tune in to hear about how Flicker and Fizz is revolutionizing the candle industry with their ..read more