Welcome to the 1st official @MNMOmag Twitterview of Spring! :) Today’s guest is Becky Sturm of @StormSister and other endeavors.

Becky:    Thanks Joel! Looking forward to it.

Tell us first Becky what made you get into the skin and beauty business?

Becky:    I literally grew up in the salon/spa industry in my grandmothers’ salon. Mom was a hairdresser and so is my sister.

I can’t imagine doing anything else.

So you really know what you’re talking about and the value of your products. When did you story your biz?

Becky:    After 25 years in the salon/spa atmosphere I wanted 2 open a boutique& then 4 years of that, into product development

I started @StormSister in 2006 and @3waybeauty in 2010

Where is @StormSister located, and what do you offer to potential customers?

Becky:    After 4 years of a bricks and mortar in St. Paul, StormSister Spatique is exclusively online: http://www.stormsister.biz

StormSister Spatique offers all of my tried and true Lotions, Potions and Serums for hair, skin, nails and body.

StormSister only sells products I have used & I know work. I am not paid to endorse any of the products I sell

Good for you to sell only what you believe in! :) It’s more than just hair products too right?

Becky:  Oh yes! StormSister Spatique sells skincare, nail care and body care products.

I also chat beauty and grooming on my blog. http://stormsisterspatique.blogspot.com/

Now on to @3waybeauty. How did you come up with this line and how is it different from what’s already in the market?

Becky:  3waybeauty was borne out of the recession. Clients needed to get more bang from their buck so, multi-purpose products.

TSA restrictions for liquids were also a concern. Who hasn’t had a product taken away at the airport?

So, our @3waybeauty flagship product is shhh. shampoo | shower | shave – a 3-in-1 grooming bar for men and women

Every @3waybeauty product I develop has to have multiple uses, hence 3waybeauty/

Smart thinking! @3waybeauty sounds like a great plan. Do you plan to expand that line?

Becky:    We are expanding @3waybeauty – we have several products already http://www.3waybeauty.com  & have another in the works

I even have plans for branding my own @StormSister product. Working with local manufacturer now ;o)

You mentioned that you have a beauty/grooming blog. With Spring now here, what tips would you give for a new season?

Becky:    upgrade skincare. We don’t need rich winter skincare this time of year. Thick brows are in – grow them out ladies ;o)

Also, look at lipstick as an accessory and don’t only match it to your skin. If a shade makes you happy, wear it!

Over @3waybeauty, we want men 2 “think outside the can”. Stop w/the canned foam. There isn’t anything good about it.

I’m also a big fan of getting a facial at the change of each season. Here in MN, our skin needs it.

Here is my StormSister Spatique Blog http://stormsisterspatique.blogspot.com/

For men to #ThinkOutsideTheCan, what do you recommend they use for shaving?

Becky:    My @3waybeauty shhh. bar. http://www.3waybeauty.com  Men are my fastest growing demographic right now.

Men love my @3waybeauty bar because they can use it as a shampoo, shower bar and shaving cream. No tight burning skin

Before ending, please talk about @HAMMSevent and what it’s drawing attention to.

Becky:    @HAMMSevent was developed by Sairey Gernes and I. We wanted to combine crowdfunding and pop-up shopping.

The @HAMMSevent brought small local businesses together, Minnesota Makers, so the public could shop and support them.

The @HAMMSevent also was able to raise $5K in ticket sales and donations to be given to one lucky Minnesota Maker.

The was the first go-around for the @HAMMSevent and we achieved our objective. Sairey and I were beyond thrilled!

The @HAMMSevent philosophy is that small biz needs to stick together & share resources. It’s very tough out there.

We are hoping to do the @HAMMSevent again! So stay tuned.

The @HAMMSevent crowd-funding, Minnesota market concept is a new model and was received very well. Still more to do!

Congrats! What’s 1 or 2 tips that you would give to a small business starting out?

Becky:    You’ll be successful when you can’t imagine doing anything else but your business. Eat, sleep and drink it.

Surround yourself with as many other small biz’s that you can. Small biz’s that share their resources. Generous biz’s

Joel:    Good points! Thanks Becky for your time today with #MNMOtv, and continued success for you! :)

Becky:    Thank you so much for this opportunity, Joel. I greatly appreciate it. Cheers! #MNMOtv Thank you to @MNMOmag as well.

Interview conducted on May 8,2013.

Don’t think about the snow today! Instead, focus on today’s @MNMOmag Twitterview with @vsawkar.

@vsawkar’s last day at @KSTP was this week, and so we want to catch up with her and reflect on the past as well as look forward.

A brief synopsis of your time at @KSTP. When did you start and what responsibilities did you have during your time there?

Vineeta:    Aug 95. Wknd reporter then wknd anchor then fill-in wkday anchor then AM/midday anchor. Little of everything!

How much has the news industry changed in that time? Beyond just going to HD. :)

Vineeta:    So much change! Love social media & how it helps news gathering. Quick way to get news out as well

What have been some of your favorite stories to cover in nearly 18yrs at @KSTP?

Vineeta:    We featured a severely mentally impaired girl who had the ability to sing like Whitney Houston and play music well.

I enjoyed Presidential visits as reporter. Clinton and Bush. I liked covering political stories.

I really liked covering education beat and reporting on what was going on in schools.

Having a long history with the station, what was it like for you when you knew that your time there was ending?

Vineeta:    Sad to see it end & say goodbye to dear friends but excited for the next step. So many interesting opportunities.

On AM shift, you work so closely with anchors and crew. Will miss those great people. They are great group!

I try to focus on positive. I get to sleep in! YAY! I get to tackle a new challenge and learn something new.

I am excited to use the skills I learned in 23 yrs of TV, in a diff way. Maybe to help another organization…

 Sleep is always a plus! :) With your years of experience, what kinds of opportunities are you looking at: PR, radio, Tv?

Vineeta:    All of the above! LOL. I have several options I am considering and groups that are considering me.

Whatever option pans out, I look frwrd to learning and also bringing my experience to the job.

So grateful to all the people who had lunches/coffees with me this past yr. I got some great advice!

Strange when employer doesn’t want you any more but I like to look ahead to next employer who will be happy 2 have me.

Are you wanting to stay in MN, or are you open to out of state work as well?

Vineeta:    Anyone who knows me knows I will never leave #StPaul. I love this city so much. We love raising our kids here.

I have lived in Twin Cities longer than anywhere else. (Grew up in Kansas City) This is home. We are so happy here!

MN is a good place to raise a family! :)  What kinds of things are you hoping to accomplish with your time off now?

Vineeta:    Reflecting. Meeting friends. Learning how to play hockey. Organizing our house. Running. Staying up late!

I look frwd to not being so tired. Big change for me. Usually go on 5 hrs sleep. It has been tough.

I don’t want to complain though. Those early AM hour allowed me to be there for kids in afternoon

Now that kids are getting older, games/performances are later. I want to stay up and enjoy them!

I am going to take some time to enjoy my family/friends and figure out my life. Not many have been at job for 18 yrs.

I just know that when time is right, my next step will be very clear to me

Lots of options! @MNMOmag for May has a section on neighborhoods -  http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/May-2013/12-Great-Neighborhoods/ Might you do some exploring?

Vineeta:    Love that idea. We really need to take our kids out of #StPaul more often!

As a seasoned journalist, what advice would you give to HS & college students interested in that field?

Vineeta:    Diversify. Major in journalism but take business classes, too. So important.

Learn latest technology and be ready to report in many diff ways. That is beauty of TV journalism now.

I am excited for future of journalism with use of social media, technology, etc. So many ways to get info.

I would tell them to be persistent and don’t let a rejection get you down. Keep trying for that first job.

Joel:    On behalf of MN TV viewers, THANK YOU for all of your hard work these past 18 years! You’ve made it good!

Vineeta:    Truly appreciate that and also all the kind emails, tweets and Facebook msgs.I am overwhelmed by all the sweet msgs.

Minnesotans are so wonderful. They let me into their homes for 18 yrs and I am sad to say goodbye.

Wish I could personally thank everyone who took time to call,write. It makes me teary to think people care that much.

Joel:    Thank you for your time Tweeting with me today for #MNMOtv. We look forward to seeing where your #NextStep takes you!

Vineeta:    Thanks for this opportunity! I better run. Enjoy the snow!!

Thanks so much! I promise to let you know when I decide!

Interview conducted on May 3,2013.

Are you thinking of Spring today? The @MNMOmag guest are the owners of @sweetlandorchrd in Webster MN, Mike & Gretchen. Lets go!

Gretchen:    Thanks for thinking of us today, @JoelECarlson. For once, we’re in the position of waiting for spring to catch up to us!

How do things look at the orchard this year? Is the late Spring causing any ill effects?

Gretchen:    We’d take this spring over last spring anytime. A nice & slow warm-up doesn’t put apple blossoms at risk like last year.

. . .not that the trees are close to blossoming at all! They’re definitely biding their time, but they’re going to love this weekend

All of the cold this winter was great too for (hopefully) reducing the insect pest population. Orchardists are happy this year!

When did the orchard get started, and what did you first start with as a crop?

Gretchen:    This is our 4th spring at the orchard, but we bought it as an orchard (fka Bob’s Bluebird Orchard)

Ave. age of apple trees is 15 yrs, but one is 35 years old and others are, well, one day old now. We also have pears and plums.

 How old do the trees have to be in order to provide usable fruit?

Gretchen:    That gets kind of technical, but it depends on the rootstock. Apple trees can be standard, semi-dwarf, and dwarf.

The bigger the tree, the longer to production. Standard = 10 yrs, semidwarf = 5-6 yrs, dwarf = 3-4 yrs.

We plant semidwarfs because they seem to do best in our soil. Many orchards plant dwarfs; they’re also great for home orchards.

Pears and plums take longer to bear, thus the saying “pears for heirs.”

On a good year, what kind of volume of fruit can you get from your trees? How many acres do you have?

Gretchen:    Volume is another case where rootstock matters. For example, a standard tree could produce 20 bu/yr while a dwarf, more like 2 bu.

We’ve got 5 acres of trees (15 acres of wetlands and woods) & a variety of rootstock, so a good year for us would be 2500 bu.

But we also go to @fultonmarketmn & @kingfieldmarket & Bloomington in Sept & Oct.

How do you sell your fruit: farmers market(s), online or can people come to pick on-site?

Gretchen:    We love to have people down to the orchard to pick. We’ve got a pretty quiet operation with dogs and chickens for entertainment.

We’ve also started selling hard cider at the orchard, so that’s fun too. Folks pack a picnic and spend a little time in nature

When are you typically open for customers to come and pick?

Gretchen:    We’re open for picking on Sat & Sun in Sept & Oct. We’re a small operation — it’s us & our folks & a few friends.

For people thinking about coming to pick this Fall, what varieties of apples, pears and plums do you have?

Gretchen:    Oh my, so many varieties. We’ve got the standard MN favorites (Honeycrisp, Haralson, SweeTango, Sweet 16, Keepsake, Honeygold) . . .

But some fun ones too: Scarlet Surprise for novelty, Bonnie Best for pie, and Wolf River for size. Any plum or pear is amazing

@slklug took a great pic of Scarlet Surprise last year: http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4106/5069637708_1216b10d01_z.jpg …

What made you (Gretchen & Mike) decide to buy an orchard? Would you change anything after gaining 4yrs of exp?

Gretchen:    We wanted to live in the country — and not have to commute to the city. We love living our here, growing apples, raising chickens.

But market farming is tough and our families have done a ton for us.

That’s one reason we’re getting into hard cider — to make our operation more sustainable.

And we’re doing this too because we love to eat good food and we love growing good food.

Any plans for the future of other things you could add to your business?

Gretchen:    Future directions? Well, cider-making’s like winemaking in terms of gaining experience over a lifetime.

So we anticipate we’ll spend a lot of time refining our cider-making craft.

Honestly, it will be a joy to concentrate on growing trees and fermenting cider, and doing both the best we can.

Joel:   Sounds like you have good plans! Thanks to both of you for sharing your story today on #MNMOtv. Enjoy Spring! :)

Gretchen:    We’re lucky to be doing what we love! Thanks for inviting us to chat today. We think we’ll all finally get to enjoy spring soon!

Interview conducted on April 24,2013.

@LindseySeavert is a native Minnesotan and started reporting locally for @WCCO and now reports for @KARE11. She also is a busy mom! :)

Lindsey:    I am all of those things. And I am beginning this Twitterview with a toddler insisting to be on my lap!

Juggling and Tweeting then. :) What made you want to become a storyteller?

Lindsey:    I love to offer people a voice, words come easily and you have the ability to educate, inspire, evoke emotion.

Creation and development are important. Did you have some on-the-job mentors along the way?

Lindsey:    Yes, owe so much to peers who made tv storytelling a craft. @boydhuppert has been an incredible mentor

Being a good storyteller is important, and you also have to know your audience. What do Minnesotans like?

Lindsey:    MNs are a sharp bunch. They don’t tolerate sensationalism, demand quality. We have engaged, educated news consumers

Our viewers see through a weak report and aren’t afaid to tell you. They hold us accountable. We work for the public.

With large cities as well as a large rural area, is balance also important in the types of stories covered?

Lindsey:    Balance is paramount. Have to remember this vast state, avoid being “Cities” centric, and showcase diverse groups.

As a working mom, what kinds of things do you juggle with to get “everything done” each day?

Lindsey:    Voice in my head! Honestly, feel like I come up short often. Story ideas, deadlines, housework, boy and hub to love

Try to remember I’m doing my best. Try to forgive myself. I take longer to return emails, floors aren’t as clean.

Are there any Apps, organizing tools or strategies that you use to help to keep things scheduled?

Lindsey:    No, anyone have suggestions? I use Outlook calendar. My mind used to be enough, but I can’t keep it straight anymore!

Joel:    Thank you very much for your time and comments today for #MNMOtv. When can people see you on @kare11 again?

Lindsey:    Just started my weekend w Fri/Sat off, but I’ll be back Sunday at 10pm. M-Th for 5/6pm. Thank you so much.

Thank you for your thoughtful questions and devotion to the Twitterverse. #MNMOtv Have a beautiful weekend!

Interview took place on April 3,2013.

Welcome to today’s @MNMOmag with the Social Media Marketing Manager of @FiglioWestEnd, Yana Dolokhanova!

Yana:    Hi Joel, thanks for having me!

@FiglioWestEnd used to be at #CalhounSqaure, and then was recently opened at the @ShopsWestEnd. Lets learn more about it!

Please explain the story of the Reboot of the restaurant and what the concept of it is?

Yana:    Figlio shut down its iconic doors in 2009 and reopened as figlio 2.0 in a fresh location in the ‘burbs!

Although figlio started in Uptown, it’s no longer an Uptown concept. If you look at Uptown, it consists of a lot of bars

and cheaper food. Diners who grew up with Figlio have traded their Uptown walkups for two-car garages.

Executive Chef J.P. Samuelson is carrying on the Figlio legacy by balancing old classics and new creations.

Staying true to people’s fave signature dishes while introducing new Northern Italian & Mediterranean-inspired flavors

For those that remember the original location, were any items from the former menu brought to the new one?

Yana:    Absolutely. Diners can reminisce and enjoy old faves such as Joe’s Eggs, Calamari, Ravioli, Tortellini, and Pizzas

It was important for us to pay respects to the history of the original figlio & our focus was on revival of the former

vibe and personality, rather than reinvention.

The #MediterraneanDiet has been growing in popularity. Any #GF or Lo-Cal offerings on the menu?

Yana:    For Lo-Cal options, I’d recommend our homemade chicken soup, caprese salad, and chicken skewers. No current GF options

What have been some of your popular menu options since you opened?

Yana:    Grilled chicken wings, cavatappi, roasted butternut squash cappelletti, & of course plenty of Happy Hour items!

What are some of the popular desserts available?

Yana:    Death by chocolate is a huge favorite. The tiramisu is also a classic favorite.

In addition to good food, what special drinks can people get at the restaurant?

Yana:    Diners can expect creative drinks with expert Mixologist Johnny Michaels behind the cocktail menu.

The salty caramel lemon drop, lindsey lohan, & honey crisp appletini. And let’s not forget The Figlio bloody Mary…

there’s still no better way to enjoy a Sunday than with this award-winning Minneapolis cocktail.

What can 2 people expect to pay for a meal on average and what are the hours of operation?

Yana:    Depends on the 2 people! If you’re thinking app, entree each, and wine you’re looking at about $60-$75. However,

for those who are budget conscious, it’s not difficult for us to accomodate! Especially with our Happy Hour specials.

Hours: Monday – Wednesday 11am – 10pm, Thursday 11am – 11pm, Friday – Saturday 11am – Midnight, Sunday 11am – 10pm.

We offer twice a day Happy Hour during the week and an all day $3 Sunday Funday Happy Hour!

Is there event/party space available? Any special events or menu items coming up soon?

Yana:    Nobody throws a party better than us, we’ve got a unique private dining room

that is fully customizable to the size of your group. We can accommodate full private events,

semi-private if you don’t mind people watching, or you can rent out the whole place if that’s how you roll.

We’re like a reverse mullet; party in the front and business in the back. As far as events,

we have Late Night Trivia every Wednesday, hosted by @triviamafia. Show off useless knowledge & win cool stuff!

Joel:    Thanks for your time and input today Yana. Have a great afternoon!

Yana:    It’s been a pleasure, thank you!

@MNMOmag readers will want to be sure to check out @rachel_hutton’s review of @FiglioWestEnd – http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/January-2013/Figlio/ …

This interview was conducted on March 22,2013.

Hello everyone! Lets learn about the retractable roof restaurant in DWNTWN Minneapolis called @UNIONMpls. How are you Yana D.?

Yana:    Hi Joel! Very well thank you. Thanks for having us!

Good to hear! :) To start off with so that people have a reference point, where are you located and what’s near you?

Yana:    UNION is located right on the corner of 8th and Hennepin on an iconic Minny location – the old Shinders building!

a block away from @CRAVEamerica in LaSalle Plaza, for an easy reference point :)

Nice tie-in! There are a lot of restaurants in downtown Minneapolis. Why add another one, and why a retractable roof?

Yana:    To bring an exciting new dining experience to the Twin Cities! UNION is a blend of talent, design, and culture.

The rooftop was our way of bringing dining into the future. It allows guests to enjoy a rooftop dining year-round!

no matter what the weather has in store for us!

What outdoor temp is the “guide” for opening the roof? On a sunny day, does the staff get to wear sunglasses?

Yana:    I’d say it’s arbitrary…however, we’ll play it safe and say temps in the 60s! Sunglasses TBD :)

The building that you’re in is several floors, what makes up the restaurant, and what’s on the other floors?

Yana:    The restaurant is made up of the main dining room, w/ rustic design & decor paying respects to the building history

We have our unique retractable glass rooftop upstairs. And the basement level is Marquee (@MarqueeMpls) – our nightlife option

Good to know.  What is the price range for entrees on the menu, and are any of the ingredients from local sources?

Yana:    UNION has an incredible menu. Exec Chef Jim Christiansen brings his talent, passion, & imagination to his hometown

but without any pretentiousness or gimmicks. Nothing on our menu (except for the seafood share plate) is over $30.

Entrees from $14 – $29, Snacks & Appetizers range from $3 – $14, & desserts are $9. Lunch averages in the $12 range.

We use locally sourced ingredients when possible -This changes with the seasons as different products become available

Some local faves include Kadejan Chicken for poultry, Love Tree Farms for cheese & Kalona Organics for specialty dairy

Great! Peoples diets needs have been changing lately. Do you offer any #GlutenFree or #LoCal dishes on your menu?

Yana:    There is no notation of gluten free on the menu, but there are options

Executive Chef Jim Christensen will be happy to accommodate to dietary needs.

As far as low-cal, I’d suggest the oysters or salads with dressing on the side…Oh, and water ;)

However, if you’re going to have a “cheat day,” do it at UNION – you will thoroughly enjoy yourself & be glad you did

Wonderful. What have been some of the more popular dishes and desserts on the menu so far?

Yana:    However, if you’re going to have a “cheat day,” do it at UNION – you will thoroughly enjoy yourself & be glad you did

Some of my personal faves are the Scallops, Cheese Plate, & Caramel Mousse dessert – very popular

Yummy! How is the restaurant for handling large groups or events? Is catering an option as well?

Yana:    UNION is a great venue for a wide variety of events, from social outings and business lunches, to private parties!

Lately we’ve seen a lot of young professionals groups & non-profits looking to organize networking events

which we’ve had a blast hosting. We also can accommodate full buyouts!

Sun-Wed Marquee (@MarqueeMpls) is available for private parties, meetings, photoshoots, you name it!

Think of the open space as a blank canvas w/ stylish decor & state of the art sound system customized for any event!

What are the hours of operation, and are there any menu #specials going on right now?

Yana:    The rooftop is open for lunch M-F 11:30am-2pm. Cocktail hour Sun-Thurs 4pm-6pm & 10pm -11 pm and Fri-Sat 10pm-11pm

Dinner on both levels starts at 5pm daily. Main level Cocktail hour is Sun-Thurs (bar area only) 4pm-6pm

It may seem a little complicated but you can find all our hours listed here – http://bit.ly/UolmTn

We have an upcoming Valentine’s Day 5-Course Tasting Menu so you can spend it under the stars :)

Oh, and Marquee Nighclub (@MarqueeMpls) is open to the public Thurs- Sat starting at 10pm.

Joel:    Thank you for your time today Yana and for sharing some great information about #UNION. Have a great afternoon!

Yana:    Thanks so much Joel, it’s been a pleasure tweeting with you :)

Hello everyone! If you’ve read a @MNMOmag lately, you’ve probably seen the name @TimGihring, multiple times. Lets learn about him!

Welcome @TimGihring! Tell us a little bit about your background. Where did you grow up, go to school and what interested you?

Tim:    Milwaukee suburbs in the 70s/80s. Neighbors: brewery workers, cops, insurance salesmen. It was like Laverne/Shirley.

In HS a Brit Lit teach asked what I wanted to do with my life. I saw an issue of TIME there and said, write for mags.

Loved the Milwaukee Public Museum, which was/is full of dioramas of buffalo hunts, elephants.. Great place to dream.

Did you write say for the HS paper, or did you take more of a serious approach to writing in college?

Tim:    Wrote for HS paper, was quickly moved to columnist where I wouldn’t have to interview anyone. I called the principal..

I’d called the principal at home when she was throwing a party to ask about an ice rink. She was not thrilled.

My HS column got me into a different kind of trouble after calling the basketball players pituitary cases.

The column was a mix of opinion, serious commentary, and outright fiction. Not unlike a magazine, perhaps.

At the U’s J school, I was getting bad grades for using too many adjectives and metaphors. So I decided to go into..

I studied advertising. Joined the U’s Ad Club. Was set to be a copywriter until I graduated and was hired by the AP.

You definitely like to “stir the pot”. So what led you to come to MN from WI and work for @MNMOmag? The weather? :)

Tim:    Learned about MN from Dylan bios, was fascinated by Dinkytown. First week here I tracked down his old pals.

Also, WI/MN reciprocity: back in the day, I paid far less in tuition to go to the U than MN students.

This was in the early 90s, and the West Bank hadn’t changed that much since Dylan’s day. Saw where he came from.

I’d quit the AP in ’99 to travel (India) and first started working for @MNMOmag in ’00.

What kinds of things did you cover for @MNMOmag when you first started? Has the magazine biz changed much since then?

Tim:    First thing I wrote for @MNMOmag: an essay about visiting Laurie Ingalls Wilder museum with a Japanese friend.

Visiting from Japan, all she wanted was to visit Walnut Grove. Buying souvenirs turned into a major culture clash.

Wrote about a Hmong pastor who disappeared in Laos. Rural auctions. Judy Garland Festival in Grand Rapids.

There were tears, apologies, and some pewter Little House figures. That essay led to my full-time hiring

Mags have less room now, fewer pages, tighter budgets, thus less room to play.

5 years ago, you’d decamp outstate for three days to report, fly to Mexico, etc. Not since the recession.

That said, mags still offer the best opportunity for storytelling, in words/pics that I can think of @MNMOmag

When you’re not writing a story or doing research, what do you like to do, or where do you go to relax in the TC’s?

Tim:    I show photography at Studiopolis in the Northrup King Building. XC skiing when I can: Wirth Park is my backyard.

Sparks is my local resto. Shopping at BlackBlue. The Cedar, Fitz.

Also subscribe to ridic # of mags: New Yorker, Nat’l Geo, Smithsonian. I’m a serial subscriber.

Joel:    I know that you’ve got to be going, so thank you for your time and sharing some of your thoughts on #MNMOtv today! Take care. :)

Tim:    Thanks, Joel!