Welcome to Greater St. Cloud | St. Cloud Shines

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Welcome to Greater St. Cloud

Just up the road from the Twin Cities is a cluster of communities known for a little bit of everything: small-town comforts, big-city conveniences, outdoor recreation, cultural diversity, inspiring art and entertainment. We like living here. We know you will too.

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#StCloudShines Stories

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Dec 30

@laneyandsy is one of the only children’s-specific boutiques in Central MN and is a truly special place. Owned by Emma Johnson, the store is named after her two kids, who you’ll frequently see in their shop in Sauk Rapids. “We really have fun with the business, and it’s truly family-run. Everything we do and offer is tailored for children, and our space is entirely kid-friendly. We want parents and grandparents to be able to enjoy their shopping experience and to create something special when they stop in,” shared Emma.

“Laney and Sy – my littles – are who are featured in our content, too. I pride the shop on having items you won't find at Target, Amazon, or other big-box stores. We’re really choosy about what we bring in so that every item is special.”

While Laney and Sy is Emma’s full-time gig, she still works at the birthing unit at the St. Cloud hospital. “I’m a casual employee there and have two employees at the store who are also nurses in the Birthing Unit. I grew up in St. Cloud and currently live in Sauk Rapids. I think this area has a lot of potential for small businesses to grow. Not only is it great for small businesses, but it’s such a wonderful place for families. This area has multiple parks that my kids and I can walk to, which we love! We enjoy visiting the local bakery after school and getting out and about. We always try to support local businesses because we know how important they are to our community,” said Emma.

“We just really appreciate every order we get, either online or from an in-store purchase. Big brands like Walmart aren’t going to do a happy dance from your purchase, but I sure will! Supporting local makes an impact. We appreciate all customers and anyone who helps spread the word about our shop. The patronage from our community is so appreciated, and sharing your experience or tagging us your little one in a photo helps so much.”

Learn more in our latest #StCloudShines story linked in our bio!

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Dec 19

The Bloom Room is a stunning new event space right here in Central MN! #StCloudShines

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Dec 16

Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen is a nurse practitioner, flower farmer, public speaker, author, remarried widow, mom of two girls, and the owner of Sunny Mary Meadow, a sixth-generation flower farm in St. Joseph. She’s also the host of the Rooted Agritourism Podcast. The Bloom Room is a new event space on her flower farm property.

“From intimate gatherings to memorable celebrations, this venue is the premier place to host your small- to mid-sized event in central Minnesota. With customizable options, including full floral design and event planning services, your time here can be as simple or as dressed-up as you envision,” shared Liz. “I want people to have options when it comes to hosting gatherings like Showers, Rehearsal Dinners, Retreats, Team Building Events, Birthday or Anniversary parties, Memorials or Celebrations of Life, Workshops, Reunions, Banquets, Socials… you get it! If you need a great space for a group, this is a great option.”

“Building an event space was a natural next step for me. Sunny Mary Meadow has grown in tandem with my passion for agritourism in MN. The less distance flowers travel, the longer they last. By hosting events here on the farm, guests get to experience what I wake up to every morning. This space is the perfect example of agritourism in Stearns County. The Bloom Room is about growing connection, community, and creativity from the same soil that’s been farmed for more than a century,” explained Liz.

“Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. Our à la carte retreat offerings feature local experts like yoga instructors, cookie decorators, and wellness professionals, who teach workshops and offer experiences during events. For catering, we partner with local restaurants to keep the menu seasonal and community-focused. We also allow guests to bring their own food (potluck-style) and alcohol for their own events. In our new FARMacy area (a store attached to The Bloom Room), we’ll sell products made here in Central MN. It’s our way of celebrating local makers and connecting our guests with the talent right in our backyard.”

Check out the full #StCloudShines story and learn more about The Bloom Room via the link in our bio!

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Dec 8

Experience the tranquility and relaxing health that Spa De Tete head spa offers! #StCloudShines

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Dec 5

@spadetete, located in the Park Salon Suites in Waite Park, is a private, relaxing, intimate spa, designed with great detail to provide the ultimate spa experience for guests. You’ll unwind in a setting of low lights, zen music, and a cozy bed. Owners and Head Spa Specialists Rachel and Cindy use a high-resolution camera that provides in-depth insight into your hair and scalp health. “Using state-of-the-art tools gives us detailed imaging, perfect for identifying skin concerns, dead skin cell build-up, follicle blockage, and oil secretion - just to name a few. We use special massage techniques and plant-based products that are not only effective, but smell amazing.”

“It has been exciting and challenging to help people understand the benefits of a head spa and get the word out about what we offer. We’ve been busy, but we’d love for more people in the community to be aware of the services we offer. Talking about the benefits - and importance - of detoxifying the scalp is something we’re passionate about and proud to offer. It's always exciting to share the head spa treatments with new guests eager to experience a new kind of relaxation. A head massage while listening to calming music always tends to bring clients to a new level of peaceful tranquility. Some guests drift off or even fall asleep!”

“A head spa improves scalp health – deep cleansing removes impurities such as dead skin buildup, oils, product buildup, and follicle blockage. Our services promote healthy hair growth and help oily scalps by regulating oil sebum production. Scalp massages can also ease tightness from stress, relieving headaches and tension. Many people enjoy the soothing sounds, warm water, the halo feature, steam, and aromatherapy. As we always say – Happy scalp, Happy hair!”

Learn more about Spa De Tete in our latest #StCloudShines Story, linked in our bio!

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Nov 30

Calling all creative! Check out Nesse Collective in St. Cloud! #StCloudShines

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Nov 26

@nessecollective on Wilson Ave, on the east side of St. Cloud, is a studio rental space built by a Photographer, for Photographers. “It’s not just a studio, it’s a space built for photographers by a photographer who knows what it’s like to start small, dream big, and need a place that feels welcoming,” shared owner Samantha Nesse. “I’ve rented plenty of beautiful studios, but I wanted one that also felt personal and supportive. This space is designed to encourage connection, community, and creativity all at once, and I think that’s what sets it apart.”

“The idea for Nesse Collective grew from years of renting other studios and always picturing how I’d design one of my own. My dad and great-grandma were both photographers, so creating this space feels like continuing that story, but also giving other photographers and creatives a place to build theirs.”

Samantha was born and raised in Central Minnesota. “I’ve always loved it here. It’s home. The people, the pace, the sense of community, it’s where I’ve built my life and my family. I’ve been so lucky to connect with other small businesses here in Central Minnesota. Lovely Little Details helped style parts of the studio and our Christmas setups, Green Thumb has provided floral for our events, and I’ve collaborated with local artists and makers for giveaways and grab bags. I love finding ways to cross-promote and lift each other up, that’s what makes our East End creative community so special.”

“Being part of this community has been such a gift, especially fellow businesses on the east side,” continued Samantha. “There’s this genuine sense of connection here; people genuinely want to see each other succeed. Other business owners have been so supportive and welcoming, and it feels like everyone is rooting for one another. I love that I can build something meaningful while being surrounded by people who care about community just as much as I do.”

Learn more in our latest #StCloudShines Story linked in our bio!

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Nov 21

Henry's Heroes is an amazing nonprofit in our area! Learn more about their story on our blog. #StCloudShines

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