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Spotlight on Business

Khazana

1/24/2020

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Anju Kataria started Khazana, now in it’s 12th year in its current home at 2225 Lyndale Ave, nearly 30 years ago. After residing on Nicollet Mall for many years followed by a brief stint on Marquette Ave, it became clear that downtown was no longer a viable home for Khazana.  Previously the home of Lyndale House Antiques for 29 years, Anju had kept her eye on their current location on Lyndale Avenue for years. When the opportunity came along to purchase the building, Anju and her family came together and acquired the property through a team effort in what Anju describes as “truly a dream come true.” Despite the years spent downtown, Khazana has found its home in Whittier. The signature British phone booth on the front lawn was a holdover from the previous owner and provides a landmark for many passersby. 

When you walk into Khazana you are greeted by splashes of color and warmth that immediately transport you away from the rush of Lyndale Avenue. The entryway is a garden-like oasis with lush plants and statues, the main room features large jewelry cases displaying a colorful variety of necklaces, earrings and other decorative items. The back rooms of the shop have individual focuses such as textiles adorned in colorful ornaments and tapestries with chairs and tables providing comfort, each one unique and inviting. The products are an eclectic mix of goods ranging from home items such as candles and cookbooks to Khazana’s own tea mixes. Anju proudly says she sells “Everything you want, nothing that you need,” adding that she would never sell anything she doesn’t love or would not put in her own home. There are items at all prices ranging anywhere from 50 cents to over a thousand dollars.

While Khazana is the home of the business and a means to display the art, Anju sees it as  a place of learning;the desire to showcase the skills of the artists and craftspeople whose works are sold at Khazana is at the heart of their mission. Anju seeks to give a voice to the story of each piece sold at her shop. She works directly with the artisans to ensure that they are receiving fair value for their work and to add the personal depth for the customer. She proudly displays a hand-painted tapestry from her most recent trip to India, featuring an elaborate design on hand-woven textile created by a time-consuming process of washing the fabric between each layer in a nearby river (check out the product and process on their December 14th Instagram post). She explains how this craft is critical to the well being of the artisan’s family and the time-honored tradition he is carrying forward she is also quick to add you should “never haggle with a craftsman; pay its worth,” an embodiment of the appreciation she has for the artist. 

Anju travels to India at least once a year to find new artisans to  feature at her store. Her travels and talking about them with customers gave way to the revelation that there could be no better way to exhibit the connection between the artisan and consumer than to show them both first-hand. In 2016 she took a small group to India with her and has brought a small group every year since. She enjoys the opportunity to share “her” India with people and highlight the tribal regions and artists that may otherwise remain unknown. While she enjoys these experiences, she is adamant about keeping the experiences limited to an intimate group size, t the largest being a group of 8.
As she gets older, and now 30 years into the business, Anju admits she is less concerned about the retail aspect of the business and sees Khazana as more of a collective and a space to grow. She hosts weekly meditation and yoga sessions and numerous artisan events throughout the year including workshops. Stay tuned to their website, Facebook, and Instagram page for details on upcoming opportunities. She also collaborates with the broader art community including Mia, the Guthrie Theater, and the Southern Theater to showcase the artists and crafts she has spent a lifetime curating. 

Through carefully curated spaces and a passion for the work on display in the store, Anju has created a unique experience in Khazana. She remarks that when many people come in, they note having passed by many times without stopping in and she we certainly encourage people to take the leap, you will likely find or learn something you didn't know before. Every piece in Khazana has a story, and Anju is happy to be the storyteller and to connect people in any small way she can. “Khazana” is the Urdu word for “treasure.” and while it pertains to the items within the store we think it applies to the store as a whole: one of Whittier’s most plainly hidden treasures. 

Website: 
http://www.khazana.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KhazanaMinneapolis/
Instagram: @khazanamsp

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Spotlight on Retail

12/18/2019

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While Whittier is best known for it’s amazing restaurants, the neighborhood is home to an amazing mix of businesses and this spotlight features some of the amazing retail options right here in Whittier. As the holiday gift season is in full swing consider stopping by any of these amazing neighborhood options for that last minute gift.
Khazana (2225 Lyndale Ave S)
​Khazana is an eclectic mix of, with a mission of supporting local and international craftspeople the quality and uniqueness of the products sold at Khazana won’t be found anywhere else. Stop by the store or check out their website and Etsy Shop to view all the treasures to be found. 
Hours:

Mon, Tue:  Closed
Wed-Sat: 11:00am-7:00pm
​Sun: 12:00-5:00pm

Cliche (2403 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55405)
This women specific boutique is known for its colorful mix of unique yet simple items. Using the mantra "Easy, Interesting, Beautiful" Cliche boasts a wide selection of clothing, jewelry and accessories. 
Hours:

Mon-Sat: 11:00am-7:00pm
​Sun: 12:00-6:00pm

Buffalo Exchange (2727 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408)
Mon-Sat: 11am-8pm
Sun: 11am-7pm


Pharmacie (2743 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408)
Located on the corner of 28th and Lyndale, Pharmacie specializes in men’s clothing, accessories as well as home goods and other gifts. From large ticket items such as tables and chairs to smaller gifts, Pharmacie is worth the stop.
Hours:

Mon-Fri: 12-7pm
Sat: 11am-7pm
Sun: 11am-5pm

Karmel Mall
Karmel Mall is home to a great variety of vendors and shops and is the commercial and cultural hub of the East African communities of Whittier. Vendors in Karmel range from beauty and hair products, rug stores, vibrant clothing and much more. Take a visit and see what you may find. 
Hours: 
Daily 8am-10:30pm*
*individual vendor hours may vary


 b. Resale (2613 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408)
This second hand store has become a pillar on Eat Street. In addition to an eclectic variety of clothes on the shelves, b.Resale also often has a rotating cast of pop-up artists and makers selling unique goods. Between the guests and the gems hidden on the racks you are sure to find a new signature item at b.Resale.
Hours: 

Mon-Fri: 11am-7pm
Sat: 10am-7pm
Sun: 12-5pm

Cheapo (2600 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408)
This Minneapolis staple has been a favorite of music lovers for years. Relocating to Whittier from their uptown roots four years ago Cheapo has been quickly become an anchor at 26th and Nicollet. In addition to rows upon rows of all your favorite bands on vinyl, casette or CD, Cheapo also features extensive collections of posters and t-shirts from music and pop culture and a movie section. 
Hours:
Mon-Sun: 10am - 10pm


Greater Goods (2515 Nicollet Ave b, Minneapolis, MN 55404)
Greater Goods gift shop, offers a variety of small home goods from local and craft designers. Items like candles, lotions, art Greater Goods is the perfect place to find the perfect gift you didn’t know was perfect. A portion of Greater Goods sales are contributed annually to a local non-profit.
Hours:
Mon: Closed
Tue-Fri: 11am - 7pm
Sat: 10am - 7pm
Sun: 10am - 5pm


Once Upon a Crime (604 W 26th St, Minneapolis, MN 55405)
Once Upon a Crime bookstore has been in it’s unique Whittier garden location for over 30 years. One of the unique gems of Whittier, Once Upon a Crime is a nationally known bookstore for it's mystery focus, keep your eye on their calendar for their many book readings and signings. Their Annex also features an extensive collection of second hand classics.
Hours:
Mon: 11am - 5:30pm
Tue, Wed,Thurs: 11am - 6:30pm
Fri, Sat: 11am - 5:30pm
​Sun: Closed

Electric Fetus
(2000 S 4th Ave)

One of Whittier’s longest standing institutions Electric Fetus has carved out it’s name with musicians and music lovers alike over the last 50 years. In addition to rows of classics and the latest releases the Fetus has a large gift section featuring toys, candy, t-shirts, hats, memorabilia and many more quirky items
Hours:

M-F: 9am - 9pm
Sat; 9am - 8pm
Sun: 11am - 6pm 
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Galactic Pizza

10/18/2019

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The colorful yellow facade, distinctive sign, red door and checkered wall on the patio make Galactic Pizza one of Lyndale Avenues most recognizable businesses. However, the 14 year staple of Lyn-Lake situated at 2917 Lyndale Ave, is likely most well known for it’s Super Hero costume-clad workers, but beyond that is a robust business with a serious dedication to quality and sustainable practices.
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2 and a half years ago John Wackerman bought Galactic. The New Jersey native has had a passion for pizza for over 25 years, traveling up and down the Eastern seaboard from Florida to Maine, and of course New York, searching for the best and most creative pizzas. When it came time for his kids to start looking at colleges, they both looked heavily in the Midwest, including the University of Minnesota; at that point John, working as a 6th grade math teacher, decided it was time for a change. The opportunity arose to buy Galactic Pizza, and after conversations with his family, they decided to make the leap. The family packed up, trading the ocean for lakes and entered the pizza business. 

While it can be easy to focus on the colorful exterior and the super hero-themed decors, it’s important to remember that behind all of it is some really good pizza and dedication to a top quality product. John has put his years of painstaking pizza research (eating) to work by crafting a truly unique and inspired menu. Motivated by ensuring that there is a “pie” for everyone, Galactic has options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free customers. They have a large selection of appetizers, salads, and specialty pizzas you won’t find anywhere else. Ranging from namesake The Galactic, featuring homemade hemp pesto, to the Maui Wowie--which pairs the ever-controversial pizza topping of pineapple--with jalapeno for a little kick, everyone is bound to find something on the Galactic menu. Beer, wine, and ciders are available, and a daily happy hour menu runs from 4-6pm and 9-11pm. Galactic is committed to using organic and environmentally-conscious ingredients whenever possible and also attempts to source products locally when in season. This effort is part of the larger mission of Galactic Pizza and one that distinguishes it from other businesses almost as much as the super hero capes. 

A key component to the mission of Galactic Pizza is the many environmental initiatives they undertake. The company emphasizes a reduced environmental impact whenever possible and make great effort to follow through. They use a complete waste diversion program emphasizing organic waste recycling; notably, the amount of waste the restaurant produces on a weekly basis fits into a residential sized trash can. They use renewable wind energy to power the restaurant and provide a fleet of 100% electric cars to their delivery drivers, making it a nearly zero emission operation. When asked why he emphasizes these measures, John’s answer is simple and to the point, invoking an internal sense of responsibility by saying: “It’s in his values…[the climate crisis] is undeniable”. te Though the measures he takes require a little extra work, he feels they are ultimately not that difficult and readily available with the benefit far outweighing the cost. 

When asked if after several years of making the switch from hobby to vocation he still holds the same passion, John does admit that there has been a shift in perspective, and after the first 4-5 months of small business ownership he wondered if he had made a mistake. He cites growing pains/problems not uncommon to small business ownership including long hours, employee turnover, staffing and equipment problems. However, after a couple years and little stability he’s happy to report that he still likes pizza and seeks out other pizza spots at his leisure. He also adds with a laugh, “I eat a lot of pizza”. John has felt supported by his adopted city and glad he landed in a neighborhood “that stands on their values”. The Whittier neighborhood is happy to have a neighbor so committed and appreciates the model they set in the business community. (And, of course, their delicious pies.)

NOTE: Whittier Alliance has partnered with Hennepin County to promote and assist businesses in accessing County grant funding to improve or implement recycling and organics waste. Contact business@whittieralliance.org if you are interested in knowing more about these programs.
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The Wedge Table

5/14/2019

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The Wedge Co-op has been a Whittier institution on Lyndale Avenue for 40 years, so their expanded presence on Nicollet with the Wedge Table was a natural fit. Coming up on 4 years of operation now at 2412 Nicollet Avenue, occupying the space formerly held by Han Nguyen Super Market, The Wedge Table has become a staple of Nicollet Avenue. Equal parts cafe, gathering space, and neighborhood market, The Wedge Table features a robust grab-and-go selection of pre-made salads, sandwiches, and more for all diets in addition to a made-to-order menu. All ingredients are organically, sustainably and locally sourced when possible. The menu is rotated seasonally to keep maintain new customer experiences and to match the availability of fresh of ingredients and produce. The Wedge Table also offers a limited grocery selection, though only maintaining about 15% of the grocery space of the flagship store on Lyndale Ave; still, the inventory serves its purpose well: picking up the couple items you need to complete your evening meal, a quick and healthy lunch on the go, or that pint of ice cream for your evening Netflix binge.

The Wedge Table is much more than a restaurant and grocery store. Most cooperative models are governed by 7 guiding principles, the seventh of which being “concern for community,” a principle that The Wedge Table and The Wedge Co-op family of businesses have exemplified time and again. The Change Matters program allows customers the option to round up their transactions to the nearest dollar with proceeds being donated to a local non-profit organization. This program consistently helps generate over $10,000 for partner organizations each year. New to this year's program is a partner product program in which a portion of all proceeds of the partnering products sales are donated to a charity of their choice.

The Wedge Table also features two community gathering spaces: the Community Room and Classroom spaces, which can be rented separately or jointly for larger events. The Classroom includes a full kitchen for cooking demonstrations and classes. Non-profit organizations, community groups, cooperative organizations, and Wedge and Linden Hills Co-op owners are eligible for two free rentals per month. Beyond this, the room is available for rent at just $10 per hour. Social events and businesses are charged at a rate of $50 per hour.


In addition to these community-oriented amenities, keep an eye on the Wedge Table's calendar for the frequent events they host to further connect community members and other organizations. A recent example is the partnership established with The Children's Theatre Company this past winter to provide discounted tickets and healthy meals for children and families attending CTC’s production of "Dr. Seuss' The Grinch Who Stole Christmas." Looking ahead to the summer, the Wedge Table will host Family Fridays in partnership with other organizations every third Friday from 10am-12pm. These free events feature crafts, singing, dancing and other activities catered to kids ages 6 and under, as well as a recurring free yoga class Wednesdays and Sundays. The Wedge Table also partners with the Whittier Alliance and the Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association (LHENA) as one of the community drop sites for the Community Organics Program which allows people who live in buildings not yet eligible for City organics bins the opportunity to recycle their organic waste.

In it’s short time on Eat Street, the Wedge Table has become a mainstay and asset for the Whittier neighborhood, continuing their story of partnership and community investment. The Whittier Alliance is glad to call them our neighbor.

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Whittier Farmers Market

9/28/2018

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Calvary Baptist Church has stood at the corner of 26th Street and Blaisdell Avenue for over 130 years. The bell tower is one of the most recognizable features of the Whittier neighborhood, visible as soon as you cross the 26th St bridge. Pastor Jeff Cowmeadow has been with Calvary Church for over 30 years, and has continually sought out ways to engage community members, to bring people together, and make Calvary Church a welcoming space for the community regardless of faith or affiliation.
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The Whittier Farmers Market (WFM) is the product of that desire. Now in its third year WFM is about “much more than vegetables” as Market Manager Emma Nichols, who is in her second year with the market, puts it. In its three-year existence the Market has become a place of community and a gathering ground--a proverbial “third place,” a term used in community building and a philosophy Pastor Jeff is passionate about. The idea is to create a place outside of the workplace and home designed to bring people together in their spare time, andand a visit to the Market any given Saturday in July through September is a testament to their success in achieving that. Features such as live music, places to sit, sidewalk chalk, great coffee, and many friendly faces, show this is a place designed for everyone to enjoy together. The Market’s  the goal of increasing accessibility to healthy foods and offering a strong variety of in-season fresh vegetables week to week is also central to the mission. 2018 marked the first full year in which the market was able to accept SNAP and EBT benefits, and Nichols is eager to continue building on and promoting those options moving forward.


Beyond these efforts the Whittier Farmers Market also serves as a place for businesses and entrepreneurs to showcase their offerings. Nichols explains that they strive for vendors who are newer to business, some of whom are setting up for the first time.The Market provides  a small, low risk environment to try things out and gauge the successes and inevitable “failures” of business. That philosophy is also carried out by their intentionally low and manageable vendor fees. This year, in partnership with Whittier Alliance, the Market has also offered a “small business incubation” program to its vendors and other neighborhood entrepreneurs, featuring free business coaching and other resources to help them navigate the many hurdles a business can face in its early stages. Whittier’s own Wesley Andrews coffee shop is an example of a vendor who used the Farmers Market as one of their jumping off points, eventually opening their brick and mortar shop in 2017 located at 111 E 26th St.

The Market is still young and has faced some growing pains, as well. Due to space constraints, they are limited in the amount of vendors they can have, which in turn limits available product in the event of late or bad harvest. Attendance was a bit down in its third year but has been generally consistent. Nichols and the team at Calvary do a great job making each week of the Market unique with themes and special events throughout the summer including an ice cream social, live mural painting, a back-to-school day in which school supplies were given away, and several  others.
When asked about their position in the neighborhood, Nichols does not hesitate to say she feels “Whittier is the best neighborhood in Minneapolis.” She explains further that the diversity of backgrounds, faiths, and nationalities in Whittier make it a great setting for the Market. She adds, with a smile, for anyone curious about the neighborhood “tell them to come to the Market!”

The Whittier Alliance is proud to support the efforts of the Whittier Farmers Market and is eager to continue building their partnership and the prominence of this “third place” moving forward. . The farmers market runs from the last weekend in June through the last weekend in September. It is a fantastic asset to the neighborhood, a great way to shop local, and a prime opportunity for community members to meet one another and learn more about their own neighborhood. Be sure to check out the last market of 2018 this Saturday, September 29th from 8:30 am--1:00 pm and say farewell until next summer.

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Flowers by Miss Bertha

7/30/2018

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Flowers by Miss Bertha is one of Whittier’s oldest businesses. Recognizable by its vine covered exterior and a simple green sign above its arched door, it has been in operation on the ground floor of 2100 Nicollet Ave since its opening in 1961. Once inside the shop is a beautiful exhibit of colors of flowers from all over the world. In addition to the flowers there other gifts and decorative features, like the small fountain that greets you inside the door, that make the store a unique experience.

Kim and Pach Nguon immigrated to the U.S from Cambodia in 1980. As they settled into a new country they worked various jobs to make ends meet when, at the encouragement of her sister, Kim took a florist position at Flowers by Miss Bertha. Under the tutelage of Miss Bertha, the job quickly took the form of an unofficial apprenticeship. Kim and Pach’s daughter Cara, who works at the store full time, recalls the teaching style of Miss Bertha from her many hours at the shop during her childhood saying it was very much a keep up or get left behind style of instruction -- a course in observation and practice rather than formal lessons. When the time came to consider the sale of her business in 1990, Miss Bertha knew she was leaving her shop in capable hands with Kim and her family.

Kim decided to keep the shop’s name as it had already been in business for 29 years and to honor the woman with whom the family remained close until her passing last year. The shop today is truly a family affair. Kim starts her day at 5am, picking up, clipping, and deftly arranging fresh flowers. Pach, who now helps out at the shop after a career as an engineer at Kare11, brings boxes in and restocks the cases. Cara tends to the shop logistics and day-to-day operations. The shop cat, Fiji, rounds out the daily staff at Flowers by Miss Bertha.

Cara emphasizes that this is an old school shop with a lot of business still being conducted over the phone and recorded with a pen and paper, a testament to a business that has been around for over 50 years. She has, however, taken steps to add a digital presence to the shop: they have a full service website for placing orders and requests for same day delivery anywhere in the metro area. Orders for same day delivery must be placed by 11:15am the day of. They offer an extensive selection of cut flowers for all occasions and also feature a “Deal of the Day” for those who may want to leave it in the hands of a professional. A quick scroll through their Facebook and Instagram pages will show you the passion put into their products. Cara says that her favorite part of the job is still the flowers and the people who order them. She is inspired by the variety of reasons people order flowers, even if it’s just a spontaneous gift, and enjoys trying to make the right arrangements for all occasions.

Cara will be taking over the business in the coming years when her parents decide to retire, ensuring that Flowers by Miss Bertha will remain family-owned and operated for years to come. So stop in and check out this gem of Whittier; between the flowers and the friendly folks working, something will surely brighten your day.  

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Once Upon A Crime

6/28/2018

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If you’re driving down 26th Street too fast, you may miss the black awning and distinctive sign of Once Upon a Crime (604 W 26th St), one of Whittier’s most unique businesses. The niche bookstore has been in business for 31 years in the same location and remained a haven for mystery enthusiasts and pillar for independent bookstores. Current owners Meg King-Abraham and Dennis Abraham purchased the business just over 2 years ago after years of being loyal customers. Their daughter, Devin Abraham, manages and oversees the daily operation of the store.

While many independent bookstores have had difficulty as the book industry has shifted to electronic models and larger chain stores, Devin credits a loyal customer base as well as, somewhat surprisingly, a surge of younger readers who still find the appeal of a hard copy book with the sustained success of the storefront. Devin estimates that Once Upon a Crime is one of 10-20 bookstores of its kind left in the United States. Once Upon a Crime does, however, also provide a selection of e-books and audiobooks which can be found on their website. They will also ship books anywhere.
A quick walk around the store will reveal how extensive the genre and selection is with sections dedicated to bestsellers, local and international authors, and a variety of topics. It is evident that this is a work of passion as Devin reminisces about bedtime stories courtesy of Arthur Conan Doyle growing up. The Abrahams are avid readers and offer personalized shopping to customers either in-store or over the phone who may be dubious of the genre. Devin is adamant that there is a book in the store for any reader. Once Upon a Crime hosts 60-70 events a year including book signings, readings, and panel discussions from local, national, and even international authors.

In addition to their main space, Once Upon a Crime also features an additional room that is home to first editions, paperbacks, and collectibles among other treasures. This space is just short walk down an apartment basement hallway from the main store kept under lock and key, The Annex trades the shelves of new books for a more rustic feel reminiscent of a study at 221B Baker Street (look it up). Devin has undertaken the daunting task of digitizing  the Annex inventory; perhaps the mystery of an unexpected find is half the fun.
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With its distinct product and its garden level location, Once Upon a Crime is one of Whittier’s most unique businesses. It has been a staple of 26th Street for more than three decades and with new passionate and dedicated ownership, it will remain that way for years to come. If you haven’t checked out this gem of Whittier, be sure to stop in. The mystery of uncovering a great book could be exactly what you need.

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Learning in Style School

5/31/2018

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Whittier is home to over 14,000 residents and is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city. Within that, we are also fortunate to be the home of many first-generation immigrants. There are many challenges associated with coming to a new country, and one of the most daunting can be the barrier of language. Learning In Style School has been helping to break down that barrier for 25 years. Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph, Learning In Style has been located in the Whittier Neighborhood for 24 years, having been previously housed in Calvary Baptist Church for 15 years before moving to their current location at 2200 Nicollet Ave in 2009.
Learning In Style has provided over 5,000 adult immigrant and refugees with English language education. They currently have 250 students: 78% from Somalia, and 22% from Asia, the Americas, and other African nations.  80% of the students are women.

The school is run by a staff of 18 people including 14 teachers, and by 30 volunteers.
In addition to their work in English Language Learning, LIS also strives to break down other areas of difficulty for new immigrants offering computer proficiency, citizenship, and math classes as a part of their curriculum. A part of Minneapolis Public Schools ESL Consortium, the school offers continuous enrollment during the year and also offers on-site childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 4 years while the parent is in English class.

Director Martha Nemesi also recognizes the difficulties students face beyond language in simply coming to a new place, and the school is proactive in addressing these needs. The school has moved to a 4 day a week class schedule and provides optional Life Skills workshops for their students on Fridays. These workshops focus on aspects of American culture that can be challenging for immigrants, including managing police interaction, legal aid, healthcare, and job related issues.    

Workshops also include off-site trips to places that may be unfamiliar or uninviting to a person in a new place. Nemesi reflects on a recent trip to Minneapolis Institute of Art, referencing the intimidating nature of the building, saying, “If I’m a stranger here I’m not going to go into that building. We want to encourage our students that these are places that belong to them as well.” That trip resulted in all participants becoming members of Mia. Another recent trip was to the Central Library, which provided a guided tour of the library and all its resources; all participants left with library cards. These trips do a great deal in encouraging students to engage with their new landscape and expand their comfort zone as new members in the community.

In addition to their great work in education and outreach, Learning In Style continues their dedication to community with their on-site second hand store, The Clothes Closet. Open every Wednesday and Thursday from 11:00am-2:00pm, The Clothes Closet provides clean, gently used clothing, housewares, bedding, and unused toiletries free of charge. When asked about the Clothes Closet’s origin Martha laughs and remarks that it was born out of one of the founding sister’s experience in thrifting, and that they “just kind of had the space”. However it is another example of how LIS strives to help their students on their journey and the community at large. The Clothes Closet is open to everyone and accepts donations during their open hours; a full list of accepted items can be found on their website.

Learning in Style School continues to demonstrate an extraordinary dedication to community by truly living up to its mission of “Empowering adult immigrants through education”, striving to be a full service stop on a person's journey to a new home. Nemesi feels “they are in the right neighborhood to serve their mission” and is grateful to have students who are “passionate about learning”. From the perspective of Whittier Alliance, the gratitude is mutual.

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Electric Fetus

1/26/2018

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When you think of Minneapolis, several things come to mind: The Chain of Lakes, The Cherry and the Spoon, Juicy Lucys, and for many music lovers, the Electric Fetus. The Minneapolis record store has anchored the northeast corner of the Whittier Neighborhood since it opened its doors in 1972. Second generation owners Stephanie & Aaron Meyerring have been running the Fetus for 10 years after the retirement of founder Keith Covart, Stephanie’s father. Both Aaron and Stephanie are quick to characterize the institution as so much more than a business or a job; it’s a community. “We are who we are because of dedicated people,” Stephanie says of the business she grew up in.

A quick tour around the store reveals much more than music. The Electric Fetus has evolved into a full-fledged shopping experience, featuring a gift shop complete with toys, candy, t-shirts, hats and many more quirky items. But if you see something you like, be sure to grab it, Stephanie warns, because it may not be there next time. The store strives to find unique vendors and rotate items as much as they can.

Visitors may also be surprised to find an equipment section housing turntables and a recently launched memorabilia section, but make no mistake -- Electric Fetus is still rooted in the music itself, boasting a wide variety of genres including new releases. The shop has counted Minnesota legend Prince and other local favorites as regular customers, but Aaron says it’s not only the high-profile clientele they like to look out for: “You could be standing next to your next favorite artist and not even know it.” Keep an eye on the Electric Fetus’ calendar, as they regularly offer free and affordable, in-store happenings to promote local acts and beyond.

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Electric Fetus owners Aaron and Stephanie Meyerring.

​In a time when the world of retail is going digital, Electric Fetus is a sensory experience that the internet cannot compete with. The racks of vinyl and CDs invite the patron to explore well beyond their original shopping list in search for that hidden gem. The smell of the store is distinct, and the creaks in the floor are a reminder that you are not in a shiny new retail space, but one cultivated by years of dedication to product and craft. Electric Fetus’ eclectic nature exemplifies the organic growth and diversity of clientele, while paying tribute to the counterculture music scene from which the concept and unique name were born.

​As the store celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, you can expect the Electric Fetus to continue celebrating its colorful legacy while looking ahead at what’s to come. The dedicated ownership, staff, and community-minded approach to business all but guarantee that Electric Fetus will remain a pillar in the Minneapolis music lexicon for years to come.
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Zeus Jones

11/29/2017

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​If you’ve ventured down Eat Street recently, it's difficult to overlook the beautiful new home of Zeus Jones at 2429 Nicollet Avenue. The business innovation and design company moved to the Whittier neighborhood in the summer of 2016 and quickly became an integral part of the landscape and community. 
The agency boasts high profile clients such as 3M, General Mills and UnitedHealthcare, but their prevailing philosophy continues to be “We Shape Businesses Starting With People”. (http://zeusjones.com/about)


​Upon settling into Whittier, Zeus Jones wanted to highlight and celebrate some of the history and places that have made this neighborhood a fantastic place to live, work, and play for years. A small team of Zeus Jones staff went to work on creating an intimate collection of stories and recipes from 14 of the diverse businesses that make Eat Street a local destination. They connected through stories about the owners, customers, and their relationship with the neighborhood, and the final product was a polished cookbook entitled From Eat Street, With Love. The book was finished and on the shelves of local retailers within 6 months of their move to Whittier with all proceeds benefitting the Whittier Alliance. For a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process behind this project check out their blog post. From Eat Street, With Love can be purchased directly from the Whittier Alliance at 10 E 25th St.

Picturenew logo by Zeus Jones for St. Stephens Human Services
Beyond the work done for Eat Street, Zeus Jones has also partnered with St. Stephen’s Human Services (2309 Nicollet Avenue South) to meet the unique needs of marketing and development for a non-profit. Born out of a personal passion for the issue of homelessness, Strategist Jen Shadowens and an engaged team worked with clients and staffers at St. Stephen’s to determine what sets them apart from other social service providers. Zeus Jones also provided rebranding and a refreshed logo, totaling 2-3 months of pro bono work for a community pillar, further demonstrating Zeus Jones’ organizational commitment to its own employees. As Kaley Brown, Community Engagement Manager for Whittier Alliance, remarked upon visiting Zeus Jones, “They recognize that their employees are passionate, engaged, and complete people who want to dedicate their skills and ideas to nonprofit causes that speak to them in addition to the work they do for their for-profit clients."  Read more on their blog.

Zeus Jones has demonstrated that they are a company that can seamlessly navigate the needs of Fortune 500 companies and the nuanced needs of small organizations. Thank you to Zeus Jones for providing innovative, forward-thinking solutions and for becoming a great piece of Whittier’s colorful fabric.
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    ⇧ تبديل اللغة
    ⇧ chuyển đổi ngôn ngữ
    ⇧ 切换语言
    ⇧ cambiar de idioma
    ⇧ badal luqad
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    ⇧ تبديل اللغة
    ⇧ chuyển đổi ngôn ngữ
    ⇧ 切换语言

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    business@whittieralliance.org

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