The ladies of Lake Minnetonka, Waconia, and Victoria came together at this year’s City Lifestyle Women & Wine event hosted at Schram Vineyards. Women business leaders mixed and mingled for an evening of meaningful conversation, connection, and, of course, great wine. Between sips and plenty of laughter, we had the opportunity to learn more about this remarkable group of women, their journeys, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the passion that drives them as entrepreneurs and community leaders.
Kristi Clay, Owner of Pet Revolution
Where do you like to hang out in the community, and why?
“Winchester & Rye. The owner, Kim, and her whole family are always in there working hard, and I love supporting that! I also love Vic’s Bar and Grill.”
Who inspired or mentored you on your entrepreneurial journey?
“The supervisor at my very first job taught me to dream big and start planning for success before success ever happened. My mother was also influential, teaching me to be thoughtful, plan, and follow through. I hope every young person has someone like these women in their life and can surround themselves with the right people.”
Jill Dawson, Agency Owner and President at Dawson & Associates of American Family Insurance
Where do you like to hang out in the community, and why?
“Schram Vineyards. This is one of my favorite places, especially since they expanded with their new building. Lola’s is also a favorite when summer comes around.”
What advice would you give to other women entrepreneurs?
“Just go for it. I think a lot of women have imposter syndrome, and it holds a lot of women back. My advice would be, don’t get paralysis over analysis. You could wait forever and never be ready, so go for it and know you’ll figure it out.”
Kayleen Lahoud, Plan with Kayleen, State Farm Insurance Agent
Where do you like to hang out in the community, and why?
“Lola’s Lakehouse. I love to be on the lake. Watching the sunset. Eating great food with good friends. It’s the best place. The Bakery on Main is also my favorite go-to spot to get a coffee for me and my team.”
When it comes to your business, what is a word or phrase you live by?
“Family. I want my clients to feel comfortable and my team to feel like they’re family. I always strive to create an atmosphere that feels like home—where we’re there for each other, just as we would be for our own families.”
Ashley Neutgens, Marketing Manager & Coordinator at Something to Crow About
Where do you like to hang out in the community, and why?
“Crow River Winery. We went there as a whole team for a Murder Mystery night, and it was so fun between the great food and the theatrics.”
What advice would you give to other women entrepreneurs?
“Speaking for Jenny Christensen, who is the owner and entrepreneur, she would say, ‘Work your butt off.’ You’ll meet people who don’t believe in you and push back, but don’t let that stop you from achieving your goals and dreams. You’re capable of what you set your mind to.”
Suz Stiyer, Owner of Zoomin Groomin Carver County
Where do you like to hang out in the community, and why?
“I come to Schram Vineyards a lot, and Sizzle Street is one of my absolute favorites. I also like to hang out at my 20-acre farm, where I board horses. I host riding lessons with friends, and then afterward we socialize, enjoying some wine, crackers, and brie. It’s a great time.”
Who inspired or mentored you on your entrepreneurial journey?
“That would be Kelly Wyatt, the person who got me into the Zoomin Groomin business. He encouraged me and was always there to answer my questions. He was a very positive and patient person while I decided whether I wanted to become an entrepreneur. My parents also. They’ve always said, ‘You can do what you want to do.’ Having those kinds of people who are a positive influence helps so much.”
Megan VanEyll, Owner of Shape It Up Fitness
Where do you like to hang out in the community, and why?
“Island View Golf Club, because I love to play golf with my husband or friends, and I also play in the Ladies League, which is a ton of fun.”
Can you share a defining moment that shaped your path as an entrepreneur?
“When I was working for someone else and putting in so much effort, I saw that I could really be doing it instead for myself. I was doing the same work I do now—but giving away my time, energy, money, and expertise. I thought, why not open my own fitness business and athleisure store? Managing it all has its pros and cons, but it’s also the most rewarding experience.”
Donna Tarantino-Walker, Marketing Manager for HLI Home Renovators
Where do you like to hang out in the community, and why?
“We’re at the Noble Lion once a week. Sometimes twice! In the summer, we love heading to Sovereign Estate and Schram Vineyards.”
What advice would you give to other women entrepreneurs?
“You have to be committed and focused on what you want to accomplish. Make it a point to sit down and create a plan. It doesn’t matter what type of business you have; you can’t do it by the seat of your pants. You need a strategy and to understand the purpose of why you want it. Without that, you’ll struggle.”
You could wait forever and never be ready, so go for it and know you’ll figure it out.