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Have you ever heard of (or participated in) the Earth Day 5k? How about the Sartell Apple Duathlon? The Clearwater Graniteman Triathlon? All of these are organized by our friends at Active Central MN. But Active Central MN is about more than a single race event. And it’s about more than five race events each year. Active Central MN exists to promote well-being — individual and community well-being — throughout Central Minnesota.

Have you ever heard of (or participated in) the Earth Day 5k? How about the Sartell Apple Duathlon? The Clearwater Graniteman Triathlon? All of these are organized by our friends at Active Central MN. But Active Central MN is about more than a single race event. And it’s about more than five race events each year. Active Central MN exists to promote well-being — individual and community well-being — throughout Central Minnesota.

Arbor Hair Studio has been part of the Greater St. Cloud Community since 2017, but owner Michelle Meier has been in the industry since 2003. “I opened a salon that uses safe, holistic, and naturally derived ingredients in our products. We were the first Green Circle Salon in Central Minnesota, which means we recycle hair, foils, and everything else we’re able to.”

Kinder Coffee Lab started in the spring of 2020 as a coffee roaster. They were in the process of trying to open a coffee shop, but the world shut down. So, they did what many businesses had to do, and pivoted. Their business became one that roasted coffee and shipped delicious beans all over the state. No one was going out for coffee at the time, so Kinder brought the coffee to them.

Paige Meyer launched HollyBlue Permanent Jewelry less than a year ago after falling in love with the idea of permanent jewelry and finding there were no local businesses that offered it. “I had been dreaming and planning to one day own my own business - I just didn’t know to what extent that would be. I knew I wanted it to be tied to fashion in some way, and when I discovered permanent jewelry I knew it was the perfect way for me to begin a business. I started the business process in the beginning of May 2022 and by June 1st launched HollyBlue to the public.”

Every February, we honor the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who have helped shape our nation by celebrating Black History Month. In addition to celebrating as a nation during the month of February, you can take part in local celebrations, too. Mark your calendars to join Higher Works Collaborative for the 4th annual Black Excellence Celebration from Friday, February 17th through Sunday, February 19th.