By Peggah Navab
Be sure to mark Maiden Minnesota 2012 on your calendars for this week. It’s happening this Friday, a little earlier than the usual November date, at the Graves Hotel in downtown Minneapolis from 5-10 p.m.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with Maiden Minnesota, it’s an annual charity event that turns shopping into a girl’s night out. The collaborative creation of two successful Twin Cities fashion and PR professionals, Tracy Dyer and Jen Stack, the event was launched in 2007 in an attempt to bolster local women-owned businesses and spread the word about the Twin Cities’ vibrant design community.
There will be more than 30 maidens represented, featuring everything from fashion, jewelry, and cosmetics, to home décor and gourmet food items. Highlights include apparel by Uptown Minneapolis fashion gem Local Motion, sweet treats by boutique bakery Cocoa & Fig, vintage sports & recreational posters from Tru Vintage, and mixed-media paintings by mother-daughter artist duo, Mayhar Art. Tracy Dyer’s own handbag design and distribution company Urban Junket (stylish and eco-friendly handbags) will also be represented.
So whether you’re eager to learn more about the kinds of homegrown wonders available to you, or you’re a local business omnivore and seasoned Maiden attendee, or you just want to soak up the rare luxury of being able to drink, shop, and meet interesting people all at the same time, don’t miss the chance to support some truly inventive and conscientious companies this year.
Also, for the second year in a row Maiden Minnesota has partnered with Twin Cities youth development non-profit, Project SUCCESS, which helps public school students with their educational and professional goals by conducting in-school workshops. Proceeds from ticket sales and gift bags will benefit the organization.
Tickets are $20 in advance, $30 at the door. For more info, visit maidenminnesota.com.
