EVENT PLANNING + SERVICES
BRINGING CALM AND BEAUTY TO “I DO” MOMENTS
FOOD + BEVERAGE
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
HELPING ENTREPRENEURS RECLAIM THEIR TIME
ENTERTAINMENT A SWEET ESCAPE IN THE HEART OF EAGAN
TURNING CELEBRATIONS INTO UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES
Step into a winter escape at Omni Viking Lakes Hotel, where the season is meant to be savored. Gather around the table at Kyndred Hearth, where James Beard Award–winning chef Ann Kim brings warmth and intention to every dish. Find your reset at Idlewild Spa with Nordic-inspired thermotherapy that invites deep relaxation. Book now and save 15% on your stay, and experience a winter retreat that’s warm, elevated, and memorable at Omni Viking Lakes Hotel.
February is often associated with love in its most romantic form, but here in Eagan, love shows up in so many meaningful ways. It’s found in the small businesses that pour heart into their work, the people who follow a calling instead of convenience, and the neighbors who quietly make our community feel more connected. Our Local Love issue is a celebration of exactly that.
This month, we feature entrepreneurs who have built something special by doing what they love — and loving where they live. At Ascendance Productions, Jacqueline brings calm, creativity, and intention to life’s biggest moments. From wedding mornings to carefully planned details, her work reminds us that love is often felt most deeply when someone else helps carry the weight.
Sometimes love looks like a simple escape in the middle of a busy day. Yogurt Beach offers just that — a colorful, joy-filled pause where families, friends, and kids gather for a quick “10-minute vacation.” Owned locally by Doreen Ehler and her children, the Eagan location blends a national brand with local personality, proving that even small moments can leave a lasting impression.
For small business owners juggling a thousand responsibilities, love can look like support. Neisen Consulting was built on Sarah Neisen’s desire to help entrepreneurs reclaim their time and focus. By organizing the chaos behind the scenes, she gives business owners the freedom to do what they do best — a powerful act of service rooted in understanding and care.
And then there’s the energy that brings people together. Gold Culture Entertainment, led by Joel Lopez, turns gatherings into experiences. From weddings to celebrations, his journey reminds us that sometimes the path we start on isn’t the one we finish — but it leads us to exactly where we’re meant to be.
As always, I would like to thank all of Eagan City Lifestyle’s sponsors. Their generous support enables us to get our magazine directly into our readers’ homes. Please don’t hesitate to contact me (eagan@citylifestyle.com) if you have a story to share or a business to recommend.
This February, we invite you to celebrate local love in all its forms — creativity, service, joy, and connection. These stories are a reminder that when we support one another, we don’t just build businesses. We build community.
February 2026
PUBLISHER
Amy Sousa | Amy.Sousa@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Matt Sousa | matthew.sousa@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Madeline O'Neil | madeline.oneil@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Devon Williams | devon.williams@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Jacqueline Elizabeth jacki@ascendanceproductions.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Lisa Cline | cline.lisa.marie@gmail.com
STAFF WRITER
Ann Schreiber | copywritingforyoucorp@gmail.com
COPY EDITOR
Judy Sousa | eagan@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Traci Hoskin (@tracipalmerphotography)
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
AMY
SOUSA, PUBLISHER
Ascendance
How
Virtual
Lisa Cline
How
Carbone’s Pizzeria delivers hot, fresh Italian favorites made to share. From oven-fresh pizza to hoagies, pasta, salads, and wings, Carbone’s offers dine-in, takeout, delivery, and convenient catering. Planning a party or meeting? Their crowd-pleasing menu makes feeding a group easy and delicious. Experience fast service, family favorites, and some of the best pizza in town—right here in Eagan. Scan to read more
ChiroWay® of Eagan offers movement-focused chiropractic care led by Dr. Bryce Hill, DC, whose passion for health began through competitive sports. His firsthand understanding of mobility and recovery drives a proactive, science-based approach to wellness. New patients can take advantage of a $39 Getting Started Special, including consultation, assessment, adjustment, and personalized care recommendations. Supporting active lifestyles and healthier movement, ChiroWay® of Eagan believes investing in your body is a meaningful act of local love.
Born from six years behind the bar, Gondolier Coffee brings a pop-up espresso experience to celebrations across the Twin Cities and beyond. Founded by former barista Jonathan Grams, the mobile coffee company serves handcrafted espresso drinks at weddings, showers, and corporate events. With a professional team, a thoughtfully curated menu, and a welcoming energy, Gondolier Coffee proves great coffee isn’t just a beverage—it’s an experience brought directly to the people.
For over 25 years, The Commons on Marice has been serving the Eagan community, providing exceptional senior living and a range of lifestyle preferences and continuing care needs. We take pride in our unique programs, including Rock Steady Boxing, intergenerational activities, and Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® approach to memory care. We invite you to come see all that we have to offer and experience our vibrant community firsthand.
Ascendance Productions creates wedding days filled with calm energy, heartfelt personalization, and unforgettable beauty.
ARTICLE BY ANN SCHREIBER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA CLINE
On any wedding morning, there is a moment when the energy shifts. Nerves soften, excitement settles, and a quiet sense of readiness appears. Jacqueline, owner of Ascendance Productions, lives for that moment. It is the place where calm meets creativity, where thoughtful planning lifts the weight from a couple’s shoulders, and where the beauty of the day finally takes shape.
“We help couples feel supported, peaceful, and present so their wedding day unfolds with confidence, care, and the joy they envisioned.”
Though she founded Ascendance Productions in 2021, the seeds were planted long before. As a high school student, she transformed her parents’ kitchen into a makeshift salon, styling hair and makeup for friends before prom. After college, people remembered. They called. They asked her to keep going. What began as occasional beauty services slowly expanded into wedding planning, coordination, and design. By 2019, she was working her first full wedding. By 2021, her passion had grown into a business serving couples across Minnesota.
Today, Ascendance Productions provides far more than beauty services. Jacqueline guides couples through full-service planning, day-of coordination, creative design, and personalized event experiences from start to finish. As of early 2025, she also opened a small event venue in New Prague, offering an
intimate, curated space for celebrations. She laughs when people ask how her business grew so quickly. “It wasn’t planned,” she says. “It was built out of need. People were asking me to do it.”
That “ask” has taken many forms. Some couples want her to build the entire wedding weekend, from venue tours and catering searches to décor sourcing and timeline management. Others want to handle the dreaming themselves and bring her in as their calm, capable problem solver on the day of the event. Either way, she meets couples where they are. The phrase she returns to often is simple: “We’re not a one-size-fits-all business.”
Personalization is at the heart of every event she touches. For Jacqueline, it begins with the timeline. While there are certain structural pieces
that repeat from wedding to wedding, the timeline becomes the place where individuality comes alive. It helps her learn what matters most to the couple: what moments they want to savor, what details they want to weave in, and where unexpected emotion may appear.
She believes wholeheartedly in carving out private pockets of time for the couple during the day. A quick kiss tucked away from guests. A private last dance before the lights come up. A shared breath before stepping into the celebration. These moments, she says, are what couples remember years later.
But personalization also comes through details: signature his-and-hers drinks, décor that reflects a couple’s story, family heirlooms, cultural traditions, or even beloved pets who can’t physically attend but are still represented. Yes, she can execute the Pinterest-inspired touches couples love, but she combines them with meaning so the day doesn’t feel like a template.
“I love being part of other people’s stories,” she says. “Storytelling is in my blood. I meet people I never would have met if I weren’t in this industry. It’s so fun to be part of something so joyful.”
Her advice for newly engaged couples? Take a moment to breathe. Engagement sparks an onslaught of questions, including dates, venues, budgets, colors, who’s invited, and who’s not. Dreams grow quickly, sometimes faster than the resources available. She encourages couples to pause and think realistically about what they want to invest financially and emotionally in their wedding.
“You can make magic happen with any budget,” she says. “Realistic expectations set the tone for everything that follows.”
She reminds couples that vendors shape not only the wedding day, but the entire planning journey. The day is brief, yet the lead-up can stretch for years, and each interaction can add comfort or create strain. Surrounding yourself with supportive partners makes everything easier.
That’s where Ascendance Productions can help. Jacqueline and her team advocate for each couple, protect their vision, and handle the unexpected quietly. Their aim is simple: a day that feels complete, grounded, and peaceful from start to finish.
“People get stuck on the day of,” she says. “But it’s so far out. You want to enjoy the process, too.”
“People get stuck on the day of. But it’s so far out. You want to enjoy the process, too.”
Ascendance Productions offers:
• Full-Service Planning: Venue selection, vendor management, and a guided planning journey.
• Wedding Coordination: Timeline creation, logistics, and day-of execution.
• Event Design & Styling: Cohesive visual design tailored to the couple.
• Hair & Makeup: On-site services that align beauty with the flow of the day.
This all-in-one approach is intentional. When a couple feels supported, they look at each other differently. When the day moves with grace, the photos reflect ease. When the planning feels aligned, the celebration feels effortless.
Jacqueline is grateful to serve couples across Minnesota and beyond, and she continues to expand her offerings with an eye toward abundance, doing more of what sparks joy for her clients and for her team.
Couples can learn more or inquire through www.Ascendanceproductions.info
In her hands, weddings become more than scheduled events. They become lived stories, filled with care, framed with intention, and grounded in moments that linger long after the aisle walk is done.
Special thanks to Genesis Ranch in Rosemount for the setting, Style Encore in Eagan for accessories, and Stems & Vines in Burnsville for floral design.
Keeping your community vibrant by supporting locally owned businesses.
(That’s driving joy.)
By choosing locally owned and operated Christian Brothers Automotive, you’re not only getting award-winning service, you’re keeping the place where you live vital. We’re proud to support the communities we live and work in so that our neighborhoods thrive.
Inver Grove Heights (651) 461-4949 | cbac.com/inver-grove-heights 9963 Diffley Court, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077
How a family turned a favorite Reno treat into a local hangout that brings fro-yo, fun, and community spirit to Eagan.
“We wanted the fro-yo we loved in Reno, and now we get to share it with Eagan while helping local groups reach their goals.”
If you’ve ever wished for a quick break in the middle of a long day, Yogurt Beach in Eagan delivers exactly that feeling. The company tagline says it best: Escape to the ultimate 10-minute vacation. Bright colors, friendly service, and rotating flavors make the shop feel like a small getaway, palm tree included.
Yogurt Beach began in Reno, Nevada, in 2011, founded by a cousin of Doreen Ehler. The brand has grown to about 17 locations nationwide, and the Eagan shop is owned and operated as a licensee by Doreen and her children, Sidney and Carson Baldi. The licensee structure gives them the outline to follow while still letting them put their own personality into the space.
The idea began years ago during visits to Reno. “Whenever we went, we always made a point to get fro-yo,” Doreen said. “But when we got home and tried other places, it just didn’t taste the same. It was good, but not the same.” That craving stuck, and eventually, it sparked the question: What if we opened one here?
In 2025, the idea landed at the perfect moment. Doreen’s daughter, Sidney, had just finished bakery and pastry school. With her passion for sweets and flavor development, the timing lined up beautifully. Opening a shop together meant they could finally bring the taste they loved from Reno straight to Minnesota.
The long-term plan? Sidney hopes to develop original flavors for the Eagan location. “It’s right up her alley,” Doreen said. “We’re excited to see what she creates down the road.”
While they’re still settling into the business side of things, Doreen has already seen how community-focused the Yogurt Beach brand is. Fundraisers, local partnerships, and encouraging people to hang out in the space are all part of the culture.
Eagan groups have jumped right in. Yogurt Beach has partnered with local hockey, baseball, softball, and choir programs. One choir fundraiser nearly hit $1,000, its most successful gift card fundraiser so far. Any local organization can reach out through the website form or by emailing fundraisingMN@yogurtbeach.com. Doreen welcomes creative ideas and is always open to finding a fundraising style that suits each group.
Walk into the store, and one detail immediately steals the show: a huge palm tree in the center of the room. Other Yogurt Beach locations often use preserved palm plants inside, but that isn’t exactly a safe bet during a Minnesota winter. So when Doreen’s space came with a support post near the center of the shop, the family decided to have fun with it.
Instead of trying to hide the post, they turned it into a playful focal point. They found a company that could design a custom palm tree wrap, bringing the Yogurt Beach theme to life in a way that fits the climate.
“I love the giant palm tree,” Doreen said. “It’s my favorite thing about coming to work.”
Yogurt Beach Eagan carries 14 flavors across seven machines, each with a twist option. Every month, they swap out six to eight flavors to keep things fresh. Some favorites, though, are sticking around for good.
Dole pineapple soft serve has already earned a loyal following. Pairing it with rotating Dole flavors, like strawberry or lemon, creates a swirl that tastes like a cup of sunshine.
As for personal favorites, the family has strong opinions. Doreen loves the classic vanilla-chocolate twist because it reminds her of the early McDonald’s twist cones in Minnesota. A peanut-butter-banana combination is another favorite. Her son, Carson Baldi, goes for mint chocolate chip. Sidney chooses chocolate yogurt loaded with Reese’s peanut butter cups and a drizzle of peanut butter sauce.
Yogurt Beach isn’t available for full rental, but families often celebrate birthdays and small events inside. A quick heads-up is all the shop needs to reserve a space. For off-site gatherings, they offer cups-to-go so guests can build their own treats wherever the party happens.
Whether you’re stopping in for an afternoon treat, partnering for a fundraiser, or just craving a tiny break in your day, Yogurt Beach brings something warm and welcoming to the Eagan community. With Doreen and her family at the helm, it’s more than a fro-yo shop. It’s a gathering place shaped by people who genuinely love what they’re building.
Sarah Neisen brings clarity to the behind-the-scenes work of small business.
VIRTUAL SUPPORT THAT HELPS SMALL BUSINESSES RECLAIM TIME AND BALANCE LIFE.
When Sarah Neisen talks about “organizing chaos,” her words instantly click with small business owners. It’s not just a catchy phrase. It’s her calling. As the founder of Neisen Consulting, Sarah has built a thriving business dedicated to helping entrepreneurs get back something they often lose in the hustle of running a company: time.
Before launching Neisen Consulting, Sarah worked in banking. When her role began to shift into something she didn’t love, she made a bold move. She created the job she actually wanted. “I realized that instead of doing something that didn’t fit me anymore, I could use my organizational and administrative background to help other business owners focus on what they do best,” she says.
That spark quickly turned into a fullfledged operation. In just over a year, Neisen Consulting has grown from a one-person venture into a seven-member team of skilled virtual assistants across multiple specialties. Today, Sarah has stepped away from client work to focus on business development and account management, guiding her growing company into its next phase.
“It’s bittersweet,” she admits. “I love the day-to-day work, but seeing the business grow has been incredibly rewarding.”
For many, the term “virtual assistant” still feels a bit mysterious. But Sarah’s approach makes it tangible and personal.
“We specialize in working with small businesses and solopreneurs who don’t have a physical office,” she explains. Her team manages the tasks that keep businesses running but often eat up valuable hours: email management, scheduling, data migration, CRM setup, and more.
Each assistant brings unique expertise. Some specialize in platforms like Honeybook and HubSpot, while others handle medical billing and coding for small healthcare providers such as chiropractors. There are paralegals who assist part-time attorneys and social media managers who craft and schedule content.
“We really do a little of everything,” Sarah says. “Basically, if it’s something that keeps your business moving but drains your time, that’s where we come in.”
Small business owners wear many hats: marketing director, bookkeeper, scheduler, problem solver. But Sarah sees firsthand how that can lead to burnout. “You know you need help when you don’t have enough hours in the day to have a life outside your business,” she says.
Neisen Consulting offers flexible support that grows alongside its clients. “We can provide as little as five hours a week or scale up as needed,” Sarah explains. She also helps businesses find and hire permanent staff when they’re ready. “We’re here to transition with you as you grow,” she adds. That flexibility is one of the company’s defining traits. It allows business owners to start small, delegate the tasks that weigh them down, and eventually build systems that free up their time for what matters most—whether that’s family, creativity, or simply rest.
All of Neisen Consulting’s assistants are based in the United States, which is intentional. “Our clients appreciate that they can rely on us for responsive communication and a shared understanding of business expectations,” Sarah notes. “We’re not just assistants. We’re partners in their success.”
“Small business owners deserve to have a life outside of work. Our goal is to help them reclaim their time, find balance, and enjoy the personal side of success.”
— Sarah Neisen
Much of Neisen Consulting’s success comes from word-of-mouth referrals and strong connections in the Twin Cities business community. While Sarah and her team serve clients nationwide, including in Florida and Arizona, she’s focused on expanding locally. “There are so many small businesses here doing amazing things,” she says. “If we can help them manage the behind-the-scenes work, they can focus on growth and the parts of their business they love.”
For Sarah, the mission goes far beyond organization and efficiency. It’s about restoring balance. “Small business owners deserve to have a life outside of work,” she says. “They should be able to run their business and still enjoy their family and personal interests.”
Her team’s work often leads to an unexpected benefit: savings. “You can actually save money by letting other people help you,” she says with a smile. “You don’t have to do everything yourself.”
That philosophy has become the backbone of Neisen Consulting: empowering business owners to delegate with confidence and grow sustainably. Whether a client needs help managing day-to-day tasks, building systems, or recruiting staff, Sarah and her team bring clarity and calm to what often feels like chaos.
As she looks to the future, Sarah is excited to continue expanding her services and exploring new tools that make business operations more efficient. “AI and automation are changing how we work,” she says. “But people still need that human connection and understanding. That’s what sets us apart.”
How
ARTICLE BY ANN SCHREIBER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRACI HOSKIN
Joel Lopez never expected to become one of the Twin Cities’ most requested DJs. Gold Culture Entertainment actually started with something very different: a gold-plating jewelry venture he launched in college. The business itself didn’t last long, but the name stuck, and eventually followed him into the path he was truly meant to pursue.
Joel grew up in Minneapolis and attended Augsburg University, where he played football. But everything shifted when the campus radio station caught his eye. Two friends had a show, and Joel wondered if he could host one, too. That small question opened a door he didn’t realize he had been looking for.
Hosting his own show introduced him to a wider creative circle. He interviewed artists like Bobby Raps and Macklemore and supported friends who were making music of their own. Soon, Joel found himself DJing house parties across campus. He still didn’t think of himself as a DJ. He simply wanted people to have fun and hear music that brought energy to the room.
Those parties eventually led him onto bigger stages. He opened for DMX, 50 Cent, The Game, Eve, and even played First Avenue’s Prince Tribute dance party the day after Prince passed away. For a Minneapolis kid, that moment felt unforgettable.
His first wedding job came when he was 22. A $600 gig. One night was all it took for Joel to understand that this could be a future, not just a fun side job. He loved watching a couple relax while he handled the flow of the night. Thirteen years later, many of his weddings still come through friends and connections that trace back to those early Augsburg days.
Before Gold Culture became his full-time career, Joel worked as a para in the Minneapolis Public Schools. He loved the students, but he also knew he needed a different path for the life he hoped to build. DJing offered both possibilities and joy, and he made the leap.
Even after leaving the school system, Joel never stepped away from young people. He DJs proms, homecomings, and middle school dances, and just this past December, he played music on the Target Center floor for an Inspire event. Kids from across Minneapolis and St. Paul filled the arena, and he worked alongside friends like BdotCroc, the in-arena host for the Lynx and Gophers women’s basketball teams. For Joel, moments like that are career highlights.
“I love helping people unwind after a long week. Music brings folks together, and being part of moments that matter reminds me why this work feels so meaningful.”
His work now reaches far beyond weddings. He loves community events, family gatherings, and anything that brings people together. Getting kids dancing is one of his favorite parts of the job.
When couples ask what sets him apart, Joel points to his focus on details. He listens closely to their story and asks questions they wouldn’t think to ask themselves. His mentor, Jorge Lopez of J&M Entertainment, taught him to always ask one important question: How do you envision your wedding day? That single word, “envision,” helps couples open up about what matters to them.
For Joel, being a DJ isn’t just about music. It’s about helping people relax and enjoy their day without worrying about what comes next. Couples often tell him he’s their favorite vendor to talk to, and he takes real pride in that.
From college radio interviews to packed dance floors and community celebrations, Joel Lopez built Gold Culture Entertainment on heart, curiosity, and a genuine love of people. One event at a time, he’s still doing what he enjoyed back in college, bringing folks together through the music that moves them.
FEBRUARY 2026
FEBRUARY 4TH
845 Vikings Parkway # D, Eagan, MN, 55121 | 12:00 PM
Ready to boost your network in a fun and relaxed setting? Join us for an in-person Speed Networking event at Saffron Indian Grill! Mingle, chat, and make meaningful connections while enjoying a vibrant atmosphere. Whether you're looking to meet new friends or professional contacts, this is the perfect chance! Don’t miss out on great conversations and a lively vibe. See you there!
FEBRUARY 6TH
3981 Lexington Ave S, Eagan, MN 55123 | 5:30 PM
Join the Eagan Art House team for a relaxed evening of creative fun. Drop in anytime between 5:30–7:00 pm—no registration required. All supplies are provided, making it easy to create and enjoy. February’s featured project is a colorful Valentine tissue paper suncatcher, perfect for artists of all ages and skill levels.
FEBRUARY 7TH
780 S Plaza Dr, Mendota Heights, MN 55120 | 2:00 PM
Beat cabin fever at the Inflatable Fair at The Gym for the Cure! Kids and adults can jump, play, and stay active with bounce houses, a Ninja Warrior course, a Velcro wall, and interactive challenges. FREE from 2:00–5:00 pm. Adult supervision required.
FEBRUARY 11TH
Eagan's Indoor Market
1501 Central Parkway, Eagan, MN 55121 | 4:00 PM
Show the love this February by shopping local at Eagan’s Indoor Market. Discover a wide variety of locally made goods—perfect for Valentine’s gifts or a little treat for yourself. Support local makers, enjoy a welcoming community atmosphere, and find something truly unique. For dates, vendors, and details, visit cityofeagan.com/marketfest
FEBRUARY 12TH
Skolmmelier Wine Tasting with Duck Horn Vineyards
2645 Vikings Circle, Eagan, MN 55121 | 6:00 PM
Join us for Skolmmelier, an intimate wine-tasting inside the Minnesota Vikings Museum. Sip a curated selection of wines expertly paired with small plates while exploring iconic exhibits at your own pace. Enjoy a relaxed, social evening where Minnesota Vikings history, flavor, and atmosphere come together for a truly memorable experience. Space is limited so reserve your tickets in advance!
FEBRUARY 13TH
Community Ice Night
4391 Lexington Ave, Eagan, MN 55123 | 6:00 PM
Lace up your skates for a fun-filled winter evening featuring open skating, a cozy bonfire, snacks, and outdoor games. Enjoy open skate (no sticks or pucks) on the covered rink, plus winter games like ice bowling and Hungry Hippo on the north rink. Youth pickup hockey runs from 8–9 pm, in partnership with the Eagan Hockey Association.
