Collider is passionate about sharing the stories of local business owners and is excited to partner with Rochester Women Magazine to highlight female entrepreneurs through this column. To read more about these women and their businesses, go to collider.mn/our-stories.
Siri Julsrud
SiBeauty
Siri Julsrud is a local esthetician who opened her own waxing studio in 2021. Siri has been passionate about beauty and skin care since she was young and finds connecting with her clients to be the most rewarding part of her work. “Some of my clients have been with me since day one, and it’s so fun building up that rapport to a point that working with my clients feels more like catching up with friends. It’s also wonderful to see that smile on someone’s face coming out of an appointment. Knowing that my work helps people feel satisfied, confident and comfortable in their own skin is amazing.”
Chelsi Low
Aefintyr Outdoors
Chelsi Low is a longtime lover of camping and the outdoors. She works full time in clinical informatics and as a side hustle recently started her camping and glamping business, Aefintyr Outdoors, after purchasing a piece of bare land in the Whitewater Valley bluff country. “Based on my love of the outdoors and wilderness camping, I had the idea to take this unique piece of property in the bluffs and develop it into a more rustic and rugged campground and outdoor experience for people. I enjoy helping people relax, and it has been really amazing combining my love of the outdoors with my passion for hospitality.”
Megan Njoroge
The Rooted Pine
Megan Njoroge was a photographer in Rochester for some time before she began exploring her interest in art and watercolor painting throughout the stay-at-home orders during the pandemic of 2020. She has since launched her business, The Rooted Pine, through which she shares her love for both art and photography. She also recently opened a storefront where you can purchase her work, as well as ordering online. “Photography became a catalyst for me to share my vision of life with the world. As I’ve adopted additional art forms into my practice, such as watercolor and line illustration, I’ve identified that the core of my passion is rooted in the art of slow living. There’s beauty to be found in the mundane; we just have to stay long enough to notice.”
Christina Wood
Healing Rhythms Music Therapy
Christina Wood found her love of music early, when she learned to play the piano at the age of five. Hand in hand came a longtime love of helping others. With dual degrees in music therapy and music education, Christina began her career as a sole proprietor in the Twin Cities before piloting a music therapy program at Mayo Clinic in 2007. Seeing the need for her services in Rochester, she rebranded and opened Healing Rhythms Music Therapy in 2013. She has since been growing her services and team as well as expanding to add a second location in St. Peter, Minnesota. “Here at our clinic, we strive to be flexible and work hard to meet and support people where they are, whether that be working with young kids with developmental disabilities, providing groups in memory care or supporting individuals at the end of life. There are so many scenarios where life may not be going the way people expect, and music can provide a lot of comfort and joy in those situations.” ::
