THE FINALE: Minneapolis' Most Unique Vendors
You guys!! August came and went; we're now in September. How ridiculous 🙄 Throughout the month of August I have been featuring cool and unique vendors from right here in Minneapolis, and really, throughout the state of Minnesota. There's nothing like having an event or wedding that stands out to your guests where they talk about it for years to come. So with that, I bring to you a recap of the last 2 weeks of features:
1) The Apt Mpls - theaptmpls.com / @theaptmpls
When I lived in Miami producing pop-ups for emerging artists, I did a lot of those private showings in rental homes. It just created a more personal and intimate event for all the guests. When I moved back to Minnesota, they didn't really have this option. Now when it comes to all the small lifestyle events such as graduation parties, showers, birthdays, etc., how many of you HATE to have guests in your house because you have to clean prior to AND after? Well, have no fear, The Apt Mpls is here!
Located off of Central and Hennepin in Northeast Minneapolis this space is perfect for those small intimate events. Think rehearsal dinners, baby showers, bridal showers, gift openings, bachelorette/bachelor get-togethers prior to going out, birthdays, private art events, private trunk shows, etc. You could even rent it out for a photo shoot whether it's a styled shoot for your line/business or for your branding session. Even think about off-site meetings and team building activities (obviously after COVID)! The possibilities are endless!
2) Bopha Sar - bophasar.com / @Bophasar_atelier
I'm all about local vendors and with my background in fashion including fashion show production, I just die for local designers. Check out Bopha, a custom bridal gown designer! If only she was around when I got married in 2017 I would have hands down had her make me something.
If you know me and my style, I like to do things differently so when I saw that she can make bridal jumpsuits (and I'm sure everything in-between), I just had to reach out and feature her! If you also know anything about me, I like to support businesses that are owned by someone of a different background because I'm one myself - Bopha is a Cambodian woman owned business and she's killin' it! So ladies, if you want something fun and unique then reach out to Bopha. Her process is pretty slick and painless too - bophasar.com/bespoketheprocess
3) Food Building - foodbuilding.com / @foodbldg
Aren't events all about personalization and making sure it's Instagrammable these days? Food Building, which is located in Northeast Minneapolis, has all of that! Not only is it a small event space, but the space itself is situated right smack in the middle of a bakery, meat shop and even cheese making! The best part is that your guests can walk around and look into these spaces to watch the makers create all the food goodies!
All the catering is done in-house and so what you watch people make behind those windows is what's on your plate. Their charcuterie and cheese board is nothing but amazing! I had the pleasure of doing a live styled shoot during their grand opening which acted as a bridal fair. So much fun! Make sure to follow them because they have some fun stuff coming along in their outdoor space 😉
4) Style Society - stylesocietympls.com / @stylesociety.mpls
Style Society is nothing like any other event rental company here in the Twin Cities. If you want a cozy, more lifestyle-like feel for your event or wedding, then I highly recommend them. They have backdrops, small quaint bars, all the vintage furniture along with some modern pieces, vintage rugs, glassware, side tables, coffee tables, and what I appreciate the most, the little knick knacks! Their inventory is more of a boho vintage vibe so you definitely have to like that look...which obviously I do 🙋♀️ Being an event designer, interior decorator, product stylist and merchandiser, I appreciate all the lifestyle things!
In addition to event rentals, they actually rent out their "Clubhouse". Who wouldn't want an already decorated space for their small gathering?! Not only is their space good for a small event, but also a photo session, filming, off-site meeting, the possibilities are endless! Everything is right there. On another note - Jess, one of the owners, is also an interior decorator as well as a home stager...just in case you are looking for one 😉
5) Happy Tails Mobile Petting Zoo -
happytailsmobilepettingzoo.com / @happytailsmobilepettingzoo
Continuing on with my conversation about making your wedding or event more personalized and Instagrammable - try Happy Tails Mobile Petting Zoo! You can have a mobile zoo come to you! They have goats, chickens, pigs, llamas, turkeys, rabbits, pythons, sheep, mini ponies, and my favorite, mini donkeys!! There's a few more, but nonetheless, how fun! What a statement to have at your event, and even your kids birthday party! Your kid would probably be the cool cat in town for a long time to come 😂
Besides birthday parties, you could definitely hire them for an anniversary party, engagement party (anyone see the episode of Selling Sunset where Christine Quinn has her event planner get her a zebra for her engagement party? #badass), wedding, corporate event, fashion shows, I mean I could honestly think of five million other event types that you could use Happy Tails for! So if you really want a show stopper, now you know who to call.
That's it guys, that wraps up my Minneapolis vendor features for the month. What does September bring? As of 9/1, I'll be featuring vendors right here in my backyard of Eden Prairie and the southwest metro, so stay tuned!
Till next time, xoxo
Melissa
In case you missed my previous vendor features: Week 1 & Week 2
Food Building photo credits: @mckeehenphotography, Decor: @revelandflourish, Floral: my in-house florist @laracornellart, Planning + Styling: yours truly
Style Society photo credits: My in-house photographer @samantharulephotography, Floral: my in-house florist @laracornellart, Venue: @anahata_collaborative,
Planning + Styling: yours truly