Facetime: Maidens of honor

Sara Glassman, Star Tribune

Laurie Pyle (left) and Joe Lin (right) of Cocoa & Fig with Diane Pyle (center).

By Story and photos by SARA GLASSMAN, Star Tribune

Last update: November 14, 2009 - 9:16 PM

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When you get 36 local women-owned companies and nearly 1,200 women in one room at Minneapolis' Graves Hotel, there's only one possible result -- high-energy shopping.

That was definitely the case Nov. 5 with Maiden Minnesota, now in its third year. The event was created by Tracy Dyer of Urban Junket handbags and Jennifer Stack of Relish Minds public relations and graphic design.

"We were talking about all the cool women we knew who owned cool businesses, and we thought that collectively we would have more power to attract attention," Dyer said.

That hunch turned out to be true. This year's event featured everything from clutches by Nelle Handbags, market baskets by Jeanne Beatrice, Hollywood Fashion Tape, belts by Elin & Clara, cards by Apiary Design and gadgets by Talisman Designs.

Part of the proceeds from the event benefited Free Arts Minnesota, an organization that helps neglected, homeless and abused children explore art. "They help kids become future designers and realize that they can be good at something," said Dyer, who is a board member of the nonprofit.

It was a night all about celebrating and supporting women in the Twin Cities. "I'm proud to live in Minnesota with all of these cool and talented ladies," Stack said.

This Maidens' tale had a truly happy ending.

Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177

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