| By Mari Hall |
“We are anxious to get busy,” says Teddi Walvatne, co-owner of the new Magnolia Soap and Bath Co. in downtown Fargo. “We’re really looking forward to getting people acquainted with what we have!”
With their grand opening this weekend, Teddi and Dan Walvatne are set to achieve just that.
Their soft opening in March garnered plenty of new faces curious to find out what the bubbles floating down 2nd Avenue North were all about. Inside, they found colorful soaps and home goods of all kinds, all made in-house.
“It’s been fun to see all the people. I’m just amazed by how many people go by on these streets. Everyone seems to be on their way to something, working, lunching, ya know,” said Teddi.
“With the renewal of downtown, it seems like a bustling new city,” Dan added.
The husband-and-wife team launched their franchise of Magnolia Soap and Bath Co. in Kesler after resettling here in Fargo. The location choice, they said, was a no-brainer. They were living in Dillard, an apartment community downtown, while they worked to buy a home and fell in love with what would become their retail space almost immediately.
“We went to the street fair last year and just thought, ‘wow, what a great spot to start a shop,” said Dan.
Teddi seconded the experience. “We love the look of the building. Wow, I mean, look at all the windows,” she said.
Dan’s background in development and construction was a big help as they prepared their space, they said, but then they had to work on filling the store with products.
“We make everything here,” said Teddi. “It took quite a few days to make everything to actually fill the store.”
Even so, the Walvatnes feel that starting their new business is almost a relief. Running the shop as a team means more time together, and it is a huge gear shift for Dan, whose previous roles have been demanding on his time and energy.
“He’s been in intense roles all his life,” said Teddi of Dan’s career, “so this business is almost a way for him to chill.”
Don’t miss Magnolia Soap and Bath Co.’s grand opening festivities this weekend for plenty of prizes, free samples, delicious smells, and much more.
WHEN: Friday, May 3 – Sunday, May 5, 10 AM to 6 PM daily
WHERE: 628 2nd Ave N, Downtown Fargo, ND 58102
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