By Sonja Kosler
Staff Writer
There are two new owners of The Pines in Perham. One day Stephanie Disse and Kimberly Winter of Detroit Lakes woke up to find themselves in the middle of a dream.
Outgoing owner, Jeana Nelson had placed a sign in the corner windows of The Pines announcing her upcoming retirement and asking if anyone was ready to live their dream.
Stephanie and Kimberly had been down the block at the Gathering Grounds sharing their dreams about someday owning a business like one of Perhams specialty stores. They then saw Jeanas sign, talked about the possibility of ownership and waited for what seemed like a very long time. This past January all of the pieces started coming together.
ADVERTISEMENT
The two have now taken over with Jeana still in the picture as a mentor for the next year. While the basic collectibles, ice cream, and Nelson Confections of The Pines will stay the same, there will be some new additions.
The most striking addition is near the ice cream counter where Stephanie is displaying a kitchen line. The products include brightly colored gadgets, the latest in silicone accessories, cook books, and Barefoot Contessa and Gourmet Village food products. The food products will include dip mixes, syrups, sauces, brownies, breads, and pancakes. And there will be in-store sampling!
In addition to the new kitchen lines, the women are featuring the bridal registry and making up Grab and Go baskets for all occasions. The baskets are a great gift idea presenting a special coordinated touch.
Stephanie and Kimberly knew Perham was the place for them to have the business theyd dreamed of. The good wishes of the business community and customers have confirmed their choice.
Stephanie most recently worked at a radio station office and Kimberly as a paralegal. The two actually met in Colorado Springs where Kimberlys husband, Brad worked for Hammers Construction. Stephanie and Brad had attended high school together.
Kimberly and Brad now have three children ages 13, 3 and 1. Stephanie and her husband, Jesse have two children ages 16 and 8.
Both women talk about the family support theyve received in their new business venture. They speak as if they are all a part of one big extended family. Its easy to see Kimberly and Stephanie are probably each others biggest fans and supporters.
So far the hard work for their dream has been worth it. Kimberly says, Theres been some bumps, but now its smooth. Stephanie points out there hasnt yet been anything they didnt expect and adds, You need to take risks in life to get somewhere.
ADVERTISEMENT
Kimberly sums up how this dream is really possible for them, God has got us this far; Hes going to take it the rest of the way.
