Women who led the way
Western North Dakota tourism and entertainment largely features the life story of Theodore Roosevelt, but many (s)heroes have shaped and stabilized the communities of this area and are legendary in their own right. The Northern Star Collection of chocolate truffles will feature the life story of a woman who spent decades of her life building her home and contributing to a community in western North Dakota, achieving either personal stability or career success after experiencing tragedy or disadvantages throughout her life. This collection will be presented once annually at an interactive dessert theater event, and invitations to the event will be extended to women ages 22-45 who are in the process of building their own careers, supporting their families whether with one income or two, or contributing to their community.
The inaugural presentation of the Northern Star Collection will be held in October, 2022, and is funded in part by The Change Network through the Bush Foundation as phases I & II of Northern Soul Chocolates’ wider vision to increase diversity and inclusion throughout tourism in western North Dakota, especially by honoring women’s contributions.
Nominations for the feature are welcomed from any community member on a rolling basis, can be submitted either in person or through written format, and will be reviewed on a quarterly basis. Any nominations received prior to July 31st, 2022 will be considered for the inaugural event. Submissions are encouraged to have a personal quality, as preference will be given to nominations made by another woman who has been deeply inspired or influenced by the nominee.
The Northern Star Collection was inspired by the life of Bessie Seim of Perkins County, South Dakota, who homesteaded, raised her siblings after their parents both died tragically, and taught school locally. While Bessie’s family immigrated from Norway and was directly involved in agriculture, future features of the collection are welcomed from all heritages and walks of life.
What inspired this collection?
What will the event be like?
In April 2021, after filming the music video for Home Again, I designed The Four Sisters Collection, a collection of chocolate truffles themed around Bessie and Lena’s story, and invited a group to join me over Zoom for an intimate chef’s table storytelling event. While many of the group had never met, and also never attended an event of this kind, many of the attendees have told me afterwards how meaningful and memorable their time together was during the Four Sisters event.
The Northern Star Collection is my way of honoring women from all cultures and walks of life who have inspired me, by sharing their stories with others and bringing them the recognition they deserve.
Re-experience the event
Please let me know what you thought!
This event is a labor of love, and your feedback matters to me throughout the development process. I’d be honored if you tell me your impressions.