Our Story
Built by the people, for the people.The Populace began with a belief that independence and community could exist under one roof. We envisioned a different kind of beauty and wellness destination in Stillwater, Minnesota, where talented professionals could build businesses of their own without having to build alone, and where every guest could find trusted care within one welcoming space.
What began as a shared vision has grown into a collective shaped by the people who bring it to life. Each artisan contributes their own expertise, perspective, and passion, creating a place where individuality is celebrated, collaboration comes naturally, and everyone has room to grow.
Created with heart, hustle,
and a belief in something bigger.
MEET THE FOUNDERSThe Populace was founded by Baily Sorenson and Carla Horst, two women from different professional backgrounds who trusted each other’s strengths, shared a vision, and decided to build it together. They knew there had to be a better way for independent beauty and wellness professionals to work, connect, and grow.
Together, they created an elevated space designed to support the people within it, giving every member of the collective the freedom to build something distinctly their own while remaining part of something greater.
Welcome to the Populace.
Where we rise together.
The People of The Populace
The heart of The Populace is the collective of independent artisans who bring their own expertise and perspective to hair, makeup, aesthetics, skincare, rejuvenation, and wellness. Explore the collective below to find the right professional for you and book directly with them.
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![A woman with curly hair, smiling, wearing a leopard print blazer and jewelry, standing against a brick wall.]()
Carla Ann Horst, RN, BSN
Owner & Medical Aesthetic Provider and Certified Inject Specialist, RN
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![Black and white photo of a woman with long dark hair, smiling and wearing a dark blazer, against a plain background.]()
Baily Sorenson
Owner & Stylist
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![Black and white portrait of a woman with curly hair, wearing a leather jacket, necklace, and lipstick, smiling slightly.]()
Cristina Rubio
Elite Makeup Artist
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![Black-and-white photograph of a woman with long, wavy hair and makeup, standing against a brick wall, holding a drink with a parasol.]()
Sammi Obermueller
Skin Artist and Certified Advanced Aesthetician
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![Black and white photo of a woman with shoulder-length hair, seated on a chair, looking at the camera, wearing a long-sleeved top, with her arms crossed.]()
Mackenzie Foster
Fashion stylist and Interior designer
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![Black and white portrait of a woman with shoulder-length hair, wearing a black turtleneck, smiling gently, with her arms crossed.]()
Erica Finnegan, MA, MBA
Wellness + Mindset Coaching for Women
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![Black and white portrait of a woman with wavy hair and a nose ring, smiling, standing against a stone wall.]()
Alicia Junker
Stylist
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![A woman smiling with wavy hair, wearing a dark top, sitting with her arms crossed.]()
Kelly Ireland
Stylist
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![Two women standing together indoors, smiling, with sunlight and shadow patterns on the floor behind them.]()
Sarah Dorff APRN, CRNA & Amanda Dvorak, RN
Founders & Owners of Riverview Drips & Wellness
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![A black-and-white photograph of a woman with curly blonde hair, smiling with closed eyes, standing against a brick wall background.]()
Jillian Nelson
Stylist
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![A smiling woman with wavy hair wearing a black lace top and a necklace, sitting on a light-colored armchair.]()
Ashley Nelson
Stylist
The Populace is more than a business.
It’s a movement.
The Populace offers a new way to build an independent business—one rooted in connection, shared space, and mutual respect—while giving guests access to trusted beauty and wellness professionals. Whether you’re looking for your next artisan or a place to grow your own business, there’s a place for you here.