the story behind speckled alder

I’m Sarah, the founder of The Speckled Alder. People often ask me how I found this space. I tell them I didn’t find this space, it found me. This concept may seem a bit woo-woo or a touch esoteric, but it is the truth. Sometimes, the universe knows where you belong before you do.

I am also the founder of the virtuous circle, a wellness business. I teach yoga and mindfulness skills to folks ages 3-93! I have taught in so many different realms including:

schools, faith based organizations, community education programs, park & rec programs, corporations, the Minneapolis crisis nursery, senior care facilities, mental health units in hospitals, one-to-one in people’s homes, for bridal parties, baby showers, children’s camps, and more.

to say i’m blessed it is understatement. I get up every morning knowing full well that what I have asked of the powers that be, I have been given. what I do is not work. it is a not a j.o.b. it is connecting with humans with my whole heart. it is stretching myself to do better each day and show up focused as the best version of my self possible. it is that I get to share knowledge and practical tools to people that give them the power to heal themselves and create their own version of a purposeful and healthful life.

I did not seek out Stockholm, it was given to me. I was here in December of 2024 doing a pop up holiday maker’s market with my skin care line, that is called I am illuminating, above the pie shop. when I was there I met a lovely human named Kim who owns the lavender bluff farm. we connected and started talking events for women at the farm. we talked yoga.

fast forward to April 28 when I came down to talk to Kim about the yoga schedule and the September special women’s event. On my way out of town I stopped off at the pie shop to grab some lunch and hit the road back to St. Paul to teach my 3:00 p.m. senior yoga class. while at the shop I talked to the owner and asked if he remembered me from the December market and he sure did! Would I be interested in participating in this year’s event? You betcha! I was blown away by how kind, welcoming and warm everyone was. the local businesses and the visitors as well. I told him that I was enchanted by stockholm, it’s as if magic fairy dust has been sprinkled all over it. I wanted more! I wanted to do something in stockholm.

Well, he said, the building two doors down is actually for sale! my jaw dropped and I said that I would go take a look at it and maybe contact the owner of the building. I saw her flyer and phone number was on it. I immediately texted her and asked when I could come and look at the inside of the store. She said that I could come the upcoming weekend to check it out. I asked my partner to join me because I would need an honest person at my side to help me decide if this place was going to work.

we toured the building, talked to the owner for a very long time and she and I came to the conclusion that this building could be a great fit for the next phase of my life.

I purchased the building the end of June and opened by July 3. we worked feverishly with love and passion in our hearts as we painted, planned, searched for artists, and made more plans for our future. the possibilities it seems, are endless.

we are so excited to be a part of the stockholm, and broader wi community. we strive to be a place of peace, solace, and healing. a space to appreciate, and create.

Every brushstroke, every handcrafted gift, every carefully mixed skin care product, and every joyful class or event hosted here feels like a gentle nudge from something greater—inviting all of us to create, connect, and celebrate the beauty in the unexpected. At The Speckled Alder, that magic is always sprouting, waiting to find you too.

Welcome, we look forward to seeing you some day soon.


The Speckled Alder tree is indigenous to the Wisconsin Mississippi River Valley. It is a reasonably fast growing tree that offers protective cover to animals, the necessary nutrient nitrogen to the soil, replenishing the soil and nourishing the surrounding plants. It is also tolerant to many types of weather and ground conditions. 

The Native Americans of North America have historically used parts of the alder tree for many physical ailments. Alder trees have been important in different cultures for their healing powers and symbolic meaning, representing strength and peace. They're associated with making important decisions and tapping into intuition.

Just as the alder tree has many healing and nourishing benefits, we hope that our space, The Speckled Alder will bring you healing and nourishing moments. With a sense of wonder and joy, may it be a place where you can find just what you need for yourself in this moment of time.

We are happy you are here!

The Speckled Alder Family