Heart and soul, blood, sweat and tears

Waseca business owners Makayla Selvik and Sarah Kay Hoffman never take their thinking caps off. In fact, they are constantly finding ways to diversify their home away from home, Thyme on Main.

“The idea behind our business is that we want people to spend more ‘time’ on main,” Hoffman said. “In other words, this is a place for community members to come and enjoy, as they are, however and whenever desired. We love seeing the building packed with people.”

The business at 100 State Street North has had the benefit of Selvik and Hoffman’s hearts and souls. Along with those have come blood, sweat and tears for the sake of creating a versatile space that is unlike any other.

“When the opportunity to purchase it came along, we jumped quickly,” Hoffman said. “However, truth be told, we didn’t even have a clear vision for what our own bar/restaurant might look like.”

One thing they knew for sure though, every last inch of this “stunning” building deserved tender loving care. That way, its beautiful history could continue on for generations to come.

“We all have a story that needs to be heard,” Selvik said. “We feel the exact same way about this building: the connections it has brought us, the feeling of actually physically being right where we need to be–the contributions of the previous owners who have inspired so many around us. Also, the grand staircase that still brings a smile and a reminder to entering guests.”

Selvik added, “To keep this story going is incredible, to be a part of it … indescribable.” 

The first stop on the grand tour: The Bar.

“This is the main space, since it’s the one people most commonly see,” Hoffman said. “It’s our ‘storefront,’ and the place for unique cocktails, delicious appetizers, and food with a  healthy dose of creativity. The Bar gets people in the doors to see how the building has transformed.”

Beyond The Bar, four other spaces are at guests’ disposal: The Event, The Office, The Studio and The Stay. Although the individual spaces cater to very different types of activity, they are all tied together with a cohesive aesthetic design.  

“We began with our passions and past experiences, and let creativity run wild,” Hoffman said. “We created spaces based on that and kept the naming structure simple and basic, like everything else we strive for.”

Hoffman added, “Walking into this building and spending time here gives us both peace–before the purchase, during the purchase, and after the purchase. Being able to continue sharing that feeling with anybody who enters is the ultimate goal.”

Removing the clutter is key to their master plan not only for comfort's sake, but so that creativity has no adversary. Also, from their years of experience, they have learned that “simpler is better; basic is beautiful.”

“Life is complicated enough, right,” Hoffman said. “We take this very seriously in our business world as well as our personal lives.

Their vision, “create from a place of simplicity,” is also implemented in the space designated for The Event. With a fireplace, a large TV, standing bar rails and a brightened up ambiance, this area is truly made for small events and any fun gathering for that matter. 

“Once we really started to get dialed in on the spaces, how we saw them being used, how they could be loved, our feet hit the ground running,” Selvik said.

This outpouring of creativity also extends to The Office, a space that is specifically used for business purposes. Essentially, it fosters a great co-working environment for businesses to collaborate and grow.

“What we have learned during our first 1.5 years in business is that it’s a space needing far more love, far more often,” Hoffman said. “Instead of sporadic use, we are desiring collaboration with another female-run organization. We are currently searching for our right partner.”

Clearly, these two have lots up their sleeves.

“We don’t look at the current situation as making history,” Selvik said. “We look at it as giving something to others; sharing our visions, talents, and passion with anybody who steps foot in the building.”

Any guest who books a room at The Stay will undoubtedly feel that love and devotion. The whole concept may seem a little out of left field, but they believe that opinion is truly in the eye of the beholder.

“We pushed through to create these charming Airbnb’s,” Hoffman said. “The Airbnb spaces (aka in The Stay) used to be apartments as well. There are three total; two of which have already come to life and a third which will be ready by March 1, 2023. 

The three rooms are as follows: 

• The Jones’: studio in size 

• The Smith’s: 2 bedrooms 

• The Miller’s (coming soon): 1 bedroom

“Even in The Stay, everything is named for simplicity and the décor echoes that simplicity,” Selvik said. “The Stay is also perfect for photographers and small family/business gatherings.”

As the trailblazers for this Airbnb venture, they are just thrilled with its overwhelming success. Plus, it has allowed Makayla to unleash her full creativity that just seems to naturally flow from her fingertips.

“Most of our guests are from out of town, and this allows us to showcase not only the building, but Waseca in general; we give an entire guide to guests, featuring many places in Waseca,” Hoffman said.

Then, as far as The Studio goes, sometimes things have a way of working out better than previously hoped for. At least, that’s how they look at it.

“Makayla is a photographer, so initially this was built out so that she had her studio right in the building,” Hoffman said.

“But then, when the project was finished, it became this insanely beautiful space that could be used for photographers and also for special events.”

Hoffman added, “The Studio used to be one and two-bedroom apartments, so it’s fairly large. It contains a small kitchen and private bathroom, both of which are ideal for events. This space embodies all of: creativity, collaboration and community!”

In just one and a half years, an “insane” amount of collaborations have graced the walls of this establishment. From the Ladies Nights and date nights in The Bar, to the family gatherings, corporate meetings, holiday parties, Groom’s dinners, bridal showers and baby showers held in The Event, it’s safe to assume that Thyme of Main has become a town fixture.

“We support and lift other creators and business owners who desire elevating their own lives and businesses,” Hoffman said. “We work with other (mostly female) entrepreneurs every single day and understand the power that when they grow, we all grow.”

Furthermore, The Studio offers a perfect solution for wedding parties. Whether it be a photoshoot or simply getting ready just hours before the wedding, this is the spot to reserve. Wedding showers and pop-ups work well here too.

“We make it a point to watch the faces of our guests as they walk through the door,” Hoffman said. “So, the way we wanted them to react and feel, we know actually happens! The best word I can use to describe it is typically, ‘awe.’ We constantly hear, ‘I had no idea that something like this existed in Waseca.’” 

This warm and fuzzy feeling is contagious it seems. No matter the event, everything just seems to fall into place.

“The thing is, when the structure is already there – simple, historic, and stunning, the details are easy to fill in for anyone and everyone,” Hoffman said. “People will make huge balloon arches in both The Event and The Studio for baby showers, in whatever color fits their aesthetic. Then, when we had my cousin’s book launch in The Event, we used the blank black wiring wall hangings to post quotes from the book.”

For those who desire a little more custom design, they welcome that too. This building lends itself to “massive creativity,” and how fitting that its color palette includes Thyme green.

“Makayla and I both love its simplicity and color,” Hoffman said. “We also use a sprig of Thyme in one of our signature drinks, The Sweet Lavender Mule.”

Hoffman added, “Makayla and I are vodka girls, so we began the fun cocktails from vodka mostly. We now serve fun cocktails with many different alcohol types. Some of our most popular drinks include the mules (vodka), Minnesota Buck (bourbon), Salted Caramel White Russian (vodka), Gin & Juice (gin), and of course our flights, including the ‘Rita Fight (tequila). 

 Food wise, The Bar offers simple, yet elevated options. And although their insurance policy does not permit the use of a deep fat fryer, that’s perfectly fine with them.

“We wanted something different,” Hoffman said. “We want people to feel welcome. We want them to know that whoever they are and wherever they come from, in that moment they are exactly where they should be.”

Inside, that notion is reinforced with massive neon white lights that read, “You are right where you need to be,” and “Come as you are.” So, sit back and relax; they have you covered.

“The world and everyday life can be hard, sad, filled with chaos, and more,” Hoffman said. “Thyme on Main is the escape.”

Now a solace for more people than they can count, this entire venture has exceeded their expectations and then some. From acquaintances to business partners, they have become best friends, and in that order too.

“When Sarah had reached out to me about a different property and my thoughts – it immediately ignited this flame of curiosity,” Selvik said. “What has been a dream come true is everything that has happened since she reached out to ask the question. A dream of finding a like-minded soul that is on the same path. A dream where we both exercise our talents and build confidence on our own as individuals, and as a team.”

Oh, and by the way, they are in the process of purchasing the building adjacent to Thyme on Main. 102 North State Street here they come!

Selvik concluded, “This is a vision that grew bigger than either one of us could have predicted. Our emotions on the first day were the same as they are now – proud, excited, scared, nervous, determined. However, now: we have added so much more to our lives. We have created this family; a family of employees, guests, new friends, and old friends. That is what makes those same emotions that much better.”