“In This Room, We Rise”: Sheletta Brundidge’s Small Business Saturday Brunch Unites, Honors, and Uplifts Minnesota’s Unsung Heroes

In a year marked by inflation, shrinking margins, and tightening social service programs, Minnesota’s small business owners walked into the Coliseum Building on East Lake Street on Saturday morning and found something rare: joy, connection, and a reminder that their work still matters.

They found it because Sheletta Brundidge created it.

The media personality, entrepreneur, and autism advocate hosted her annual Small Business Saturday Brunch—a free, fully funded celebration for Minnesota entrepreneurs. With unlimited mimosas, a waffle bar, a DJ spinning 70s–90s R&B, and a room vibrating with laughter, faith, and ambition, the brunch became a sanctuary from a challenging year.

But this year’s gathering was more than a celebration. It was also a testament to courage, community, and the belief that everyday people can rise to extraordinary moments.

A Hero Among Us: Honoring the Woman Who Saved a Child

Earlier in the week, Brundidge honored Mebal Kaanyi, a school bus driver who made national headlines after rescuing a 4-year-old autistic boy who slipped into Lake Owasso. Kaanyi cannot swim. Yet she plunged into the cold water—risking her own life—to save the child, who is non-verbal and prone to wandering.

Brundidge presented her with a $1,000 award, praising her bravery:
“Every child deserves safety, and every hero deserves recognition. Mebal acted selflessly—and we must celebrate her courage.”

It was a story that set the tone for the week: courage in unexpected places, community rising for one another, and acts of love that ripple far beyond the moment.

A Brunch Built on Purpose — and Pain

The Small Business Saturday Brunch wasn’t conceived as a party.
It was conceived as a lifeline.

“2025 has been a heavy lift,” Brundidge said. “Small business owners are exhausted. We’ve been grinding. We’re still standing—and we deserve to have some fun.”

From 9 to 11 a.m., founders, makers, consultants, realtors, creatives, and community advocates poured into the historic Coliseum Building. The DJ’s playlist floated through the hall—R&B classics, 80s and 90s favorites, and of course, “Boots on the Ground.”

Servers kept mimosas flowing. The waffle bar drew a joyful line. And every table became a hive of conversation and possibility.

Sheletta’s only instructions to the crowd were simple but powerful:
Network with at least 10 people you don’t know.
Exchange numbers.
The blessing is in the room.

And people believed her.

Hard Truths and Hope: A State in Transition

Amid the celebration, the brunch also created space for education—especially around Minnesota’s rapidly changing policy landscape.

A representative from AARP Minnesota spoke about the new Paid Family & Medical Leave Act, which takes effect on January 1, 2026. The law, years in the making, is designed to protect families like one Minnesotan whose mother died alone after her daughter ran out of unpaid leave.

Small business owners were urged to register as plan administrators, explore half-price premiums for companies with fewer than 30 employees, and learn about state support grants to cover staffing gaps.

“Be prepared,” the advocate said. “This will affect every organization in Minnesota.”

The message was clear: while the state grapples with fraud scandals, service cuts, and growing homelessness, everyday Minnesotans—not policymakers—are often the ones left to soften the blow.

Meet the Builders: Voices From the Room

Erica Charging Whirlwind — Helping Families “Find Their Grounding”

A realtor helping families relocate to Minnesota, Erica said real estate is “like fishing—you put your pole in the water and wait for something to bite.” Her mantra for survival?
“Be impatiently patient.”

Dr. Brenda Colston — Fighting Homelessness One Family at a Time

A 43-year Minnesota resident, credit expert, and founder of the only African-American closing school in the state, Dr. Colston spoke passionately about Minnesota’s housing crisis. She launched Fresh Start, a program aiming to house at least 12 homeless families a year.

“We have to get ourselves in better positions. One person at a time—and each one can help someone else.”

Sharon E. Brooks — Standing With Families of the Incarcerated

Founder of Peace of Hope, Brooks supports loved ones of incarcerated people through policy interpretation, advocacy, weekly workshops, and “Hope Buddies” who accompany families to court.

“Prison is an antiquated idea—but until things change, families must be supported. You are not alone.”

Ruth Davis — Building Wealth Pathways

A realtor who entered the field through faith and determination, Davis spoke openly about the financial barriers facing Black agents: broker fees, licensing, equipment, and the long road before earning a commission.

“If you’re willing to grind, it will be worth it. Real estate can build generational wealth.”

Andrea Pierre — Redefining Media Representation

Minnesota Public Radio’s Community Engagement Director, Pierre emphasized how media has evolved since the murder of George Floyd—and how much work remains.

“We must keep creating our own spaces. Keep showing up. Don’t let ‘no’ stop you.”

Thomas Elness — Turning Stories into Statewide Change

AARP Minnesota’s Associate State Director of Advocacy urged Minnesotans to share their stories with lawmakers.

“Facts only go so far. Stories change minds. Your voice matters.”

Waffles, Mimosas, Music — and a Message

What made Sheletta’s brunch feel different from any networking event wasn’t the free food, the cash grant raffle, or even the music.

It was the spirit.

People laughed over waffles. They prayed together in corners. Strangers became collaborators.
Entrepreneurs swapped stories of fear, failure, resilience, and hope.
Business cards traded hands like blessings.

For two hours, walls came down.
For two hours, Minnesota’s small business community felt seen.

Why Small Business Saturday Matters More Than Ever

Created in 2010 by American Express, Small Business Saturday has traditionally served as an economic boost for local shops. But for founders of color, immigrants, and solopreneurs—who often operate without access to capital, mentorship, or institutional support—the day also represents visibility.

“Small business owners naturally exist in silos,” Sheletta said. “We have the capital to help each other succeed—but we have to know each other first.”

Her brunch isn’t just a celebration.
It’s infrastructure.
It’s community reinvestment.
It’s a soft landing for people who spend the rest of the year fighting to stay afloat.

Event Details (For Future Readers)

Small Business Saturday Brunch
Hosted by: ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com
When: Nov. 29, 2025 — 9–11 a.m.
Where: Coliseum Building, 2708 East Lake Street, Minneapolis
Cost: Free
Features:

• Unlimited mimosas
• Waffle bar
• 70s, 80s, 90s R&B
• Funding resources, including the MN PROMISE Act
• $1,000 cash grant for one entrepreneur
• Free parking
• Open to all Minnesota small business owners

A Final Word From the Host

“Get 10 numbers from people you don’t know,” Sheletta told the room as the music swelled. “Your blessing is in this room.”

And on this snowy November morning, surrounded by waffles, mimosas, laughter, courage, and unapologetic joy—the blessing was unmistakable.

MinneapoliMedia