Minnesota State Fair Bids Farewell To Its Most Colorful Characters

ST. PAUL, Minn. - July 13, 2014 - PRLog -- (SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA)

You've no doubt had a sighting or two over the years — it was hard to miss those colorful, glittered princess heads bopping around the fairgrounds like real-life Dr. Seuss characters. Young or old, boys or girls — no matter the age or gender — everyone that entered the Fair Do's booth exited with an experience that would be remembered for a lifetime. Featured in the 2008 issue of National Geographic magazine and voted Best Customer Experience by the People's Choice Award, Fair Do's has left a colorful legacy.

Lorri Weisen, the owner of Fair Do's, made the decision to close last summer and worked the 2013 fair knowing it was her last hurrah. "Some days were really heartbreaking", Weisen said, "watching the kids run out of the booth so excited and happy, yelling 'see ya next year,' and knowing I wasn't returning".

Weisen says her decision was for several reasons. "Most people don't realize how much time and effort went into Fair Do's every year. My hiring, training and scheduling process starts in mid-July and things don't officially wrap up until the end of September. Because we're a service based business, there's much more involved than backing in a trailer and unlocking the doors. The time involved was becoming a burden and there were other things I wanted to do".

What could be so important for her to walk away from such a successful business? The creation of her new company and product line AHNESTI Professional Haircare — which has just launched this summer. AHNESTI (pronounced Honesty) is a salon professional line created using innovative "green" technology and botanical ingredients. "My husband is a two-time cancer survivor and I was a salon owner for 14 years. I found a big gap in my industry and decided to do something about it. Given my experience, the creation of toxin-free, high-performance products that support the health of the stylist, consumer and environment just seemed like the natural thing to do."

"People say I'm crazy to close my doors and give up the opportunity so many dream about, but it feels right to do so. Sometimes you have to give up things that you love in order to open up space for new adventures. Owning a booth at the state fair has been an extreme privilege and one of the best experiences of my entire life, but I needed to let go of it in order to move forward."

Weisen has no regrets about her decision. "I am so grateful that I've had this opportunity. If I could send a message to all of our stylists, staff and fans, it would be first and foremost THANK YOU all for the wonderful years, it truly has been a pleasure.”

Weisen's next big adventure? Going to the 2014 MN state fair of course — as an attendee.

www.statefairdos.com

www.ahnesti.com