learn about Lykke Communities
About Us
future-oriented
'Lykke' is
Community
At Lykke Communities, we believe in the value of positive emotions, engagement, relationships, and meeting the needs of our communities. We strive to provide a welcoming, supportive environment where everyone can feel comfortable and respected, and where everyone is encouraged to reach their full potential. We believe in building relationships based on trust, understanding, and mutual respect. Lykke is committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and innovation, and to helping our communities realize their goals. Together, we will create a brighter future for everyone.
Mission
What Drives Us Forward
Promoting health and happiness, and fostering a sense of connection and community is essential for the well-being of everyone. This can be achieved by providing access to resources, creating safe and supportive environments, and encouraging positive relationships between individuals and in communities.
Vision
Our Future
To design people-centered communities that:
- Are resilient, by reducing social isolation across the lifespan
- Serve as a model for city planning efforts
We believe in:
- Intentional community design focused on connecting people to one another
- Local advocacy for people-centered policies
- People thriving when they feel a sense of belonging–across ages, backgrounds, and beliefs
- Change that is community driven
Values
Our core values
- Connection
- Sense of Purpose
- Trust
- Joy
- Belonging
- Sustainability
Our Story
Est. 2022
Lykke Communities was born out of a burning desire to make a lasting impact on the communities that we serve in how people connect to one another.
Our founder, Brie Taralson, was a healthcare leader on the career climb when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. A wife and mom of two young children (including an infant), and a senior leader of several regional clinics, life before the pandemic was already full. The permanent crisis mode that healthcare organizations acted in led Brie and colleagues to burnout.
“The key to a rewarding, meaningful life is to focus on what truly matters and prioritize our actions around that."
— Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Psychologist and Author of Flow .”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Lykke Communities:
Lykke (pronounced “LOO-kah”) is the Danish word for happiness. Denmark consistently tops the international charts on measures influencing happiness, using measures defined by the Gallup World Poll such as healthy life expectancy, economic prosperity (GDP per capita), social support, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and the perception of corruption.
Denmark–and other Scandinavian countries–offer insight into best practices that support happiness, primarily through how people are connecting to one another. These concepts are foundational in how we build stronger, more connected towns and communities.
Check out our “About Us” page for more detail about the scientific support for community building.
Our mission expands beyond the borders of the New Ulm, MN city limits. Currently Lykke Communities offers a variety of consultative services that can be contracted in the region, including process engineering (Lean Six Sigma) facilitation, motivational speaking, and other services. At this time, the brick and mortar projects are focused in the New Ulm area.
Please contact us to learn more about how Lykke Communities can help to elevate your community.
Our mission is to catalyze projects that lead to stronger social relationships, and more resilient communities. In most cases, this focuses on walkability, design, and inclusion.
Projects examples include creation of community spaces, events, and housing. Check out our other projects for more details.
Lykke Books- Gifts & Gathering
Programming is primarily focused on youth grades 5-10 and will include movement-based classes, art, music, woodworking, bike maintenance, and other hands-on learning opportunities.
Lykke Books will also feature a variety of unusual animals, offering youth the opportunity to interact with, and learn about caretaking for these creatures.
Most importantly, the space will offer casual gathering spaces for youth to connect with each other, find mentorship with positive adult role models, and to offer places of respite and reflection where they can truly be themselves.
Check out our Projects page for more information.
The youth center will be located in or near downtown New Ulm, MN.
Our goal is to be available to the public in winter 2023/24.
Yes, absolutely! The space will be open to the public routinely during Lykke Books hours–however, there will be regular hours when portions of the space will be given priority to youth during after-school hours.
We aspire to create a gathering space where people of all ages and walks of life come to feel a greater sense of belonging.