Building Community in the North with Sara Zeleznikar of Odyssey Resorts
This week, we got to do something that always feels extra special—we had a guest in the studio. And not just any guest. We had Sara Zeleznikar, Director of Sales for Odyssey Resorts, and someone I had very intentionally “found” because I knew there was something aligned between us before we had even officially met.
What unfolded was one of those conversations that reminded us how much beauty there is in following a hunch, reaching out, and trusting that the right people really do end up in your orbit.
Sara shared about her work with Odyssey Resorts, the joy of creating meaningful guest experiences, and the heart behind 218 Days - a celebration of Northern Minnesota built around the 218 area code and all the hardy, creative, community-driven people who call this place home.
And honestly? The more we talked, the more it became clear that this wasn’t just a conversation about tourism or events. It was a conversation about identity, belonging, memory-making, and building something that helps people love where they live even more.
“Community doesn’t just happen. It gets built.”
In this episode, we cover:
02:21 — How Sara and Monique really connected
05:25 — What Sara does at Odyssey Resorts
08:41 — What is 218 Days?
13:28 — From 30 partners to 130+
16:17 — Why there’s no catch
22:34 — Building the team behind the vision
27:01 — Who Sara is outside of work
32:33 — Why rest is not wasted
Hey Heart and Soul Collective!
This episode was such a fun one for us because we got to have a guest back in the studio — and not just any guest. We sat down with Sara Zeleznikar, Director of Sales for Odyssey Resorts, and the conversation felt like one of those beautiful reminders that the right people really do find each other at the right time.
Of course, in true Monique fashion, this connection began with what we lovingly call “secret stalking.” She saw someone doing meaningful work, knew there was alignment, and decided to reach out. And honestly? We love that energy. Sara shared her side of the story too, and what came through so clearly was that this wasn’t just networking. It was one of those universe-level connections that turns into something meaningful.
What unfolded in this conversation was bigger than business. We talked about hospitality, memory-making, winter in the North, loving where you live, and what it looks like to build something that could one day become part of a region’s identity. Sara also shared the heart behind 218 Days, a growing northern Minnesota celebration centered around the 218 area code and all the magic, resilience, creativity, and community this region has to offer.
And honestly, by the end of this conversation, we were not only inspired by Sara — we were ready to start dreaming bigger right alongside her.
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All Heart & Soul's Details:
Website: www.heartandsoulmastermind.com
Join the mastermind program: www.heartandsoulmastermind.com/heartsoul
Say hi to Mariah on Instagram: @mariahmckechnie
Say hi to Monique on Instagram: @moniqueforcier
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