Raising the Bar: MSUM Alumni Open Starbird Lounge

Photo by Alyssa Goelzer, The Forum

Alumni Shannon and Adam Wiedman have embarked on an exciting new journey, combining their creativity and passion to open Starbird Lounge, a unique neighborhood cocktail bar in Moorhead. Inspired by a desire to create a relaxed, mid-century style environment, the couple is bringing something fresh and exciting to the community.

The Inspiration Behind Starbird Lounge

The idea for Starbird Lounge was born in 2017 when Adam and Shannon traveled to Pittsburgh for a wedding and visited a tiki bar. "We loved it and couldn't believe there wasn't something like it back home," Shannon shared. From then on, whenever they traveled, they made a point to visit tiki bars and other unique cocktail lounges, always wondering when someone would bring that vibe to the Fargo-Moorhead area.

As for so many, the COVID-19 pandemic made the couple reflect on what they really wanted to do and what they valued. They realized that opening their own bar was something they were passionate about and decided to pursue it. "We did a deep dive into tiki culture and history, bars, even rum, and soon enough, we were ready to make it happen," Adam said.

Finding the perfect location in Moorhead last year, downtown on Center Ave., they set their plans in motion. Starbird Lounge now stands as a tribute to that passion, offering more than just tiki-inspired drinks-it's a space for the community to gather and enjoy conversations, intentionally free of distractions like TVs and booming music.

Creating a Unique Atmosphere

"Our goal with Starbird Lounge was to create a truly great experience," Shannon explained. "We wanted it to be a place where people can come together in a relaxed environment, sip on cocktails, and enjoy each other's company." The vibe of Starbird Lounge is distinctly mid-century, with curated music and a cozy atmosphere designed to encourage long, meaningful conversations.

While the tiki influence is apparent in the bar's design and cocktail menu, Adam and Shannon have made it clear that they're more focused on creating a neighborhood cocktail bar-one where the community can gather and connect, making the experience about more than just the drinks. 

Building a Business Together

For Adam and Shannon, building Starbird Lounge together has been both challenging and rewarding. "We met at a past job, so we've always had a great rapport working together," Adam said. Both alumni started their careers as graphic designers, with Adam focusing on traditional advertising and branding, and Shannon taking on more analytical and technical roles.

BFA in Graphic & Interactive Design

The skills they honed at MSUM and in their professional careers have been crucial to their success. Adam, with his background in branding and advertising, had the brand standards and voice for Starbird Lounge mapped out two years before they even found the space. Meanwhile, Shannon's experience in web design and numbers helped them navigate the financial side of starting a business, from applying for grants and loans to reaching out to investors.

Their complementary skills and strong partnership have allowed them to tackle each aspect of the business together. "There were definitely things we didn't know how to do," Shannon admitted, "but we were able to use our network to find the right people who did."

Excited for the Future

Looking ahead, Adam and Shannon are thrilled to see how Starbird Lounge fits into the fabric of Moorhead's community as the neighborhood continues to grow and develop. "We're so happy to be in this spot," Adam said. "It's exciting to be part of something that's just getting started and to see how Starbird will become a part of this area."

Shannon echoed that excitement, adding, "I love that we've created a space for people to come, enjoy themselves, and bring their friends when they're visiting town. It's really special to be able to provide that."

How MSUM Shaped Their Journey

Reflecting on their time at MSUM, Adam and Shannon both credit their experiences for helping to shape their paths. Adam emphasized the importance of the connections he made through MSUM, which have been invaluable in building their business. Shannon, who studied graphic communications, found the program perfectly suited to her interests in both art and technology. "It gave me knowledge to be successful in growing a business like this," Shannon said. "From photo editing to design and development, the skills I gained have been essential."

Advice for Current Students

When asked what advice they'd give to current students, both Adam and Shannon emphasized the importance of not being afraid to take risks. Adam encouraged students to "explore something you're passionate about or think could turn into a passion." Shannon shared her thoughts on imposter syndrome: "Even if you feel like you don't belong, that doesn't matter. Make yourself belong. Surround yourself with the right people and keep working to make your dream better."

As Adam and Shannon continue to build Starbird Lounge, they're living proof of the power of creativity, perseverance, and community-values that have been at the core of their journey from MSUM to business owners.

Starbird Lounge is now open in Moorhead, offering the community a unique space to enjoy great cocktails and even better conversations.