Today, Elsa’s House of Sleep is a landmark of the St. Paul small business community, celebrating 25 years of service to the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. It’s home to everything home for countless satisfied customers who have spotted the store off the Green Line or heard tales of great service passed down through the years.

Still, any story of Elsa’s House of Sleep must start, appropriately enough, with Elsa. And, of course, her mattresses.

In 1966, Elsa Rezene brought her entrepreneurial spirit, to Minnesota from Asmara, Eritrea. Before she founded the longest-running black-owned furniture business in Minneapolis-St. Paul, she honed her sales craft offering beads, clothing, incense and jewelry.

1441 University Ave W, Saint Paul, MN