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BUILDING WHAT’S NEXT. We’ve come a long way in the past 60 years. We’ve built strong partnerships with local businesses, supported nonprofits, and stayed committed to helping our clients and community thrive. As we look to the future, we continue to set new goals, reach new heights, and invest in the success of our team and neighbors. Because getting to NEXT … is what we do.

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Your windows called, they’re ready for a makeover.

Let’s cross this off your to-do list together. Set up an appointment with Budget Blinds to give your windows the upgrade they’ve been waiting for.

Call 608.827.2212 for a free in-home consultation. | budgetblinds.com © 2024 Budget Blinds, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Budget Blinds is a trademark of Budget Blinds, LLC and a Home Franchise Concepts Brand. Each franchise independently owned and operated.

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BRAVA SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

FEATURES

L-R: Shahayra Majumder, Keena Atkinson, Amy Fickell, Alana Hohenstein and Ashley Rodriguez

63 The Renovation HILLARY SCHAVE

Effect

What began as a simple mud room makeover evolved into a thoughtful, whole-home renovation.

84 Women Leading

Wellness

Meet the women behind the innovative businesses helping Madison look, feel and live better.

139 2026-27 Arts and

Entertainment Preview From live performances to inspiring exhibits, discover these can’t-miss cultural experiences.

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@bravamagazine ON THE COVER

Ashley Rodriguez, Shahayra Majumder, Keena Atkinson, Amy Fickell and Alana Hohenstein were photographed by Hillary Schave at EO Madison Yards.

< T H E WOM E N I N B U S I N E S S I S S U E >

Women

LEADING

Wellness The Wig Whisperer A Paranormal Promenade

Freshly Brewed Coffee Spots

162

157 35 Wellbeing

15 Retail Therapy

Discover your next great read at Lake City Books.

19 Perspective

Following her own cancer experience, Tabatha BergetBarnaby helps others facing hair loss.

25 Money

How entrepreneurs can utilize microloans.

29 Career

Building meaningful business relationships and crafting your personal brand.

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What Gail’s Law means for breast cancer screening coverage.

DWELL 45 Quiet Luxury

A new build is infused with lasting elegance.

49 Moody Meets Whimsical

Rich color and smart functionality give this home a polished new personality.

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GO + DO 157 Eats + Drinks

Where to sip your next coffee, and women shaping the craft beer scene.

162 Jaunt

A paranormal promenade and visiting America’s Little Switzerland.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS 39 SSM Health Guide to Perimenopause and Menopause 57 Own Your Financial Future with Summit Credit Union 7 1 BRAVA At Home 111 Women in Business Professional Profiles 149 Fall Getaway Guide

IN EVERY ISSUE 10 Relate 168 Linger

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Women to Watch Shout-Outs

RELATE

Our Women to Watch continue to do amazing things!

o you have non-negotiable daily health practices? Maybe you never skip a morning stretch or a short meditation session. Mine are relatively simple: Down a 20-ounce glass of water right when I wake up, go on a short daily walk, take my vitamins and exercise (most days). When I feel good, I’m more efficient at work, and I am energized and present for my husband and kids. When my son had a major medical issue back in May, I’m grateful that I felt healthy and able to handle the stress of an unimaginable situation. As he’s recovering and fortunately doing better, I continue to feel thankful not only for his improvement, but for the community that has wrapped their figurative arms around our family and lifted us up. I have always maintained that the power of positivity and connection is also key to feeling physically and mentally healthy. The women featured on our cover and in the “Women Leading Wellness” feature (P. 84) embody this. These

Shayna Mace Editorial Director @shaynamace

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Carey Zawlocki,

our 2022 Women to Watch cover woman, recently departed the Monroe Street Arts Center to step into a new role as managing director at Creative Soul Camp, a summer and afterschool enrichment program for kids ages 6–13. Congratulations, Carey!

Geralyn Vaval,

our January/February 2026 cover woman, is the founder and CEO of Wisconsin Family Mental Balance and Cultivate Change, a nonprofit that works to empower youth and individuals through skill development, financial literacy and mental health support. She hosted her first Brunch for Change this past May, which raised funds for housing stability, down payment assistance and closing costs for unhoused individuals. The brunch raised $12,000.

Carla Williams,

a 2026 Woman to Watch, held her Glow & Gather event in late August. The experience centered the voices and experiences of Black women, and guests enjoyed a luncheon and a live recording of the “Black Women Deserve” podcast. The event also collected feminine hygiene products for The River Food Pantry.

Amy Crowe,

founder of Sports Mom Mantra and 2026 Woman to Watch, announced the launch of her The Fierce Strong Brave Experience™, an event designed for girl athletes ages 10–18 and the sports moms who support them. “Families can expect interactive activities, breakout sessions, practical tools, inspiring mentors and meaningful conversations they’ll continue long after the event ends,” says Crowe. The event will be held on Oct. 25.

HILLARY SCHAVE

THE BUSINESS OF FEELING GOOD

entrepreneurs and business owners were inspired by a passion for helping women prioritize their health and wellbeing. And they’re well-connected in the community, promoting one another’s businesses and even partnering up for events. Some founders have even been able to open second locations of their businesses to serve more women — including Amie Neumaier, founder of ANEU Med Spa. “Our patients fuel my joy and passion. Without them, I wouldn’t be doing this,” says Neumaier. Neumaier’s sentiments about the clients she serves are reflected by the other women in this package, which details new wellness businesses throughout the city, women-owned clinics, multi-location powerhouses, midlife health care practices and much more. We hope you enjoy it. Speaking of women making a huge difference for women’s health care, the many women behind the passage of Gail’s Law, a Wisconsin bill that requires insurance companies to cover diagnostic and supplemental screenings for those with dense breasts or at high risk of breast cancer, should be celebrated. It was named in honor of Gail Zeamer, who passed away in 2024 after years of battling her own late-stage breast cancer diagnosis while fighting to get legislation passed for other women. Read more about this issue on P. 35. Here’s to your health!

BUSINESS PUBLISHER Barbara Krause bak@ntmediagroup.com VICE PRESIDENT OF PUBLICATIONS Becky Peck bpeck@ntmediagroup.com

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Shayna Mace shayna@ntmediagroup.com GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Jim Nissen jim@commandshiftoption.com Meredith Johnson meredith@ntmediagroup.com FACT-CHECKER Mason Braasch

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SALES ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Dena Frisch dena@ntmediagroup.com SALES MANAGER Anna Hockett anna@ntmediagroup.com SALES ASSISTANT Arven Panilag arven@ntmediagroup.com CLIENT SERVICES SPECIALIST Amy Jacobs ads@ntmediagroup.com ACCOUNTING accounting@ntmediagroup.com

CONTRIBUTORS Natalie Bartel, Kristine Hansen, Emilie Heidemann, Danielle Letenyei, Carrie Lory, MaryBeth Matzek, Stephanie Mickelson, Melanie Radzicki McManus, Kevin Revolinski, Hillary Schave, Lisa Schmelz, Sue Sveum, Katie Vaughn, Amanda Wegner, Shanna Wolf BRAVA Magazine is a publication of Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc. Gary E. Nei, Chairman, William Turner, President. This issue or any part thereof may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. ©2026 951 Kimball Lane, Suite 122, Verona, WI. (608) 848-6700 SUBSCRIBE AT BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM Subscription information: (262) 729-447 1 or nadine@ntmediagroup.com. BRAVA (ISS.N 1934-4317) SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026, Volume 27, Number 05, is published bimonthly (six times a year) by Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc. Periodicals postage paid at 3902 Milwaukee St., Madison, WI 537 14 and additional offices. Postmaster send address changes to: BRAVA Magazine, 951 Kimball Ln., Ste. 122, Verona, WI 53593-1786.

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Beth Norman ranked #1 in Wisconsin on the 2026 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors list Beth and her team provide approachable, creative and personalized advice to assist clients in optimizing their lives now while planning for their financial future. They are passionate about helping their clients thrive and community prosper. Beth Norman, CFP®, AWM Managing Director – Financial Advisor Senior Portfolio Manager The Norman Fletchall Team 10 E. Doty Street, Suite 1000 Madison, WI 53703 (608) 252-7525 | elizabeth.norman@rbc.com www.normanfletchallteam.com Investment and insurance products offered through RBC Wealth Management are not insured by the FDIC or any other federal government agency, are not deposits or other obligations of, or guaranteed by, a bank or any bank affiliate, and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested. The 2026 Forbes “America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors” and “Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In-State” award was announced February 2026. Data as of 9/30/2025. The award was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that includes: a measure of each team’s best practices, client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance was not an award criterion. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. The financial advisor does not pay a fee to be considered for or to receive this award. This award does not evaluate the quality of services provided to clients. For more information: www.SHOOKresearch.com. © RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, registered investment adviser and Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC. All rights reserved. 26-MS-00427 (02/26)

PARTNER CONTENT

Madison Real Estate By Mary Whitcomb and Maddie Richgels

Honesty Sells: Why Disclosure Matters Before putting a home on the market, one of the duties of a seller is to fill out a Real Estate Condition Report. This sixpage document is meant to disclose things in need of repair or replacement in the home. It includes questions about the condition of the roof, windows, electrical system, plumbing and the structural integrity of a dwelling. The form also includes sections addressing potential environmental concerns, such as mold, lead, asbestos and nearby highvoltage power lines. Other sections deal with special assessments, taxes, remodeling and building permits. This all sounds a bit daunting, but the good news is that you're not expected to know the more technical aspects of your home, such as the condition of your furnace's heat exchanger or whether the flashing on your chimney needs replacing. What you want to and should disclose are the things that you are aware of — the window that doesn't open, or the water softener that hasn't recycled in six months. There are two reasons to take filling out a Real Estate Condition Report seriously. Mainly, because it's the right thing to do. We often tell people to disclose the things they would want to know if they were buying their house. All homes have their idiosyncrasies — some things are minor and not worth mentioning. But when it comes to more significant issues, the fewer surprises the better. People tend to be more accepting of issues if they are disclosed and explained in advance. The second reason for disclosing defects is because technically, once something is disclosed,

it's considered prior knowledge and not negotiable as part of an inspection. Every sale has many moving parts and hiccups happen. But a wellprepared Real Estate Condition Report is a great and very effective way for sellers to get things off to a good start while also providing themselves with some protection.

Until next time,

Mary Whitcomb and Maddie Richgels

825+

$385M+

25+

houses sold

in career sales

years of experience

608.712.9745 | thewhitcombgroup.madison@gmail.com Madison, WI 53703

What is your home worth?

THRIVE

Molly Fish

WRITING HER OWN STORY Molly Fish’s Lake City Books has become a beloved downtown book destination. BY SHAYNA MACE PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA WOLF

or Molly Fish, her bookstore, Lake City Books, is more than just a shop — it’s a communal gathering place. “What people want is the community of being in a space together. You can’t get that on Amazon. So, we provide a ‘third space’ where people can hang out,” she explains.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

THRIVE | RETAIL THERAPY

Fish established Lake City Books in 2023 and recently moved to a larger location on South Carroll Street. The open, airy space has concrete flooring, soaring ceilings and exposed ductwork — yet feels homey at the same time. It helps that there’s a beautiful bar in the back for patrons. “My booksellers can all pop over and pour you a delicious glass of wine, and we know these are all great wines, because they’re specially curated [for us],” says Fish, noting that Andrea Hillsey of Square Wine Company selects the wines. Patrons can also order a Working Draft Beer Company brew or hard seltzer, or a delicious nonalcoholic rosé kombucha, among other options. Fish says Lake City Books regularly hosts events, including writer meetups, book clubs, craft nights and author readings. “People want more things that they can participate in, so we’ve been leaning into that. You could come [here] by yourself or come with friends,” she says. For nearly two decades, Fish had been toying with the idea of opening her own business. Before launching Lake City Books, she worked as a quality assurance team lead at Epic while prepping for entrepreneurship by taking courses through UW-Madison’s Small Business Development Center. But books had always been part of her story. A proud Madison native, Fish had even worked in independent bookstores in both Madison and Chicago, where she lived for a time. This formed the plot for her own small-business tale. “I know Madison. I love small business. I felt like I could create something that Madison will love and be authentic to us,” says Fish. That includes the shop’s name. Resting on top of one of the bookshelves is a poster by artist Tom Morrison that says “Lake City.” Fish says the poster hung in her parent’s basement for years and it inspired her business. “I feel like it captures a lot. I grew up on Lake Monona. The lakes are a big part of my life. Lake City is such a cool nickname that we don’t use enough. So, I’m kind of trying to make Lake City happen for Madison!” she says. Luckily, it already has for book-lovers across the city. 120 S. Carroll St., lakecitybooks.com

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

MOLLY’S FALL PICKS

Lake City Books owner Molly Fish shares her latest must-reads.

“Under Story” by Chloe Benjamin Like many Madisonians, we can’t wait for the latest release by Chloe Benjamin, a UW-Madison grad who only recently moved away to California. A breathless page-turner and a love letter to our planet, “Under Story” grapples with the great questions of our time: human hubris, the precarity of the natural world and the mysterious webs of consciousness that bind us.

“Exit Party” by Emily St. John Mandel Our staff loved “Station Eleven” and can’t wait for “Exit Party,” another near-dystopian novel of doubles, shadow worlds and fractured timelines as a man disappears from a glittering Los Angeles party, and a woman — a gunrunner, an art collector, an operative of the State — searches for answers.

“Take My Word for It: A Memoir”

Ask about our complimentary design services!

by LeVar Burton The legendary actor behind “Roots,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and “Reading Rainbow” shares never-beforetold stories from a life that has shaped generations — told at last on his own terms.

“Murmuration” by TJ Klune A new TJ Klune novel is always a reason to celebrate at Lake City Books! This is a timeless romance set in a “perfect little town” — but there are no children or parents in Amorea, and no one who’s left town for the far mountains has ever come back. It’s perfect for fans of “Severance,” Stephen King and queer romance.

2300 Badger Ln., Madison 608.255.8998 • 670 S. Whitney Way, Madison 608.274.5575 RubinsFurniture.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

PARTNER CONTENT

ASK THE EXPERTS Treasury Management Strategies That Help Businesses Save Time, Improve Cash Flow, and Strengthen Security What is treasury management and why does it matter to growing businesses? Treasury management includes the banking tools and money securely, streamline operations, and reduce fraud risk. For many businesses, it’s not just about banking —

more quickly. For businesses handling frequent check What should businesses look for in a treasury management partner? Businesses should look for a banking partner that takes time to understand their operations and tailors solutions

the business. businesses face? One of the biggest challenges is timing. Businesses often have money coming in and going out at different times, which can create unnecessary stress. Treasury management tools can help business owners monitor balances in real time, accelerate receivables, automate payments, and improve forecasting so they always have a clearer picture of their cash position. How can treasury management save businesses time? Automation is key. Services like ACH payments, wire transfers, and remote deposit capture reduce manual processes and paperwork. Instead of spending hours handling deposits, writing checks, or reconciling manage many tasks digitally and securely from their Fraud prevention is a growing concern. How can businesses protect themselves? Cybercrime and payment fraud continue to evolve, making proactive protection more important than ever. Businesses should implement tools such as Positive account alerts, and dual approval controls. Equally important is employee education, as many fraud attempts begin with phishing emails or social engineering scams. What is Positive Pay and why is it valuable? Positive Pay is a fraud prevention service that helps detect unauthorized or altered checks before they clear an account. Businesses provide their bank with a list of review. It’s one of the most effective ways to help prevent

The Oak Bank Treasury Management team offers more than 50 years of combined expertise in business banking. L-R: Terri Burdick, Vice President Treasury Management; Linda Zimdars, Sr. Vice President Business Banking; Stephanie East, Vice President Treasury Management; Izzy Coughlin, Treasury Management Specialist

responsive local support, strong security expertise, and scalable tools that can grow alongside the business. What’s the biggest misconception about treasury management services? Many business owners assume treasury management solutions are only for large corporations. In reality,

improvements can have a meaningful impact over time. What’s one piece of advice you would give business owners today? Take time to evaluate your current processes. If your team is still relying heavily on paper checks, manual approvals,

organizations. How does remote deposit capture help businesses? Remote deposit capture allows businesses to scan and deposit checks electronically without visiting a branch. This improves convenience, speeds up deposits, and

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Learn more about solutions for business banking from Oak Bank’s Treasury Management team.

Celebrating More Than BANK 25OAK Years Of Excellence

5951 McKee Road, Suite 100 Fitchburg, WI 53719 608-441-6000 www.Oak.Bank

THRIVE | PERSPECTIVE

Tabatha Berget-Barnaby

THE WIG WHISPERER Following her own experience with cancer, a salon owner turns her attention to support others facing hair loss. BY KATIE VAUGHN PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY SCHAVE

tep inside Julia Grace Salon and you’ll see reclaimed wood doors used to designate styling stations, a charming brick fireplace and a wall of windows flooding the space with natural light. But if you’re struggling with hair loss, your eye may settle on the rows of wigs — curly, sleek, long, short, brunette, blond and silvery — placed around the salon. Full and partial wigs (often called toppers) are a new focus at the salon, inspired by owner Tabatha Berget-Barnaby’s cancer journey.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

THRIVE | PERSPECTIVE

In 2022, Berget-Barnaby was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma, a type of breast cancer that had not been discovered in her previous annual mammograms and breast exams. In March of that year, she had a double mastectomy, plus the tumor and nine lymph nodes removed. Next came chemotherapy and 28 rounds of radiation. When Berget-Barnaby lost her hair during treatment, she opted not to wear a wig. But she heard from many other women who were struggling with hair loss, whether due to cancer, alopecia, thyroid issues or other disorders. They didn’t know where to turn for help, and Berget-Barnaby realized she didn’t either. “I was lost — and I’m a hairdresser!” she says. As a beauty professional, BergetBarnaby deeply understood how personal hair can be, and how alienating and devastating losing it can feel. She decided that as soon as she felt healthy enough, she would learn

BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

about hair replacement options and share that knowledge. In the fall of 2025, she began training, and these days, the salon receives three to five calls a week about wig services. Women interested in hair replacement book a consultation, during which a stylist measures their head and they can try on wigs and peruse photo books, colors and hair swatches. Prices range from $200 for a simple synthetic-hair wig to $4,000 for a full human-hair wig. Clients typically receive their wig a week after ordering, and stylists can customize it through cutting and coloring. The salon also offers complimentary hair-to-scalp transitional haircuts. Berget-Barnaby recalls how difficult it was to cut her hair when it began falling out during chemotherapy, and knows other patients and their loved ones struggle with it too. Berget-Barnaby says interest in wigs is growing in the beauty

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

industry, to accommodate clients facing hair loss and also those who enjoy wearing them to change up their look. Stylist Leslie Prust appreciates being able to help women go from uncertain to comfortable in wearing a hairpiece. “At first it’s an adjustment for them, but then they can’t tell it’s a wig,” says Prust. When women find their right wig, seeing themselves with hair again can be emotional, says stylist Alexis Miller. “Their eyes light up,” she says. “Some leave in tears.” It’s exactly these transformations that Berget-Barnaby dreamed of when she was battling her cancer. It’s gratifying to take her experience and turn it into something positive, and powerful, for other women. “It’s like you change their life,” she says. “They walk out with confidence.” Katie Vaughn is a Madison-based writer and artist.

Visit mge.com/saving-energy for more tips.

Monroe

THE WOMEN OF

STREET

Did You Know? Every purchase you make locally helps strengthen Madison’s economy and supports women entrepreneurs here in our community.

SCAN TO LEARN MORE

monroestreetmadison.com @monroestreetmadison

DISCOVER AND SUPPORT FEMALE-OWNED BUSINESSES 1

Creando Explorertorium 1716 Monroe St. Karen Haygood

Hive of Madison 1904 Monroe St. Pam Schwarzbach

Artsy Fartsy 1717 Monroe St. Alisson & Jeanette Burda

Good Day Shop 1925 Monroe St. Sarah Artz

Orange Tree Imports 1721 Monroe St. Carol “Orange” Schroeder

Zander’s Interiors 2501 Monroe St. Erica Meier

MSN Plant Collective 1817 Monroe St. Stephanie Orkowski

Lauer Realty Group 2526 Monroe St. Liz Lauer

Bloom Bake Shop 1851 Monroe St. Annemarie Maitri

Sunne Boutique 2534 Monroe St. Carrie Astin

Neuhauser Pharmacy 1875 Monroe St. Peg Breuer

Aura Collective 2701 Monroe St. Sonya Fredrick

Monroe Street Framing 1901 Monroe St. Michelle Waldeck

4 8

6 11

9 12

PARTNER CONTENT

The Lo c al List

Effortlessly roll away daily stress with Thistle Farms’ 100% pure essential oil blends, inspiring serenity whenever you need it.

Katharisma Cleaning provides refined cleaning with easy online booking, flat rates and trusted, background-checked professionals.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Katharisma Cleaning

3330 Atwood Ave. Madison, WI 53704 608.246.4550 | olbrich.org

Madison, WI 53703 608.315.5546 | katharismacleaningllc.com

Wilson Aesthetic Company, led by Nurse Practitioner Becky Berkan, provides personalized aesthetic care with natural-looking results.

The “Fringe Benefits” sweater by Lisa Todd is a playful, relaxed-fit pullover that brings a touch of drama.

Wilson Aesthetic Company

Chauette Home and Fashion

990 Janesville St., #5 Oregon, WI 53575 608.219.0654 | wilsonaestheticcompany.com

1827 Parmenter St. Middleton, WI 53562 608.836.5366 | shopchauette.com

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

THRIVE | MONEY

SMALL LOAN, BIG IMPACT For entrepreneurs who may not qualify for traditional financing or need a smaller amount of startup capital, microloans offer flexible funding and valuable business support.

COURTESY AMY NARR

unding a small business, entrepreneurial dreams or a new startup can be challenging without the proper planning and financial knowledge. Microloans are a useful financial tool business owners can employ as a banking solution. Typically ranging from $500 to $50,000, microloans are smaller, and often come with business coaching or technical assistance, making them a great choice for new business owners. Microloans are usually collateral-free as well — specifically designed for those who cannot be easily approved by traditional banks. “Microloans can be a vital tool in accessing capital for small businesses and they are often the first rung on the ladder of borrowing,” says Amy Narr, a business consultant at the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) of UW-Milwaukee. “Some borrowers might not qualify for a traditional loan on paper, yet can prove their creditworthiness and build a strong

BY NATALIE BARTEL

financial track record by making on-time repayments on a microloan.” Larger banks generally have multiple loan worthiness, credit score and financial history requirements that some entrepreneurs may not yet have established. Microloans, on the other hand, are more mission-based. “The disparity in race, education and economic opportunity, historically and present day in our country, creates an unequal system for many, and banking has always been a big

Microloans can be a vital “tool in accessing capital for

small businesses and they are often the first rung on the ladder of borrowing. — Amy Narr

”

lever in this unjust model. Traditional underwriting often favors qualification standards easily attainable by those already positioned within the system, while minority communities must work twice as hard for the same access,” explains Narr. Instead of seeking out a small loan from a traditional bank, small business owners can find microloans through chambers of commerce, municipalities or Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). According to Narr, CDFIs are specialized, mission-driven private financial organizations certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s CDFI Fund. These lenders consider the social capital of an individual in addition to their financial situation. “It’s more, ‘Let’s look at your character and your track record [and] the business idea,’” says Narr. “They’re specifically designed to bring capital to underserved communities. They kind of fill that gap between no access and bankable.”

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The Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) works with small businesses and entrepreneurs to provide educational workshops and webinars. WWBIC can also assist with lender matching, and help business owners with proposals, projections and business strategy. The nonprofit has two options for entrepreneurs to access funding as well. As a CDFI, WWBIC offers capital loans from $1,000 up to $350,000 to startups and existing businesses. It also houses an interest-free, no-collateral crowdfunding business loan program through Kiva. Jazmynn Appleton, Kiva and alternative lending manager at WWBIC, recommends Kiva as a starting point for new business owners. Kiva is a global nonprofit crowdfunding platform that provides zero-interest loans from $1,000 up to $15,000. Appleton says Kiva is a great way for groups without substantial credit to apply for loans, educate themselves and bring awareness to their business. “As far as WWBIC goes, about 60 to 65% of the borrowers are women,” says Appleton. “That’s our main focus: women, people of color, people with disabilities and veterans.” Appleton says the end goal for business owners utilizing a Kiva loan is that they build up their credibility and transition to a larger, traditional bank. Overall, Narr says it’s always best to avoid debt and begin financing a business idea with one’s own money if possible, but microloans are a safe and worthwhile banking solution. “Microloans are a great place to start, but you’re going to need to put in some of your own money, and your own blood, sweat and tears,” Narr says. “Starting a business takes a lot of work and perseverance — and the loan is just a piece of it.” Natalie Bartel is a Madison-based freelance writer and photographer who enjoys writing about communities, the environment and the arts.

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THRIVE | CAREER

SEE THE CONNECTIONS A puzzle only comes together when the pieces connect and fundraising works the same way. Before people give, partner, sponsor or advocate, they often need a personal connection to the mission or to the people championing it. That connection may begin over coffee, through a thoughtful introduction at a community event or because someone took the time to bring people together. Strong fundraising relationships are built through trust, curiosity and shared purpose. By listening, making introductions and connecting with business owners, community leaders, family friends and potential sponsors, every conversation has the potential to strengthen a more generous network of support.

THE BIGGER PICTURE Great leaders don’t build relationships on transactions — they cultivate connections by trust, listening and a genuine appreciation for people’s talents.

BY CARRIE LORY

fter more than 25 years in direct marketing, I’ve learned that meaningful impact is rarely created by one person, idea or moment. It happens when people bring their unique strengths, experiences and perspectives together around a shared purpose. Throughout my career, I’ve led teams, developed strategies, launched successful campaigns and built relationships that drive results. While my path has evolved from corporate marketing to nonprofit leadership, one thing has remained constant: People and relationships are at the center of every meaningful effort. As campaign development manager for the Student Visionaries of the Year program at Blood Cancer United, I have the privilege of coaching and empowering high school students to lead philanthropic campaigns, develop leadership skills, and improve the lives of blood cancer patients and their families. I often think about leadership and relationships like a puzzle. Every piece is unique, but it’s the connections

between the pieces that create the complete picture. In the same way, meaningful relationships are built through listening, trust and appreciation for the strengths each person brings. When people feel seen, valued and connected, they create something together that is stronger than anything they could build alone.

RECOGNIZE THE VALUE OF EVERY PIECE In a puzzle, no piece is more important because of its size, color or position. Each is an essential contributor to the entire picture. The same is true of people. Everyone brings different experiences, talents and perspectives. Strong leaders recognize those differences as strengths, and create environments where people feel valued and empowered to contribute. When people know their voices matter, they’re more likely to engage and invest in a shared mission. Regularly ask yourself, “What does this person do best?” and use that answer to align roles, opportunities and partnerships.

EMPOWER IMPACT The most effective leaders don’t only focus on what they can accomplish themselves. They create opportunities for others to contribute, grow and lead. They understand that lasting success is built together and, similar to a puzzle, every piece matters. One of the most rewarding parts of my role is watching students discover their own ability to make a difference. Growth often begins when people are encouraged to step outside of their comfort zones and take on challenges they never imagined they could handle. Believing in people even before they believe in themselves helps build the confidence to lead, contribute and realize their full potential. If you’re interested in learning about the Student Visionaries of the Year program, please visit studentvisionaries.bloodcancerunited.org. Carrie Lory is a marketing professional and campaign development manager for the Student Visionaries of the Year program at Blood Cancer United.

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OWN YOUR BRAND Why defining your personal brand can open doors, build trust and help you stand out in today’s evolving job market. BY LISA SCHMELZ

aura Berkan is the assistant director of career management and career development for the MBA and master’s programs at the Wisconsin School of Business at UW-Madison. Awaiting her on a recent Monday morning were a slew of messages from grad students — all trying to stand out in an historically low-hire job market. But it wasn’t just her job title drawing them to Berkan. Beyond the respected brand her employer boasts, Berkan has a brand. A personal brand. “Your personal brand is what you want people to say or think about you when you are not in the room,” she explains. So, what does Berkan’s personal brand say to her students and colleagues? “They know what they are going to get from me is clear communication and honesty,” she says. In the current job market, many women are intentionally exploring and creating their personal brand. Among them is Dana Zurbuchen. A

veteran Wisconsin marketing strategist, she’s the founder and president of DZ & Associates and a certified professional coach. When she started her career 32 years ago, personal branding “wasn’t a thing,” she says. What shifted? “I think the coaching space really turned on the idea of personal brands,” says Zurbuchen. “The easiest way to

woman has a personal “Every brand — whether they know it or not. It’s just a matter of how they choose to express and use it. — Dana Zurbuchen

”

explain it to someone who doesn’t understand what a personal brand is, is that your personal brand is your authentic expression of who you are and the value you bring to the world. It sounds a little deep and complicated — but it’s not as hard as you think.” Applying the theories of branding to yourself as an individual is an accessible process and can help you find deeper satisfaction by making your work more closely align with your strengths and goals. “Every woman has a personal brand — whether they know it or not. It’s just a matter of how they choose to express and use it,” adds Zurbuchen. Your personal brand is on display in your interactions with colleagues and clients, in how you present yourself in person or online via social media, blogs, podcasts and in the way you show up in every situation. “It’s not something you pick up off the shelf and wear,” says Berkan. “It’s who you are day after day.”

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

THRIVE | MONEY HOW TO BUILD A PERSONAL BRAND Jean Sink, director of career management for the MBA and master’s programs at the Wisconsin School of Business, says to start with defining who you are and your purpose. “The first step is self-discovery,” she says, “and either thinking about or talking with those you’ve worked closest with and asking them what they see as your strengths, skills and aptitudes.” Assessments like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator can further clarify your assets. Taking an inventory of your credentials, social and cultural capital, and how your expertise aligns with your goals is another piece of the personal branding puzzle. Are there knowledge gaps to address, and how can you augment those? Next comes a value proposition or purpose statement, which then becomes the foundation for your personal

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WHY DOES PERSONAL BRANDING MATTER? “It combines your skills, experiences and personality into a unique, memorable identity that sets you apart from others in your industry or community. When your personal brand is clear, the right people will find you and the work becomes more of a state of flow.” — Dana Zurbuchen, founder and president of DZ & Associates and certified professional coach “It’s important because an individual needs to be able to clearly explain their value to an organization.” — Jean Sink, director of career management for the MBA and master’s programs at the Wisconsin School of Business at UW-Madison

branding, and in turn, your resume and LinkedIn profile. Then, the storytelling begins. What key experiences shaped you and highlight your best qualities? Communicate that story with outlets and opportunities that make you visible to a larger network. Finally, know that creating a personal brand isn’t simply fonts, colors and logos. It’s a deeply reflective and ongoing process. “Personal brands can feel very forced. But for me, it’s about authenticity and awareness and communicating that to the world with confidence. Your personal brand can evolve, and I think it should as we grow. And as we age and gain wisdom, we can become better versions of ourselves. Nothing is ever finished,” says Zurbuchen. Lisa Schmelz is a Wisconsin-based freelance writer.

Here’s a sneak preview of Madison-area business and networking events that will appear in our September BRAVA Business Monthly newsletter. If you haven’t subscribed yet, visit bravamagazine.com/brava-business to receive our curated newsletter every month!

SEPT. 15 OPEN Foundation’s “Glow Forward” 2026 Fall Affirming Career Summit

Job seekers can connect with employers the OPEN Foundation deems inclusive and access free career resources. Employers will network with job seekers in Wisconsin’s most engaged LGBTQ+ professional community. openmadison.org

SEPT. 28 SCORE Accelerate Your Business for Women

Geared toward female business owners, this conference offers workshops, practical tips and strategies to grow your company. score.org/wi/madison

SEPT. 30 TEMPO Madison Leadership Series

Learn the pros and cons of AI and how

technology affects your leadership. tempomadison.org

OCT. 1 The Business Forum’s October Luncheon: Supercharge 2027! A Materialization Workshop

Learn how to clear the energetic clutter blocking your success and visualize your goals. thebusinessforum.wildapricot.org

OCT. 6 Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce: Ask Me Anything with AMA-Madison

Join The Creative Company and the American Marketing Association (AMA) Madison leaders on the first Friday of the month for a 30-minute Q&A and open discussion on marketingrelated topics. madisonbiz.com

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THRIVE | WELLBEING

State Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara and Ashley Inda

A LAW WITH A LEGACY Gail’s Law requires insurance coverage for supplemental breast cancer screenings for women with dense breasts or elevated risk. BY SUE SVEUM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY SCHAVE

t may not impact you today — but someday, if you, a loved one or a friend faces the possibility of a breast cancer diagnosis, Gail’s Law

could make a meaningful difference. Why? Forty to 50% of women over 40 have dense breast tissue, making it hard to detect tumors with a mammogram

alone. This Wisconsin bill requires insurance companies to cover diagnostic and supplemental screenings for those with dense breasts or an increased risk of

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

THRIVE | WELLBEING breast cancer. Named for Gail Zeamer, who passed away in 2024 after years of battling her own late-stage breast cancer diagnosis — while fighting to get legislation passed for other women — Gail’s Law is a game changer. “It was Gail driving it,” explains Ashley Inda, who got involved in the cause after her own stage-three breast cancer diagnosis. “I felt a lump and was told it was ‘just dense tissue.’ I had an ultrasound after my mammogram but I didn’t understand that dense tissue could hide cancer or that MRI was a more sensitive option for detecting cancers that other imaging can miss. That’s why Gail’s Law is so personal to me — I want women to understand their breast density, know their options and have access to the additional imaging they may need with no out-of-pocket costs.”

Gail’s daughter, Sophie Zeamer, says her family got involved to make a difference for other women. “When my mom’s life came to an end, the bill didn’t — so we decided as a family this is something we could do to honor her while working through our own grief. It was her selflessness that led me to push for this life-saving legislation — as a remembrance of her and her legacy,” says Sophie. Gail was also the driving force behind the Breast Density Notification Law, which was passed in Wisconsin in 2017. This law requires a letter be sent to any patient with dense breasts; the letter suggests that they discuss supplemental imaging with their provider. While a mammogram is typically covered by insurance, supplemental MRIs and ultrasounds — two additional

Law is so personal “Gail’s to me — I want women

to understand their breast density, know their options and have access to the additional imaging they may need with no out-of-pocket costs. — Ashley Inda

”

Gov. Tony Evers signed Gail's Law into effect on March 19, 2026

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

THRIVE | WELLBEING

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GAIL’S LAW Here’s the lowdown on what Gail’s Law means for you. The bill:

“Advocacy takes time — especially when you’re a nonprofit going up against well-funded lobbyists. [Now], women won’t have to forgo life-saving tests because of the cost. They can catch [things] early when it’s most treatable.” — Dawn Anderson, shown with Gail Zeamer’s daughters, Sophie and Claudia

breast imaging options that are more effective for women with dense breasts (or areas of concern identified in a mammogram) — were billed to patients. Often to the tune of $500 and up, and often, much more than that. For many women, that’s simply not affordable. But that changed in March 2026 when Wisconsin joined 38 other states and Washington, D.C. by signing Gail’s Law (Wisconsin Act 103) into effect. “I’d become very interested in policy change,” says Inda, now a state policy representative for the Wisconsin Breast Cancer Coalition (WBCC), in collaboration with Early Detection Saves Lives (EDSL). “My goal was to prevent what happened to me from happening to other people.” But that took baby steps. Just ask

State Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara, who co-authored the bill with State Rep. Amanda Nedweski and State Rep. Cindi Duchow after Gail, a constituent, reached out to her about coverage for screenings. “The process spanned five years and three consecutive sessions,” explains Cabral-Guevara. While each bill raised some resistance, each version caused conflicts regarding different areas — from co-pays to covering ultrasounds. “But we were lucky,” notes CabralGuevara, “that the final form provides full coverage.” “Advocacy takes time — especially when you’re a nonprofit going up against well-funded lobbyists,” explains Dawn Anderson, WBCC member and EDSL

• Removes the out-of-pocket costs associated with diagnostic and supplemental imaging (ultrasound and MRI) under Wisconsin stateregulated health plans for women with dense breasts and those at an increased risk of developing breast cancer. • Requires that your healthcare provider will need to order your supplemental breast imaging test. Before scheduling, ask your employer’s benefits officer or insurance company to verify your coverage and any out-of-pocket costs with the current procedural terminology code provided. • Applies to women with dense breast tissue or an increased risk of developing breast cancer. “Increased risk” includes: A lifetime breast cancer risk of 20% or greater; a personal history of breast cancer; a strong family history; or a genetic mutation or other high-risk factors. • Includes Medicaid. • Took effect July 1, 2026 for Medicaid and will take effect for plan years beginning January 1, 2027 for stateregulated plans. (State exemptions to Gail’s Law include: Medicare, VHA, TRICARE, self-funded plans and out-of-state plans. Federal exemptions include: VHA, Medicare and TRICARE.) Source: Wisconsin Breast Cancer Coalition

Want more information? Visit: • Wisconsin Breast Cancer Coalition, wibreastcancer.org • Early Detection Saves Lives Coalition, earlydetectionwi.com • My Density Matters, mydensitymatters.org • Operation Breast Density, operationbreastdensity.org • Your oncologist, gynecologist or PCP

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

THRIVE | WELLBEING

“

Tell friends, co-workers — even providers who may be unaware of the legislation. [And] sharing your [own] story? That’s golden.

”

— State Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara

coalition chair, who began volunteering after both her mom and grandmother were diagnosed with breast cancer. “That’s why legislators need to hear real life stories from constituents about the impact of a breast cancer diagnosis — what high risk means or the difference between early- and late-stage diagnosis regarding treatment and survival. Those stories are advocacy in action.” Inda calls massive bipartisan support and great collaboration between organizations another a huge factor. “Volunteers utilized TV, radio, social media, podcasts, op-eds, letters, emails, written testimony, phone calls and face-to-face meetings with legislators,” says Inda. Sophie says the law has already been making a difference. “[People say] thanks everywhere we go! There’s so much relief and excitement,” she says. Adds Anderson: “[Now], women won’t have to forgo life-saving tests because

of the cost. They can catch [things] early when it’s most treatable.” Cabral-Guevara wants everyone to spread the news far and wide about Gail’s Law. “Tell friends, co-workers — even providers who may be unaware of the legislation. [And] sharing your [own] story? That’s golden,” says Cabral-Guevara. Sophie says her mom would be so proud and excited the bill passed. “She did this thinking no one should ever have to go through what our family had to,” she says. She adds that, since Gail never wanted it to be about her, she might’ve been embarrassed that Gail’s Law is named after her. “But our family is incredibly grateful that her name is going to live on,” she adds. Sue Sveum is a freelance writer and breast cancer survivor.

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Beyond Hot Flashes

What you need to know about perimenopause and menopause. BY LISA SCHMELZ

rah Block,

W P

-C

e’re talking and reading about it more than ever, but are women getting the facts they truly need about perimenopause and menopause? Well, that depends on the information’s source. NP

Sarah Block, APNP-CNP, an SSM Health women’s health provider certified by The Menopause Society, wants to see more dialogue between women and their medical providers — not more glib reels from social media influencers with click-bait promises of symptom relief that aren’t supported by science. “We used to think menopause was hot flashes and it is way more than that,” says Block. “We have estrogen receptors from head to toe, (so) symptoms can run the gamut.”

ssmhealth.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

PARTNER CONTENT

Brain Fog

Hot Flashes

Weight Gain

Bone Loss

Mood Changes

— Sarah Block, APNP-CNP

“These body composition changes are driven by hormonal shifts, specifically the drop in estrogen,” explains Roopa Shah, MD, an SSM Health family medicine provider. “You’re not doing anything wrong. It is a time of hormonal and physiological upheaval.”

Roo pa

Sleep Disturbances

We used to think menopause was hot flashes and it is way more than that.

WHAT EXACTLY IS PERIMENOPAUSE AND MENOPAUSE? Both are a natural part of a woman’s aging process. Perimenopause begins before menopause when estrogen, the main female hormone, levels rise and fall. Menstrual periods can become longer, heavier or irregular. Hot flashes, sleep disturbances and vaginal dryness are also common symptoms. Perimenopause can last for one or several years. Menopause is defined as a complete year without a menstrual period not caused by surgery, a medical condition or medical intervention. Once a woman has entered menopause, she can no longer get pregnant. IT’S A WHOLE-BODY SHIFT, NOT JUST HOT FLASHES Perimenopause and menopause are whole-body processes, affecting nearly every system — from the brain to the skin to metabolism. This is why women see a multitude of symptoms. Beyond hot flashes, there can be weight gain, joint pain, fatigue, brain fog, urinary urgency, low libido and mood changes. Hidden, but also occurring, is the beginning of bone loss.

MD Weight gain can be especially frustrating, especially when diet or activity hasn’t changed. But again, the physiological upheaval has a woman’s body storing fat differently and losing muscle mass, which can translate to slower metabolism and greater insulin resistance.

SO WHAT IS A WOMAN TO DO? Medical providers like Block and Shah encourage women to take a different approach to this time of life. Both suggest a mindset and action plan that supports a woman’s body and works with the changing hormones. Talking with a women’s health provider is a great first step. A pre-written list of specific concerns can guide the discussion. Avoid delays if you have symptoms that are impacting your physical or mental health. In some cases, hormone therapy may be advised in an appropriate dose and for an appropriate amount of time. “One of the most common misconceptions is that hormone therapy causes cancer,” says Block. “For many women, hormone therapy is a safe and effective treatment option, and fear of cancer should not prevent a conversation with a qualified health care provider.”

PARTNER CONTENT

In daily life, nutrition, physical activity and other healthy habits can help support metabolism, bone health and emotional well-being. These changes in a woman’s 40s and 50s can also aid in greater long-term independence, too. (Think avoiding falls and fractures.) “If I had to prioritize one thing,” says Shah, “it would be focusing on strength training.”

Ways to Feel Better as your Body Changes

Perimenopause and menopause are not about decline; they signal a new beginning.

Shah’s not the only one telling ladies to lift. Sara Galli, MD, an SSM orthopedic surgeon, is even more direct: “If you don’t use it, you lose it and we see that more acutely during and after menopause.”

Here are five tips to make this chapter Sa

a strong one:

li,

Actively engage in strength training to preserve muscle and metabolism.

Nourish with a lean protein-focused diet throughout the day.

Get quality sleep and help reducing stress, if needed.

Jane

are right for you.

“We need more protein to help maintain lean body mass,” says Janeah Schwarz, RD, a registered dietician with SSM Health, adding that protein should be spread throughout the day. Emerging research also suggests that a low-dose daily supplement of creatine, paired with strength training, can boost muscle strength, energy production and cognitive function. Because collagen production declines with age, supplementing with collagen — and vitamin C for absorption — can assist with joint support, hair and skin health, and exercise recovery. (Check with your medical provider before starting any supplements.)

Bhaw an iB

WHAT ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH? Psychiatrist Bhawani Ballamudi, MD with SSM Health, points out the demands of life don’t stop for women in perimenopause or menopause, and that mental and emotional health symptoms often catch women off guard.

Inquire about whether hormone therapy and/or certain supplements

z, R

Strength training two to three times per week, with a focus on progressive resistance with weights, bands or your own bodyweight, is science-backed. It can bolster balance, improve insulin sensitivity, help manage moods and enhance resting metabolic rate by increasing lean muscle mass. Maintaining muscle health is just as important as protecting bone health during menopause. Upgrading your nutrition is also advised.

lla

i, MD “Estrogen works with neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine,” explains Ballamudi. “Women start experiencing mood swings, anxiety, brain fog and low self-esteem. This is happening at a time when there’s also stress from careers, parenting, aging parents and everything comes together.”

Develop a personalized care plan with an SSM Health provider.

PARTNER CONTENT

If I had to prioritize one thing, it would be focusing on strength training.

A key first step is not to dismiss or misattribute emotional or mental symptoms. Seek help. For some women, hormone therapy can prove beneficial. Seeing a licensed counselor; making nutrition and fitness a priority; talking with others who’ve been down this road; and good sleep hygiene and mindfulness practices can also make this phase of life less about loss and more about reinvention.

There are three

“One of my favorite things to do,” says Schaefer, “is to work with people during life transitions and I think that menopause is one of the major life transitions that individuals go through… It’s always a privilege to walk on that journey with people and help them come up with new concepts of who they are and what life looks like in this new realm.”

lower, bone loss happens more quickly

perimenopause,

than the rate of

menopause and

natural replacement.

postmenopause.

True or False 9.

Perimenopause can

Over time, decreasing

last as long as a

estrogen can raise

decade, but averages

your blood sugar.

three to four years for

True or False

most women. True or False

Hormone therapy should be a last resort

10. There is very little the

for most women.

medical community

True or False

can do or suggest for the symptoms of

Lower estrogen

perimenopause or

levels decrease

menopause; you just

cardiovascular risks.

have to endure it.

True or False

Lower estrogen can affect blood cholesterol levels. True or False

You cannot get pregnant during perimenopause.

Scan the code to connect with an SSM Health women’s health provider and schedule an appointment.

As estrogen levels

menopause transition:

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phases of the

True or False

PsyD

Evelyn Schaefer, PsyD, is a licensed clinical and sport performance psychologist with SSM Health in Fond du Lac. She strives to help women understand, prepare for and navigate the process we call the change of life. It is not a time that women simply have to endure, she emphasizes.

How menopause savvy are you? Take this quiz to find out.

True or False 7.

Hot flashes can occur in perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause. True or False

ANSWERS: 1. TRUE 2. TRUE 3. FALSE 4. FALSE 5. TRUE 6. FALSE 7. TRUE 8. TRUE 9. TRUE 10. FALSE

— Roopa Shah, MD

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

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7 9

12 14 11

QUIET LUXURY A sophisticated palette of black, cream, taupe and soft beige creates a look that’s understated, elegant and enduring. BY STEPHANIE MICKELSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA WOLF STYLING BY DESIGNWELL INTERIORS

Clockwise from top left: 1. Black marble cutting board, $36. 2. Stoneware bowl, $30. 3. Soho Studio Serena tile and Kohler brushed brass swatch. 4. Taj Mahal quartzite sample. 5. Brass tray, $42. 6. Wooden dish, $24. 7. Vintage rolling pins, $17 each. 8. Truff Oil, $22. 9. Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige and Urbane Bronze swatches. 10. Top Knobs Charlotte pull (featured on custom-stained cabinet sample). 11. Rowe Furniture fabric swatches. 12. Sherwin-Williams Pearly White cabinet door. 13. Sibella wooden box, $42. 14. “Cook Beautiful” book, $45. 15. Wooden serveware, $8 each. 16. Iron bowl, $16. 17. Sweet Water Decor candle, $20. 18. Saro Lifestyle striped napkin, $12. All items available through DesignWell Interiors. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

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A CLASSIC AND TIMELESS SPACE

he mood board on the previous page was inspired by a recent home design project that DesignWell Interiors founder and principal designer Amanda Van Wie and her team worked on and that ultimately was featured in the Madison Area Builders Association 2026 Spring Parade of Homes. The home was built by Hart DeNoble Builders. When a Madison family set out to build a home, they wanted to make sure every design decision worked for everyone, so they reached out to Van Wie. She and her team worked closely with the homeowners to achieve their vision — an open concept where they can spend time with their children, an indoor space that gently spills over into the outdoor areas and a kitchen perfect for baking the homeowner’s signature sugar cookies — among other creations. 46

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“When we started designing the house, we created a very neutral color palette that carries through the entire home,” says Van Wie. The couple wanted a timeless and classic feel, so they coated the walls in SherwinWilliams’ Pearly White to create a bright and open space that supported their design goals. The dining room “completely opens up to the backyard and the cabana space,” which Van Wie says was very important to creating the open and inviting feel that the homeowners wanted. High ceilings allowed them to use Visual Comfort pendant lights over the kitchen island as well as a statement light fixture over the dining room table. The arched doorways capture a softness that echoes in the hood vent and soft curves of the island stools that the homeowner sourced herself.

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Van Wie loves the light fixtures in the kitchen and says that the 10-foot-high ceilings were necessary in the design. The homeowners love the fixtures as well and Van Wie notes, “Personally, I was very grateful that the ceilings were high enough to use these light fixtures.”

“The homeowner had an inspiration photo of a hood vent that we mimicked here,” says Van Wie, “but instead of the blank space that can happen when the hood vent is curved, it was filled in with the cabinet material for a cohesive and solid look.” Now that the home is finished, Van Wie says, “The [homeowners] plan on spending a lot of time at home, entertaining and hanging out with their family, and this design has the space and flow to be able to do that.” Stephanie Mickelson is a Wisconsin-based writer who writes about home design and fun things to do around the state.

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The shelving above the beverage center matches the wood tone of the kitchen island. The homeowner wanted a rich, timeless stain color, but struggled to find a standard shade that fit their vision. Van Wie says the homeowner found a stool in the DesignWell studio that they loved and Van Wie had the Amish cabinet maker do a stain match.

The baking kitchen is bathed in Sherwin-Williams’ Urbane Bronze, one of Van Wie’s go-to colors. She says the beadboard on the wall “gives the space an added layer of texture.” The quartzite countertops are Taj Mahal from Capital Stone in Madison and the same countertops were used in the kitchen for a cohesive feel between rooms.

The Visual Comfort light fixture that hangs over the custom dining table is from Madison Lighting. “[It’s] the showstopper here and ended up being the perfect light fixture for the space,” says Van Wie. The slipper chairs are from DesignWell Interiors. “We all fell in love with this wallpaper,” says Van Wie and it was a major inspiration for the rest of the home. The Phillip Jeffries design is called Tea Time. The wood fluting detail in the middle of the wall was originally supposed to be used in the kids’ playroom, but “it ended up being perfect [for the powder room], adding another layer of texture and playing off of the wallpaper,” says Van Wie.

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The natural texture of the sisal wallpaper in the living room is not only attractive, but functional, because it doesn’t show smudges and fingerprints. The daybed is swathed in blue velvet that’s very kid friendly and easy to clean, while still being soft and cozy.

MOODY MEETS WHIMSICAL Rich color and smart functionality give this home a polished new personality without sacrificing comfort for a young family. BY STEPHANIE MICKELSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA WOLF

hen a Madison couple wanted to elevate their home to a moody, grown-up space that could still accommodate their young family and work-from-home needs, they reached out to Kimberlin Payne, founder and designer at K . Payne Interiors. The homeowners, Bill and Amanda, had an idea of the color palette and overall feel that they wanted, but Payne says she had a lot of freedom to

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Above This custom mail cabinet was inspired by vintage Henredon campaign furniture and features trompe l'oeil drawers. The art that hangs in the home is “all one-of-akind or things they’ve collected, which is really personal,” says Payne. Right The cow painting that hangs above the fireplace is by Luke Stretar, an Ohio artist, and was a birthday present for Amanda from her fatherin-law. Payne says this painting replaced a colorful cow painting that the homeowner had before they redecorated. They retained the original mantle and stonework of the fireplace, but replaced the hearth with handmade tile. Left In one of their riskier design decisions, Payne says, “we chose this funky yellow wallpaper to [infuse] personality and brightness into what is a moody space.” She and Sam Pelot of Sam Pelot Interiors + Collections curated the decor for the living room bookshelf, including a Tiffany clock and art from the family’s travels.

get creative with this project. The deep blue color palette achieved the goal of creating a moodier space, while unique patterns and yellow accents added some whimsy and kept the design from getting too serious. “A friend of Amanda’s has gifted her a lot of really fun art,” explains Payne, “so we featured a lot of handmade art that is very one-of-a-kind.” 50

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Before the remodel, the homeowners’ work-from-home setup was less than ideal. “They were both kind of squished into weird spaces. Amanda was working from a little desk in her bedroom and Bill used the main-level bedroom as his office,” says Payne. Creating a space for the couple to work in was a primary goal. After converting the extra bedroom into an office

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Right The home’s blue color palette extends into the office, where light blue cabinetry and arched, built-in shelving echoes the graceful arched doorways found throughout the home. Left Above one desk, Payne says they mounted and framed self-portraits by each of the couple’s children. She says, “We were just racking our brains for what we could do with the art here, and then the homeowners pulled out the kids’ school art, and we found these.”

space, they were able to include a big L-shaped desk that the couple can both work from comfortably. One end is even positioned opposite a gallery wall so there’s a nice background for virtual meetings. Payne says the couple “loves to entertain and host book clubs, so they wanted an adult hangout.” To accomplish this, they swathed the living room in a deep blue sisal wallpaper — but made sure to incorporate kid-friendly materials throughout for maximum durability. One of the biggest logistical challenges, says Payne, was an area in the front of the house with a large window overlooking the road. “We really wanted to focus the seating area and the social area towards the back of the house and not emphasize the road side,” she says. But when she styled the space with a blue velvet daybed and vintage record player, no one expected that it would become a favorite spot for everyone in the family. “Everyone absolutely loves it,” she says. “They’ve been lounging and reading there, and the dog naps there. It’s been a favorite spot for both family and visitors.” Now, with a space to entertain in that feels both grown-up and inviting, the homeowners, Payne says, “are proud to bring their friends over and share their new space.”

Right The gallery wall features pieces by local makers, works collected during the family’s travels and art gifted from friends. Payne points out the gallery rail allows for artwork to be easily swapped in and out without damaging the wall. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

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Trained Designers. Real Credentials.

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We collaborate with trusted stores and vendors throughout the area to help you achieve a cohesive look from room to room — not just piece to piece.

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Build the Financial Future You Want, One Move at a Time For many women, financial moves don’t show up first as investment choices or retirement planning conversations. Instead, they’re reflected in personal and family decisions about caregiving, education, housing, careers and support for loved ones. Those choices impact lifetime earnings, retirement savings, wealth and future options. Summit Credit Union CEO and President Kim Sponem says a strong financial future starts with an intentional next move. Kim Sponem, CEO and President, Summit Credit Union

uying a home with an extra bedroom for an aging parent. Going back to school to grow your career and create opportunities for your family. Hiring another employee or even buying a building to expand a business. Most people think of these as life decisions, not financial ones.

But they can have the greatest impact on a woman’s long-term financial future, says Kim Sponem, CEO and president of Summit Credit Union. And women often make these types of decisions while first considering how they’ll affect children, partners, parents and communities. That’s not hesitation. It’s intention. “Women are making choices that benefit everyone around them,” says Sponem. “What isn’t always visible in the moment is how those choices may affect their lifetime earnings, retirement savings, and ability to build wealth and future opportunities.”

Sponem says financial security is built gradually through a series of decisions, not one defining moment, and women face unique financial challenges along the way. Longer lifespans, less lifetime earnings,1 nearly 60% lower average retirement account balances2 and 20% lower Social Security benefits3 — it compounds over time and women are at higher risk for poverty in retirement.4

YOUR NEXT GOAL STARTS WITH A NEXT STEP Whether you’re taking control of your money management, paying down debt, buying a home, growing your career or starting a business, progress happens one decision at a time. The right tools, information and perspective can help you keep moving.

“For two decades at

READ ON FOR WAYS TO: • Build your future while supporting the people you love

Summit, we’ve invested in helping women build wealth because financial progress changes what’s possible — not just for one person, but for generations,” Sponem says. “When women move up financially, families become stronger, businesses grow and communities thrive.”

• Build your career to shape more than your next paycheck • Build stability and opportunity through homeownership • Build on what’s possible with business ownership SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

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BUILD YOUR FUTURE WHILE SUPPORTING THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE Women are often planners, caregivers and problem-solvers in their families. They support children, aging parents, partners and loved ones — sometimes taking time off work to provide care, gifting money or putting their own goals on hold.

than $700,000 and increased savings by more than $680,000 over the years. They publicly shared what they learned during the financial education program so others can take similar steps.

“Women often don’t overspend. They over-support,” Sponem says. “The goal isn’t choosing between caring for others or caring for yourself, but creating opportunities where you can do both.” That balance matters because, while supporting loved ones is meaningful, it can affect retirement or emergency funds and future financial security. Especially when it interrupts consistent saving or investing. In creating more for the future, small moves build on each other over time — like understanding where money is going, spending with intention to reflect priorities and creating consistent savings habits. Carisa worked with a financial coach to pay off her car and credit card debt, used digital banking tools to budget and took control of her finances. She talked through her credit, took a homebuying course and bought the home she wanted to create stability for her and her young daughter. “Seeing I can make all this work made me feel owning a home was doable,”

“We’re building my son’s savings little by little without me having to think about it. That money is for him, but it’s also helping me build a savings habit of my own.”

Women have always learned from one another and financial decisions are no different. Hearing another woman’s experience provides perspective, encouragement and ideas for your own next move. Create a support system that includes you — so you can care for loved ones while continuing to save, plan and move toward your own goals.

— Heather, Project Money participant, with her children Carisa says. “I went from paying rent to investing in my family’s future and building generational wealth for my daughter. It’s a strong foundation for other goals, too.” For Heather, automating monthly transfers into her young son’s account is helping create a future — for him and for her. “We’re building my son’s savings little by little without me having to think about it,” Heather says. “That money is for him, but it’s also helping me build a savings habit of my own.” Heather and Carisa are among the Summit Project Money participants who have collectively reduced debt by more

Questions to consider when supporting family: • How much financial support am I providing others today and how might this affect my finances in one year? Five years? • What would it look like to protect both my family and my future? • What money managing tools can I use to support my goals and others’ needs?

“Seeing I can make all this work made me feel owning a home was doable. I went from paying rent to investing in my family’s future and building generational wealth for my daughter. It’s a strong foundation for other goals, too.” — Carisa, Project Money participant, with her daughter, Brielle

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BUILD YOUR CAREER TO SHAPE MORE THAN YOUR NEXT PAYCHECK Career decisions affect much more than your paycheck today. They also influence retirement contributions, investment opportunities, Social Security benefits and the financial choices available later in life. “People often think of earning power as income. I think of it as opportunity,” Sponem says. “What you earn today can shape what you’re able to save and build for decades.” Even a small boost in earnings early on in a career compounds over time to have significant impact on wealth. An $11,000 gap in starting salary becomes a difference of more than $800,000 over a 40-year career, assuming a 3% annual raise. And that doesn’t account for the bonuses and retirement fund matches tied to a salary. Earning power grows through a decision to go back to school, build a new skill, re-enter the workforce after time off for family, step into a leadership opportunity or prepare for a compensation conversation.

That action creates real change in a world where women face lower full-time earnings (83.1% of what men make5), higher student debt, fewer paths into high-wage fields and leadership gaps that slow future income growth. Casey Cronin knows the power of a career change after going back to school for her bachelor’s degree in business administration and moving from her branch manager role at Summit to a risk analyst position. “Getting my bachelor’s degree showed me how much I’m capable of and gave me confidence to pursue new opportunities, keep growing and take the next step in my career,” Casey says. “I’m also proud to show my daughters the importance of determination, lifelong learning and believing in yourself.” Sponem says helping women grow earning power is one of the most powerful ways to create long-term financial security — and the impact reaches far and wide. “When women succeed and have equal economic power, everyone benefits,” Sponem says. “If the gender wage gap were eliminated, there would

be an additional $541 billion6 for working women to put toward family needs like childcare, groceries and emergency savings.” Turn your career decisions into greater earning power, stronger retirement security and more options for the life you want.

Questions to consider when pursuing career opportunities: • What education, certification or other opportunities could increase my earning power in the next five years, and what doors might that open? • What additional long-term saving becomes possible if my income grows? • What resources could help me take the next step sooner?

“Getting my bachelor’s degree showed me how much I’m capable of and gave me confidence to pursue new opportunities, keep growing and take the next step in my career. I’m also proud to show my daughters the importance of determination, lifelong learning and believing in yourself.” — Casey Cronin, Risk Analyst, Summit Credit Union

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

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BUILD STABILITY AND OPPORTUNITY THROUGH HOMEOWNERSHIP A home is more than a place to live. For many women, it’s a big step to building wealth and stability. It also expands opportunities through life’s transitions in the future — maybe a growing family needs more space, aging parents move in, a renovation better supports changing living needs or home equity provides money to start a business. “Housing decisions are often building equity, flexibility and financial options that have long-term benefits,” Sponem says. With two teenagers gearing up for college and lots of plans for their family’s future, Angie and husband

Cris used the equity in their home to consolidate high-interest debt into a home equity line of credit (HELOC). That same HELOC is now handy for the unexpected. “We can make whatever needs to happen, happen, without using a highrate credit card,” Angie says. “Like when we needed new siding or our water heater went out, we just transferred money from our HELOC to pay for it.” Carla wanted to create stability for her family’s future with a home of her own. She joined Summit’s Women Build Equity HomeSaver Match program — which combines financial education with a $10,000 match toward a down payment or closing costs. She gained new financial skills, paid off credit cards, saved for a down payment and bought her first home.

Look at each home decision as a way to build your wealth and open doors to what’s possible next.

Questions to consider for homeownership: • What opportunities could my housing decisions create for my family and what changes would help me get closer? • Am I making the most of my home equity? • Are there programs, resources or options I haven’t explored yet?

“We can make whatever needs to happen, happen, without using a high-rate credit card. Like when we needed new siding or our water heater went out, we just transferred money from our HELOC to pay for it.” — Angie and Cris, Project Money participants

BUILD ON WHAT’S POSSIBLE WITH BUSINESS OWNERSHIP Whether starting a company, expanding a business or investing in property, business ownership can make all the difference in financial security. “Businesses aren’t just a source of income,” Sponem says. “They’re a valuable asset that creates opportunities to build wealth and stability, and to leave a lasting impact on families and communities.” Women are launching nearly half of all new businesses in the United States7, often investing their own resources to bring those ideas to life. For Christine, buying a building was the next step to protect her 20-year boutique 60

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“This building gives us possibilities to do whatever we want to do. It’s security and an investment in the future for both of us. Summit treated us with a level of belief and respect I hadn’t experienced at a financial institution before.” — Christine, with her daughter and building co-owner, Anjanette

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business. Faced with rising rent and a temporary location, the property gave her business stability and even room to add a wine bar. With an apartment above her boutique, it was also an opportunity for her daughter, Anjanette, to start a goal of her own — property ownership and management. Talking through their business opportunities and securing financing with Summit, Christine and Anjanette bought the property together. Today, they support three businesses serving their community. “This building gives us possibilities to do whatever we want to do. It’s security and an investment in the future for both of us,” Christine says. “Summit treated us with a level of belief and respect I hadn’t experienced at a financial institution before.” Grow your business vision by taking steps that create stability today and long-term value for the future.

Questions to consider when building or pursuing a business: • Am I thinking about my business as income or as an asset that creates future opportunities?

KEEP YOUR MOMENTUM GOING Big financial outcomes often start with decisions that don’t feel financial. Summit has spent more than two decades building coaching, education and tools designed to help women make confident next moves and accelerate their progress. Start with one move that matters most to you: • Save automatically toward your next goal. Set up recurring transfers into savings—even create sub-accounts and custom-name them (Beach Vacay, Retirement Fun, etc.). Also, track and add to your progress using the Savings Goal tool in digital banking. • See exactly where your money is going. Use the Spending Analysis tool in digital banking to track and sort your spending by category instantly for you. Spot spending patterns and opportunities to make changes for your priorities. • Meet with a Summit financial coach. Identify opportunities you may not see on your own or talk through financial decisions that shape long-term outcomes. • Learn from others through Project Money. Get practical tips from teams working with Summit financial coaches to grow savings, reduce debt and create life-changing money habits. • Use SummitCreditUnion.com resources. Explore digital tools, financial education and events you can use at no cost to build wealth and security.

• What would success look like five years from now? • What support would help me take confident next steps and what becomes possible if I do?

“The next move doesn’t have to be the biggest one. It just has to be yours.” — Kim Sponem, CEO and President, Summit Credit Union

*The Wisconsin’s #1 Mortgage Lender designation is based on the number of loans in 2025, gathered from the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data compiled annually by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The results of the data were obtained through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s website. LEI: 254900NTAC4H10MGSU23. **SBA Lender of the Year Award for Credit Unions as awarded by the Small Business Administration of Wisconsin in 2025. 1 National Women’s Law Center, The Lifetime Wage Gap, State by State, March 25, 2026. 2 T. Rowe Price, Ways to help women overcome the retirement savings gap and boost confidence, February 2025. 3 Forbes, Top Gender Pay Gap Statistics, July 2026. 4 National Institute on Retirement Security, March 2016. 5 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, April 2023. 6 Institute for Women’s Policy Research, Economic Impact of Equal Pay by State, May 2021. 7 Experian, Women-Owned Small Businesses Growing Faster Than Male-Owned, March 23, 2026

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The Renovation Effect What began as a simple mudroom makeover evolved into a thoughtful, whole-home renovation. BY MELANIE RADZICKI MCMANUS PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA WOLF

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t all began with the mudroom. Paul and Michelle Schildgen loved the unique layout of their 1979 home, plus its location on a quiet cul-de-sac tucked into the woods. But they hated the mudroom. “Functionally, it was the worst room in the house,” says Michelle, owner of Studio Captivate, a commercial and residential interior design firm in Madison. “The door was right in front of the dryer, there was no cabinetry, and there was nowhere to sit or set anything down. And we needed more storage. I hated walking into shoes everywhere.” The couple decided to renovate the room, but that quickly became problematic. If they moved and replaced the door, for example, they should probably replace all of the doors in the home to match. If they installed new flooring, they should probably redo the flooring in the nearby kitchen, too. If they replaced the kitchen flooring, shouldn’t they just remodel the kitchen, as well? Right: A wealth of custom cabinetry in the combination laundry/mudroom gives the Schildgens plenty of places to stash keys or gloves, or to set down items. Michelle selected the same walnut cabinetry found in the kitchen, adding some pieces painted in Benjamin Moore’s River Blue. 64

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Top Left: This moveable cabinet tucks into one corner of the kitchen, framed by items with special significance to the couple. Their niece, Charlie, created the drawing of their former Boston Terrier, Paisley, while the early 1900s-era photo of Tenney Park reminds the couple of their engagement spot. Top Middle: The Schildgens used leftover tambour wall paneling from the kitchen island to create this eye-catching coatrack. The large, blue cabinet contains all of the couple’s shoes. Right: The couple’s coffee and tea supplies, along with their microwave, are tucked into shelving normally masked by walnut cabinet doors, reflecting the kitchen’s new design. Bottom: Custom walnut cabinets fill the kitchen, including panels concealing the refrigerator and dishwasher, creating a clean, bright feel. The range hood, shelving and wall are painted white for an airy feel.

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MEET MICHELLE OF STUDIO CAPTIVATE Michelle Schildgen is an interior designer and owner of Studio Captivate, a company specializing in bespoke interiors. For residential customers, Schildgen helps create personalized spaces, while the designs for her commercial clients center around who they are and what they do. Schildgen encourages her clients not to simply purchase new items when redecorating, but to seek out favored items they already possess, such as family photos, inherited furniture and artwork from a loved one. “If you surround yourself with good memories, your home will always feel like home,” she says.

Where do you like to shop for clients? For accessories and artwork, I like antique stores and art fairs. You get better quality, plus unique items that aren’t found everywhere. I also really love designing custom cabinetry.

What is your style?

Top: The Schildgens sourced the striking, fish-scale Artefino vintage tiles from Daltile for their powder room and selected an extra-thick countertop inspired by one Michelle spied in The Charmant, a luxury La Crosse hotel. “I like making the powder bathroom the jewel box of the home — very decorative and with all the bling,” she says.

Soon the two had a new plan: Remodel the entire home. The couple divided the project into two stages. First, they remodeled the primary suite and a hall bathroom. A few years later, they remodeled the rest of the home, including the combination laundry room/mudroom that inspired the entire project. Since Michelle used to help run a residential remodeling company, she managed the project herself, tapping

various subcontractors for different portions of the project. Whenever possible, the Schildgens did the work themselves. “We painted the entire interior and installed the tile in the powder room,” she says. “We found ways to be economical where it made sense.” One challenge with the kitchen remodel was storage space. Michelle wanted to create an art gallery in the kitchen where cabinets would

I love midcentury, art deco and Victorian. Art deco and Victorian in particular have brassy hardware, ornate designs and detailed woodwork.

What is your favorite room to renovate or redecorate and why? I love designing bars. There’s something bougie about the glassware, shelving, wine glasses and liquor bottles. And it’s all about adding hospitality into a space.

What can make or break a room?

The lighting. It completely changes how a space looks and feels. People often pull money out of their lighting budget to pay for something else, but that’s probably the number one thing you shouldn’t value-engineer.

If you have a limited budget, which room in your home is the most important to redecorate? The room you use the most.

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Above: Artwork and items with special significance to the couple fill their home. Here, paintings from Ha Long Bay and Angkor Wat remind them of a favorite trip to Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia. The vase was a wedding gift and the footprint is their son’s, taken when he was one month old.

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normally be hung. But that meant removing about 75% of the upper cabinetry and they couldn’t afford to lose that much storage space. The solution came via Broihahn Custom Woodworks in Lancaster, Wis., which crafted the room’s new cabinetry. Through its creative use of space, the Schildgens’ new kitchen contains the same amount of storage, despite eschewing wall cabinets. “I love how much you can do with custom cabinets,” Michelle says. “If you’re going to remodel a space and don’t use custom cabinetry, you’re missing out on a lot of benefits.” The Schildgens are thrilled with the results of their latest remodel. Not only did the project turn out exactly as envisioned, it resulted in one pleasant surprise. After opening up a wall separating the kitchen and back living room, a wealth of natural light now fills both rooms. “Previously, we spent more time in our front living room,” Michelle says, “but now we spend much more time in the back living room. It feels so good to be back there.” Melanie Radzicki McManus is a freelance travel writer and speaker based in Sun Prairie.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

Top: The couple used to have a table for four, but after adding a breakfast bar to the kitchen, they switched to a smaller cafe table. “We like sitting there in the morning, looking out the window at the woods outside,” Michelle says. The small china hutch holds a variety of cut glass inherited from family.

alexis g blake interiors

website: alexisgblake.com

Learn piano guided by one of Dane County’s most experienced teachers.

email: alexisgblakeinteriors@gmail.com

Piano for Adults Piano for Transformation is a mix of in-person, private one-on-one lessons, small group classes, online practice check-ins all designed to motivate you to learn piano.

608-663-9899 thestudio615@gmail.com studiosharemadison.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

CREATING ORIGINAL & TIMELESS DESIGNS In a quaint boutique, tucked away on charming Monroe Street, works an ensemble of Madison's leading interior designers. Amongst the fabrics, furniture, flooring, lighting, window treatments, wall coverings, and art, they together craft styles which perfectly suit each unique client. And their combined fee? No more than you'd pay for a single designer.

INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES: Design Consultation• Home Remodeling New Construction Interior• Space Planning Color Consultation• Lighting Selection Electrical Plans• Seasonal Decorating Home Purchase Evaluation

IN OUR DESIGN STUDIO: Custom Furniture• Window Treatments Upholstery• Home Accessories• Wallpaper Carpet• Rugs• Fine Art• Trim Molding

MONROE STREET, MADISON zandersinteriors.com

PARTNER CONTENT

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DREAM HOUSE DREAM KITCHENS Timeless design for the heart of the home.

74 CLASSIC CUSTOM HOMES BUILDING ARTS 76 ARCHITECTURAL The details behind the distinction.

Crafting spaces that honor both the past and the future.

HOUSEWRIGHTS 78 ASSOCIATED

Experience the design-build advantage.

VICTORY HOMES Building a legacy, one home at a time.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

SERENITY SIMPLIFIED With Dream House Dream Kitchens, you work with one company from design to completion. Our experienced designers and remodelers bring your dreams to life, from custom cabinetry to whole house remodeling.

dream-kitchens.com

Showrooms in

Madison | Middleton | Delafield

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Dream House Dream Kitchens | 608.204.7575 | 5117 Verona Road, Madison | dream-kitchens.com

TIMELESS DESIGN FOR THE HEART OF THE HOME

s kitchen trends evolve year over year, design choices are best selected

with timeless functionality at the forefront. Kristen Cross, senior designer at Dream House Dream Kitchens says, “A successful kitchen isn't defined by following the latest trend, it's defined by how well it supports the people who live in it.” The team at Dream House Dream Kitchens assists homeowners with selecting kitchen elements that best fit their style and needs. Cross shares the following kitchen trends that combine practicality and lasting style, helping homeowners create tailored kitchens that stand the test of time. Integrating Natural Materials and Colors Kitchen designs in 2026 show a greater shift towards natural elements — moving away from all-white palettes towards warmer, layered tones. In doing so,

“People want every cabinet to have a

designers are pairing mixed materials like

purpose, whether that's pull-out pantry

handmade tile, natural stone, textured

storage, drawer organizers, appliance

wood grain and unlacquered brass

garages or hidden charging stations.”

hardware with painted cabinetry. This

She also advises homeowners to invest

adds more character to the space, while

in kitchen elements with longevity, such as

maintaining a lasting feel.

layout, cabinetry and quality materials. From

“I believe warm wood tones, soft whites

this foundation, homeowners can incorporate

and muted nature-inspired colors will

decorative details that reflect their style and

have the greatest staying power because

can be easily updated over time.

they create a timeless backdrop that can

Open layouts, smart storage solutions

easily evolve with changing décor and

and improved circulation can transform

accessories,” Cross explains.

the space to be more practical and

These materials age gracefully and will

inviting.

remain beautifully relevant over the years. Creating a Foundation Built to Last Embracing Multifunctional Spaces

For many, the kitchen is the hub of

Functionality in design is just as

the home, and it operates best when it

important as aesthetics, and homeowners

is designed to serve, evolve and grow

are looking for more creative ways to

with the homeowner through changing

optimize their kitchen’s performance.

seasons. By collaborating with a designer

This may include larger, multi-use islands,

to create a space maximized for workflow,

thoughtfully designed storage, integrated

storage, lighting and ergonomics, the team

appliances and dedicated beverage or

can together build an inviting kitchen

coffee stations.

that feels effortless to live in.

“

A successful kitchen isn't defined by following the latest trend, it's defined by how well it supports the people who live in it. — Kristen Cross

”

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

YOUR VISION. OUR CRAFTSMANSHIP. Let’s build your masterpiece: a oneof-a-kind home built to the highest standard.

608-850-4450 www.cchofwaunakee.com 401 N. Century Ave Waunakee, WI

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ear after year, the homes Classic Custom Homes of Waunakee features

in the Madison Area Builder Association’s Parade of Homes stand out from the field. There’s not one single showstopping feature; it’s the people and process behind every decision, says Brea Bartelt, interior designer with the Dane County builder, which has been building homes for local families for over 35 years. A Close-Knit Team, A Guided Process “What sets us apart is the people behind the homes,” Bartelt explains. “We have a close-knit team that genuinely works together to create the best possible experience for every client.” Unlike many builders, the Classic Custom Homes team attends every selection appointment alongside their clients. “Building a home involves countless decisions, and we don’t believe you should have to navigate them alone,” Bartelt says. The team walks clients through each

“Trends should complement a home-

choice, weighing pros and cons so finishes

owner’s personal style rather than define

and features look beautiful and fit the

it,” Bartelt says. “Our goal is to create a

homeowner’s lifestyle and budget. “We

home that our clients will love for years to

are always willing to adjust and improve

come, not just for the current season.” The

if something isn’t quite right, because we

approach starts with understanding each

believe every detail matters.“ The goal: a

homeowner’s preferences and lifestyle,

process that feels enjoyable, collaborative

then incorporating trends in ways that

and stress-free — and a home that truly

can be refreshed later.

reflects the people living in it. What Makes a Home Truly Custom Consistency Creates Cohesion

“High-end finishes alone don’t make a

“The biggest difference comes from

home feel truly custom,” Bartelt says. “A

consistency and intentional design,”

custom home is thoughtfully designed

Bartelt notes. Repeating key elements,

around the people who will live in it, with

such as a finish, a color palette, a material,

every detail working together to create a

an architectural detail all create flow

cohesive look and feel.”

throughout a home. That continuity of

It’s the flow of the architecture, the

design connects each space and leads to

consistency of materials and the

a home that feels thoughtfully designed

intentionality behind every choice that

and timeless.

elevate a house into something personal.

Trends as Inspiration, Not Instruction

lifestyle and personality from room to

Trends, meanwhile, are treated as a

room, that’s what makes it custom for

starting point rather than a rulebook.

Classic Custom Homes of Waunakee.

When a space reflects the homeowner’s

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

Classic Custom Homes of Waunakee | 608.850.4450 | 401 N. Century Ave., Waunakee | cchofwaunakee.com

THE DETAILS BEHIND THE DISTINCTION

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Architectural Building Arts | 608.233.2106 | 720 Hill St., Ste. 100, Madison | designbuildmadison.com

ROOTED IN MADISON, BUILT FOR GENERATIONS

omes in the Madison area are shaped by more than just their four

walls. They’re shaped by the lakes that surround the city, the trees that have stood for decades, the history embedded in their neighborhoods and the families who choose to call them home. At Architectural Building Arts (ABA), that relationship between a house and its surroundings is the starting point for every project. A Lasting Partnership For more than 35 years, ABA has partnered with homeowners throughout the Madison area to reinvent spaces that honor both the past and the future. Whether the project is a historic renovation or a thoughtfully crafted addition, the goal remains the same: create something that enhances beauty and function while strengthening the home’s connection to its surroundings.

Built to Last

That approach plays out in practical

Craftsmanship is at the center of it all.

ways. Materials are chosen for how

ABA’s team approaches each project with

they’ll hold up over time, not just how

the understanding that a well-built home

they look on day one. Construction

isn’t just a structure. It’s a place where

methods are matched to the character

milestones happen, where routines take

of the neighborhood instead of working

shape and where memories accumulate

against it. And before any design work

over years and, often, generations.

begins, the team takes time to walk the

That’s why quality materials and skilled

site, talk with the family about how they

execution aren’t treated as upgrades.

actually live and understand the

They’re treated as the baseline.

home’s history.

A well-designed addition should feel like

That level of care extends to how

it was always part of the house. A historic

ABA works with clients throughout the

renovation should preserve what made

process. Homeowners are kept close to

a home special while quietly solving the

every decision, from material selection

problems that come with age.

to scheduling, so there are no surprises

When a home is built this way, it

once construction begins. Because many

becomes part of something larger than

projects involve older homes, the team

the family who lives in it. It becomes part

also brings specific experience navigating

of the fabric of the neighborhood, the city

the structural quirks, outdated systems

and the region. It reflects the lakes, the

and historic details that come with

trees and the history that make Madison

renovating a house built decades or even

what it is.

a century ago. That expertise lets ABA

That’s the work Architectural Building

move quickly when problems surface,

Arts sets out to do with every client:

without cutting corners or losing sight of

remodel homes that are rooted in

the home’s original character.

Madison and built to last for generations.

“

Building with intention means thinking beyond the immediate. It means asking not just what a family needs today, but what they’ll need a decade from now, or 50 years from now. — Aaron Monroe

”

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

Thoughtful Design. Enduring Craftsmanship. Every project begins with understanding how you live. Through thoughtful design and enduring craftsmanship, we create spaces that feel personal, purposeful and built to last.

REMODELS | ADDITIONS | NEW BUILDS | RESTORATIONS

HOUSEWRIGHTS.COM | INFO@HOUSEWRIGHTS.COM | 608.238.7519

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Associated Housewrights | 608.238.7519 | 1217 Culmen St., Madison | housewrights.com

THE DESIGN-BUILD ADVANTAGE

ome design can be daunting, often complicated by the number of players

contributing to different portions of the project. When architecture, selections and construction are consolidated under one roof, the process is streamlined, allowing a single company to bring the owner’s vision to fruition. Meri Tepper, director of Architecture and Design for Associated Housewrights, explains how her team approaches each project with the same simple goal: to let architecture, selections and construction work from the same plan, in the same office, from the very first meeting. Together, they develop a custom design and execute it with craftsmanship and integrity. For Madison residents setting out to redesign their home, Tepper highlights the benefits of keeping every part of the process within one company. Optimizing Innovation

choices knowing how the framing and

One of the greatest benefits of working with

mechanical systems will fall into place,”

a single company across workstreams is the

she explains.

creative thinking that close collaboration

This model also allows the team to

makes possible. Renovating older Madison

manage budgets more closely, ensuring

homes often requires ingenuity, and as

the approved plan stays within the

Tepper puts it, “Good ideas rarely come

homeowner’s budget.

from one person working alone.” When a designer, an architect and a

Integrating with Madison’s

builder study the same problem together,

Historic Charm

they combine their perspectives to

Among the greatest rewards of remodeling

arrive at the solution that best serves the

a Madison home is making the finished

homeowner’s vision.

work feel at home in its neighborhood.

Managing Budgets and

as though it has always been there, at

Preventing Miscommunication

home with the original house and its

Often, when different elements of a project

neighborhood,” says Tepper. “When a design

are hired separately, details are lost in

calls for something bolder or more modern,

translation. An in-house design partner

we make certain the addition still belongs

closes those communication gaps and

to its street even as it turns heads.”

“Our aim is for the new work to look

allows the work to move forward more

By using a collaborative, in-house design-

seamlessly, with decisions coordinated as

build model that pairs architects with

they arise.

craftsmen under one roof, homeowners

“An architect can confirm a structural

are well positioned to bring their vision

detail with our construction team while

to life, seamlessly creating a fresh space

a floor plan is being conceptualized, and

that truly feels part of the neighborhood

our selections coordinator can guide finish

around it.

“

When a design calls for something bolder or more modern, we make certain the addition still belongs to its street even as it turns heads. — Meri Tepper

”

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

WINNER OF 4 BADGER CRAFTSMAN AWARDS

The Ultimate Expression of You

Madison Models for BRAVA

https://www.victoryhomesofwisconsin.com/madison/

https://kaywa.me/8MxZ6

Download the Kaywa QR Code Reader (App Store &Android Market) and scan your code!

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Victory Homes of Wisconsin | 608.733.1115 | victoryhomesofwisconsin.com

BUILDING A LEGACY ONE HOME AT A TIME

or more than two decades, Victory Homes has built its reputation on

creating homes that combine quality craftsmanship with a personalized, custom or semi-custom approach that gives homeowners the flexibility to tailor floor plans, finishes and features to fit their lifestyle. “We’re designing houses around what our customers want,” says Dave Roembke, vice president of sales and marketing. Victory Homes offers two levels of finishes in its model homes. The Standard Series offers quality and thoughtfully selected finishes, while the Executive Series adds premium materials and elevated design details like hardwood floors and DuraSupreme custom cabinetry. Inside the Hazel This year’s Parade of Homes featured Victory Homes’“Hazel,” a model home in Middleton’s Glacier’s Trail neighborhood, designed with Executive Series finishes. From the moment you step through the

The Hazel is one of Victory Homes’ three

front door, the home’s open layout and

entries in the Madison Area Builders

expansive windows fill the great room with

Association’s 2026 Spring Parade of

natural light, while soaring ceilings and

Homes. The other two models (the

warm architectural details add character

“Willow” in Windsor Gardens and the

without overwhelming the space.

“Cypress” in Waunakee’s Kilkenny West

The kitchen is designed to bring people

neighborhood) are Standard Series

together, with a generously-sized island

models, thoughtfully updated with select

complemented by custom cabinetry,

extra touches.

quartz countertops, premium appliances and a spacious walk-in pantry. The kitchen

Customizing to Fit Your Budget

flows seamlessly to a covered porch for

If budget is a limiting factor, the team

indoor-outdoor entertaining.

at Victory Homes can work with you to

A private owner’s suite offers a peaceful

customize the model to your budget,

retreat with a spa-inspired bath and huge

Roembke says. “We can mix and match

walk-in closet. The home also features

some of the standard inclusions with

two additional bedrooms and a dedicated

some of the executive finishes.”

home office on the main level. The Hazel continues to impress

See It In Person

throughout the finished lower level, with

All three models are open every Saturday

an expansive rec room featuring a bar/

and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., giving

kitchenette area, a workout space, an

prospective buyers a firsthand look at

additional bedroom and a full bathroom.

what Victory Homes has to offer.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

PARTNER CONTENT

The Beauty of Thoughtful Design S

ilver Leaf is known for thoughtful, layered interiors that reflect each client’s lifestyle. Clients come seeking a team they can trust, whether they arrive with a clear vision or simply a desire for change. We help shape that direction into a cohesive plan. With decades of experience since 1990, we manage every detail, allowing our clients to focus on what matters most.

THE PROJECT STUDY

Renovation Our clients asked us to reimagine their 10th‑floor condominium at Nolen Shores in downtown Madison. With panoramic views of the lake and Capitol, we created an interior that balanced the skyline rather than compete with it. The renovation spanned almost the entire interior, including new flooring, lighting, plumbing fixtures, countertops and a complete fireplace redesign. Walls were refreshed with paint, wallpaper, wood paneling and stone to introduce architectural depth. Though the updates were broad, many cabinetry and trim elements were intentionally preserved. Furnishings Cohesive interiors happen when renovation and furnishings are considered as one. As the finishes came together, we selected furnishings that spoke to the clients’ lifestyle and aesthetic. Custom upholstery, case goods, rugs, lighting and accessories added warmth and texture, while artwork and custom framing completed the space. 82

BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

Hillary Schave Photography

INTERIOR DESIGN

Hillary Schave Photography

Inside the Process The fireplace transformation was one of the most complex elements, requiring creative venting solutions and coordination across multiple trades to achieve a sleek, modern linear design. It now serves as a striking focal point that reshapes the den into a cozy space. We partnered with local artisans to create one‑of‑a‑kind pieces, including a river dining table with frosted epoxy detailing. Thoughtful touches, like a dedicated coffee corner, were tailored to the clients’ daily routine. Renovating in a high‑rise environment requires choreography: coordinating trades, deliveries and building logistics. We maintained close communication with neighboring residents throughout the process, sharing Gail Ambrosia chocolates as a gesture of appreciation! To learn more about this project and our design services, please visit silverleaf-inc.com. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

HILLARY SCHAVE

L-R: Ashley Rodriguez, Shahayra Majumder, Keena Atkinson, Amy Fickell and Alana Hohenstein

Women

LEADING

Wellness Meet the women behind the innovative businesses helping Madison look, feel and live better. BY SHAYNA MACE, MARYBETH MATZEK, KATIE VAUGHN AND AMANDA WEGNER

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

Women LEADING Wellness

The Art of Feeling Good Looking for your next healthy habit? Check out these new women-owned wellness businesses that offer mind-body benefits. BY SHAYNA MACE

Degree Wellness

6230 University Ave., Middleton, degreewellness.com/locations/ middleton-wi

goal: optimizing how your body recovers, repairs and adapts to stress at a cellular level.

Opened: 2026

The wellness habit I never skip: Getting outside for at least 10 minutes every morning and meditating every evening.

Studio manager: Mari Foster (The Middleton location is owned by John Hernan. Degree Wellness is a franchise business and is woman founded.)

My favorite service: Red light therapy/cryotherapy combo. After years of teaching fitness classes, my body needs the recovery, and it supports my joints.

Studio manager’s background: I’ve been in health and fitness for over 30 years as a fitness manager, instructor and trainer. Years ago, I started exploring modalities beyond fitness, including massage, acupuncture, acupressure, dry needling and cupping.

BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

25 N. Pinckney St., Ste. 310, etherwellnessmadison.com Opened: 2025 Owner: Kari Mysker Owner’s background: I’m a certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, Girls Gone Strong women’s coaching specialist, certified yoga teacher and athletic mat Pilates instructor, with additional specializations in strength and conditioning, corrective exercise, recovery, pregnancy and postpartum movement, menstrual cycle and menopause support, and nervous system practices. Services offered: One-on-one strength and embodiment coaching and semi-private coaching. Ether Wellness also offers group classes and special events, studio memberships and Gather & Grow, our community-focused membership and gathering space.

Services offered: Cryotherapy, infrared sauna, cold plunge, NAD+, red light, contrast and oxygen therapies, IV therapy and nutrient shots, and compression massage. What’s beneficial about your services? All of our offerings share one

Ether Wellness

Mari Foster

What’s beneficial about your services? Strength training helps

COURTESY DEGREE WELLNESS

Degree Wellness Middleton

Women LEADING Wellness

Hydralive Therapy

personally experienced the difference it has made in our energy, recovery, skin health and overall wellbeing, and it’s one of the few moments in the day where we intentionally slow down and recharge.

601 Junction Rd., Ste. 3, hydralivetherapy.com/location/ madison Opened: 2025 Owners: Kate Erickson and Cassie Mortensen (Erickson’s answers are featured below.)

Kari Mysker

women maintain muscle, bone health, mobility and independence as they age, while practices such as breathwork, mindfulness, yoga and nervous system regulation can support stress management, recovery and greater body awareness.

Owners’ backgrounds: I’ve spent the last 12 years caring for patients — first as a medical-surgical nurse and then as a family nurse practitioner in primary care. Cassie has spent her career as a licensed clinical therapist supporting individuals through life’s challenges and helping them prioritize their mental wellbeing.

Our favorite service: A glutathione IV. It’s often called the body’s “master antioxidant” because it helps reduce oxidative stress, supports liver function, promotes healthy skin and plays an important role in metabolic health.

Hydrate IV Bar

4707 Madison Yards Way, hydrateivbar.com/locations/madison Opened: 2026

Services offered: IV vitamin therapy and vitamin injections, hormone optimization, peptide therapy, cryotherapy and medical-grade red light therapy. What’s beneficial about your services? Helping women feel energized, confident and like themselves again is why we built Hydralive. Our goal is to help people feel their best from the inside out.

LEFT, MIDDLE COURTESY KARI MYSKER & KATE ERICKSON | RIGHT HILLARY SCHAVE

The wellness habit we never skip: Our medical-grade red light therapy. We’ve

Owners: Shahayra Majumder (majority owner) and Jonathan Chizever. (Majumder’s answers are featured below.)

Ether Wellness

The wellness habit I never skip: One of my favorite daily routines is a few minutes of gentle movement and tapping first thing in the morning. I move through a simple series of movements to wake up my joints and reconnect with my body, followed by light tapping throughout the body. My favorite service: With coaching, I love getting to know the woman in front of me — what she wants, what’s getting in her way, what her body is telling her — and helping her discover an approach to wellness that actually works for her life.

Shahayra Majumder

Owner’s background: I worked in the health care industry at Panasonic Healthcare, Epic Systems, Included Health (formerly Grand Rounds), Myndshft (prior to its acquisition by DrFirst) and Esker before starting my own business.

Cassie Mortensen and Kate Erickson

Services offered: IV “cocktails,” which are combinations of vitamins and nutrients to aid specific wellness goals. IV offerings include: NAD+/Niagen NR, wellness injections, aminos and peptide injections. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

Women LEADING Wellness

my entire career to the medical aesthetics field, specializing in devices such as lasers and radio frequency. Most recently, I ran the global corporate partnership team at Hydrafacial.

Saunaday

315 S. Blount St., sauna.day Opened: 2025

Services offered: Our menu includes specialized facials lash and brow services. Clients can choose from various enhancements added on to their facial, such as chemical peels, scalp massages, enzyme masks and dermaplaning.

Hydrate IV Bar

What’s beneficial about your services? IV injections can support energy production, mental clarity, healthy aging, athletic recovery, overall cellular function, metabolic health — and have many other benefits. The wellness habit I never skip: I believe wellness starts from within — both in terms of what you put into your body and what thoughts you choose to focus on. For me, that looks like practicing daily gratitude conversations with God, thanking Him for all my blessings.

The wellness habit I never skip: Double cleanse and sunscreen! My favorite service: My go-to combination is the sculpt facial paired with a scalp massage enhancement. The facial massage techniques in this facial are incredible for depuffing the face. The scalp massage allows me to sink into a state of deep relaxation while leaving my skin truly glowing!

FACE FOUNDRIÉ Madison

Opened: 2026 Owner: Alana Hohenstein

BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

Owner’s background: I spent my career working across architecture, and brand and experience design. I’ve always been interested in how design can be used to make people healthier. Services offered: Saunaday is a modern bathhouse built around a five-step bathing ritual: cedar salt scrub showers, a Hammam-inspired steam room, a social cedar sauna and a quiet aspen sauna with a starry night sky, an avanto-style cold plunge designed for full-body immersion and a plant-filled lounge for rest, reading and hydration.

The wellness habit I never skip: Taking a long walk.

4701 Madison Yards Way, facefoundrie.com

Owner: Roshelle Ritzenthaler

What’s beneficial about your services? Communal bathing benefits are both immediate and cumulative. There’s a growing body of research linking regular sauna bathing and cold water immersion to a range of benefits including cardiovascular health; stress, anxiety and depression reduction; and overall health.

My favorite service: I like to build my own IV and receive a high-dose, glutathione-only infusion about once a week. I feel so much more energetic and clean, like I’m glowing from the inside out after one of these IVs.

Owner’s background: I have devoted

Roshelle Ritzenthaler

Alana Hohenstein

My favorite service: Aufguss. This cultural ritual combines essential oil-infused snowballs with music and the movement of heat throughout the sauna using a towel or fan. It’s a full sensory experience.

LFET, MIDDLE COURTESY HYDRATE IV BAR | RIGHT COURTNEY TERRY PHOTOGRAPHY

What’s beneficial about your services? Beyond supporting your skin’s health, a facial represents a true act of self-care. It offers a dedicated opportunity to disconnect from technology, tune out the external world and just exhale.

Women LEADING Wellness

Many Hats, One Mission

s owner of both R’oujie Wellness, a wellness company dedicated to holistic health, personal transformation and community empowerment, and a property management company, Keena Atkinson’s days are packed. She’s also mom to an 11- and 22-year-old. “I switch hats so many times each day. I wear a mom hat always, and then there is a Well Black Woman, who is essential to the entire operation. I am [also] a friend, business coach, nutritionist, writer, poet, podcast host, yoga and mindfulness teacher, dance fitness instructor, landlady, property manager, maintenance person, book club host, [and] retreat and conference facilitator,” says Atkinson. Here, Atkinson shares a late July day in her life with us.

Keena Atkinson moves seamlessly between entrepreneurship, motherhood and community building as a true multi-hyphenate. BY SHAYNA MACE PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY SCHAVE

Keena Atkinson

BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

8:30 a.m. I go to the gym. I’ll either lift weights or do cardio depending on the day of the week. I like to get to the gym early enough to do at least 20 minutes of journaling before I go in.

HILLARY SCHAVE

Before 6:30 a.m. I usually wake up before my alarm. I reach for my phone and check the time and see what calls or texts I missed. I lay in bed and run through my schedule in my mind for today and tomorrow. My bestie, Tiffany, usually calls me or I call her and we usually get dressed while we talk on the phone. I wake up my 11-year-old son and coach him through his morning routine. It’s important to me that we limit the amount of stress we start our day with so most mornings are light, evenly paced and set the tone for the day. Once I get out of bed, my days are pretty nonstop and different every day, so I rely heavily on my calendar. My businesses are not run in a traditional sense — I don’t teach from a studio. I go to where the people, programs, schools and organizations are. I get ready and cook my breakfast to go — two eggs, occasionally toast and whatever fruit I have. I drop my son off at school with affirmations or character reminders.

Women LEADING Wellness

9:25 a.m. After the gym, I go home and eat more breakfast to fuel me through the first part of my day. 10:15 a.m. On Mondays, I record my podcast at UpNext TV from 10:30-12. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I facilitate programming at a school with youth. On Wednesdays or Fridays, I usually work with clients one on one or do maintenance work at my rental property. Noon After recording my podcast, I facilitate a 45-minute group coaching call for women entrepreneurs. 3:15 p.m. I scan a few emails. I also take a business call about a potential space to host my 12-week holistic nutrition program that starts in September, and then a check-in call with a nutrition client about their progress with lowering their cholesterol. Then I answer a call from the library who sponsored books that I

requested for the members of my R’oujie Wellness book club.

cohort. Today I taught the students eight line dances in just under two hours. The students are so excited to try the dances out tomorrow at a dance party.

3:45 p.m. I cook and eat a quiet lunch while reading a few chapters of an African novel called “Children of Blood and Bone.” 5 p.m. I arrive to the Corey Ruiz memorial to see if my help is needed. Sometimes I can offer words of wisdom or encouragement or guided breathwork or meditation. I stay for about an hour talking and listening to the people who were present. My younger son is an athlete, so my parents help get him to and from practice on the days that I need help being in two places at once as a single mom. Today is one of those days! Now, he’s in football. 6:15 p.m. I go to the UW-Madison campus to teach African American Cultural Dance and History for a PEOPLE Program fine arts high school

9:25 p.m. Tomorrow I’m scheduled to do work on my rental property since a tenant just moved out and left quite a bit of work to repair. I quickly stop by Menards before it closes to grab supplies. At home, I cook my typical high-fiber, high-protein, low-sugar dinner, which is a roasted sweet potato, a head of pancooked bok choy and air fryer salmon. 10:50 p.m. I finally sit down to eat and play this cat Sudoku brain game (Meowdoku) that I play each day as I start to wind down and do my nighttime brain dump list and bedtime routine. 11:15 p.m. I fall asleep within four minutes of laying down in my cool, dark and quiet room.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

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A Publication of

Women LEADING Wellness

Redefining Midlife Health These woman-owned businesses are changing the way we experience perimenopause and menopause through personalized, root-cause care. BY MARYBETH MATZEK

COURTESY TES JORDENS

r. Tes Jordens was a family medicine practitioner working at a large healthcare provider and frequently had female patients come in mentioning vague symptoms, including fatigue, moodiness and trouble sleeping. She would run a few lab tests, but nothing unusual turned up. She was unsure of how to help. One day, a woman with some of those same symptoms came in, but this one was different. She said she was in menopause and wanted to go on hormone therapy. “At that point, I honestly did not know much about it, but I did more research and kept learning. The woman I worked with began to feel better,” Dr. Jordens says. “I continued to learn on my own. They never taught us this stuff in medical school.” The more Dr. Jordens learned, the more she realized women in perimenopause and menopause had a growing need for care. She also felt there wasn’t enough time in a standard office visit to discuss what was all going on. That led to the founding of 1988, her telehealth practice focused on midlife care. The name pays tribute to the first year that women could get a business loan on their own. “I believe in empowering women, including their health,” Dr. Jordens says. Launching a new business takes courage since you never know what the

Dr. Tes Jordens SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

Women LEADING Wellness

LEADING THE MOVEMENT

Finding balance is integral to A New Way Forward, a clinic run by Dr. Sheryl Spitzer-Resnick that focuses on perimenopause and menopause health. Dr. Spitzer-Resnick was on the forefront of the perimenopause and menopause health arenas, having opened her Madison clinic in 2016, which also focuses on natural thyroid treatments. She meets with patients virtually or in person, and focuses on symptom management and the root cause of the disease. A New Way Forward is a private-pay clinic and does not accept insurance.

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“I knew clinically that it didn’t need to be this way and I didn’t need to deal with all of these symptoms,” says Zuhlke, a certified physician’s assistant with a doctorate in medical science. She’s also a Menopause Societycertified provider and an American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) certified sex counselor. While she was in family practice, Dr. Jordens says getting 10 minutes with a patient was standard. Now through 1988, an initial appointment with a patient takes an hour. “Patients fill out their histories ahead of time so I can really listen to their symptoms and what they’re looking for, and the next third I spend going over what I heard her tell me, talk about hormone therapy and if there’s any concerns there,” she says. “The final third is about how we can move forward. Do we need to do labs? What does a plan look like?” 1988 does not take insurance and is a private-pay clini,c but women can use HSA or FSA accounts to pay for services.

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Changing Recommendations

Medical schools do not teach much — or anything — about menopause as part of the regular curriculum. Some schools are looking to change that, since half of the population goes through menopause. In recent years, confusion has surrounded whether hormone therapy is the right choice for women navigating perimenopause and menopause. Before

COURTESY SHERYL SPITZER-RESNICK AND MIRANDA ZUHLKE

response will be. That’s how Miranda Zuhlke felt when launching Midlife Rising, her longevity-focused women’s health education and speaking platform. “Opening a business focused on women in perimenopause and menopause was never on my bingo card,” says Zuhlke, who previously worked in emergency medicine. “But the clinical gap in care was ridiculous and no one else was closing it. So I did.” Zuhlke had finished a long infertility journey and found herself in perimenopause, which inspired her own business journey.

Women LEADING Wellness

COURTESY ASSOCIATED PHYSICIANS

2002, hormone therapy was widely prescribed and considered a standard, evidence-based treatment for managing menopausal symptoms. That changed when a Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study was halted early after researchers reported increased risks of breast cancer, stroke and heart attack among women taking a combination of estrogen and progestin. In response, many physicians moved away from prescribing hormone therapy, leaving countless women to manage challenging menopause symptoms without the treatment options they once relied on. In the late 2010s, researchers looked more closely at the WHI study, and concluded hormones could be safely prescribed for women under age 60 or within 10 years of menopause. For better or worse, Dr. Jordens says social media has played a role in more women asking about hormones as they enter perimenopause and menopause. “There’s a lot of good information out there — and some bad information — but there are some influencers like Dr. Mary Claire Haver that some women follow who have good advice,” she says. “And women talk to each other and learn a friend is taking hormones and how it has made a difference in their symptoms.” Zuhlke never pictured herself in front of a room of women talking about menopause, but that’s precisely what she does with Midlife Rising. She provides clinical care and evidence-based information that covers hormone health and hormone therapy, building menopauseinclusive workplaces and navigating burnout and identity in midlife. “I often ask women, ‘Who is taking care of you?’ and they break down crying, because no one has asked,” she Miranda Zuhlke

says. “My goal is to empower them with concrete, actionable steps so they can start to feel better.” Zuhlke says it’s essential for women to advocate for their own health. “We need to stop accepting that we feel this way just because of our age,” she says. “Track your symptoms before every appointment and bring a list. If your provider won’t listen, find one who will. Women don’t just deserve to survive this age — they deserve to feel phenomenal in it.”

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B EYOND TH E S Y MP TOMS

For Dr. Amanda L. SchmehilMicklos, her interest in treating women with perimenopause and menopause is personal. “I was having symptoms myself, and I had a partner certified in menopause care and she helped me. What a difference it makes when you get the right treatment!” says Dr. Schmehil-Micklos, a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology with Associated Physicians, who sought additional training and became a certified menopause physician. Dr. Schmehil-Micklos says women are talking to each other about what they are going through. Those who have used hormones are sharing how much they feel better, she adds. “For so long, we didn’t have much to offer women going through menopause, but within the past five years, our thinking has changed,” she adds. “Now with hormone treatment, we can help women feel a lot better.”

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Women LEADING Wellness

The Face Behind the Feed Meet the Madison facialist turning her skincare expertise into a thriving business — and a devoted social media following. BY SHAYNA MACE

Jessica Le

COURTESY JESSICA LE

essica Le founded Blooming Esthetics, her Sun Prairie-based skincare studio, in 2021. The owner and licensed esthetician started her business as a side gig and turned it into a full-time job after the company she was working for closed. “I had two options: Get another job or take a chance on myself and go all in on my business. I chose to bet on myself,” says Le. With an Instagram following of 47,700 followers at @days.with.jess (she also runs the @bloomingesthetics.wi account, too), we asked Le about her business journey. What’s your secret to building a social media following?

I started posting on Instagram almost every day to promote my business. Over time, I taught myself the editing skills that I know and still use today. Besides

facial videos, I post esthetician satire, skincare education, local business recommendations and parts of my personal life. Being consistent, learning editing techniques, interacting with others on social media and showing who I am beyond my business has helped me grow an audience. You also host workshops that help estheticians create social media content.

I recently launched my “1:1 Facial Content Creation Workshop” for estheticians. Social media is such a powerful marketing tool, and I want to help other estheticians learn how to capture their work and edit their own content with confidence. The workshop is an in-person session where I come to [a client’s] business. I show them how to film content using a live facial

model and then we sit down and edit a few videos together. By the end of the workshop, they’ll feel confident filming and editing facial videos on their own. What types of posts perform the best for you?

Satire videos (usually about being an esthetician or small business owner) and facial ASMR videos. What post ended up doing really well that you didn’t expect?

A nine-second video of me pranking one of my regular clients. I asked her if she minded if I recorded something. She was probably expecting me to be recording her facial, but instead, I looked right into the camera, smiled and said, “five tips for dealing with annoying clients.” We both busted out laughing!

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

Women LEADING Wellness

Winning in Wellness As the wellness space booms, these Madison-area women have built and grown businesses across the region.

Amie Neumaier

sk Amie Neumaier, Ashley Rodriguez, Megan Ryan and Julie Lombardo why they got into the wellness space, and the answer is personal. Each came to the industry through lived experience and has since built a thriving, multi-location business. 98

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Seeking a Better Experience

For Neumaier, founder of ANEU Med Spa, a medical spa and wellness clinic with locations in McFarland and on Madison’s far West Side, starting her business was “a progression.” Trained in acute-care rehab, she fell for aesthetics

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in 2005 and spent years earning certifications. Then a 2020 breast cancer diagnosis reshaped her mission. “It was a very eye-opening experience to the level of, frankly, gaslighting that I feel women experience in health care today,” says Neumaier. That realization pushed her beyond cosmetic work toward preventative care, including medical weight loss and hormone optimization. Today she’s a nurse practitioner and certified aesthetic nurse specialist. She sees ANEU, which serves preteens to octogenarians, partly as a buffer against an overtaxed system where rushed appointments leave patients unheard. “It is a broken system,” she says of traditional health care. “You can’t deliver exceptional care.” Rodriguez spent 16 years in radiology before co-founding Carbon World Health with her husband, Dr. Nestor Rodriguez. Now in Madison and Sun Prairie, Carbon is a physician-led longevity center blending advanced diagnostics, hormone therapy, fitness, recovery and aesthetics. “I saw incredible medicine daily, but I also saw how much of our health care system focuses on treating disease after it happens rather than preventing it in the first place,” says Rodriguez. Ryan’s route to business ownership was the least expected. Formerly a Los Angeles reality-TV producer and actor, she tried hot yoga to destress after a colleague recommended it. “[The class] was excruciatingly challenging — I didn’t think I would make it through to the end,” she recalls. “But I slept so well that night and I felt so good.”

COURTESY AMIE NEUMAIER

BY AMANDA WEGNER

Women LEADING Wellness

Building the Business

LEFT COURTESY JULIE LOMBARDO | RIGHT HILLARY SCHAVE

Julie Lombardo

Her two-week trial pass turned into two years. Once she moved back to Wisconsin, Ryan couldn’t find a studio accessible and welcoming enough to bring her friends and family. So in 2011, she opened Dragonfly Hot Yoga, a yoga and fitness studio built to be cozy and welcoming, with one guiding phrase: “Every shape, every size, every person.” Lombardo’s inspiration came from a model she’d left behind. Before moving to Madison, the physical therapist had practiced in another state at an opengym concept clinic — therapists working side by side with patients in a shared space, with private rooms available when needed. “There was an energy and camaraderie to it, patients cheering each other on, that’s hard to recreate when every visit happens behind a closed door,” she says. When she couldn’t find that model in Madison, she replicated it, founding Capitol Physical Therapy in Verona in 2004. The outpatient practice serves athletes of all ages and activity levels, addressing sports and work injuries, women’s health conditions and other pain and mobility issues.

Starting a new business is never easy. Neumaier navigated a non-compete agreement with her former employer that boxed her into an unlikely first location. “McFarland was the only town inside Dane County that wasn’t in a cornfield that was logistically respecting my non-compete,” she says. She funded ANEU’s first location with a home equity line of credit and a bank loan she paid off in six and a half years instead of 10. Now she’s focused on maximizing ANEU’s two clinics rather than expanding. Launching just after the 2008 recession, Ryan was turned down by many banks before securing a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan to open her first location in Fitchburg. Ryan says being a female business owner who was presenting a somewhat newer concept at the time was challenging to pitch. But pitching got easier with success and Dragonfly now has five locations: Fitchburg, Verona, downtown Madison, Middleton and East Madison. Its near-term growth will focus on expanding and aligning services at those sites. Rodriguez and her husband started their business by personally guaranteeing SBA loans through U.S. Bank. “Like many entrepreneurs, we believed in the vision long before anyone else did,” she says. As Carbon has grown, the Rodriguezes have become more strategic about expansion, forming partnerships and bringing in investors aligned with their vision. That vision includes a third location, which will soon open in Wisconsin Dells. Lombardo self-funded her business, using personal savings as well as traditional small business loans, then grew by reinvesting profits. The practice has grown to six locations and Lombardo is now focused on growing leaders within Capitol Physical Therapy. “Some of our biggest growth in recent years hasn’t come from opening new locations at all — it’s come from serving more patients within the clinics we already have, which tells us we’re doing something right. Our focus going forward is on developing great leaders,

mentoring the next generation of physical therapists and continually improving the patient experience, because growth only means something if we can sustain the quality of care behind it,” says Lombardo. Growing a Legacy

For these women, being a female entrepreneur is more of an asset than an obstacle. Neumaier sees her gender as an advantage: “I have a lot of patients who want to come to a female business owner in this community.” Rodriguez admits feeling underestimated at times, “but I’ve learned to let results speak louder than assumptions.” Ryan is blunter: “We can be underestimated and, while that’s unfortunate and not right, sometimes that’s an advantage … they don’t see us coming.” For Neumaier and Rodriguez, the most rewarding part is the people they serve.

Ashley Rodriguez

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Women LEADING Wellness

“Without question, it’s seeing lives change,” says Rodriguez. “Whether someone loses 100 pounds, regains confidence after struggling with hormones, improves their health markers or simply starts feeling like themselves again, those transformations are why we do this.” Adds Neumaier: “Our patients fuel my joy and passion. Without them, I wouldn’t be doing this.” Ryan treasures watching clients grow into teachers and is proud that Dragonfly has remained a local family business for 15 years. “Dragonfly means something to people. I can’t think of a better thing to be a part of,” she says. Similarly, Lombardo measures success in people, not locations: “If 20 years from now people still say Capitol Physical Therapy is the place where patients feel genuinely cared for and employees love coming to work, I’ll consider that our greatest success.”

Megan Ryan

ricka Mulhall opened NurturHer Aesthetics, her Fitchburgbased medical aesthetics, wellness and women’s health practice in 2020. A year later, Mulhall opened her second location in Sun Prairie to serve patients who were traveling significant distances to see her team. In 2022, Nicole Plourde, an advanced practice nurse prescriber, joined her as co-owner. “I’m proud that we’ve grown into two locations, a team of 12 professionals, more than 5,000 patients served and have been named Best of Madison every year since 2021. But the numbers aren’t what matter most. Success today is watching our team grow into leaders, seeing patients return year after year, hearing women recommend us to their daughters, mothers and friends — and knowing we’ve built a culture where both patients and employees genuinely enjoy being here,” says Mulhall. Beyond aesthetic services, NurturHer offers hormone replacement therapy, medical weight management, sexual wellness services, IV therapy and more. “…We don’t see these services as separate. We believe confidence comes from treating the whole person, so we create individualized plans that combine aesthetics and wellness to help women look refreshed, feel healthier and age confidently,” says Mulhall. Ericka Mulhall

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As a certified registered nurse anesthetist, Mulhall draws on her medical expertise to foster a collaborative relationship with her patients. “I realized there was an opportunity to combine medicine, artistry and wellness in a way that truly empowered patients. Rather than simply performing procedures, I wanted to build a practice where education came first, every recommendation was evidence-based and patients felt heard, respected and never pressured,” says Mulhall. Mulhall realizes that there are misconceptions about aesthetic services — and she’s happy to dispel those. “The biggest myth is that aesthetic treatments are about changing how you look … the best aesthetic work shouldn’t make someone look different — it should make them look like themselves on their best day. Our philosophy has always been that women don’t have to choose between loving themselves exactly as they are and investing in themselves. Those two things can exist beautifully together.” —Shayna Mace

TOP COURTESY MEGAN RYAN | BOTTOM COURTESY ERICKA MULHALL

The Face of Confidence

Women LEADING Wellness

Why Women Are Choosing Specialized Care From direct-pay practices to holistic clinics, women are looking beyond traditional health systems for care that feels more personal, targeted and responsive. BY MARYBETH MATZEK

omen control 80% of health care spending when it comes to their families. That means their preferences can lead to growing industry trends, including the rise in specialty or niche health and wellness practices — many of which are owned by women. According to a McKinsey & Co. Future of Wellness Report, women’s health is emerging as a significant growth area within the U.S. wellness market. Whether it’s women seeking primary care, treatment for perimenopause or menopause symptoms, or BIPOC women seeking culturally inclusive care, some women are opting for smaller or specialty-care clinics over larger healthcare systems. In the Madison area, women-owned clinics tend to fall into three categories: alternative and holistic medicine; direct-pay primary care; and femtech, which includes fertility care through menopause care. With wellness practices flourishing throughout the area, we spoke with several clinic owners about their journeys to launching practices of their own.

In a direct primary care practice, patients pay a monthly membership fee that covers all of their clinic visits. If medications or lab tests are needed, they are offered at a wholesale price and patients know the cost before it’s

performed. HSA funds can be used to pay for memberships and lab costs. “I wanted to have quality physicianpatient relationships. In nsurance-based clinics, the systems did not allow for price transparency, nor for me to

COURTESY AMANDA PREIMESBERGER

Alternative Options

Health care dissatisfaction is real — patients may not like how long it takes to get in to see a provider, how rushed appointments are and how much the services cost. Dr. Amanda Preimesberger felt the same way, which led her to open rootsMD Direct Care Family Medicine, a direct-pay primary care practice in Verona. Dr. Amanda Preimesberger SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

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care to minors, which is critical after UW Health ended its service. “I don’t need to worry about Medicaid or Medicare cutting its funding since my clinic is a membership model. I’m able to fulfill a need here in the community,” she says. As an osteopathic family physician and breastfeeding medicine physician, Dr. Angela Marchant received training to provide hands-on treatment to diagnose and treat many different conditions including muscle and joint pain using

Dr. Wendy Molaska

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safe pressure and stretching. After working in the field, Dr. Marchant decided to open her own direct-pay primary care practice, Tallgrass Osteopathic Family Medicine. “Patients like knowing the costs ahead of time. It’s not like with insurance where you’re told you need a blood test and you have no idea how much it costs,” she says. Whole-Body Wellness

Chiropractor Julie Nyquist and acupuncturist Shannon Gyles created New Moon Wellness when they saw how their practices fit well with other offerings, including acupuncture, occupational therapy, reiki and massage therapy. Additionally, Nyquist and Gyles note that New Moon Wellness is one of the few wellness businesses that caters to patients during cancer treatment and recovery, in addition to their many offerings. “We offer multiple modalities supporting patients … to support their mind, body and spirit while they are navigating cancer treatment and further recovery,” Nyquist says. At Isthmus Wellness, patients often see multiple providers, such as an acupuncturist and a massage therapist while also using herbs, says Chandon Williams, a certified acupuncturist and herbalist. “Our practice is very fertility focused, so we offer several treatments designed to improve fertility,” she says. Shellie Braxton founded Modern Health Women’s Wellness Center after women at her compounding pharmacy began frequently asking about hormone replacement therapy for perimenopause and menopause symptoms. Customers would ask if she knew a provider who prescribed them. Braxton put on her entrepreneurial hat, hired a nurse practitioner and opened her own clinic that also includes other offerings such as massage therapy and vitamin shots, as well as weight loss and general wellness care. “Women are tired of feeling like crap and want to know there are options out there. We’ve created a safe place where we listen to women. I want patients to come in and talk [to us] like they’re talking to their best friend,” Braxton says.

COURTESY WENDY MOLASKA

provide unrushed care,” Dr. Preimesberger says. “Our visits last between 30 and 60 minutes.” At Dedicated Family Care of Fitchburg, Dr. Wendy Molaska began her direct-pay primary care practice to affordably meet the unmet needs she saw in the community. An estimated 40% of her patients have no insurance, so direct pay is an affordable way for them to get care. Since Dedicated Family Care does not accept insurance, Molaska says she can continue to provide gender-affirming

Women LEADING Wellness

Shannon Gyles and Julie Nyquist

COURTESY NEW MOON WELLNESS

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Healing Art

For Margaret LeMay, art isn’t just something to admire — it’s a powerful tool for connection, storytelling and healing. BY KATIE VAUGHN PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY SCHAVE

Margaret LeMay

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f you were selecting artwork to hang on the walls of a hospital, you might opt for serene landscapes. After all, they’re calming and have broad appeal. But that choice could miss opportunities for connection and even healing in certain settings, says Margaret LeMay, owner, founder and president of Integrated Art Group, which guides organizations, agencies and corporations around the country in building art collections. “The healing process is as subjective and personal as how a person views artwork,” says LeMay, who also founded Gallery Marzen on Atwood Avenue and previously worked in the in-house art program at health care design-build company ERDMAN. LeMay recalls a cancer patient explaining how looking at abstract art helped him address the myriad emotions — anger, fear, grief, uncertainty — he was experiencing after his diagnosis. Or, she says, a family member of a patient may appreciate the distraction of a thoughtprovoking painting. When working with a healthcare organization, LeMay pays close attention to the location and patient population, as both factors can help dictate art choices. She strives to make all viewers feel seen in the artwork and often recommends showcasing pieces by local artists. Recently, LeMay helped a team at UW Health, alongside UW Health art project manager Mandy Kron, select more than 1,200 original works by local and regional artists for its new 469,000-square-foot Eastpark Medical Center. “We talked a lot about how people would be coming here from all around the world,” LeMay says, referring to doctors and staff as well as patients and visitors, “and how we bring that diversity so everyone feels welcome.” The feedback she’s received about this project and others is that people feel valued when they relate to the artwork in a space. When pieces are chosen thoughtfully and appropriately for a specific setting, it creates feelings of inclusion and intention, not simply an aesthetic, says LeMay. “Art pulls everything together,” LeMay says. “It’s the crown jewel of the project.”

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Movement With Meaning Amy Fickell built a business that brings together her physical therapy background, fitness and life as a mom of six. BY SHAYNA MACE PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY SCHAVE

my Fickell is a busy woman. In addition to owning barre3 Middleton, a barre studio, she’s mom to six kids — and wife to Wisconsin Badgers head football coach, Luke Fickell. Owning her business has allowed Amy to have a career that supports both her wellbeing and her family. “My path was different than most female business owners. I put my career as a physical therapist (PT) on hold to be a stay-at-home mom. barre3 fed my kinesiology mind and allowed me to be home with my kids as well. It was the perfect marriage of utilizing my PT background, [being with my family] and serving the community, all at the same time,” she says. Here, Amy shares a typical day in her life with us.

I quickly prep the studio for the 7 a.m. class and head out the door to get my youngest two children (aka “the littles”) up and ready for school.

4:50 a.m. My alarm goes off for me to teach a 6 a.m. barre class. The first thing I do is grab my water and start sipping — hydration is key for me! I quickly get dressed for class, brush my teeth and put on face lotion and sunscreen. I’m out the door within 10 minutes to head to the studio.

8:30 a.m. I attend all-school mass at Our Lady Queen of Peace with my littles.

5:15 a.m. I arrive at the studio with my 24 ounces of water already down and it’s time to brew a cup of MOKA coffee. (MOKA is a local business partner — shout-out to Joan Wilson, a fellow female small business owner!) I sip my coffee as I review my class and prep the studio for our 6 a.m. crew. This group is amazing — we all come as we are, without makeup or judgment.

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7:45 a.m. I wake my littles, get some mom snuggles in, grab a quick shower and we are off to Our Lady Queen of Peace, where my littles go to school. We usually eat breakfast in the car and many times it is a wholefood powerhouse breakfast from Joiaas foods. The owner and founder, Vipasha Chakravarty, belongs to barre3 Middleton. We also fuel our souls on the ride as one of my littles reads Sarah Young’s “Jesus Calling” daily devotional and we chat about it, incorporating Jesus into our day. Faith is the center of my world.

9:45 a.m. Back at the studio for administrative work and connection with clients. I meet with my studio manager, Sophia Nourse, who is also my niece. I am grateful to have her on board. There’s nothing like having family close and with you on the daily! 12 p.m. I head to the Badgers’ football facility to prep for the weekend’s game. There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work done here, especially for home games. Checking in with staff families, recruiting and donors are my priorities this morning. A perk of this job is a

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check-in with my husband, Luke, and also my three older boys, who are all part of the program. 2:20 p.m. Wednesday is early release at Our Lady Queen of Peace, so I am back for school pickup followed by a quick stop by the studio to check in and make sure all is good for the evening classes. When they aren’t in school, my kids are with me at the studio. They help with childcare, cleaning or take classes — it’s a family affair. I would not have opened this studio if my family wasn’t a part of it with me. 3:45 p.m. Back at home to prep for dinner, pack lunches for tomorrow, get homework done and get ready for evening football practice. 5 p.m. Drive to Edgewood of the Sacred Heart for my littles’ football practice. There’s a lot of chatting with other moms. Then I squeeze in a walk while praying my rosary. This is my time to fuel my soul. 7 p.m. Back at home to get everyone cleaned up for dinner and more homework. 9 p.m. Bedtime prayers and snuggles for my littles, followed by some laundry and waiting up for my hubby to get home from work. 10 p.m. Post-workday pillow talk with my husband, then lights out!

Women LEADING Wellness

Amy Fickell

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Women LEADING Wellness

Innovation With a Human Touch As chief medical officer at Epic Systems and a practicing physician, Dr. Jacqueline Gerhart sees both sides of medical software. BY MARYBETH MATZEK PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY SCHAVE

Dr. Jacqueline Gerhart

r. Jacqueline Gerhart is in a unique position to not only be familiar with the back end of Epic Systems’ electronic record software, but is an end user with her patients, too. As Epic’s chief medical officer, she helps ensure the company’s software supports physicians in delivering 108

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efficient, patient-centered care. As an urgent care physician at UW Health, she interacts with Epic as she treats patients. For Dr. Gerhart, her dual roles really came together during COVID. She was working in urgent care, and if a patient had a positive test, she had to fill out three

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separate paper forms, which repeated a lot of the same information and took about eight minutes. “I took photos of the three documents and brought them back to Epic and said, ‘Can you figure out a way I can do this electronically to save time?’ and the team here did that.”

Women LEADING Wellness

PARTY PACKAGES

Dr. Gerhart was studying biotechnology as an undergrad at UW-Madison when she decided to go to medical school. She enjoyed the science aspect of her major, but missed interacting with people. While attending the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, she fell in love with family medicine. “I loved the relationships you have with families throughout their lives — from birth to grave — and I loved delivering babies,” Dr. Gerhart says. “When babies were born, those were the best days.” She wasn’t looking for a new job, but was curious when she saw a job listing for Epic that simply said physician. “There was no description. I loved what I did and I wasn’t burned out. I just liked the idea of how I could have an impact of helping more people,” says Dr. Gerhart, who works in urgent care on nights, weekends and holidays as time allows. At Epic, Dr. Gerhart’s duties run the gamut from deeply understanding how the electronic medical records software works to interacting with healthcare executives across the country to better understand the problems they are trying to solve. “We want to make sure we keep innovating,” she says. Dr. Gerhart calls Epic “a research shop,” and she also works with the research and development team “working across all applications to make sure everything’s working well together” and contributing as new software is developed. As for healthcare’s future, Dr. Gerhart sees even further integration with technology, especially AI. She says doctors write a lot of notes and deal with prior authorizations that could be made easier with AI. “I think AI will help reduce the friction of the administration burden and will help me become a better physician,” she says. “I think we have the opportunity right now in healthcare, through using technology, to help patients have better diagnoses, better cures and just live better lives.”

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Professional Profiles

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

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113......Summerland Education 114......Revel Method Pilates 115.......Capitol Bank 116......Lake Ridge Bank 117.......Bronze Madison 118......Lasting SkinSolutions 119......Boardman Clark 120......NurturHer Aesthetics 121.......Krueger, Hernandez & Thompson SC 122......Bump2Baby Doula Services LLC 123......Park Bank 124......Inner Fire Yoga 125......Cultivate Wealth 126......Oakwood Village 127......One Community Bank 128......Coyle Carpet One Floor & Home 130......Princeton Club 131......Sienna Crest Assisted Living, Inc. 132......Associated Physicians 133......Dog & Bone Boarding and Daycare 133......Katharisma Cleaning 134......1988 134......Panther Exteriors 135......Stoughton Health Outpatient Center 135......Living in Madison Real Estate Group 136......Ether Wellness 136......Colliers 136......Wings Credit Union 137......Balanced Designs Co. 137......Interiors by B 137......BRAVA Magazine

From law and design to real estate and professional services, these women are leading with vision and redefining success.

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Thank You

THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 SPONSORS! EXECUTIVE SPONSORS

SMALL BUSINESS SPONSORS

NON-PROFIT SPONSORS

EVENT SPONSORS

MJ REINERS

When leaders learn to work with the invisible forces that drive transformation, extraordinary results don’t just become possible, they become predictable. — MJ Reiners

THE BUSINESS ALCHEMIST

t Summerland Education, we help leaders unlock extraordinary results by working with the invisible forces that drive

transformation. MJ Reiners, a Transformation Expert and Amazon Best-Selling author of Engineering an Epiphany: Master Business Evolution Using the 7 Forces, brings over 25 years of experience studying the laws of energy alongside leading large-scale business transformations, including a historic healthcare technology launch across 250 physician clinics in a single day, delivered on time and always on budget. Through speaking, coaching, workshops and consulting, MJ helps leaders identify and remove the hidden blocks that show up as burnout, resistance, financial ceilings and stalled growth. When energy flows freely, momentum builds and transformation becomes predictable. MJ is proud to serve the Madison community through Seva Circle, believing deeply that when people grow, communities grow. At her core, she turns uncertainty into confidence and ideas into income.

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CASSIDY WINKLER

We didn’t set out to build another Pilates studio. We set out to build a place where people could genuinely build consistency. — Cassidy Winkler

MOVEMENT BUILT TO LAST

evel Method Pilates is not about quick fixes or extremes. It is built on thoughtful progression, intentional movement and an experience clients

trust and return to. Founded by Cassidy Winkler, Revel was created in response to fitness methods that felt either overly punishing or overly simplified, leaving little room for adaptability or longevity. All classes are designed to meet clients where they are, with a thoughtfully curated variety of class types that support strength, endurance and mobility. Revel’s method allows clients at any level to get exactly what their body needs while supporting long-term movement and consistency. By combining intentional programming with an approachable, welcoming environment, Revel helps clients create routines they can realistically maintain. The goal isn’t just a great workout. It’s building a practice people look forward to returning to week after week.

1101 S. Park St., Madison, WI 53715 5103 Monona Drive, Monona, WI 53716 608.216.8209 revelmethodpilates.com 114

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With locations in Madison, Monona and Lake Geneva, where it was named Best Pilates Studio in Walworth County, Revel Method Pilates is deeply rooted in the community. Designed to be more than a workout studio, Revel is a place people return to for guidance, support and connection.

When you’re part of the Capitol Bank team, it means more than being a trusted financial partner, it means investing in your community as a friend and neighbor. — Ami Myrland

LOCAL EXPERTISE. TAILORED SOLUTIONS.

o two businesses or families are the same, and neither are Capitol Bank’s solutions. With a deep bench of experienced bankers across lending,

operations and finance, Capitol Bank has the expertise to move quickly and think creatively, without losing the personal touch that comes from being rooted in this community. “We’re not a one-size-fits-all bank,” says Ami Myrland, president and CFO. “Our team has the experience to see around corners and the adaptability to structure something that actually fits, not just what’s easiest to offer.” That adaptability shows up in how decisions get made. Customers work directly with experienced bankers who understand Madison’s business landscape and can respond quickly when timing matters most. Guided by core values of People, Relationships, Communication, Performance

NMLS#520881 710 N. High Point Road, Madison, WI 53717 608.836.1616 capitol.bank

and Integrity, Capitol Bank continues to bring local knowledge and real flexibility to every customer relationship.

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JULIA HANLON

I have always loved listening to, learning about and helping clients — especially when it allows me to have a lasting, positive impact on their lives. — Julia Hanlon

BUILDING PROSPERITY, ONE RELATIONSHIP AT A TIME

ake Ridge Bank Wealth Management’s Vice President, Julia Hanlon, is committed to building prosperity for her clients and communities, one

relationship at a time. Hanlon takes the time to get to know each of her clients personally, gaining a clear understanding of their unique financial needs and goals. She enjoys combining her trust and wealth management expertise to deliver thoughtful, individualized guidance that empowers her clients to reach their goals. Lake Ridge Bank is a locally owned and managed community bank, offering clients a full range of banking and financial products and services. With 19

6430 Bridge Road, Monona, WI 53713 608.826.3569 jhanlon@lakeridge.bank lakeridge.bank

convenient locations around Dane County, all banking decisions are made locally by our experienced team of associates who understand our local economies. Our bank and associates are focused on reinvesting in and getting involved with local organizations and activities that make our communities great places to live, work and raise a family. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you meet your financial goals. Let’s go far together!

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ANNA THOMPSON

When I look back on my career, I realize I was never just building businesses—I was building relationships. — Anna Thompson

MY JOURNEY STARTS WITH PEOPLE

early 18 years ago, I attended cosmetology school at night while working fulltime during the day, commuting by city bus. Those years taught me

resilience, but more importantly, they taught me the value of earning trust, showing up for people and creating genuine connections. Many of the clients I met early in my career are still with me today, and their support has shaped my journey. In September 2023, I opened Grand Noir Salon with a vision of creating more than beautiful hair. I wanted to build a place where beauty professionals could grow through mentorship, education and a strong culture that supports both personal and professional growth. I don’t believe in work-life balance — I believe it’s one life, and everyone deserves to build a career they’re excited to wake up to. That same passion led to Bronze Madison in 2026, a boutique spray tanning studio dedicated to helping women feel confident in their own skin. Looking ahead, my husband and I are excited to bring HobbyTown Madison to our community this fall, continuing the same philosophy that has guided me

grandnoirsalon.com bronzemadison.com hobbytown.com

from the beginning: when you invest in people first, everything else follows.

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KIM SCHUCHARDT

What sets us apart from the rest is our unwavering dedication to your well-being. — Kim Schuchardt

LEADING WITH VISION, GROWING WITH PURPOSE

uccess isn’t about standing still — it’s about having the courage to evolve. When Kim Schuchardt opened Lasting SkinSolutions in 1999, Madison’s

first medical spa, she recognized an opportunity to combine her orthopedic background with emerging laser technology to help people look and feel their best. Her commitment to innovation led to nationally recognized results, including Thermage featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, and the development of the trademarked AirBrush FaceLift® treatment technique. Over the past 26 years, Kim has continued to embrace change, growing Lasting SkinSolutions from a pioneering medical spa into a comprehensive center for

Lasting SkinSolutions

aesthetics, wellness and healthy aging. Her secret to success? Stay curious, never stop learning and always put people first. By remaining open to new technologies, investing in education, and

2981 Yarmouth Greenway Dr., Fitchburg, WI 53711 608.661.1000 lastingskinsolutions.com

focusing on exceptional patient outcomes, Kim has built a thriving business that continues to evolve and empower others to live with confidence and vitality. Schedule a personalized consultation and discover how our advanced laser and injectable treatments can help you look refreshed, feel confident and age beautifully.

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KIM SWEATT

I enjoy working with businesses because I like problem solving in ways that support my clients’ goals. — Kim Sweatt

KEEPING BUSINESSES MOVING FORWARD

unning a business will likely bring legal challenges at some point, but those challenges don’t have to slow you down. That is the mindset

Boardman Clark attorney Kim Sweatt brings to her work as she helps clients navigate business transactions, real estate deals and related disputes without losing momentum. She counsels business owners throughout the lifecycle of their businesses, providing guidance on entity formation, acquisitions and sales, contract negotiation and drafting, and ownership restructuring. “I enjoy working with businesses because I like problem solving in ways that support my clients’ goals,” she says. “My satisfaction comes from helping clients stay focused on where they’re going, not what’s in the way.” Clients appreciate her ability to make complicated situations feel manageable and keep things moving. Kim’s approach is shaped in part by her environment: “The best part of working at Boardman Clark is practicing with colleagues who

1 S. Pinckney St., Ste. 410, P.O. Box 927, Madison, WI 53701 608.257.9521 ksweatt@boardmanclark.com boardmanclark.com

share a genuine commitment to the people we serve,” she adds.

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LEFT TO RIGHT: ERICKA MULHALL, NICOLE PLOURDE

Skin. Science. Sass. Powered by evidence. Creating confidence. — Ericka Mulhall

NOT YOUR TYPICAL MED SPA

ounded in 2020 by Nurse Anesthetist Ericka Mulhall, CRNA, APNP, NurturHer Aesthetics was created to redefine the medical aesthetics

experience. Joined by co-owner Nicole Plourde, APNP, in 2021, the awardwinning practice blends medical aesthetics, wellness and women’s hormone health under one roof, guided by evidence-based medicine rather than trends. With two Madison-area locations, a team of 12 professionals and more than 5,000 patients served, NurturHer has earned Best of Madison every year since 2021. But what truly sets NurturHer apart is its mission: they’re in the business of confidence, not fixing wrinkles. Patients are welcomed into a warm, vibrant environment that’s anything but the typical quiet, sterile medical office. Laughter is encouraged, relationships are built and every treatment begins by asking not just what a patient wants, but how they’re feeling — and why. At NurturHer, science, compassion and personalized care come together to help women feel confident, healthy and unapologetically themselves.

6317 Mckee Road, Ste. 200, Fitchburg, WI 53719 768 Lois Dr., Sun Prairie, WI 53590 608.313.5627 nurturheraesthetics.com 120

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More than a med spa, NurturHer is redefining what it means to care for everyone thru all ages — with science, compassion and the belief that confidence is never about becoming someone else, but becoming more “you.”

STEPHANIE THOMPSON

Estate planning rooted in Wisconsin values, designed to safeguard what matters most. — Stephanie Thompson

A LEGACY OF TRUST

tephanie Thompson is a seasoned estate planning attorney whose down to earth Wisconsin roots shape everything she does. Raised on a local

dairy farm, she brings a grounded work ethic, genuine compassion and a deep respect for family legacies to her role as owner of Krueger, Hernandez & Thompson (KHT). For nearly 30 years, KHT has served Dane County and its surrounding communities, earning trust across generations through personalized guidance and unwavering integrity. As a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Stephanie blends expertise with heart to create secure, customized solutions that safeguard your future and the legacy you’ve built. At KHT, she is not just a lawyer; she is an advocate dedicated to ensuring peace of mind in every stage of life. Her commitment extends beyond the office and with a passion for community involvement, scholarship support and Alzheimer’s awareness efforts. Grounded, compassionate and fiercely dedicated, Stephanie continues to make a lasting impact on the families she serves.

7601 University Ave., Ste. 201, Middleton, WI 53562 608.824.9540 khtlawyers.com

Grounded, compassionate and fiercely dedicated, Stephanie continues to make a lasting impact on the families she serves — empowering clients to make confident, informed decisions and build legacies that reflect their deepest values. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

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RHONDA MOSSNER

Having lived through the fear of my own high-risk pregnancies, I know this journey holds both joy and anxiety — and I make sure no family faces it alone. — Rhonda Mossner

THE DOULA WITH THE MARY POPPINS TOUCH

honda Mossner, CD, CPD, CBC, CBE, is a certified birth and postpartum doula, breastfeeding counselor and childbirth educator with 40+ years of

experience supporting babies and young families. Drawing on backgrounds in healthcare management and teaching, she brings a calm, knowledgeable presence to every birth journey. At Bump2Baby Doula Services LLC, support begins before pregnancy and continues well into baby’s first year. Rhonda meets clients every 2–3 weeks throughout pregnancy — far beyond the typical doula package — and stays through every labor, including cesarean births, inductions, VBACs and highrisk pregnancies. Postpartum, she shows up like a real-life Mary Poppins: cooking, helping around the house and offering ongoing emotional support. Based in Verona, parents now have the choice of meeting in their homes or Bump2Baby’s new family-friendly walk-in practice, where parents can drop in, decompress and connect. Here, every client feels like the only client.

951 Kimball Lane, Ste. 124, Verona, WI 53593 608.616.0553 bump2babydoulaservicesllc.com 122

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LEFT TO RIGHT: MEGAN WAKSDAHL, SARAH BRENDEN, TAMI BROOKS AND AMANDA KECKLER

The best private bankers don’t just manage money. They give you back time and mental space. — Sarah Brenden

THE ONE PERSON EVERY BUSY WOMAN NEEDS ON HER TEAM

uccess has a way of making life more rewarding — and more complicated. As careers grow, businesses expand and family responsibilities evolve,

financial decisions become more complex. Many women find themselves balancing careers, family and long-term planning, all while trying to keep up with the demands of everyday life. That’s where Park Bank’s private banking can make a meaningful difference. The right private banker should be more than someone who opens accounts or approves loans. They should become a trusted advisor — someone who understands your goals, anticipates what’s ahead and helps coordinate banking, lending and wealth management around your life. For the women of Park Bank’s Private Banking team, success is built on relationships and trust. The hope is these relationships create connections,

1815 Greenway Cross Madison, WI 53713 608.278.2801 park.bank

bringing together successful women to share experiences, build relationships and support one another. “We want people to feel like they’re welcome to be part of the community of successful women we’re creating,” says Sarah Brenden, senior vice president, Private Banking. “The more we connect and support one another, the stronger we all become.” SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

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LEFT TO RIGHT: HANNAH MORAN AND MARIT SATHRUM

We are driven by our core values. With two hot yoga studios serving the Madison community, we’re honored to foster meaningful connections, support personal growth, and prove that when a business leads with purpose, everyone rises together. — Marit Sathrum & Hannah Moran

MORE THAN 24 YEARS OF STRENGTH, COMMUNITY AND PURPOSE

t Inner Fire Yoga, we believe yoga is about more than movement. It’s about building a stronger, more connected community. As a proudly

woman-owned business, we’ve spent more than 24 years creating welcoming spaces where people of all backgrounds can challenge themselves, find balance and feel at home in their bodies. Owners Marit Sathrum and Hannah Moran are driven by their values. Compassion, kindness, integrity, inclusivity, discipline, humility and cleanliness aren’t just words on the wall — they shape every class, every interaction and every decision they make. Whether someone is stepping into a hot yoga studio for the very first time or has practiced for years, the goal is the same: to help each person leave feeling stronger, healthier and more empowered than when they arrived.

5003 University Ave., Madison, WI 53705 1813 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI 53704 Innerfireyoga.com

With two studios serving the Madison community, we’re honored to foster meaningful connections, support personal growth and prove that when a business leads with purpose, everyone rises together.

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JENNIFER HOMMAN

We believe financial planning is about more than investments. It’s about creating confidence, preserving what you’ve built and giving you the freedom to focus on what matters most. — Jennifer Homman

WEALTH, WITH INTENTION

omen today are building businesses, leading organizations and creating wealth like never before — and making more financial decisions than

at any point in history. As wealth grows, so does the importance of thoughtful, coordinated advice. Jennifer Homman, CEPA, is Founder, CEO and Wealth Advisor of Cultivate Wealth, an independent wealth management firm she founded and leads in Madison. For more than 20 years, Jennifer and her team have helped successful individuals, families and business owners build personalized strategies that align their wealth with their goals, values and vision for the future. Services include investment management, retirement planning, proactive tax strategies, estate and legacy planning, business exit and succession planning, and multigenerational wealth planning. As a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), Jennifer also helps business owners build and safeguard company value while preparing for successful transition, collaborating closely with clients’ CPA and attorneys to help minimize taxes and preserve wealth and create a coordinated strategy for what comes next.

5403 Eastpark Blvd., Madison, WI 53718 608.910.6001 cultivatewealth.com

Independent advice. Personalized strategies. Meaningful relationships. Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Investment advisory services also offered through CWM, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

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JAN HAMILTON-CRAWFORD

Oakwood Village has been innovating since 1948. We will keep innovating so more seniors can live with dignity and enjoy a high quality of life. — Jan Hamilton-Crawford

INNOVATING FOR MADISON’S SENIORS

an Hamilton-Crawford learned health care from the ground up, working as a CNA to help pay for graduate school as a single mom. She went on to

lead national healthcare organizations before becoming President and CEO of Oakwood Village, a Lutheran-sponsored nonprofit continuing care community with two locations in Madison. She is committed to strengthening Oakwood Village so it can serve area seniors and be a magnet for top-tier health professionals as the need for services continues to grow. From 2020 to 2050, the state projects the number of seniors 65+ in Dane County will grow more than 60% — an increase of over 50,000 people. Oakwood Village aims to be part of the solution, offering a model that empha-

Oakwood Village University Woods 6205 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 53705 608.230.4699 Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge 5565 Tancho Dr., Madison, WI 53718 608.230.4000 oakwoodvillage.net 126

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sizes independence and a community where older adults can thrive, not just passively receive care. Jan is drawing on lessons learned in hospital systems and senior care to support this vision and empower the Oakwood team.

LEFT TO RIGHT: SHELLEY EDGINGTON, CAMILLE DUNN, SHAUNA GNORSKI, LIZ DEIHS AND HOLLY HEUER

At One Community Bank, we’re proud to have a diverse senior leadership team that is focused on serving clients, supporting colleagues and investing in our communities. — Steve Peotter

EMPOWERED LEADERS GUIDING FEEL GOOD LEADERSHIP

ne Community Bank offers full-service “Feel Good Banking” throughout Wisconsin and is committed to serving clients, supporting colleagues and

investing in the communities it serves. In the bank’s diverse senior leadership team, women play a pivotal role in shaping the future of OCB. These leaders are passionate about helping others succeed. They value professional development, encourage collaboration and create opportunities for colleagues to build leadership skills. Their work across client experience, finance, human resources and other departments help build OCB to be a stronger organization. This group’s impact reaches beyond the workplace and into local communities through volunteerism, board service and active participation in community events. Through their leadership, they strengthen client service, support colleagues and help OCB make a meaningful difference in every community OCB serves.

608.838.3141 onecommunity.bank

Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

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TWO EXPERT GROUPS,

e love what we do, and we love doing it together, which is why our flooring experts and cabinetry pros collaborate seamlessly to guide you

We love what we do, so let’s team up and bring to life a space that is entirely, beautifully yours!

through every single step of your design journey. Our team is split into two highly specialized halves, working hand-in-hand to build your perfect space from the ground up: The Flooring Fanatics: Every great home design needs an incredibly strong foundation, and that is exactly where our flooring experts step in. From luxurious hardwoods and plush carpets to versatile luxury vinyl plank, laminate and durable modern tiles, they know exactly how to ground a room with warmth, texture and personality. They make sure your home looks spectacular from the very first step you take.

The Cabinetry Crew: They are absolute masters of organization, structure and style. Whether you need a sleek, modern kitchen overhaul or a cozy, custom bathroom setup, they are the geniuses who ensure your home functions beautifully. They know the secret tricks to maximize storage while flawlessly hiding everyday clutter! By bringing these two powerhouses together, we have made it easier than ever to coordinate your next big project. No more driving all over town trying to match your cabinet stains to your floor samples — our team handles it all smoothly in one fun, collaborative stop. 128

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ONE JOYFUL TEAM Your tour begins right under your feet. Our enthusiastic flooring team is ready to guide you through all the choices and break down the essential differences in look, feel and performance. They know that choosing a floor can feel overwhelming, so they bring plenty of energy and expertise to help you find that perfect foundation. They will show you how the right surface sets the mood for your entire home, creating a beautiful canvas for everything else you want to build. As you move naturally through the showroom, our cabinetry crew steps in to show you what’s possible when you look up. These creative makers are passionate about blending smart, everyday practicality with incredible visual style. They will guide you through our stunning custom kitchen displays and

250 W. Beltline Hwy. Madison, WI 53713 608.257.0291 sales@coylecarpet.com coylecarpet.com

point out the hidden details. They are absolute geniuses at figuring out how to maximize your room’s potential, making sure your design fits your daily routine like a glove. Whether you are starting a major remodel, building from scratch or just looking for a little bit of fresh design inspiration, our team is ready to welcome you. We believe that home renovating should be a fun, exciting adventure, not a stressful chore. Our united crew is here to bring the joy back into the process. We invite you to swing by, explore our fresh new showroom look and let our family guide yours! SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

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LEFT TO RIGHT: LAURA VASSALLI, ERIN ESBECK AND SARYNN BROWER

At its heart, Princeton Club isn’t just about fitness, it’s about people. When people feel healthy, confident, and connected, they carry that impact into everything around them. — Allison Palmer

MORE THAN FITNESS

t Princeton Club, better tomorrows are built one workout and one connection at a time. Our #ForABetterTomorrow mission goes beyond

fitness, focusing on health, community and meaningful connection. Group Exercise Directors Sarynn Brower, Laura Vassalli and Erin Esbeck lead this effort across Madison, overseeing 250 group exercise classes each week. Through planning, instructor support and program innovation, they ensure members have opportunities to move, grow and belong. They are also committed to helping members grow in their lives beyond the gym — building confidence, resilience and habits that carry into everyday life. In every class, members encourage one another, build friendships and find motivation that keeps them coming back. Their leadership helps create spaces where beginners feel welcome and experienced members stay challenged. This is #ForABetterTomorrow in action — better health, stronger community and lasting connection. We proudly honor these strong women leading health in Madison, inspiring thousands to show up for themselves and each other every week.

Princeton Club West 8080 Watts Road, Madison, WI 53719 608.833.2639 princetonclub.net 130

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250 classes. Countless connections. A better tomorrow built together. And every class is an opportunity to grow stronger, build relationships and take one more step toward better health together at Princeton Club every day.

LEFT TO RIGHT: KATIE VICK AND SUE WHITE

At Sienna Crest, home-like care means residents feel happy and well cared for every day, and employees are nurtured to grow into the next generation of leaders. — Sue White

CARING CONTINUES

ienna Crest Assisted Living has been providing care for almost 30 years. Sue White, President, started the company in 1997 to ensure older adults in

southern Wisconsin had quality care in a cozy, home-like setting. Sienna Crest provides assisted living and memory care support in Darlington, DeForest, Dodgeville, Fort Atkinson, Lodi, Marshall, Mineral Point, Oregon, Platteville and Waunakee. Sienna Crest homes are smaller in size and residents receive more handson care from staff. The smell of home-cooked meals greets you as you walk through the door. Everyone eats meals together to provide socialization and camaraderie. This continues with participation in scheduled activities, where residents maintain their well-being. We know we have been successful when our residents refer to living here as “home.” Families find peace of mind knowing that their loved one is comfortable and content. With leadership from our Human Resources Director, Katie Vick, Sienna Crest encourages staff growth that builds careers. We want all employees to feel proud of their work with older adults and to look forward to becoming our next leaders.

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LEFT TO RIGHT: DR. AMANDA SCHWARTZ, DR. SHEFAALI SHARMA, DR. JILL MASANA, DR. AMANDA SCHMEHIL AND DR. KATYA FRANTSKEVICH

We celebrate joyful beginnings, support women through unexpected challenges and empower every patient to make informed decisions about her health with confidence and compassion.

80 YEARS IN PRACTICE: FROM BUMP TO BABY AND BEYOND

or 80 years, Associated Physicians has cared for the women of Madison through every milestone — from first appointments and growing families

to navigating menopause and everything in between. As a majority womenphysician-owned clinic, we understand that caring for women means more than providing exceptional medicine. It means listening, advocating, educating and creating a place where every woman feels seen, heard and valued. Our OB/GYN physicians are honored to walk alongside patients through life’s most meaningful moments, building relationships that often span generations. We celebrate joyful beginnings, support women through unexpected challenges and empower every patient to make informed decisions about her health with confidence and compassion. That commitment has remained unchanged for eight decades. While healthcare continues to evolve, our purpose does not: to provide compassionate, expert care rooted in community, independence, and trust.

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We are proud to help generations of women write their healthiest stories — and we look forward to serving Madison families for generations to come.

A HOME AWAY FROM HOME FOR YOUR BEST FRIEND

og and Bone Boarding offers a different kind of dog boarding: no kennels, just a home. Located on a 35-acre horse farm in Deerfield, WI, we’re a family of three

humans and one dog, Priya, welcoming your pup as one of our own. Founded by a former ICU nurse who returned to her dog-obsessed roots after COVID, Dog and Bone is built on safety, enrichment and individualized care. Dogs enjoy daily hikes, unlimited time in a large, shaded pasture, real grass to roam and evenings with lots of snuggles. Dogs needing a quieter pace have separate indoor and outdoor spaces to relax. All our guests live freely in our three-story farmhouse, moving about and sleeping wherever they choose. We’re experienced with dogs of every breed, size and temperament, and clients get daily photo updates of their pup having fun. Long- and short-term boarding available. Come experience a home away from home for your best friend.

1643 County Road BB, Deerfield, WI 53531 | 608.395.7025 dogandbonellc.floot.app

BETH HEINZMANN

A TRUSTED, AWARD-WINNING CLEANING TEAM

atharisma Cleaning proudly serves the Madison area with residential and commercial cleaning services built on a foundation of professionalism, reliability

and genuinely exceptional customer care. Founded by Yazmin Lopez, the company has grown into a trusted name for homeowners and businesses who want a clean they can count on, delivered by a team that treats every space like it matters. Katharisma is an active member of MABA, ISSA, the Fitchburg Chamber of Commerce and AASCW, demonstrating a deep commitment to industry standards and community involvement that goes well beyond the job itself. That dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed: Katharisma was named a Nextdoor Neighborhood Faves winner in both 2024 and 2025, and earned finalist honors in both Madison People’s Choice and BRAVA’s Raves & Faves. For clients across Madison and the surrounding area, Katharisma Cleaning isn’t just a service, it’s a partner in keeping homes and businesses running smoothly, one spotless space at a time.

P.O Box 44162, Madison, WI 53744 | 608.315.5546 katharismacleaningllc.com

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RECLAIMING MIDLIFE, ONE WOMAN AT A TIME

r. Tes Jordens, DO, is double board-certified in Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine and a Certified Practitioner of The Menopause Society. She is the

founder of 1988, a Wisconsin-based, women-owned holistic practice serving midlife women through perimenopause, menopause, weight care and metabolic health. Her passion for menopause medicine began in family practice, where she saw women who “looked healthy” on paper but felt exhausted and unlike themselves, until a patient’s plea to learn hormone therapy changed her path. At 1988, offerings include a six-month concierge membership with extended visits, unlimited follow-ups, hormone therapy when appropriate, and coaching on nutrition, sleep and mental health. Care is available virtually and in person in Elm Grove, ensuring geography isn’t a barrier to specialized care. With only 84 Menopause Society-listed providers in Wisconsin, 1988 fills a real gap, helping women feel heard, understood and prepared for stronger, healthier futures.

15330 Watertown Plank Road, Ste. 2, Elm Grove, WI 53122 1988wellness.com

DR. TES JORDENS

BUILDING LEGACIES, ONE HOME AT A TIME

awn and Dan Dolbeau started Panther Exteriors & Contracting in the kitchen of their Stoughton home 10 years ago. Panther is now on pace to exceed $7

million in sales with 13 employees, growing over $1 million annually for the past

six years. The award-winning exterior remodeling company serves homeowners across southern Wisconsin and specializes in roofing, siding, gutters, windows and storm restoration. Several staff members are certified in storm damage assessment, and Panther was named Best of Oregon Roofing Contractor for 2025 and 2026 by Business Rate, with Dan and Dawn Dolbeau receiving the Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business People of the Year Award for 2026. Beyond the work, Panther is deeply invested in its community, supporting the Oregon School District’s sports and arts programs, offering a trade-school scholarship for graduating seniors and serving on the Chamber of Commerce board.

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DAWN AND DAN DOLBEAU

CARDIOLOGY CARE, ROOTED IN COMMUNITY

ina DeGroot, PhD, APRN, is a dedicated cardiology provider at Stoughton Health with a passion for improving heart health in her hometown community. Born and

raised in Stoughton, she brings more than 30 years of experience as both a clinician and educator, with a strong focus on patient-centered care and mentorship. Tina is actively involved in community outreach, presenting on women’s heart health and leading educational sessions to make cardiology more accessible. Recognized nationally as Preceptor of the Year, she gives back through service by mentoring future providers, teaching as nursing faculty at Edgewood University, and recently serving on the State Board of Nursing, appointed by Governor Tony Evers.

Stoughton Health Outpatient Center 900 Ridge St., Stoughton, WI 53589 608.873.2349 stoughtonhealth.com

TINA DEGROOT

FINDING HOME WITH A TEAM WHO TRULY CARES

iving in Madison Real Estate Group, founded on a love for this city and a commitment to serving its residents, is a full-service real estate team helping people buy, sell and

invest in homes, whether you’re buying your first home or selling a longtime property. Its mission is to connect clients not just to houses, but to the lifestyle and community that make Madison one of the best places to live. Led by Broker and Owner Mari Slobounov, the all-women team is committed to making every real estate journey clear, enjoyable and successful. With a team of experienced realtors and dedicated support staff — including a transaction coordinator, listing coordinator and marketing specialist — they provide the expertise, strategy and attention to detail needed to guide clients through every step of the process.

555 Zor Shrine Place, Ste. 100 Madison, WI 53719 608.218.4676 livinginmadison.com

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FIND YOUR STRENGTH. RECLAIM YOUR ENERGY. FEEL YOUR BEST.

ther Wellness is a welcoming, women-centered studio in the heart of downtown Madison dedicated to helping women build strength, reduce stress and reconnect with

themselves. Through individualized coaching, movement, nutrition, stress management and community, we empower women to navigate life’s transitions and hormonal changes, build sustainable healthy habits and honor their bodies with confidence. Discover a supportive space where you can thrive. 25 N. Pinckney St., Ste. 310, Madison, WI 53703 608.230.5639 etherwellnessmadison.com

KARI MYSKER

MADISON’S RESTAURANT REAL ESTATE EXPERT

ecca Gentilli is a commercial real estate advisor specializing in restaurant and retail properties. She represents both business owners seeking high-visibility locations

and property owners looking to attract quality tenants. Her expertise in site selection, leasing strategy and negotiations helps clients make informed real estate decisions and achieve long-term success. With a focus on the Madison area, Becca works closely with local entrepreneurs, regional operators and national brands to identify opportunities that align with their goals. Becca is committed to building lasting relationships and delivering results for every client. 2501 W. Beltline Highway, Ste. 505, Madison WI 53713 608.335.3210 colliers.com/en/united-states/cities/madison

BECCA GENTILLI

PRIVATE BANKING. TRUSTED GUIDANCE FOR BIG DECISIONS.

t Wings Credit Union, Ashleigh Hutchinson, vice president of Private Banking, helps professionals, families and business owners navigate complex financial

decisions with confidence. Experience the difference of having a dedicated banker who knows you, understands your goals and brings together a team of experienced financial specialists to support your needs. From personalized banking and lending solutions to long-term financial guidance, Wings Private Banking combines sophisticated financial expertise with the personalized service of a member-owned cooperative that proudly serves Wisconsin communities. 4021 Meridian Drive, Windsor, WI 53598 608.842.5038 WingsCU.com 136

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ASHLEIGH HUTCHINSON

INTERIORS THAT BRING BALANCE & HARMONY TO EVERYDAY LIFE

or 20+ years, Deb Kreger of Balanced Designs Co has helped clients create authentic, kid- and pet-friendly spaces that feel like home. From cozy in-home consults to

laser-focused Zoom sessions, Deb blends style with real life — no overwhelming budgets required. Prior to establishing her own independent practice, she cultivated her expertise at Rubin’s Furniture. Today, she also offers home staging services, helping clients prepare their homes for sale and guiding them in their new home space as well. She holds a certification from the International Association of Professionals. Ready for a space that tells your story with Interior Design and Staging? Let’s talk. 608.235.6143 balanceddesignsco.com

DEB KREGER

WHERE BEAUTIFUL MEETS FUNCTIONAL

nteriors By B creates intentional, thoughtfully designed homes that feel as good as they look. Celebrating 10 years in business, the team guides clients through remodels,

new construction, and furnishing projects with a stress-free, personalized process. They also partner with local nonprofit Felicia’s Closet, helping clients donate gently used furniture and decor back into the community.

1112 Aldora Lane, Waunakee, WI 53597 608.220.1689 interiorsbyb.com

BRITTANY BALLWEG

EMPOWERING WOMEN

RAVA is more than a magazine — it’s a celebration of the women who lead, inspire and shape our community. Through meaningful stories, purposeful

connections and a powerful print and digital platform, we’re here to inform, champion and empower Madison-area women to make an impact.

951 Kimball Lane, Ste. 122 Verona, WI 53593 bravamagazine.com

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FOREVER

custom-made FURNITURE FURNITURE FOR EVERY ROOM IN YOUR HOME

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TWO GREAT LOCATIONS – RIDGEWAY & PORTAGE! AYERSFURNITURE.COM

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2026 - 27

Arts and Entertainment Preview From live performances to inspiring exhibits, discover these can’t-miss cultural experiences. BY EMILIE HEIDEMANN “Disney’s The Lion King Live in Concert”

MARQUEE EVENTS “Where We Are”

COURTESY MADISON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA & KANOPY DANCE

Sept. 17-20, Overture Center Capital City Theatre presents its world premiere of “Where We Are” as part of the World Premiere Wisconsin theatre festival. Inspired by the real-life collections of the Hand Drawn Map Association, this musical explores the unexpected ways people get lost, change course and ultimately find each other. overture.org

“Disney’s The Lion King Live in Concert”

Sept. 20, Overture Center Experience “The Lion King” in a whole new way as the Madison Symphony Orchestra performs Hans Zimmer’s iconic score live while the beloved Disney film unfolds on the big screen. Led by conductor Kyle Knox, the concert transforms a familiar favorite into an immersive cinematic and musical experience. madisonsymphony.org

“The Wiz”

Kyle Knox

Oct. 6-11, Overture Center “The Wiz” returns to stages across America in an all-new tour. This twist on “The Wizard of Oz” features an infusion of ballet, jazz and modern pop to color Dorothy’s journey in finding her place in a contemporary world. overture.org

“Without Borders”

Oct. 15-18, Overture Center In this celebratory performance, Kanopy Dance honors the Mexican-born José Limón, who electrified the world as one of the 20th century’s most influential choreographers. Guest stars include award-winning choreographer Colin Connor, artistic director of the American legacy Limón Dance Company, and Colombian dancer, Daniel Fetecua-Soto, soloist with the Limón Dance Company. kanopydance.org

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Winter Art Fair Off the Square

“Aly & AJ”

Dec. 4, The Sylvee Sisters Aly and A J Michalka of the

duo Aly and A J take the stage, having captivated audiences around the world with their harmonies, relatable lyrics and distinctive blend of pop and indierock influences. Also actors, the duo return to the music scene after a decade-long hiatus with renewed energy and creative maturity, evolving from pop sensations into indie darlings. thesylvee.com

“A Madison Symphony Christmas”

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“Winter Fantasia Reimagined”

Dec. 3-6, Overture Center Kanopy Dance lights up the stage with holiday dazzle and enchantment in “Winter Fantasia Reimagined,” celebrating a mosaic of cultural traditions. Delight in the lure of mythical places and ancient Nordic legends, adapted by artistic director Lisa Thurrell, that

TOP MADISON OPERA | LEFT KANOPY DANCE | BOTTOM MADISON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Nov. 7-8, Monona Terrace This two-day, fine-art fair is a showcase of 135-plus Wisconsin-based artists and craftspeople. Peruse works in a variety of mediums including ceramics, art glass, paintings, fiber, sculpture, jewelry, graphics, papermaking, photography, wood and more. artcraftwis.org

“Postcard from Morocco”

COURTESY WISCONSIN ALLIANCE OF ARTISTS & CRAFTSPEOPLE

Feb. 5-7, 2027, Overture Center In this Madison Opera premiere, a Moroccan train station becomes a crossroad of dreams in this performance about strangers, secrets and stories. Dominick Argento’s sparkling score is by turns romantic, mysterious, dramatic and delightfully unhinged in this 90-minute work that is richly human and thoroughly theatrical. Kanopy Dance joins each performance. madisonopera.org

come to life through the magic of dance. Then travel the globe to India for a festive Gujarati “garba” folk dance called “ Chalo Ramiye” — a colorful , centuries-old ritual that is performed in authentic, lavishly adorned costumes, choreographed by South Asian guest artist Udbhav Desai, who also performs. kanopydance.org

Discover what’s within.

“A Madison Symphony Christmas 2026”

Dec. 4-6, Overture Center The Madison Symphony Orchestra takes the stage for this cherished holiday tradition. Guests are encouraged to bring their family and friends to celebrate the season with carols, classics and sparkling holiday favorites. Santa plans to visit, too. madisonsymphony.org

Join today! From curiosity to confidence.

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Empowering Women. Elevating Business.

AT SVA, WE BELIEVE THAT WHEN WOMEN RISE, BUSINESSES THRIVE. As proud sponsors of Women in Business, we celebrate the visionaries, innovators, and leaders shaping the future. Together, we’re breaking barriers, amplifying voices, and creating a future where every woman in business has the opportunity to lead, inspire, and succeed.

LET’S BUILD THE FUTURE  TOGETHER.

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MUSIC GROUPS TO CHECK OUT

Eivør

INDIE MUSIC VENUE HAPPENINGS Leslie Vincent and The Vibes grace the stage at The North Street Cabaret on Sept. 17. Join Vincent and her band as they play reinterpretations of timeless jazz standards as well as original jazz, pop and blues tunes from their forthcoming record, “Little Black Book”

Leslie Vincent

(northstreetcabaret.com). “The Three Wishes Tour,” including Rabbitology, Amélie Farren and Lilith Max,makes a stop at Atwood Music Hall on Oct. 7 (theatwoodmusichall.com/shows). On Oct. 11 at Gamma Ray Bar in downtown Madison, Quintron and Miss Pussycat showcase their genre-defying noise and hard-rocking dance music that originally hails from New Orleans. A majority of their 19 full-length albums have the psychedelic soul of traditional New Orleans party music, filtered through an organ, puppets and homemade instruments (gammaray.bar/show). On Nov. 7 at Atwood Music Hall, Eivør, one of the most distinctive voices to emerge from the Nordic music scene, highlights her blend of Nordic folk, cinematic composition and modern production. She’s built a catalog of 11 studio albums (theatwoodmusichall.com).

At Candlelight Concerts, concert-goers are treated to classical music — frequently with a modern twist. Take the “Anime Soundtracks” performance on Sept. 25 or the “Coldplay and Imagine Dragons” production on Oct. 24. There’s even a “’90s Hip-Hop on Strings” concert on Nov. 21 and Jan. 9. Of course, classical productions are also in the repertoire as well, including “Mozart vs. Beethoven” (Sept. 24) and “Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More” (Feb. 13). mononaterrace.com

Coppia Concerts was

created by renowned violinist and artistic director Dongeun Dawn Wohn and executive director Jay Hutchinson, who has an extensive background in the hospitality and wine industries. Wohn has performed across five continents and Dongeun Dawn Wohn at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Coppia Concerts’ home is at Fitchburg’s Four Winds Farm, where visitors can hear worldclass performers bring new life to the classics and break the boundaries of established musical genres. coppiaconcerts.com Formed in Madison in 2018, the Avanti Piano Trio, comprised of Alissa Freeman on piano, Hillary Hempel on violin and Hannah Wolkstein on cello, has performed across the state in concert series and festivals and on the radio on Wisconsin Public Radio and on PBS. Driven by a passion to enrich the piano-trio repertoire, the trio performs beloved standards and champions a range of styles. They provide a platform for under-explored gems and works by female composers, delivering performances both innovative and rooted in tradition. avantipianotrio.wixsite.com/home

“The Ryan Miesel Quartet: Holiday Jazz Show with ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF THE ARTISTS

Susan Hofer” gets The North Street Cabaret visitors into the spirit of the holiday season on Dec. 11 with soulful, original jazz (northstreetcabaret.com/ events). L-R: Hannah Wolkstein, Alissa Freeman and Hillary Hempel Amélie Farren

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“Interwoven: TAC Members Show 2026”: This exhibition showcases the wide variety of fiber art practices of the Textile Art Center of Madison’s (TAC) creative member community. The exhibition honors and celebrates the center’s supporters and gives every TAC member an opportunity to exhibit one of their recent fiber artworks. Oct. 21-Dec. 12, textileartsmadison.org

The Textile Art Center of Madison

FALL CELEBRATION

OCTOBER 15–18 55+ free author events in four days HOSTED BY

SIGNATURE SPONSOR

25 Years of Connecting Readers with Authors pleasant t.

Rowland foundation

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Learn more at

www.wisconsinbookfestival.org

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

#WiBookFest

GET VISUAL WITH IT

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Native Art Market 2026: Forty-plus Native American artists share and sell their work throughout Arts + Literature Laboratory’s galleries and education studio. Works span a wide range of traditional and contemporary art forms including Indigenous beadwork, quillwork, weaving, leather work, metals, basketry, clothing and more. Nov. 14, artlitlab.org/events

Work by Zelda Bean

“Inner Realms: An Arts for All Wisconsin Benefit Exhibition”: Carnelian Art Galler y hosts a month-long benefit show for Arts for All Wisconsin that exhibits the work of Wisconsin artists GG , Pita Native Art Market 2026

Daniels, Zelda Bean, Fred Seger, Alan Wiltgen, Ryan Cain and Paulina Ivanova. Through

LEFT COURTESY ARTS + LITERATURE LABORATORY | RIGHT COURTESY CARNELIAN ART GALLERY

Sept. 27, carnelianart.com

Native Art Market 2026

“Chuck Bauer: Recent Paintings”: Madison artist Chuck Bauer showcases his recent works in a month-long exhibition. Bauer is the former owner of The Soap Opera

Work by Zelda Bean

in downtown Madison. Through Oct. 31, carnelianart.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

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2027

BRAVA’S GUIDE TO THE BEST

DIS O N, W

RETURNS IN NOVEMBER, BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER! Nominations open Nov. 1! bravamagazine.com/raves-faves

NOMINATE YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL GEMS YOUR VOICE. YOUR FAVORITES. YOUR COMMUNITY.

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Promote your business and advertise on the ballot! Contact Dena at dena@ntmediagroup.com. *Submit nominations and vote for at least 10 categories and be entered into a drawing to win $250!

FALL & WINTER FUN

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Willy Street Fair

Sept. 19-20, Williamson Street

Madison’s longest-running neighborhood gathering graces Williamson Street on Madison’s East Side. Five stages of live entertainment and 150 vendors will be a part of the festivities. willystreetfair.org

New Glarus Oktoberfest

Sept. 24-27, Downtown New Glarus New Glarus’ annual Oktoberfest will include live music, food, local beer, wagon rides, chainsaw carving and plenty of family fun. swisstown.com

Fall Village Market

RIGHT TOP SHARON VANORNY | MIDDLE SHANNA WOLF | BOTTOM COURTESY DOWNTOWN MOUNT HOREB | LEFT COURTESY HOLIDAY FANTASY IN LIGHTS

Oct. 3-4, Downtown Mount Horeb Mount Horeb’s historic downtown comes alive for a weekend of fall fun including music, local handmade goods, food trucks and more. Vendors will sell vintage, upcycled and handmade goods. mounthorebchamber.com

Willy Street Fair

Witches Night Out

Oct. 15, Downtown Mount Horeb Grab your broomsticks and gather your coven — Mount Horeb’s Witches Night Out returns for an evening of spooky fun, magical shopping, delicious food and drinks, costumes, entertainment and fall vibes. mounthorebchamber.com

Holiday Fantasy in Lights Nov. 14-Dec. 31, Olin Park

Drive through Olin Park for one of Madison’s favorite holiday traditions. This light show is free with the lights starting every day at dusk through the holiday season. fantasyinlights.com

New Glarus Oktoberfest

Holiday Fantasy in Lights

Witches Night Out

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THREE FEMALE ARTISTS TO WATCH LISA THURRELL

MICHA ESPINOSA

Micha Espinosa is a professor in the Theatre and Drama department at UW-Madison. She championed the Latinx Actor Training Laboratorio at UW-Madison, bringing professional artists, educators and actors from across the country together for shared learning and community. She’s also the artistic director at the Fitzmaurice Voice Institute, where she leads more than 350 teachers working in voice and somatic practice across six continents. “I have also always loved the human voice — and I happen to have a big one!” she says. “I chose to study voice early in my career because it is endlessly interesting to me, from the practical work of breath, sound and communication to larger questions of identity, history, emotion and power. Voice and acting remain at the center of everything I do. My work as a director, teacher, writer and producer is always grounded in the instincts, discipline and curiosity of a performer.” 148

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HELEN KLEBESADEL

Having grown up on a dairy farm near Spring Green, Helen Klebesadel found art as a means to express her thoughts regarding the emergence of feminist consciousness, the Civil Rights Movement and the anti-Vietnam War Movement. She chose to pursue an education in the arts, enrolling in the Layton School of Art in Milwaukee in 197 1. Now, Klebesadel exhibits art nationally and internationally, and her art has been shown in several public and private art collections. She was an arts educator at the college level for over 30 years and continues to teach privately. Klebesadel has also served as a member of the Wisconsin Arts Board, as the national president of the Women’s Caucus for Art, a national and historic organization of feminist artists and art historians. She continues to paint out of her Madison home studio, and show her works around the state and beyond, maintaining an influence as a renowned artist and educator. “My art is the way I think about the world,” she says. “I am drawn to understanding how power works in the everyday. My ‘style’ is rooted in creating accessible imagery while using art as a creative and critical thinking process. My themes have changed over time and my watercolor skills have continued to grow, but my creative process has remained consistent: I make art to better understand the world I live in.”

TOP LEFT COURTESY MICHA ESPINOSA | TOP RIGHT COURTESY HELEN KLEBESADEL | BOTTOM SHAWN HARPER

Lisa Thurrell has been co-artistic director of Kanopy Dance since 1995. Her illustrious resume includes training and dancing with the Martha Graham Dance Company from 1987-1995. She performed in Graham’s NYC Center Gala Season, and at the Spoleto Festival Italy and USA from 1991-1994. Her choreographic works have been presented in New York City at various venues. In addition to choreographing original works for Kanopy Dance, Thurrell has been commissioned for her dance works by leading cultural organizations as well. Most recently, she returned to the Des Moines Metro Opera as an artist in residence and choreographer for the 2025 Summer Festival production of “A Cunning Little Vixen.” “I grew up immersed in dance, music and art, and I was already choreographing by age 13,” she says. “Creating was something I simply needed to do — or as my mother, a visual artist, beautifully put it: I just needed to make things. When the opportunity at Kanopy arose, it felt like the perfect alignment. Accepting the position at Kanopy meant I would have a dedicated space, a company of dancers and the artistic freedom to choreograph, perform and teach. I knew I had to go for it.”

GETAWAY GUIDE

Baraboo

Mecosta Count

s Fox Citie

nty

Mecosta Cou

Fox Cities

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GETAWAY GUIDE

Find Your Third Place in Mecosta County She wasn’t looking for another vacation. As a working mother, her days were filled with meetings, schedules, responsibilities and the constant pull of being needed by someone. Home was where the chores waited. Work was where the deadlines lived. Somewhere between the two, she realized her family needed a third place, a place where they could simply be together. She found it along the waterways, trails and small towns of West Central Michigan. One Saturday began in Evart, where the family launched their kayaks into the Muskegon River and spent the day floating toward Paris. The pace was slower there. Conversations came easier. Phones stayed tucked away. For a few hours, there was nowhere else they needed to be. Another weekend led them to Big Rapids. A walk along the Riverwalk turned into shopping downtown, stopping for ice cream and lingering longer than planned. On another visit, they explored the Dragon Trail, discovering that some of the best family memories are made when everyone is simply outside together. Then there was Idlewild. Walking through a community rich with history and resilience reminded them that every place has a story worth telling. It wasn’t just a stop on the map, it was an opportunity to learn, reflect, and connect. What surprised her most wasn’t the places themselves, it was how they made her family feel. Connected. Relaxed. Present. The region became more than a destination. It became their third place, place where traditions began, memories were made and everyone felt they belonged.

bigrapids.org Paddle. Pedal. Explore. Adventure doesn’t have to be extreme to be unforgettable. Paddle the scenic Muskegon River from Evart to Paris, pedal the White Pine Trail or tackle the Dragon Trail if you’re looking for a little more adrenaline. Prefer a slower pace? Wander a riverwalk, cast a fishing line or spend the afternoon birdwatching in one of Michigan’s designated Bird Cities. In West Central Michigan, the best adventures aren’t measured in miles, they’re measured in memories.

Small Towns. Big Stories. Every town in West Central Michigan has a chapter worth discovering. Experience the rich history of Idlewild, once known as the “Black Eden,” browse unique downtown shops in Big Rapids, create something beautiful during a class at Artworks or enjoy live music at a community bandshell or summer festival. From family-owned restaurants to hidden gems waiting around the next bend, you’ll find that the best stories aren’t just read, they’re lived. 150

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Clock Out. Clock Out. Get Away. Get Away. West Central Michigan

Wineries, trails, art & a weekend that feels worlds away.

BIGRAPIDS.ORG

GETAWAY GUIDE

Fall for the Fox Cities Where the waters of Lake Winnebago meet the scenic Fox River, the 19 communities of the Fox Cities in northeast Wisconsin come alive in autumn. For some, that means slow mornings strolling along waterfront trails admiring the fall foliage. For others, it’s the adrenaline of biking an extra mile or conquering one last cliffside trail before the sun sets. With over 100 miles of trails, three nature centers and a breathtaking state park on Wisconsin’s largest inland lake, the ways to embrace the season are endless. And the adventure doesn’t stop at the water’s edge. Exploring the shoreline is effortless thanks to self-serve kayak rental stations conveniently located throughout the area. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, unforgettable festivals, exceptional dining or a relaxing weekend getaway, you’ll find a destination that feels both exciting and remarkably like home.

foxcities.org Raise a Stein Looking for a truly festive celebration? Join more than 100,000 newfound friends at Appleton’s Octoberfest happening September 25-26. This beloved tradition transforms downtown Appleton into Wisconsin’s largest block party. Friday’s classic car show fills the streets with beautifully restored vehicles, while Saturday brings five stages of entertainment, family-friendly activities, artisan vendors and plenty of opportunities to savor local cuisine, browse unique boutiques, and raise a stein and toast the season. If you’ve never experienced Octoberfest in the Fox Cities, this is the year to see what all the excitement is about!

Art Awaits Whether you’re a longtime art lover or simply looking for a thoughtful way to spend an afternoon, the Trout Museum of Art offers a welcoming place to slow down, explore and discover something new. Thoughtfully curated contemporary exhibitions rotate throughout the year, ensuring every visit reveals something different, while interactive classes invite visitors to explore their creative side and bring their own ideas to life. In 2026, there’s even more reason to explore: admission is free all year, making it easy to experience one of the region’s premier cultural destinations whenever inspiration strikes.

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r e v o c s i D

AUTUMN

IN THE FOX CITIES!

Nestled along the shores of Lake Winnebago and the Fox River in northeast Wisconsin, the 19 welcoming communities of the Fox Cities offer the perfect backdrop for quality time together.

Start your day with an easy bike ride or family stroll along the Loop the Lake Trail, where trestle bridges span the water, offering sweeping views of autumn color.

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Then head to downtown Appleton, where curiosity comes to life through interactive

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play, local history, and inspiring art. End the day at a waterfront restaurant, savoring seasonal flavors alongside locally brewed craft beers or handcrafted cocktails.

GETAWAY GUIDE

The Perfect Getaway Fall in Love with Downtown Baraboo, Wisconsin’s best destination for a fall getaway. Snuggle in at one of our cozy bed and breakfasts, hotels or other unique lodging establishments with your someone special, then wander out to bluffs that make the perfect backdrop for adventure. Coffee shops, boutiques, delicious eats and cocktail lounges fill the streets below — everything you need for a weekend away. Over 40 locally owned stores surround our beautiful courthouse square, the perfect setting for a slow coffee, some retail therapy and a great meal. Whether you book an overnight stay or just plan a day trip, we’re excited to share our community with you.

downtownbaraboo.com Fall Fair on the Square Saturday, Oct. 10, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Join us in Downtown Baraboo for a full day of autumn‑inspired fun. The streets will be alive with live music, local food, artisans, family activities and nonstop entertainment surrounded by the colors and charm of fall. When the fair winds down at 4 p.m., the fall festivities continue with more than 40 local shops, restaurants, cafés and bars ready to welcome you. Shop local, dine local, sip local and make it a full fall getaway in Baraboo.

Witches Night Out Thursday, Oct. 22, 5-8 p.m. Grab your brooms and lace up your boots for Downtown Baraboo’s Witches’ Night Out! Join fellow enchantresses under the waxing crescent moon for an evening of magical retail shopping! Don’t be in double, double toil and trouble by missing out on the evening’s magical experiences with fellow witches! Witches Dance on the courthouse lawn at 7 p.m. See you pretties on the Square!

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LEADING WITH

LEGACY

Be in the room where insight becomes impact.

Insight to Impact

Join community changemakers and leaders for an inspiring luncheon featuring keynote speaker Telva McGruder, global manufacturing leader at General Motors and Girl Scouts of the USA board member. Connect, be inspired, and help shape a stronger future for girls.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2026 The Edgewater | Madison

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GO + DO | EATS & DRINKS

Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co.

FRESHLY BREWED From cozy neighborhood cafes to Instagram-worthy hangouts, these recently opened coffee shops are whipping up fresh flavors and inviting spaces around the area. BY KEVIN REVOLINSKI PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY SCHAVE

t never hurts to have options and in Madison, the coffee shop scene continues to provide. Check out these newbies, ranging from Middle Eastern specialties and coffee with a mission to new outlets of local favorites.

COLECTIVO WILLY STREET In December 2025, the Milwaukee-based coffee roaster opened its fourth Madison shop in the new Irwin mixed-use development on Williamson Street. The interior is spacious with reclaimed barnwood,

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Emerald Coffee Bakery

plenty of greenery and statement light fixtures. A patio with built-in umbrellas offers room for 25 patrons and there’s some off-street parking. Expect the usual menu.

EMERALD COFFEE BAKERY Known for Inka Heritage and Pikkito, Peruvian-born, Le Cordon Bleutrained chef, Esmeralda Bascones, and her husband, Daniel Rodriguez, dreamed up this soothing, light and green space featuring Bascones’ delectable magic. An all-day brunch menu offers breakfast bagels, sandwiches and a variety of craft empanadas plus tantalizing baked items, including scones. (The Mango Dulce de Leche scones go fast!) The fair-trade, organic coffee is roasted locally by Rusty Dog Coffee.

provide quality coffee and a menu of great breakfast and lunch items. All pastries are made in house, as is the focaccia used for the sandwiches. The Lil Jitterbugs menu offers drinks that make the kiddos feel like they’re part of your morning coffee run — but without the caffeine. Artwork from participants in Arts for All and other organizations adorn the walls, and some of it is for sale.

JAVAABILITIES COFFEE & CAFE

LEDGER COFFEE ROASTERS

Co-founders Tim McDonald and Mary Kay Clark’s coffee shop provides opportunities for workers with disabilities (most of whom work alongside coaches from AchieveAbilities) to

The Garver Feed Mill-based roaster opened its second location in a former design studio. The Cardamom Mocha and the Cardamom Latte are quite popular and, while Ledger makes its

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Emerald Coffee Bakery

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Emerald Coffee Bakery

own flavored syrups, the drinks aim to showcase the espresso. The One and One is a double espresso served as a single shot alongside a three-ounce macchiato. Also on the menu are vegan scones and other baked goods from Heirloom Bakery.

Ledger Coffee Roasters

GO + DO | EATS & DRINKS VITRUVIUS COFFEE AND TEA With an Italian La Marzocco coffee machine, founder and architect Hamid Noughani transformed a meeting space in the back of his office into a delightful java joint overlooking an adjacent green space with outdoor seating. Featured coffee roasters rotate on the menu and the

housemade chai is a hit. Three draft beers and wines are on offer along with a selection of Madison Sourdough pastries. Live music (often jazz) is frequent both inside and outside on a small outdoor stage. Kevin Revolinski writes about travel and food, and often travels for food.

Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co.

QAMARIA YEMENI COFFEE CO. Founded by two Yemeni immigrants in Michigan, Qamaria opened its first cafe in 2020 and has since added nearly 40 locations in the U.S. and Canada. Featuring Yemen-sourced beans, the menu goes beyond the typical to include Turkish coffee served in a traditional copper pot, and coffees or black tea served with spices such as cardamom, ginger and cinnamon. The iced pistachio latte is popular, and eats include assorted pastries, pies and more.

Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co.

Madison Marriott West

November 20, 2026

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GO + DO | EATS & DRINKS

Erica DeAnda-Reyna

Deb Carey

Erika and Jessica Jones

THE NEW BREW CREW Local brewers and brewery owners are leading the craft movement with creativity, expertise and a fresh point of view.

ERICA DEANDA - REYNA Tumbled Rock Brewery & Kitchen A California native, DeAnda-Reyna was driven to brewing by curiosity. She started as the only woman on the packaging team at a local brewery. She filled kegs for eight hours a day, scrubbed mold out of drains and tanks, and picked caps and crowns off the line until her fingers bled. Eventually, she received two academic scholarships from the Pink Boots Society, a nonprofit geared toward women and nonbinary people working in the fermented beverage and related industries, and kept working in the field. In 2018, she joined Octopi Brewing as the only woman on the team. When Tumbled Rock Brewery & Kitchen opened in 2019, the owners tapped her as head brewer and involved her in all of the planning. “Just being able to come in and have 160

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my opinion valued … really meant a lot to me,” says DeAnda-Reyna. DeAnda-Reyna appreciates the industry because she says beer is about “coming together.” But, she also sees an industry geared toward men. “Women don’t know that it’s an option to go into fermented science in general,” she explains. Her presence helps pave the way for other women. “We don’t go around asking men, ‘What’s it like being a male brewer?’” she says, noting it’s an oft-asked question when people hear about what she does. She finds value in the inquiry, though. “It’s getting more eyes on us and it’s getting more women to come up in the industry,” she says.

DEB CAREY New Glarus Brewing Company When she met brewer Dan Carey, Deb

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was a single mom, going to college and cleaning bathrooms in Montana. He admired her understanding of beer and flavor, and the couple moved around a bit before Deb wrote a business plan for a brewery with the goal of returning to her home state of Wisconsin. Thus, New Glarus Brewing Company was born. As the founder, president and COO, Deb’s done it all: lifted kegs, bottled, overseen expansion, set up employee ownership and, in general, has built one of the largest indie craft breweries in the nation. She leads the charge in deciding which beers New Glarus brews and how each one should taste. “Dan’s very generous in complementing my palate,” explains Deb, noting when there are differing opinions on a particular brew, she gets called in to taste. “That’s the thing that I bring to the table.”

LEFT STEPH SHANKS PHOTOGRAPHY | MIDDLE SHANNA WOLF | RIGHT HILLARY SCHAVE

BY KEVIN REVOLINSKI

She looks forward to 2027 when the company opens its 65,000-square-foot expansion, which includes a new brew hall, distillery and greater brewing capacity. But she still has no intention to expand outside of Wisconsin. “Size is a guy thing,” she laughs. “We’re trying to do better than we did the day before [and] we’re trying hard to take care of our people and to be good to our community.”

JESSICA JONES Giant Jones Brewing Company Jessica tried her first beer at the age of 21, and another beer later, she was making her first with her homebrewer father. She met Erika, the love of her life, and they left Wisconsin for California, where Jessica immersed herself in every aspect of brewing, learning brewing and becoming a rare Grand Master beer judge. The couple moved back to Madison with the intention of opening a brewery within a year, but ended up opening Giant Jones Brewing Company nearly 10 years later, in 2018. Today, Giant Jones is run by a team of four women. Jessica, who is brewer and co-owner, believes strongly in community and accountability, which translates to certified organic ingredients, returnable bottles and salaries for all — no working for tips. “We have a great team. [They are] open and supportive,” she says. For Jessica, the beer community is as much collaborative as it is competitive, and she looks for any chance she can to work with other small businesses, whether it’s brewing a special beer with another brewery or hosting a weekly pizza night with neighboring Origin Breads. She makes every beer “for my own curiosity.” Then, she repeats each batch “because it’s someone’s favorite!” Brewing beer and the camaraderie it brings makes people happy, she says. “If we aren’t making joy, what’s the point?” SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

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Memorial Union

A PARANORMAL PROMENADE Take a step into the spooky side of the city on a history-filled ghost walk. BY KATIE VAUGHN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY SCHAVE

adison is beautifully multifaceted. Walk down a street and, depending on who you are in that moment — kid, college student, parent, professional, concert-goer, architecture buff — a different aspect of the city will reveal itself to you. If you’re curious about an unseen and lesser-known side, consider a ghost tour. Mad City Ghost Walks has been uncovering and sharing the strange, spooky and perhaps haunted corners of Madison for the past three years. Four signature guide-led walking tours delve into either downtown landmarks or the Forest Hill Cemetery. A great first step into Madison’s haunted history is with the Best Damn Ghost Tour, a roughly two-hour, two-mile stroll that begins at the Wisconsin Masonic Center. On a recent Sunday evening, tour guide Kjersti Beth stood on the steps built by the Freemasons 162

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in the 1920s and embarked on an evening that wound through spooky spots and places not commonly known for paranormal activity. With theatrical flair and a passion for the past, Beth shared stories that combined history, deep research, personal experiences and respect for the victims. At the Edgewater Hotel, she mentioned famous guests as well as the sea serpent that may be lingering in nearby Lake Mendota. And in the Langdon Street area — which at one point held one of the city’s earliest cemeteries — she wove tales of apparitions and unexplained cold spots, sounds, shadows, footsteps and occurrences witnessed at several fraternities and sororities. Beth went on to reveal stories of a haunted theater, historic cadaver lab, grave markers hidden in plain sight on Kjersti Beth and Mad City Ghost Walks owner Scott Graham

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Bascom Hill and why you might spot a woman in white climbing the hill in the early morning hours. She also shared perspectives, scientific theories and insights she’s learned over the years as a paranormal researcher. Why do some apparitions not seem to notice the people around them? What does it feel like when a ghost passes through you? Are spirits ever out for vengeance or violence? Beth will tell you! The conclusion of the tour detailed a “trickster ghost” often seen at a local historic bar. If you want an even scarier exploration of the city, Beth recommends the Darker Side of Forest Hill Cemetery Tour, intended “only for the bravest souls.” But through any of Mad City Ghost Walks’ offerings, Beth hopes tourgoers leave with new perspectives and a more expansive understanding of their city. “They say every city has its ghosts,” she says, “but maybe a ghost is just an unfinished story waiting to be told.”

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Chalet of the Golden Fleece Museum

EXPLORING AMERICA’S LITTLE SWITZERLAND Just a short drive away, New Glarus charms visitors with its Swiss heritage, artisan cheese and storybook streets. BY KRISTINE HANSEN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA WOLF

hey don’t call it America’s Little Switzerland for nothing. Just 30 miles south of Madison is a slice of Switzerland in the tiny town of New Glarus (pop. 2,276) — no airline ticket needed. Strolling its downtown streets feels like you’re in the Swiss Alps, due to its chalet-style architecture and lacy curtains hung in the windows. During the mid-1800s, Swiss immigrants settled in the area, naming the village New Glarus in 1845 after the canton of Glarus, Switzerland. Yet it wasn’t until the next century when Swiss-style architecture emerged to honor the town’s

roots. With two new boutique hotels and festive events this fall and winter — not to mention world-acclaimed cheese and a cult-favorite beer — it makes for the perfect cultural mini-getaway.

WHERE TO STAY By the end of this year, the 17 3-year-old New Glarus Hotel (founded in 1853 as a supper club and dance hall, with Roger Bright’s polka group as the house band) will unveil its next chapter. The $7 million restoration was led by a group that includes Nic Mink, who also revitalized Seven Acre Dairy

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Hutch + Hide

Company in Paoli. Like that project, this historic building will be thoughtfully restored while reimagined as stylish, modern accommodations. Its on-site restaurant, The Yodel Room, is inspired by supper clubs and will serve classic Swiss entrees and Wisconsin favorites. And, it’s already been confirmed that polka music will be on the calendar. The Blanc Chalet is inspired by Mont Blanc in the French/Swiss Alps. Owner Melissa Gordon and her mother, Joyce Kleier, spruced up the 25-room, 1960sera roadside motel (formerly called the Swiss-Aire) with fun wallpaper, Scandinavian-inspired furnishings and luxury vinyl tile flooring. The duo reopened the property in 2023. There’s also a super-cute coffee shop tucked into a tiny house just outside the guestrooms’ doors called Trouvaille Coffee Co., which serves up fall-themed drinks with signature flavors like pumpkin and apple.

Deb’s a Wisconsin native and the first female to found and operate a craft brewery in America, while Daniel apprenticed at a Munich brewery and worked as a production supervisor at Anheuser-Busch. Browse the gift shop for apparel and other swag, take a self-guided tour and sample a flight of its beers. New Glarus’ time-capsule appeal includes Puempel’s Olde Tavern, which dates back to 1893. A Green County cheese plate (featuring brick,

WHAT TO DO

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK In the 1990s, Daniel and Deb Cary opened New Glarus Brewing Company and the cult-favorite beer, Spotted Cow, came shortly after — in part because it’s only sold in Wisconsin. 166

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cheddar and Swiss, all made locally by award-winning cheesemakers) and a pint of Spotted Cow costs under $20. To dine like you’re in Switzerland, visit Chalet Laundhaus Restaurant at the Chalet Landhaus Inn, along State Route 69, serving everything from deep-fried local cheese curds, fondue and geschnetzeltes (thin strips of veal in a cream sauce) to schnitzels. On your way out of town, swing by New Glarus Bakery where anise springerle cookies, gipfel (Swiss croissants) and Swiss croquettes with candied cherries will entice your taste buds. Many recipes are based on Swiss staples, and the bakery’s been buzzing since 1910.

Downtown New Glarus

To have two museums in such a small town is incredible, but also speaks to its rich history. The Swiss Historical Village & Museum is operated by the New Glarus Historical Society and is open between late May and midOctober. Within 14 buildings — some are original structures — are artifacts tied to 19th-century Swiss immigrants to this farming community. Guided 75-minute tours are offered or explore on your own. The Chalet of the Golden Fleece Museum is the late Edwin

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Puempel's Olde Tavern

Barlow’s former Swiss chalet-style home and filled with trinkets from his travels. (It’s also one of just three remaining Wisconsin homes of its kind.) Barlow was a world traveler with New Glarus roots who founded the Wilhelm Tell Festival, held annually in the village in late August. Downtown New Glarus’ shopping scene ranges from shops filled with Swiss souvenirs (like fondue pots, dirndls, handcrafted cowbells and Swiss flags) at Jackie’s European Imports — owned by a Swiss immigrant — to home décor boutiques. Hutch + Hide is stocked with candles, rugs, gifts and adorable children’s clothing. At Alpenhaus Market, the 1970s are back in vogue with a stylish stash of antiques and furnishings, as well as artist-made pottery and art.

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Kristine Hansen is a Wisconsin-based writer who often covers art and architecture.

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TAKE TWO | Top: Keena Atkinson, founder of R’oujie Wellness, a wellness company dedicated to holistic health, personal transformation and community empowerment, poses at the cover shoot at EO Madison Yards (P. 90). Right: Baked Swiss delights tempt customers at New Glarus Bakery, which has been open since 1910 (P. 165). Top middle: UW-Madison’s Science Hall is one of the stops on Mad City Ghost Walk’s Best Damn Ghost Tour (P. 162). Bottom middle: Megan Ryan founded Dragonfly Hot Yoga in 2008 and has grown it to five locations throughout the city (P. 98). Left: Dr. Jacqueline Gerhart, Epic Systems’ chief medical officer, strolls the company's idyllic Verona campus during a BRAVA shoot (P. 108). 168

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