Women in Business 2022

MEET A FEW OF THE EMPOWERED WOMEN RUNNING LOCAL BUSINESSES

in

Business

A SOUTHERN LAKES NEWSPAPERS LLC PUBLICATION • 2022 EDITION

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2022 WOMEN IN BUSINESS

RAE ANN ARRIGONI Broker/Associate

WENDY KOWALSKI Realtor

LINDA HYDE

Realtor

NICOLE LOPEZ Realtor

JACKIE SCHULT Office Manager

LEGACY REALTY GROUP 401 N. MILWAUKEE ST, STE 1 WATERFORD, WI www.trustinlegacy.com 418567

2022 WOMEN IN BUSINESS

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The healing power of

Art Local artist uses her talent to reach out in crises

By Jason Arndt STAFF WRITER

Artist Jennifer Miller, of Riverview Studio, grew up on a quiet lake in Kansasville and found immediate inspiration from the beautiful and picturesque landscapes. The inspiration, she said, allowed her to become a commissioned artist by the time she turned 18 and she eventually turned into a full-time career.

“I just love art and I did it commercially for awhile and then went out on my own did my fine art,” said Miller, whose background includes acrylics, watercolors and oils.

Miller, now of Burlington, decided to open Riverview Studio in 2003 housed inside a barn on a family farm alongside Honey Creek she shares with husband, Mark, and two sons Wyatt and Eli. She expresses her artistry through landscapes in her own backyard, literally, as well as Burlington-area landmarks such as Echo Lake and the old water tower.

“I really enjoy playing with light and contrast of sunlight, moonlights. Landscapes are my passion,” she said. “Everything I

paint here is what I see and feel. Most of my paintings are Wisconsin landscapes.”

Miller, also a photographer, oftentimes uses her scenic photos as inspiration for creating artwork.

“I do a lot of photography, so my painting are from my own photography, or my own inspiration,” said Miller.

“I love seeing the sun rise and the sun set, you will see that in a lot of my paintings.”

Miller decided to share her artistic passion with others and launched a second business called Get Artzy.

At Get Artzy, which is on the same property, Miller offers art classes in the colorful, countryside retreat to young and old alike. Children as young as six years old are welcomed in to learn the fundamentals of artwork, according to the Get Artzy website.

Miller additionally holds adult classes for people 14 and older. The Get Artzy classes mainly focus on acrylics, with all materials given to students enrolled.

“I offer different themes from landscapes, flowers, birds, wine and more,” Miller wrote on the Get Artzy website. “We all paint the same painting. I do want everyone to Get Artzy and make their painting their own, and be creative.”

Miller teaches blending, mixing and different strokes with the brushes in a relaxing environment.

“I teach art to kids and families from basic art to advanced,” Miller said.

Artist Jennifer Miller, of Riverview Studio, holds artwork depicting a general Wisconsin farmland at her art gallery with different reprints of the old Burlington water tower she created in front of her.

JASON ARNDT Women in Business

Art therapy While Miller spends most her time crafting works inside her studio, she also responds to community needs, including recently in the cities of Kenosha and Waukesha.

In 2020, amid unrest in Kenosha in response to an officer-involved shooting, many businesses were damaged by protestors. Miller, like other artists, helped Kenosha heal through painting murals for affected businesses.

“Kenosha, when they were having the turmoil there, I packed up my van and went out and painted a mural on one of business. I just couldn’t help it,” she said.

“It is not necessarily for myself, I care about everybody and art helps everybody. It just does.”

Most recently, she helped the City of Burlington design a logo expressing the city’s support for Waukesha, which experienced a tragic Christmas parade attack

that claimed six lives and injured dozens of others.

“I came up with that logo just to help represent our love for the community, unity and helping one another out,” Miller said.

“Doing art is really therapeutic, especially now,” she added.

The Riverview Studio, 34610 Spring Prairie Road, Burlington, is open by appointment only to visitors interested in purchasing or viewing Miller’s artwork.

More information is accessible at riverviewstudio.com.

“My gallery is open weekly and people can set up an appointment and view my art year-round,” she said.

Miller sells reprints of her original artwork as requested by customers.

Miller can also complete a custom painting for a person, or business, and prices will vary based on the scope of the individual project. For more information on Get Artzy, including classes, visit getartzy.com.

Women in Business A publication of Southern Lakes Newspapers 1102 Ann St., Delavan, WI 53115 • (262) 763-3511

Page Designer: Jen DeGroot • Special Sections Editor: Tracy Ouellette Creative Director: Heather Ruenz • Advertising Director: Vicki Vanderwerff For advertising opportunities in our weekly newspapers or other special publications, please call (262) 725-7701, ext. 134.

It’s ‘New to You’

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2022 WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Area consignment boutique celebrates anniversary

By Tracy Ouellette EDITOR

ew to You Consignment Boutique in Rochester celebrated its 25th anniversary in April and things have been going strong for the store this year.

“The years have just flown by!” owner Maggie Hodgson said. “I can’t believe it’s been 25 years.”

The shop originally opened next to the Kinder Kloset on Front Street in Rochester in April 1997 and was there about five years before moving to Main Street in 2002.

“I love Rochester, it’s a great place for people to come for a visit,” Hodgson said.

“It’s a short drive from everywhere and people can enjoy not only my place but all the other shops and restaurants around me.

It’s a hidden gem.”

Hodgson said her store is more “boutique” than some resale shops and the quality of items she carries are higher end and plentiful.

“We have a lot here,” she said. “Lately I’ve feel the big stores are so empty and they want you to order online more. We don’t have an online store, we want you to stop in and see what’s we have. We’re packed full of awesome things.”

With being in Rochester for a quarter of a century now, Hodgson still marvels at how many people are just finding the store.

“I get ‘discovered’ every single day,” she said. “It’s awesome! After 25 years people are still just finding us.”

Hodgson added that the downtown Rochester business district is drawing in new customers at a steady pace.

“We have some great restaurants,” she said. “The coffee shop is great and we have the sandwich shop and Chances, and don’t forget the Fox and Fork for the wine.

We have a lot of fun stuff here downtown.”

Although the COVID-19 pandemic did put a crimp on things for a while, Hodgson said things have pretty much returned to normal in the store. She added that while she doesn’t have an online store, for a time she was selling more on Facebook.

“But that’s not happening as much now, people are happy to be back in the store and shopping,” she said.

Selling on consignment Hodgson said one of the reasons she owns the resale shop is to help the environment.

“Not only is shopping second-hand a great option for updating your wardrobe with current items at a great price, but it saves on putting more into the landfills. We all need to do our part to reduce and reuse where we can. Sometimes I think maybe people don’t think of this as an option for that, but it’s a way we can help save our Earth.”

The shop’s mission statement reads: “Our mission as a business is to offer fashionable clothing at reasonable prices and to reduce our carbon footprint by recycling existing fashion through our shoppers and donating items to charities in need.”

New to You accepts items for resale without an appointment, including shoes, clothes, handbags, jewelry and more.

top: New to You Consignment Boutique owner Maggie Hodgson sells clothing, accessories, jewelry and in her Rochester consignment shop. The boutique is at 200 W. Main St. in downtown Rochester. The store is open Tuesday through Saturday. above left: Maggie Hodgson (center) pauses with co-workers Rosemary Bilgren (left) and Judy Arndt in their preparations for New to You’s 25th anniversary celebration in April. above right: New to You accepts accessories and clothes on consignment. Spring and summer items are accepted January through May. Fall and winter items are accepted July through December. No appointment is necessary, bring clothes and other items in a tote with a cover and pick up tote two to five days after dropping off.

TRACY OUELLETTE Women in Business

People can bring in their items, in a tote with a cover, and leave them at the store, returning two to five days later to pick the tote back up.

The store accepts department store brands not more than three years old. New

to You sets the selling price and consignors receive 40% of selling price.

Spring and summer items are accepted January through May; fall and winter items are accepted July through December.

New To You Consignment Boutique is

at 200 W. Main St., Rochester. The store is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

For more information, call 262-5347553 and visit www.newtoyou-wi.com.

2022 WOMEN IN BUSINESS

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From small-town volleyball to big-time modeling Badger grad Petrie featured in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition

By Mike Ramczyk CORRESPONDENT

Making the big time She has recently been traveling to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and Nicaragua for photo shoots.

These days, her life is the stuff people only dream of.

“My whole life pretty much revolved around volleyball and going on to college to play, but my first year playing in college was not a great experience (bad coaches, bad teammates, etc.),” Petrie said. “I lost my passion for the game and decided I didn’t want to play anymore. But, at that point I was used to practicing or working out like three times a day and not having any free time, so I decided I needed a new hobby.

“I didn’t know then that the hobby I ended up choosing would turn into my new passion and later my career. My friends and family had suggested to me many times throughout my life that I could be a model because of my height, but I never knew how to get started. But with the boredom growing, I reached out to a friend of a friend that asked a photographer they knew if they would do a test shoot with me in Chicago.”

above: Lake Geneva Badger grad Nicole Petrie appears in this year’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition. She was selected for the photo shoot during an open application process. far left: Model Nicole Petrie has been traveling the world for photo shoots as her career has taken off.

YU TSAI FOR SPORTS ILLUSTRATED Women in Business

Nicole Petrie

It’s the kind of news anyone would want to share with the world.

Think of Michael Jordan finding out he’s going to make the NBA. Aaron Rodgers learning he will play for the Green Bay Packers.

Or even Eminem when he signed his first record deal.

That’s the kind of rarified air Nicole Petrie is experiencing right now.

Just take a look at her Facebook post from May 16: “One more post for this iconic moment before I board my flight to Nicaragua for another modeling job! I am truly living my dream life and I can’t thank @si_swimsuit & @mj_day enough for seeing my potential and making this a reality!

“I have never felt more beautiful, more powerful, or more impactful than I do right now with the release of the #siswim2022 issue! When I was in middle school and high school I got bullied so much for being so tall and ‘awkwardly skinny,’ for being too shy, or for not being focused on partying or socializing as much as my peers because I was becoming a caregiver and focusing on my passions instead … but look where I am now! It has paid off to be in this groundbreaking and inspiring magazine! So grateful. So happy. So humbled. Thank you to everyone for your support!!”

Dreams are coming true for Petrie, 27, a former Lake Geneva Badger volleyball star that stands 5-foot-11.

Petrie grew up in Geneva Township and graduated from Badger in 2013.

Her life revolved around volleyball. She even tried playing in college.

All her life, people have told her she could be a model.

Fast-forward to 2022, and she is featured in the 2022 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition, an iconic magazine that’s a “who’s who” of the next top national and international models.

From Cindy Crawford to Tyra Banks to Giselle to Kate Upton, you’re talking about worldwide celebrities making millions of dollars.

Petrie may not be there yet, but she’s well on her way.

So, Petrie took a big chance, and it paid off.

She submitted photos from this photographer to an agency in Madison and started doing small jobs here and there.

Looking for more However, she always knew she was destined for something more.

“I knew I wanted to do bigger things than the Midwest market had to offer at the time,” Petrie said. “So as soon as I graduated college I started to travel as much as I could afford to, while still being home often to help take care of my mom. I eventually decided I wanted to focus on the market in Miami, so I moved down there with no help, no money, and I hustled until I found an agent that signed me and started getting me work with Saks and Neiman Marcus regularly.”

Once she got a taste of the possibilities, Petrie’s confidence grew and she decided to branch out even more.

Her agency wasn’t helping her grow with new markets such as New York or Europe, so she took matters into her own hands.

She submitted her stuff to the Sports Illustrated Swim search, and wouldn’t you believe it – she got picked.

Nicole beat out thousands of other models, and she will be in this year’s famed swimsuit issue.

“I’m so proud of this accomplishment not only because of how hard I worked to get to this point but because I get to use this platform to raise awareness for FTD, a disease that has affected multiple people in my family but that no family should have to

go through, and that I am reaching so many caregivers and showing them they are not alone,” Petrie said.

Frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) is caused by progressive damage and loss of nerve cells in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.

Petrie’s mother suffers from it, so she is a regular caregiver for her along with being a model.

Petrie earned a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a scholarship to play college volleyball.

Now, it’s a life of flying around the world to the most remote, exotic locations and living out her dreams.

Not bad for a girl from a small town like Lake Geneva.

As early as first grade, Petrie was taking “modeling pictures” and practicing her runway walk.

She even printed out copies of her picture and gave it to teachers and principals at school, so they could remember her “when I become a famous supermodel.”

Well, that time has come.

Petrie is a living, breathing example that dreams really do come true.

Dreams come true Before she embarked on her trip to Nicaragua, she added one more Facebook post around 10 p.m. May 16.

“Don’t want to go to sleep tonight because my dreams came true today. One lesson my mom made sure to really drive into my personality: You can do anything you set your mind to! Never give up and your hard work will pay off!!! In first

grade I was already watching #ANTM (America’s Next Top Model) daily and one day convinced my parents to take “modeling pictures” of me, which I then printed out on glossy photo paper, signed with a black sharpie and took multiple copies to school with me to hand out to my teachers, school staff, and principals. I told them it was so they could remember that I was their student “when I become a famous supermodel”… manifestation, baby!! (If any of that school staff still has that picture for some reason pls send my way)...

“I have known from a very young age that I was meant for big things, even coming from a small town in Wisconsin.

I would practice my runway walk in my mom’s heels (which were much too big for me at the time but I have now grown into them hopefully both figuratively as well as literally) back and forth, over and over, from the time I was in first grade and took those very first modeling pictures.

“I’ve taken thousands of modeling pictures since then, and I’ve done plenty of things that have made me proud throughout my life and career but this is the most proud I have ever been of my work! Because I am doing this for my mom, for thousands of other moms and dads and grandparents and friends affected by FTD and the children, spouses, siblings, and loved ones that care for them!

“I am proud to represent a community of people who are kind, caring, selfless, and are making a true difference in the world around them! I’m doing this for anyone and everyone suffering in silence! It’s time to speak up.”

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2022 WOMEN IN BUSINESS

New resale shop is one woman’s dream Sara’s Dream features a wide variety merchandise

By Jennifer Eisenbart STAFF WRITER

Sara’s Dream Resale shop owner Sara Smith has always wanted to own a resale shop.

JENNIFER EISENBART Women in Business

A new resale shop in Delavan has the perfect name, as it’s quite literally Sara’s dream.

Sara Smith always wanted to have a resale shop. A Beloit native, she decided to come back to where her father lives to open Sara’s Dream Resale Shop at 1333 Racine Street in Delavan.

“I was looking for some place he could help me out,” explained Smith.

But while her father is on hand, the shop is the work of Sara. As a child, she said, she would go resale shopping with her mother. Some stores, she said, made her and her mom feel guilty about searching for bargains.

Because of that past experience, Smith has worked to provide not only good quality, but good prices.

“I want the people to come back,” she explained. “I want them to feel happy. I just want to be able to help others.”

As a result, the store has something for seemingly everyone. A large portion of the main room of the store is devoted to figurines, dishes, music boxes and the like.

Also in the main room are a selection of clothes and stuffed animals, as well as toys, electronics and some furniture.

In a small room off the main store are more toys and electronics. The garage holds furniture, tools, baby furniture and lighting fixtures.

Smith explained that about 70% of the store’s contents are her own, but she also has five consigners. Since the store is reaching capacity now, she said that while she will continue taking some consignment items, she’s becoming very particular in her choices.

“Right now, we’re just so full,” Smith explained.

As the store continues to grow, she said she hopes to eventually work with the community to provide items for

those in need, and she is willing to work with people to help clean out homes to identify what could potentially be sold.

She’s currently enjoying having her own store and helping others find small treasures.

“You never know what people are looking for,” she said.

The store is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Smith said she will eventually find a day off that works for her and the community, but right now, she’s enjoying building the business.

For more information, call the store at 608-607-1584.

Sara’s Dream Resale shop has now been open at 1333 Racine St., Delavan, for a couple of months. The shop carries everything from clothes to electronics to knick knacks, as well as furniture.

JENNIFER EISENBART Women in Business

Shop the Women-Owned Businesses of Rochester!

Celebrating 25 Years!

Delicious Coffee & Breakfast & Lunch Sandwiches Hours of Operation Tuesday - Friday 5:30am - 2:00pm Saturday & Sunday 8:00am - 2:00pm

201 W. Main Street, Burlington, WI 262-514-2020 info@dwcoffeeshop.com Where Great Coffee & Community Intersect

www.dwcoffeeshop.com

New To You Women's Consignment Boutique “Where Fashion Only Looks Expensive”

Find it! Love it! Buy it!

Shop New To You often for the best in fashion and price!

200 W. Main Street Rochester (262) 534-7553 Newtoyou-wi.com Tues.-Fri. 10-5; Sat. 10-3

Mark your calendar for Rocherster’s Day in the Country, Saturday, Sept. 17!

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2022 WOMEN IN BUSINESS

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Luxury items drive Chic and Unique New online presence attracts buyers from throughout the country

By Jason Arndt STAFF WRITER

Chic and Unique Consignment and Boutique, of Burlington, isn’t a thrift store.

Instead, the establishment offers unique, trendy and new seasonal brand women’s boutique clothing, jewelry, gifts, and accessories.

Additionally, according to owner Kerry Witbrod, Chic and Unique specializes in pre-loved luxury items ranging from Louis Vutton, Gucci, Prada and Chanel.

“They are not donated, what consignment means is that when women are done with the clothes they don’t want, they bring them to the store and they get part of the selling prices,” Witbrod said.

Witbrod touted authenticity of her store’s luxury items and has brought a stellar reputation from customers who visit the establishment in-person or through its website and online app.

Chic and Unique, according to its website, hand selects every item in its store to meet the style and quality demands of customers seeking an array of products.

Luxury sales Chic and Unique, meanwhile, launched an app through Apple last October and has since seen an influx of new customers nationwide.

“We have seen a huge increase in our luxury sales. I do have an Apple-approved and Google- approved app and we do a lot of live sales on our app and ship all over the United States. We are branching into Canada,” Witbrod said. “Luxury sales have picked up because of that. They know that we only sell authentic items and they are guaranteed.”

Witbrod debated whether to create an App, considering the expense, but she has

Chic and Unique Consignment and Boutique, 173 E. Chestnut St., Burlington offers trendy and seasonal brand new women’s clothing, jewelry, gifts, accessories, among other items.

JASON ARNDT Women in Business

seen fruitful benefits.

“We had to go through a lot of hoops for Apple, because you got to please Apple and follow their rules,” she said. “I think of our App as basically our second location because it keeps me extremely busy. I love it and wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Unlike most retailers, which do not hold sales on luxury items, Chic and Unique looks to make each item more affordable for customers.

“Your luxury brands never have sales, ever, you can walk into a Louis Vutton store and want to buy a $5,000 bag, it will never be cheaper than $5,000,” she said.

However, at Chic and Unique, she said customers can typically receive the same items at about a quarter of the price.

“We do our best to make them

affordable for everyone,” she said.

In the heart of downtown Chic and Unique is at 137 E. Chestnut St. in Burlington’s downtown historic district.

The building was constructed in 1835 and has the original hardwood floor and ceiling.

Witbrod, who operates the business with her daughter, Nikkie, opened the establishment 13 years ago this February.

Inside the store, meanwhile, customers should find plenty of options.

“They will see that we have half of the store is brand new boutique items that we order and the other half is consignment items that are gently used women’s clothing,” she said.

Latest trends Chic and Unique, like many other establishments, experienced a challenging two years because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

However, according to Witbrod, foot traffic has since picked up.

“It has been very good, I am very happy that people are out again and they are looking to shop local,” she said. “I think they are ready to get out of the house. It has been a very long two years for so many people.”

As Southeastern Wisconsin moves into spring, meanwhile, Witbrod has noted new trends and demands with the seasonal change.

During the spring, customers often seek out brighter, and more weatherappropriate attire.

“Some a little more lighter wear is what our customers are looking for right now,” she said.

“Dresses are very popular right now, again, because of the weather changing.

Our luxury items are always doing very well because they are more affordable.”

With business picking back up, including an influx of customers coming in and using Chic and Unique’s online services, Witbrod is savoring each moment.

“I love my customers, I love interacting with them, and getting to know them,” she said. “From the sales end of it, I love doing live sales on the app and the website.”

Chic and Unique, accessible online at chicandunique.net, is open 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturdays.

Customers can access the app, which is free to download, on its website.

How to get a small business loan You’ve decided to take your small business to the next level with a small business loan. But how and where do you start? It’s exciting to see your small business take off, applying for a loan can be complicated and intimidating. That’s why we created this 5-step guide to help you apply for a small business loan.

1. Learn how banks assess you.

When reviewing your application, lenders will consider many factors, including personal credit score, length of credit history, period of time in business, collateral, cash flow and more.

It might be helpful to create a business plan to specify how much you want to borrow and what you plan to do with the money once you get a small business loan.

2. Decide on the type of loan.

There are many types of small business loans available. Whether you’re looking to expand your small business, need to cushion operating costs, or are starting from scratch, there’s an option for you.

A traditional term loan might be a good option if you want to obtain a loan for a specific expense like equipment, real estate or seasonal purchases. This loan

option often has the lowest interest rates of all the options and can be short term or long term.

Startups have the unique challenge of not having a business credit history, collateral, or other proof of financial reliability. If

By Renae Stevens you’re taking out VICE PRESIDENT, SMALL a loan to help start BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT your new business, OFFICER FIRST NATIONAL BANK AND TRUST you may consider a personal loan from a local bank to get you started.

If you’re a small business looking to cushion day-to-day costs with a bit of extra cash, consider a business line of credit.

This allows you to tap into financing as needed for things like payroll, one-time purchases, and unforeseen expenses.

3. Gather documentation.

Lenders ask for and review an extensive amount of documentation, so your small business loan application will go more

smoothly if you have your documents on hand before you reach out. These are a few (but not all) documents lenders may require for your application: • 2 years of personal and business tax returns; • Bank statements for your business and personal accounts; • Business financial statements (i.e.

Profit and Loss, Balance Sheet); • Licenses or registrations for doing business; • Legal contracts (commercial leasing, incorporation, franchise, partnership); and • Business plan.

4. Find a lender.

Before you apply for a small business loan, evaluate potential lenders to decide which will meet your specific needs and goals.

Local banks have a vested interest in small businesses in the area and understand regional challenges and opportunities you might be facing. They can work more closely with applicants (often making for a faster approval process), and can often adjust the loan to your particular needs.

5. Apply!

Finally, it’s time to apply. Filling out

the application and submitting all the documentation may take time, but with some preparation and research, you’ll be prepared to put your best foot forward in applying for your small business loan.

At First National Bank and Trust, we’re committed to helping small businesses like yours flourish. Call us at 800-667-4401, visit bankatfirstnational.com or stop by a branch near you to learn more.

Renae Stevens is the vice-president, small business development officer at First National Bank and Trust.

Stevens works closely with Credit Administration and FNBT Branch Managers to meet the lending needs of small businesses to help them become financially successful, and is responsible for growing our small business loan portfolio.

Stevens has more than 30 years of banking experience, fulfilling many roles during this time. She entered the banking industry after graduating from the Midwest School of Community Bankers and also completed FNBT’s Leadership Development Program. Active in the community, Renae served as a board member for Winnebago Chamber of Commerce for 10 years.

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2022 WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Focused on

FAMILY BUSINESS Because we are one!

We understand family businesses because we are one. We are a family-focused bank that knows what it takes for businesses to thrive – local support, hard work, and Sound Advice makes all the difference. You can count on all the above from us.

Give us a try. We’ll treat you like family.

Contact our Small Business Banking team to learn more Member FDIC

800.667.4401 347385