Get to know BRAVA’s new Editorial Director, Shayna Mace!
Q: What are you most excited about to feature in BRAVA?
A: We’ll continue to focus on the amazing women in our community—that will never change. But readers can look forward to a revamped look and feel to the magazine. There are so many interesting topics we’ll dig into in the areas of career and finance, retail and style, health, personal stories and Madison-focused features. I think if you haven’t read BRAVA in a while, you’ll want to now!
Q: What are you currently reading?
A: “Girl, Stop Apologizing” by Rachel Hollis. I really enjoyed her previous book “Girl, Wash Your Face.” Both books give concrete advice on how to overcome the misconceptions we as women have about ourselves to become what we want to be. I appreciate that in “Girl, Wash Your Face” Hollis was raw and real about the mistakes she’s made in life, and how she’s embraced those to catalyze change in her life. I’m liking that “Girl, Stop Apologizing” gives women a “shame-free plan” as Hollis calls it, to throw away self-doubt and go after what they really want. I’m not typically an inspirational-book reader, but these spoke to me because they’re down-to-earth and real.
Q: What is your favorite subject to write about?
A: That’s a tough one! I do enjoy writing about inspirational people who are doing amazing things. As a journalist, I can publicize their work and who they are to help get the word out about their cause, or simply talk about how cool they are. On the opposite side, I have a lot of experience writing about retail and style, and I love getting out and about to meet local storeowners to hear their stories and work with them on visually appealing features throughout the magazine.
Q: What are you currently binge-watching?
A: I love “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “The Crown” and “Riverdale” on Netflix. And I never, ever miss a season of “Project Runway.”
Q: Do you have any New Year’s resolutions?
A: I don’t make concrete resolutions, because I’m usually pretty good about sticking to a plan. Last year I ramped up my workout routine so I’m continuing that. This year I’m trying to find some more tasty meatless options and recipes for me and my family to eat, too. I’ve found some good ones so far. I also want to be more patient with myself and my kids and keep a balanced schedule in this new role. As women we try to do it all, but I think more of us working moms are realizing that some days or weeks we have more time for our family, and others, more time has to be devoted to work. I’m OK with that balance because I can still be there for my family and my coworkers. And that feels good.
Q: What’s the first thing you do in the morning to get your workday started?
A: I sit down at my desk and get out my weekly paper planner (yep, I’m still a pen-and-paper gal!) and write down a to-do list of what I need to do that day. And on Mondays, I write a list of priorities for that entire week in the top section of my week.
Q: How would you describe your job in five words?
A: Fast-paced, exciting, inspiring, interesting and collaborative.
Q: An out-of-town guest comes to Madison for the weekend. Where do you take them?
A: If they came in the summer, I’d take them to the Dane County Farmers’ Market and then for brunch at Marigold Kitchen or Graze. Then we’d stroll down State Street and duck in and out of the shops and walk down to the Memorial Union. There, we could sit and have some Babcock ice cream or a craft beer and enjoy the lake view. Truly though, that’s just a snapshot. There are so many other cool activities—like popping over to the Madison Children’s Museum, walking down John Nolen Drive’s scenic shores, grabbing a rooftop drink at Fresco or the Graduate Madison, or (on the right weekend) catching an al fresco concert at Breese Stevens Field. We’re quite lucky here!
Q: Where’s a place in Madison you haven’t been but would like to explore?
A: Garver Feed Mill, a 100-plus-year-old building with food businesses, some wellness companies and event space on Madison’s east side. The vendors all sound so fascinating, and I love a good historic building.
Q: Do you have a favorite section of BRAVA Magazine?
A: Truly, they’re all interesting to me, though some speak to me more than others. I love our profiles on women—whether it’s a one-page glance, or an entire feature, like our Women to Watch article. Our health coverage is important to me because women make most of the healthcare decisions for our families. I love knowing where to eat, so any of our food features in Go + Do are another go-to. Retail and style articles are also inspiring and a nice eye-candy break.
