On the Rise
byMadison’s younger business owners are forging their own paths in food, retail and STEAM fields — growing successful businesses along the way.
LOCAL WOMEN
Grace Wang: Starting a Business That’s Gone to the Dogs
byGrace Wang, founder and CEO of Petphoria, offers a unique shopping experience “for dogs and their people.”
Shelby Olstad: Whipping Up Sweet Treats
byWhen she was five years old, Shelby Olstad dreamed of opening a bakery in her hometown of Middleton. Fast-forward 21 years, and she is the proud owner of the pink-clad bakery of her dreams
Ashley Slocum: Building a Beautifully Blended Business
byAshley Slocum, owner of Blended in Hilldale, talks about what it took for her to build her beautifully blended business.
Rye Kimmett: From Book Lover to Business Owner
byRye Kimmett has taken her love of books and made into her own business with Kismet, a Madison area bookstore.
Cassie Redmond: Shaping Her Own Stylish Future
byCassie Redmond is achieving a “pie-in-the-sky dream” after years of hard work.
Marina Bloomer: From Aerospace Engineer to STEAM Pioneer
byMarina Bloomer is helping local girls and non-binary youth take flight.
Courtney Ellington: A Fresh-Faced, New Beginning
byCourtney Ellington launched Luscious Beauty by Courtney in 2022 with customized skin and body products that she sells online and at local pop-ups.
Sara Alvarado’s Memoir Examines Her Life Choices and Spearheading Change
bySharing “terrifying and messy stuff ” in her new memoir, Alvarado examines her life choices, systems of oppression and spearheading societal change.
Finding Home
byFour Madison immigrants share their journeys to the capital city, and why they’ve chosen to stay.