Feminine Muses
Madison aims to turn the controversial history that is women in theater on its head, as these fabulously feminist playhouses make room for a new kind of female lead.
Art
Selling Magic
When her kindergarten teacher asked the class what they wanted to be when they grew up, Jane Wilcoxson had a ready answer: she wanted to be an artist.
Rebecca Brown at Work and Play
Rebecca Brown, whose novel “Flying at Night” was published in April, finds untold inspiration in everyday life. She lives with her husband, three boys (ages 16, 12 and 10), and two rescue dogs in her renovated 100-year-old home on Monroe Street.
Beauty + Style + Fashion
Bigger, Brighter, Better
Catering to women in every shape and size is officially en vogue as mainstream labels along with couture designers took a BIG fashion step forward by recently expanding their lines to include “plus” cut garments.
Sassy Locks in the Later Years
Being 50+ doesn’t mean one’s sense of style has to fade. Be Inspired Salon lead stylist Jes Marvin encourages women to not let age hold them back from dramatically altering their hair.
About the Model: Jennifer DeMain
Get to know one of our May 2018 models – Jennifer DeMain. When she’s not striking a pose for BRAVA, Jennifer is a lead instructor at Cyc Fitness, a trainer at Kamps Fit and an instructor at Canvas Club Boxing.
Brava Events
BRAVA Event Recap
View photos and details from our past BRAVA events, such as the BRAVA Night Out events, our expos, and more.
THRIVE Career Workshops | 2019
Join BRAVA for this action-oriented professional development workshop series in 2019. Gain immediate skills and outcome strategies that will create more fulfillment, effectiveness and success in your career–and your life.
Upcoming BRAVA Night Out Events
BRAVA Magazine invites you to join us for our monthly Brava Night Out events at local businesses! View details and registration information for our upcoming Brava Night Out events here.
Brava Promotion
RAVES & FAVES 2018
The annual BRAVA Raves & Faves is a gal’s guide to Madison’s best locally-owned businesses. Curated by BRAVA readers, for BRAVA readers.
NICK BUTLER
By Kate Bast Nick Butler is an unassuming fellow, the friendly kind of guy you’d like to play a game of ball with, then…
Dwell
Give Peace a Chance
Quiet down the holiday roar with simple ornaments that evoke the hush that comes after a snowstorm.
Touchable Textures
Just as tempting smells invite your guests in, so too can warm fall design features and textures, such as the soft richness of velvet and leather.
A Fun Kids’ Table? Yes, Please!
Trade in the gaudy paper turkeys for a functional, modern and minimalist kids’ table this Thanksgiving.
Eats + Drinks
What’s Cookin’?
Hip Foodie Mom Alice Choi has earned an international following by highlighting the Midwest’s edible delights.
Boozy Brunch
Eat, drink and be merry to your heart’s content this holiday season— and preferably start the party before noon.
A Baker’s Craft: The Rise of ORIGIN Breads
After nearly two years in business, Kirk Smock is still reluctant to call himself a professional baker but his ORIGIN Breads would never be considered amateur.
Engaging Community
Living Words
Like the phrase “My life is an open book,” Real Life Library is a library in real life. The “books” are the storytellers and their “readers” are the interactive participants.
Healing Warriors with a Song
Local songwriter Shawndell Marks helps put female veterans’ stories to music.
Empowering Democracy
In 2020 we will celebrate 100 years since the women’s suffrage movement, which led to the passage of the 19th Amendment. After the vote was secured, the suffrage movement turned into the League of Women Voters.
Features
Boozy Brunch
Eat, drink and be merry to your heart’s content this holiday season— and preferably start the party before noon.
Breaking New Ground
Overture Center for the Arts’ new CEO Sandra Gajic brings a fresh perspective to Wisconsin’s most influential and largest arts nonprofit.
Life Lessons
We asked three local women to share their life lessons, often learned through their own personal crucible.
Finance + Career
Turning a Vocation into a Career
Successfully turning your talent into a prosperous career can be tricky. Salon owner Kati Whitledge shares the story of her own professional progression.
Teen Money Talks
Teens aren’t known for always making the best choices. When money is involved, “It’s good to do that in a safety net,” says Amy Crowe, a financial education specialist at Summit Credit Union.
Boss-Up Leaders
It’s time to “BOSS UP,” leaders! But first, we must learn the core essence of what leadership is—service. Leadership isn’t about being bossy or giving orders; it is about serving people. Successful leaders lead by example.
Health + Wellbeing
Putting a Floor Under the Pelvic Organs
50 percent of women will experience some type of pelvic floor disorder by age 80. We set out to demystify this common, but rarely discussed condition.
D Is for Downsize
Professional organizer Nicole Gruter says that the key to turning your personal space into a positive space is to organize, de-clutter and most importantly, downsize.
Too Much of a Good Thing
Many parents worry about their kids having too much screen time. Some are even concerned their children are developing obsessive behaviors regarding their smartphones or Internet enabled devices, but few know what to do about it.
Jaunt
Light Up Your Holidays
Holiday lights are the perfect thing to brighten winter spirits. Decked-out fire trucks parade through streets, Santa waves hello and trees are lit.
Spice It Up
As the days grow shorter and the air turns delightfully crisp, Wisconsinites gear up for a festive fall season.
Vino Voyage
Whether you’re in the mood for a cherry wine or a dark Zinfandel, Door County has it, and it’s easy to choose your own winery adventure.
Local Women
What’s Cookin’?
Hip Foodie Mom Alice Choi has earned an international following by highlighting the Midwest’s edible delights.
Susan Nanning-Sorenson’s First Act Children’s Theatre
For Susan Nanning-Sorenson, founder of First Act Children’s Theatre, the finished play is not the only thing.
Child’s Play at the Black Earth Children’s Museum
Karen Carlock gives back to the community with thriving nonprofit, Black Earth Children’s Museum.
Shops + Services
Beauty with a Purpose
These handmade woven baskets add color to any space, and what’s even more beautiful is the story behind them.
RAVES & FAVES 2018
The annual BRAVA Raves & Faves is a gal’s guide to Madison’s best locally-owned businesses. Curated by BRAVA readers, for BRAVA readers.
Party Puffs
It may have been Sugarsmith Madison creator Jo Mahnke’s destiny to launch a vintage-themed cotton candy cart business.
Sponsored Content
THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE YET
On October 15th, Design for a Difference made history by completing the largest charity design makeover in the country!
DISCOVER AGRACE’S SERVICES
Helping a loved one face a serious illness is never easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you need someone to guide you, ask for Agrace.
CANCER SURVIVORS & THRIVERS ICE CREAM SOCIAL
A party like no other, Turville Bay invites the community to join cancer survivors, those living with cancer, their families, friends and caregivers as well as healthcare providers, at their 7th Annual Cancer Survivors & Thrivers Ice Cream Social on Sunday, June 4 from 1-3 PM.
Web Exclusive
#LMG = Last Minute Gifts
The stockings are hung, the cards are mailed, but there’s likely one name remaining on this year’s list—the perfect present having yet to be found. Avoid another mad dash through the mall by gifting one of these local items available online.
Comfort Food Round Two
Use this simple stew recipe for a hearty and satisfying meal comprised of the tasty nibbles remaining on your holiday platters.
Homebaked Holiday
Try these five tips from To Di For Baking on how to bake holiday cookies and treats with less mess—and stress!
