home + life

ADRIENNE SHEA EMILIE SEAMAN

Little Sprouts Play Café

Inspired by having two small children at the time, Adrienne Shea founded Little Sprouts Play Cafe in 2016. She created a place for other mothers and caregivers to gather while the children socialize through engaging play. The cafe has many rotating sensory and creative toys, hosts birthday parties targeted at younger children, and puts on regular events. In 2019, partnering with Emilie Seaman, Little Sprouts expanded to a second location in Mequon.

Adrienne and Emilie’s overarching goal is to create a vibrant and collaborative community of mothers and caregivers that shares knowledge, experiences, and connections. The cafes have expanded to offer a wide variety of classes—from baby sensory play to toddler art classes—and sponsor or participate in community events—like the Shorewood Criterium’s Kids Roll. A particular favorite has been their birthday parties, which encouraged a new venture: Pop & Joy Co, for elaborate balloon decor and party supplies.

littlesproutsplaycafe.com @littlesproutsplaycafe hello@littlesproutsplaycafe.com

ALETHA CHAMPINE

Champine Realty Group Keller Williams

Real Estate Agent, Aletha Champine works alongside clients with unwavering force and unmatched commitment. Aletha’s eye for design and passion for real estate bring a unique, lively perspective and approach to the home buying or selling journey. She prides herself on helping her clients envision themselves in homes at all price points; showing them the potential of a home, and how they can make the home their own. Her slogan “your future starts at home” is really the core of her business. Aletha believes that a home is the backdrop of one’s future.

Recently, Champine grew her team to include a Director of Operations, along with two active agents. This powerhouse group of women look forward to growing their business to better serve their clients. Their goal is to provide a concierge real estate experience to all clients, no matter the price point. Working with Aletha, and Champine Realty Group, ensures your future home is in the right hands.

yourfuturestartsathome.com @yourfuturestartsathome alethachampine@kw.com

AMANDA MELBY

Amanda Melby Photography

Amanda Melby is a photographer in Waukesha, WI that focuses on families, newborns and seniors. She believes every season of life is beautiful and that it’s important to capture each and every moment. When clients book a session with Amanda, they can expect a personalized and professional experience. Amanda works directly with each client to understand their individual needs and strives to exceed their expectations. Born and raised in Wisconsin, Amanda received her associate degree for medical billing and coding and worked in healthcare for over 10 years. In 2019 Amanda began pursuing her love of photography as a side business. As her business continues to expand, today Amanda is proud to focus on photography full time.

When Amanda isn’t taking photos or editing, she loves to spend time with her husband Chris and their two daughters. Amanda also enjoys traveling with her friends and family.

amandamelbyphotography.com @amandamelbyphotography amandamelbyphotography@gmail.com

ASHLEY FENDERSON

Modern Woodmen of America

Ashley is a 2nd generation financial representative that builds her practice on the importance of financial education and personalized, holistic financial planning. Ashley has built her business on the 4 core values of authenticity, honesty, integrity, and compassion. She believes these values contribute to the success and financial security of her clients. She specializes in working with women in business, physicians, and their families to maximize their small business growth, best leverage their assets, protect their families, and ultimately ensure that they achieve their financial goals. She takes pride in getting to know her clients’ and their families to create a relationship that grows through every phase of life. Outside of “the office,” Ashley places a strong priority on community engagement and family. She is an Ovarian Cancer survivor and volunteers on the Board of directors for Wisconsin Ovarian Cancer Alliance and Athlos Academy. She uses her faith to overcome adversity and approach life with a positive attitude!

reps.modernwoodmen.org /afenderson/ Ashley.L.Fenderson@mwarep.org 262.902.9476

CHERYL LITVIN LORI WOOD

First Associated Insurance Agencies Inc

People are often unclear, confused and hoping for the best when they think about their insurance. You know you need insurance and are expected to be the expert. We take the stress out of the process so you can have the peace of mind you deserve.

As licensed fourth generation independent insurance agents, Lori and Cheryl develop personal relationships with their clients. Whether it is personal or business insurance, they implement strategies that best protects your assets. Cheryl and Lori believe in transparency, partnerships and education which gives you the power to make informed insurance decisions.

With over a half a century of building professional relationships, Lori and Cheryl can provide customized insurance plans unique to you. Along with running their family agency, they have an online employee training program, allowing you to develop and strengthen your employees. Cheryl also consults, certifies and teaches General Industry OSHA classes.

info@firstassociated.com firstassociated.com 262.288.2488

CHRISTINE ROEHLING

R5 Construction, LLC

During the day, Christine is a Human Resources leader at Johnson Controls Federal Systems. She is also the owner of R5 Construction, LLC, a residential and commercial construction company servicing southeastern Wisconsin. After working years in corporate America, she and her husband decided their desire was to own their own business. The combination of her business expertise with his journeymen carpenter background inspired them to step out in faith and start R5 Construction. They take pride in the fundamentals; timely responses, partnering with customers, and providing high quality products.

Additionally, Christine is the Executive Director of The Beat Goes On, a non-profit focused on supporting pediatric heart disease. The Foundation was formed in 2016 after her identical twin daughters were diagnosed with advanced staged heart failure at 1 year old. Both required heart transplants. The mission of The Beat Goes On Foundation is to turn heart transplant into a cure by supporting patients and families and investing in meaningful research focused on ‘one transplant for life’.

Christine@R5ConstructionWI.com R5ConstructionWI.com @R5ConstructionLLC

GINGER LAZOVIK

Milwaukee Real Estate Agent Falk Ruvin Gallagher Keller Williams

As one of the area’s top real estate agents, Ginger Lazovik has a special appreciation of Milwaukee and all it has to offer. She thrives helping clients find the perfect place to call home and uses her relocation experience to help clients fall in love with the city too. Ginger personalizes the buying and selling process to each client to meet their individualized goals. As a part of the Falk Ruvin Gallagher Real Estate Team, she goes above and beyond for clients. One of Ginger’s talents is bringing a design eye to help clients prepare and stage their homes to attract buyers. Ginger thrives when collaborating with other women in business and helping them succeed. She serves as a mentor to other entrepreneurs and is an active member of Tempo EWL. Giving back to the city of Milwaukee is important to Ginger and she actively participates in the United Way Emerging Leaders Program, Partnership MKE, and other local non-profits.

ginger@thefrgteam.com 414.828.7638 @lazovikmilwaukeerealtor

JAMIE BERGER AND JAIME LEVINE

The Box

The “Jamies” know what makes a great event… Jaime Levine and Jamie Berger are co-owners and co-creators of The Box, a versatile, one-of-a-kind event venue in heart of downtown Milwaukee. Both born and raised in New York, each moved to Milwaukee in their 20s, raising families and pursuing different career paths until 2013 when they collaborated on an idea to create a unique gathering space. Think create; pop up; meet; celebrate. Classic Milwaukee meets modern event space at The Box. From weddings to corporate gatherings, photo shoots to health and wellness classes, fundraisers to social soirees, The Box transforms your event into an experience you and your guests will not soon forget. Jaime and Jamie pride themselves on being hands on for each event during the planning process and day of, building trust with clients and industry partners, and using creativity to bring each client’s vision to life.

theboxmke.com info@theboxmke.com 414.551.5021

JAN OELKE

Relics Rentals

Jan is one of the coolest owner/ founders and CEO around. Her motto: “Good taste is boring”. Who wouldn’t want to curate some of the coolest pieces for a job? After grad school Jan was working in biotech, specifically molecular genetics, then she starting having kids and found herself ready for a second career, one that was more creative. Since its inception in 2012, and immediately beginning the search for alla our loot and the perfect backdrop for it, a historic cream city warehouse in Walker’s Point, it has been one wild ride. It’s true when the Relics team says “we live for this stuff!”. She has spent the last 9+ years curating some of the most unique and design-forward collections for some of the most discerning clients and their events in the upper midwest. The best part about Jan, aside from her eye for design, is that she’s not afraid to schlep with the rest of us. And we do a lot of schlepping! Relics is ready to assist and support you to ensure your event or display will be full of adventure and oozing with originality using our extensive treasures of upcycled, reclaimed, and repurposed inventory. In 2020, Relics also launched it’s Exclusive Signature Events, including their well-published Pop Up Wedding Events for their clients & Styled Shootout Events for creatives.

info@relicsrentals.com @relicsrentals www.relicsrentals.com

KARYN GIMBEL YOUSO

First Look Family Law, SC

Karyn Youso is a low conflict divorce attorney and mediator with almost 30 years of experience. During the first 20 years, most of her time was spent winning battles in high conflict litigation. Life experience taught her that conflict is unhealthy for families, and for finances. She opened her own firm in 2018, with the goal of growing it within 3 years. Now, First Look Family Law employs a second attorney and has relocated to a bigger office space in Brookfield with more room for clients and a growing mediation practice. Lowering conflict means lowering cost, both financial and emotional. Karyn is committed to resolving problems with a cooperative approach, and knows that emotions often get in the way of compromise. She helps her clients see the big picture, beyond the pain and anger of divorce. Karyn has served on several Panels, Boards and Committees during her many years in practice, and is currently serving on the Wisconsin State Bar’s Family Law Section Board. A recent empty nester with three daughters in college, she is looking forward to having more free time to resume her love of yoga and travel.

firstlookfamilylaw.com kgyouso@firstlookfamilylaw.com 262.788.5335

KIMBERLY WARNER

RePour’d Candle Factory

Kimberly Warner is the owner, operator, blender, and “Le Nez” (The Nose) of RePour’d Candle Factory. She has always had a passion for fine fragrance candles, non-toxic home fragrance accessories and re-purposing things to be “new to you!” As the owner and buyer of her own retail gift store, authentiquegifts.com, Kimberly has bought and sold thousands of candle lines. Many of them fell short due to toxic ingredients, poor marketing, or bad wholesale to retail relationship building.

Kimberly has made a career out of finding products that are healthier for her customers and the environment; RePour’d is no exception. She takes pride in using top of the line, 100% Non- GMO Soy Wax, Essential Oil Fragrances (versus the headache inducing kind), and Lead-Free Cotton Wicks. All of these are offered in a variety of recycled, re-purposed, and re-usable vessel options. Find her at www. repourd.com in Kenosha, WI.

repourd.com @repourdcandlefactory info@repourd.com

KATIE SOYKA

Katie Soyka Photography

Katie Soyka is a brand photographer based in Milwaukee, WI who creates beautiful and clean images to elevate your brand. Katie believes that when women invest in themselves through professional photography, they step into their power and raise their voice. She understands that photography is a powerful way to help businesses attract their ideal clients through strong branding and stunning visuals.

A Wisconsin native, Katie graduated from UW-Madison with a degree in marketing and worked for a Fortune 500 company for 6 years. Her love of photography prompted her to create her own business. As a brand photographer, her positive energy and encouraging nature, combined with a passionate eye for the creative and beautiful, have found their perfect home. She is most proud of her ability to make women feel comfortable in front of the camera because when they overcome their fears, they create immense power.

Katie’s clients receive a level of service beyond what they may expect. She develops a clear focus on the essence of their brand to establish a vision for consistent messaging. She then guides them through the brand photography process so they feel prepared, confident, and delighted with the experience! Lifestyle brand photography cultivates know, love and trust with ideal clients, and when Katie partners with a business, they can tell their story with beautiful images that convert to results. Katie’s clients love how professional images set them apart, position them as the expert, and increase their worth.

Katie is honored to work with the amazing ladies of The KNOW Book Volume l and ll, and serve as Director of Photography for The KNOW Women. When not behind a camera, she devotes her time to experiencing life with her husband, Dan, and children Evelyn, Henry and Nathan.

katiesoykaphotography.com katie@katiesoykaphotography.com @katiesoykaphotography

LISA RICHARDSON

CarePatrol

Lisa Richardson is a “consummate senior care concierge” who serves seniors and their families as a Senior Care Advisor for CarePatrol. Lisa brings over twelve years of experience in healthcare, financial services, and the assisted living industry to help her clients find safe and appropriate care and housing solutions by reviewing the care and violation history. CarePatrol Advisors offer their services at no cost to the senior or their families as they are compensated by their vetted and recommended care providers. Her detailed consultative style and problem-solving skills put clients and their families at ease, whether facing an immediate crisis or simply beginning to explore future care options. Her mission and passion are to help her clients find safe and appropriate senior care solutions. She enjoys mentoring other women and watching them succeed, grow both professionally and personally to make a difference in their lives.

@lisa-richardson-54158012 262.470.7741 Lrichardson@carepatrol.com

NATALIE WIEDMEYER

ND Properties | EXIT Realty XL

Natalie Wiedmeyer Realtor, 18 years in the customer service industry to one of Southeastern Wisconsin’s Premier Realtors. Natalie prides herself in her detail oriented customer service, her empathetic nature, and her tenacious enthusiasm. She treats her clients like family!

A licensed full-time Realtor, Natalie works with both buyers and sellers assisting them as they navigate through one of the biggest investments of their lives. Some of Natalie’s accomplishments include The Rising Star Award, Five Star Professional Award, Top 5 Producer, Bronze Sales Award, 10 Million Dollar Cub, Monthly Top Producer, and guest on Perfect Your Purpose Podcast.

As a Wisconsin native Natalie is a big fan of all Wisconsin sports, she especially enjoys cheering on her hometown teams. Recently Natalie introduced her sister Danika Tramburg to the exhilarating world of Real Estate. They are looking forward to growing their brand and business ND properties.

homewithnatalie.com @nd_properties @ndprop

OLGA THOMAS

Olga Thomas Photography

Olga Thomas is a legend in the field of photography. She takes pride in being a well rounded wedding, family and boudoir photographer. Olga currently owns and operates two studios in Milwaukee, WI and Bucharest, Romania with plans to open a third location in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Throughout the last 15 years, Olga has photographed over 400 weddings across the United States and internationally in Mexico, Puerto Rico, The Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Italy, France, England, Spain, India, and Romania. “I don’t think of my sessions as photoshoots, but life experiences captured through a lens,” said the Romanian-born photo-artist. “I spend the session waking up one’s inner child and authentic self. I also focus on their wardrobe, the environment of the shoot, the colors, the lighting, and the story then finish with my trademark, a personal editing style which completes the unique, masterful imagery.

olgathomas.com chicweddingday.com thewhiteloft.net

RENEE KASPER

First Weber Realtors

Renee is passionate about all aspects of real estate and her clients’ best interests are at the forefront of her mind. Always. Determined to ensure their home is ideal for the season of life they are in; Renee’s ultimate goal is to help them live their best life. Working tirelessly to stay on top of market trends and community growth, she provides a nextlevel experience from start to finish. Her clients find her honest, compassionate, and incredibly knowledgeable as she guides them through every aspect of buying or selling a home. Relationships are the foundation in which Renee has built her life and her business. She is committed to developing authentic, respectful, and life-long connections throughout the communities in which she serves. The enthusiasm Renee has for life is admired. She thrives on new adventures, is constantly learning, and holds dear the friendships she’s created throughout her life. And don’t forget to ask about her love for animals!

ReneeKasper.com @ReneeKasperRealtor @ReneeKasper

GAIL KOMISAR SARAH KOMISAR RANDI SCHACHTER

BILTRITE Furniture-Leather-Mattresses

Celebrating 93 years, four generations and fifteen years in our Greenfield location, Biltrite Furniture Leather and Mattresses has been women-lead. Women represent three out of the five family members who currently run our 79,000 square foot showroom and warehouse, featuring affordable, better quality furniture and mattresses. The three women include Gail Komisar (3rd generation), Randi Schachter (4th generation) and Sarah Komisar (4th generation).

Gail graduated from Brooklyn College and married into the business in 1977 after meeting her husband, Marty Komisar, who is CEO and president as well as head buyer of Biltrite, on vacation. The two of them connected over the fact that Gail was an assistant buyer at Abraham and Strauss in the home furnishings department in Brooklyn, NY. It was a match meant to be. Gail now leads the design and buying team.

Randi, born and raised into the business, graduated in 2001 from High Point University, in North Carolina (the home furnishings capital of the world), with a degree in interior design and a minor in art. Since 2006, She has been our store spokeswoman, as you have seen her on TV known as “Randi K”. She also heads up the marketing and design team for the store.

Sarah married into the business in 2014 after meeting her husband, Bradley Komisar, who is Vice President, head mattresses buyer, and head of operations for the business. Sarah graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a degree in education and art. She brings a passion for art and design and loves bringing joy to customers as she helps design their homes. Her education degree has also enabled her to become the lead sales trainer.

Together, we are teaching the fifth generation, Jordan, Simon, Sloan, and Allison the value of a family business, and the importance of a strong work ethic. It is important for us to show them that women can lead in a male-dominated industry. #buylocal

biltritefurniture.com info@biltritefurniture.com @BiltRiteFurniture