Check Out These 7 Women-Founded Businesses in Wisconsin

Looking to explore Wisconsin while also supporting women-founded attractions? From luxury retreats to craft beer, food tours and cheesemaking, here are seven women-led businesses to check out on your next Wisconsin adventure.

Wild Wellness: Wild Rice Retreat

Heidi Zimmer started with a dream — to create a one-of-a-kind wellness retreat on the scenic shores of Lake Superior. In 2021, that dream became a reality when Wild Rice Retreat welcomed its first guests. Located just outside of Bayfield, Wisconsin, the gateway to Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wild Rice is the Midwest’s first all-inclusive wellness retreat.

Rooted in the idea of exploring and supporting expression in nature, Wild Rice Retreat sits on 100 acres of wooded land with trails and features modern, Scandinavian-inspired lodging accommodations, onsite dining offering healthy locally sourced meals, daily movement and wellness classes, a sauna, firepit and meditation circle, outdoor decks with fireplaces and pet-friendly lodging. Choose from guided retreats or personal resort stays all year long to experience this one-of-a-kind Wisconsin getaway and support a truly unique woman-founded business.

Creative Collaboration: The Bronzeville Collective

Milwaukee’s Black, Brown and queer creatives had few outlets in which to share their work — until the Bronzeville Collective came along. Launched by Lilo Allen, Tiffany Miller, Tomira White and Jasmine Barmore, this collaborative storefront offers everything from homemade candles and soaps to jewelry and handmade art. 

Located in the historic Bronzeville Arts and Culture District, almost everything in this vibrant space is either handcrafted or designed by Black and Brown creatives. Stop in during your next trip to Milwaukee to browse work from over 40 vendors and find all kinds of gifts and treasures.

But, First, Cheese: Marieke Gouda

Born and raised in the Netherlands on a 60-cow dairy farm, Marieke Penterman has cheesemaking in her DNA. So it makes sense that she’d make it to Wisconsin sooner or later. Marieke is the founder of Marieke Gouda in Thorp, where she creates authentic Dutch Gouda Cheese. And as the fourth woman ever to become a Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker, she’s a true pioneer. Stop by Cafe DUTCHess for their farm-style breakfast, lunch and gouda-licious appetizers.

Spotted Cow Calling: New Glarus Brewing Co.

Deborah Carey and her husband Daniel co-founded New Glarus Brewing Co. in 1993, kicking off a beloved (and fiercely independent) craft beer kingdom that continues to this day. As founder and president of one of the most successful Wisconsin breweries, she really does it all. 

Find their flagship beer, “Spotted Cow,” served at most bars and restaurants as well as widely available for purchase — only in Wisconsin. While traveling to New Glarus — Wisconsin's “Little Switzerland" — take a fascinating tour of this expansive brewery.

Follow the Food Guru: Milwaukee Food Tours

Food was a passion for Theresa Nemetz — but she never thought it would turn into a career. During a trip to NYC, destiny called when she and her husband took a food tour. Afterward, she realized that their hometown of Milwaukee had more than enough of a diverse culinary scene to do something similar. And so, Milwaukee Food Tours was born.

Today, Theresa and her team showcase the city’s rich Italian, German, Irish and Polish immigrant history, sharing their unique stories and flavors. Popular tours include the Brady Street Lunch Tour, Dairyland Delights, Tacos & Tequila, Walker's Point Sip & Stroll and Bloody Mary Brunch. Tours also spotlight the city’s architectural highlights, cultural hot spots and local shops, making for a wonderful introduction (or reintroduction) to Wisconsin’s largest city. 

Farm to Fork: Pasture and Plenty

For Christy McKenzie, food and community are inextricably linked. And it’s that belief that led her to create Pasture and Plenty, a combination restaurant, test kitchen, market and home delivery service that provides ready-to-eat meals and meal kits.

Working closely with more than 30 local farms, ranchers and bakers, the Madison-based outfit has been a key connector between producers and consumers. Stop in the James Beard-nominated storefront for delicious deli selections, fun drinks and much more.

Combining Local Communities: Sweetgrass & Sage

In Northern Wisconsin, Ariana Johnson was inspired by her local communities of Lac Courte Oreilles, Hayward and Stone Lake to open a shop where a wide variety of regional makers could be showcased. A member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, her boutique, Sweetgrass and Sage, features home decor, jewelry, soaps, candles, pottery and much more. Stop into this woman- and Native-owned shop to explore unique handmade goods you can only get there.

While you’re at it, check out more great attractions, including Native American businesses and Black-owned businesses across Wisconsin.