Today’s episode is a recording of our last Sister Circle Social where our three female panelists represented different ages and stages of small business ownership. You’ll hear candid conversation, stories, and Q&A with Stephanie Ross, Deb Lash-Stangel, and Kay Mazza interviewed by Mara Keyes from WWBIC. This event was a very special evening hosted at the Southwest WWBIC office in Onalaska with thirty female small business owners. If you love hearing the inspiring stories of female small business owners, you won’t want to miss this one!

Kay M. Mazza acquired the Elite Repeat Consignment Shop in February 2021, before rebranding it as Oolala! Consign and Furniture Annex, in a nod to her French heritage. Kay is a retail industry veteran and La Crosse native, having worked for the likes of Saks Fifth Avenue, and local favorites Herberger’s, Touch of Class, and Dales Clothing for Men and Women. Her goal is to create a shop that highlights the beauty and utility of previously loved items. In addition, Kay is delighted to provide a space for artists and other vendors that were displaced during the pandemic to sell their items and grow their business following.She brings not only a love for fashion and customer service to the business, but a passion for people—she loves connecting with customers and looks forward to helping you find the perfect item.

Stephanie Ross is a passionate speaker, entrepreneur, and business strategist that aims to inspire and motivate wherever she goes. A true teacher at heart, she is the founder of Zen and Pow Soulciety, Co-Founder of Small Business Sister Circle, and is a commercial and residential Real Estate Agent on The Sherie Grass Team at ReMax Results. Stephanie Ross started her first business, Zen and Pow Studio, in 2013 at age of 20 while attending the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse where she graduated in 2015, yet she jokes that she gained her business experience from the School of Hard Knocks. She is a creator, educator, and lover of all things wellness, business, and cultivating community! Whether she is speaking on stage, coaching other business owners, or helping you find your dream home–Stephanie will leave you feeling empowered, inspired, and on fire!

Deb Lash-Stangel has owned and operated, The Wedding Tree, in downtown La Crosse for almost 3 decades. Almost ten years ago she started renovations on The Court Above Main, which is an historic ballroom venue started from scratch, and she also purchased the La Crosse Wedding EXPO, which her and her team have more than doubled in size. Deb’s sister brands also produce a print publication annually. Deb has experience in business from start up to expanding, software implementation, sales, customer service, building ownership and renovations and nonprofits. Deb has worked as an instructor, a real estate agent, and a volunteer mentor for years. While her forte is increasing sales while reducing cost, she also has a knack for empowering and ensuring the correct people are in the right place to benefit all involved.