two sisters. One mission.
About Us
Sister Circle
Our mission is to guide and provide community, connection, and coaching for female small business owners so that you can build a scalable, sustainable, profitable business that not only “looks successful” but actually FEELS good for you. If you’re just starting this means creating something sustainable from the beginning. If you’ve been growing your business and need to get your life back, it’s time to start getting back into alignment with yourself and what you desire so that you can be more intentional in your business and enjoy your life!
Our Members Value…
Our Story
Born in the 90’s just 21 months apart, we are the product of two entrepreneur parents who forced us to go outside and find ways to entertain ourselves. Growing up with two parents that owned their own businesses, we naturally started our own business ventures at a young age. From creating a museum in our backyard, to running concerts, carnivals, and fashion shows in our basement, it was obvious we were meant to be business owners.
As we got older, we realized how lucky we were to have parents that encouraged us to pursue our passions, and to have each other to support and cheer on each others business ventures. The more we share our passion for entrepreneurship, the more we understood that not everyone is blessed to have a strong support system, especially a sister, that believes in them and cheers for them wholeheartedly.
Even though we’ve had each other, we know what it’s like to feel alone as solopreneurs, and we’ve connected with so many small business owners over the years, especially women, that have also felt that way. Being young can also make it more challenging to find your circle of people that you can connect with and that understand the struggles of small business ownership. That’s why we created Small Business Sister Circle™ to fill the missing gap for female entrepreneurs to find others to find support, coaching & encouragement, and a community to support them along their small business journey! Welcome to the Sister Circle, we’re glad you found us!
Meet Stephanie
Motivator, creator, educator, and entrepreneur. Lover of all things lifestyle and business! These are just a few words to describe me, along with passion, grit, and resiliency. Some might say my true superpower is creating something out of nothing and finding the advantages in adversity–all while keeping a smile on my face!
I started my first business, Zen and Pow Studio, a fitness and yoga studio in 2013. I was a 20 year old college student at the time, attending the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse where I graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science. Over the course of 10 years, I grew and scaled that business to a six figure business inside of my dream Studio with a full team. During those 10 years, I started studying business as much as I did fitness & yoga and realized, that was where my true passion and purpose was–so I made a BIG pivot!
In 2021, I co-founded Small Business Sister Circle™ with my sister, Cathryn, to serve female small business owners in the Coulee Region through conferences, socials, workshops, webinars, and eventually launched a full on membership! Not only am I now a business educator and community connector for female small business owners through Small Business Sister Circle™, but I’m also a local REALTOR® on The Sherie Grass Team at Remax Results.
Whether I am coaching business owners, hosting my podcast, Soul Driven with Steph, or guiding you through buying or selling your business or home–it is my goal to leave you feeling empowered, inspired, and on fire to live the life you desire with intentionality and joy along the journey. I am so BEYOND passionate about sharing my own business experiences, lifting up other female entrepreneurs, and learning from each other. We have big visions for this community, I invite you to join us!
Meet Cathryn
Hi, I’m Cathryn! The “C” of Sister Circle and older sis!
I’ve been self employed since I was 19 and love connecting with like minded women entrepreneurs who can help each grow and excel themselves and their business.
I come from a background of growing a team of 300+ women in the direct sales industry for 5 years. I then took the communication and customer service skills I learned in direct sales and transitioned them into running a full time real estate career of the last 6 years.
I now have the honor of servicing sellers and buyers in the La Crosse area focusing on residential & country homes. I focus on every single transaction be an amazing client experience and always keeping things fun!
I love joining forces with my sister and other female entrepreneurs! When we come together we can cultivate great energy and support to inspire each other to take action. And action is where real change happens!
Sister Circle Certified Coaches
When you join our Membership you get to learn from not just our founders that hold 20+ combined years of experience, but our Sister Circle Certified Coaches that bring unique backgrounds in business, leadership, and overcoming challenges in entrepreneurship! These coaches have gone through detailed training to become a Sister Circle Certified coach to educate and coach in a way that is engaging, thoughtful, and applicable to all industries and levels. You’ll enjoy a variety of business topics each month learning from our Sister Circle Certified Coaches!
Amy Brenengen
Amy Brenengen is an entrepreneur, a certified coach, a creator, a dreamer, a handholder, and a mentor with a mission to help women embrace living a life they love. Life is a ride, as they say, and her story is no different. Through her many life chapters, she has bundled up all her life experiences, paired that with professional education and certified training and is working to make the world a better place! As CEO of Bloom Transformation, and a Sister Circle certified Coach, she lives in Trempealeau, WI and compassionately serves women who are feeling lost, unsettled, unfilled, so they can move forward with a relationship with themselves, with direction, purpose, clarity, confidence, and love.
Asia Jacobs
Asia is a dedicated professional with dual passions for organizational effectiveness and beauty entrepreneurship. With a proven track record of driving high performance and creating welcoming experiences, she excels at aligning strategies and formulating products with care. Whether streamlining processes at Dairyland Power Cooperative or perfecting beauty formulations for Small Town Beauty, Asia’s attention to detail and customer-centric approach yield exceptional outcomes. At heart, she’s a small-town entrepreneur committed to building strong community connections and welcoming everyone to be part of her journey
Rebecca Mattie
Rebecca Mattie is a dedicated and compassionate leader who thrives on spreading positivity and fostering meaningful connections. As the CEO and occupational therapist at Honeybee OT, she brings her expertise directly into the homes of families, offering personalized care through her mobile practice. When she’s not supporting families, Becca enjoys quality time with her own, traveling, watching movies, and nurturing her creative passions.
Brenda Schaefer
Brenda Schaefer is a presenter that inspires others to know their true value. She is a teacher to the core of her being, helping others to remember who they are.
Carmen Nuland
Carmen Nuland is a seasoned business strategist and technical OBM with over 30 years of technical experience, passionate about helping female business owners build streamlined systems and workflows that allow them to focus on their zone of genius. Since 2019, she has empowered clients to achieve 6-figure course launches, automate their businesses, and grow their teams, while also creating dashboards that give entrepreneurs a clear snapshot of their business’s performance. Carmen lives in Galesville, Wisconsin with her husband, daughter, a cuddly Basset hound named Basil, and her brood of chickens.
Emilene Heiderscheit
In a world where beauty often feels skin-deep, Emilene Anna shines as a beacon of deeper, holistic wellness. With two decades of experience as a prominent Beauty Artist, Emilene has redefined the industry by seamlessly integrating spirituality and wellness into her practice. As the visionary owner of GreenHouse Holistic Co-op Center and Driftless Retreats, she has created spaces that are not merely places of business, but sanctuaries for the soul. Emilene’s work is distinguished by her unparalleled skills in communication, empathy, and intuition. As a Certified Sister Circle Coach, Emilene has the wisdom and grace to guide others on their spiritual and professional journeys. Additionally, her role as an Intuitive Business Strategist allows her to empower clients with insights that align their personal and professional aspirations with their highest selves. Yet, despite her many professional accolades, Emilene’s heart finds its greatest joy in her family. A devoted and loving mother of four, she embodies beauty and fulfillment in her everyday life.
Emily Branson
Emily Branson is a personable and energetic businesswoman dedicated to making life easier and more enjoyable for her clients. Emily is a helper through and through. As a photographer and decluttering coach, she offers guidance and support to help people create spaces and memories that truly matter. Emily also coaches small business owners, guiding them to build profitable and enjoyable businesses that align with their personal values. Based in Wisconsin with her husband, Ben, she loves her work but also treasures cozy nights on the couch, enjoying the simple joys of life.
Holly Lambrecht
Driven by a passion for building strong, supportive communities, Holly is a connector who believes in the power of collaboration to uplift women. With her background as a founding sister circle member and former business owner, she offers invaluable knowledge and experience to those around her. Rooted in Holmen, WI, Holly enjoys a fulfilling life with her wife and daughter, where they cherish outdoor adventures and prioritize quality time together.
Jackie Cooper
Jackie Cooper is committed to helping people break free from their comfort zones, let their sparkle shine, and live their true, authentic selves. As the Executive Director of Lansing Main Street Matters, a certified Sister Circle Coach, and a licensed Iowa realtor, she brings over 10 years of experience working in the corporate world within the non-profit sector. Jackie has honed her skills in marketing, public relations, fundraising, event management, and leadership, empowering individuals and communities to thrive. Her greatest fulfillment comes from her family—her husband and three beautiful children—while she works to create a life where everyone can pursue what truly makes them happy and break free from the social norms of society.
Maryann Baldwin
Maryann is a life-long learner, committed to giving back to those who share her thirst to learn. Following a 36-year career in media, marketing and consumer research, she discovered the rewards of small business ownership, first through the acquisition of a rural community fitness center, and later through the revitalization of an historic Main Street storefront and the creation of a coworking and commercial kitchen business. This new enterprise creates a venue where she can provide one-on-one coaching, group events and regional gatherings to help foster economic growth and community in her area. Small business ownership is both a job and a hobby for Maryann, but in her free time she loves to walk, explore the Driftless region, travel, play violin, read, play canasta, and hang out with her husband and English Springer Spaniels Ziggy and Elsa.
Michelle Malone
Michelle Malone is an encouraging entrepreneur that seeks to help you tap into your creativity, feel empowered in your abilities and experience authentic connection. Through her businesses, I&E Dance Studio, Art House La Crosse and Collective Marketing, she teaches adults to get out of their comfort zones and get creative. In her free time she enjoys traveling, being outside and spending time with her energetic 6 year old son!
Get Your Questions Answered…
What Membership is right for me? (Online vs. Growth)
Are you ready to GROW yourself and your business? The Growth Membership includes monthly, 90-minute Coffee + Connection meetings that are thoughtfully created for intentional time away from your business to learn and connect, sponsored by our local Brand Partners with free Moka coffee and held in Onalaska WI at Misty’s Dance Unlimited. At these meetings, members engage in stimulating small group discussions and forge meaningful connections with like-minded entrepreneurs. Additionally, this membership also includes our monthly online Business Masterclass and Sister Support Calls, where you not only receive invaluable support but also gain access to replays for your convenience. Enhance your business acumen with our expanding Library of Business Resources, updated monthly to keep you ahead. Boost your visibility with your business listed in our exclusive Sister Circle Small Business Directory. Enjoy discounted rates on our enriching workshops and events tailored to your professional development needs as well as Free exclusive Member Only Events like our Sister Circle Member Retreat & Gala each year. Stay connected and inspired through our Private Sister Circle Facebook Forum, a dedicated space for sharing insights and seeking advice. All wrapped up in a 6-month minimum commitment.
Are you a little too far to come to our local monthly Coffee + Connection held in Onalaska WI? If so, the Online Membership is for you as it includes two monthly 60 min. Zoom calls. The monthly Business Masterclass + Sister Support Call on Zoom are always recorded. This membership also includes access to the library of business resources that are updated monthly, your business will be listed on the Sister Circle Small Business directory and added to a private Sister Circle Facebook forum so you can connect with other growth-minded female small business owners anytime! All wrapped up in a 6-month minimum commitment.
Do I need to be a “young” entrepreneur to join?
Absolutely NOT! We have all ages and stages of small business owners within our group from those just starting college to those who have started their business after retirement–all are welcome!
How established does my business have to be to join?
Your business can be in its idea stage or beyond! This membership is well rounded for the brand new business owner and veteran business owners alike to gain new ideas, insights, and connections every single month.
What does a typical Coffee + Connection meeting look like? What’s provided? Typical Agenda?
Our monthly Coffee + Connection meetings consist of being in a room with growth minded, collaborative entrepreneurs, drinking coffee, and mingling while listening to an insightful speaker about our monthly business topic with tangible takeaways to help you and your business develop. We also include some sort of workshop time and/or breakout small group sessions that are intentionally curated so that you can ask your fellow business owners anything you might need help or advice on and make connections! Bring a pen, a notepad, or laptop and wear whatever you feel confident in! Coffee from our Brand Partner, Moka, is provided along with the essentials like cream and sugar. The typical agenda consists of members arriving at around 9:45 am. Time is given to find a seat, grab a coffee, and chat with other members. At around 10 am we begin with our educational business topic + workshop followed by small breakout groups and activities. This meeting goes until 11:30 am with further connecting encouraged after the meeting!
What is a Business Masterclass Call?
Start the month strong with our 60 min. Monthly Business Masterclass on Zoom to dig deep into the business topic of the month! This call is led by Sister Circle Certified Coaches and guest expert speakers that provide innovative strategies and tools around the topic along with tangible takeaways to take action on immediately! Think of this call as showing up to get your business degree in an hour packed Masterclass!
* Replays are available if you can’t make them live.
What is a Sister Support Call?
End the month strong with our 60 min. Sister Support Call on Zoom to Q&A about the business topic of the month! This call is led by Sister Circle Certified Coaches to offer you ideas, encouragement, and group coaching around your goals. Bring your questions, share your struggles and success in your business and get ready to connect with your fellow Sisters in breakout rooms!
*Replays are available if you can’t make them live.