Kate Holl is the owner of Wildewood, a plant shop located in Madison that started as a pop-up in 2018 and has since grown into a boutique storefront at Hilldale Shopping Center. “We specialize in high quality and beautiful houseplants, pottery, plant wares and home goods. Our brand ethos is one that embraces slow and mindful living. My hope is to serve as a botanical break from a digital and chaotic world.” Learn about Kate Holl…
Follow at: @wildewoodshop
Hometown: Waukesha, WI
First job: Scooping gelato in Downtown Waukesha.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in WI: In the summers getting out in nature with my family, going to the beach or a good beer garden, soaking up as much sun as possible. In cooler months I hibernate. I love doing cozy activities like baking with my daughter and reading – preferably by a warm fire.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: After several pop-ups and partnerships, it was a big leap and accomplishment for me to open a storefront completely on my own – to create and execute my own vision.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: I became a mother three years ago, and it’s been a huge struggle to balance all the joy (and difficulties) of raising my daughter while navigating all the joys (and difficulties) of owning a business. I’m not sure if this actually counts as something I’ve overcome as I still struggle with it daily, but I’ve made it this far!
Someone who inspires you and why: My big sister. She is a warrior, and an artist. She consistently gets herself through tough times while being an advocate for herself and for others. She’s always been the person I look up to most and I owe so much of the good in me to her.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Make sure you have a deep love for what you’re doing and what you’re selling. Retail is full of ups and downs, but if you’re passionate about what you’re putting out into the world, it’s bound to be fulfilling.
Favorite quote: “At some point in life the world’s beauty becomes enough. You don’t need to photograph, paint or even remember it. It is enough.” -Toni Morrison
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I’ve been writing since I was a preteen and still do! These days I like to write on my 1960’s powder blue Smith-Corona typewriter.
What makes someone fabulous: Kindness, compassion and an open heart.