Meet Jamie Madsen | CEO, Marketing Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jamie Madsen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jamie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
We recognized a gap in support and resources for women in business in the Northern Colorado (NOCO) region. As solo-entrepreneurs, we recognized the unique challenges women face in the business world, such as having little access to connections, true mentorship, and resources for professional development.

We both have a strong passion for empowering women and a clear vision of creating a community where women can thrive professionally and personally. This includes fostering an environment that promotes leadership, innovation, and collaboration among women entrepreneurs and professionals.

We desired to make a positive impact on the local community by supporting women-owned businesses and encouraging their growth. Through leveraging personal and professional expertise of successful local women in business, we created a platform for them to draw from their own career journey, challenges faced, and lessons learned to inspire the local women of our community, as well as bring awareness to their own business and mission.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
NOCO Women in Business is dedicated to supporting and empowering local female entrepreneurs and business professionals in Northern Colorado. Our mission is to create authentic connections and provide a supportive community where women can grow their businesses and thrive both personally and professionally.

What sets NOCO Women in Business apart is our focus on authentic connection and community building. Unlike typical networking groups, we emphasize deep, meaningful relationships and provide a space free from judgment where women can support and inspire each other. We host a variety of events, from empowerment galas to mastermind sessions, that offer opportunities for personal and professional growth.

We are most proud of the vibrant community we have built. Starting from a small group of 12 local business owners in 2021, we have grown to a community of over 125 women. This growth is a testament to the strong need for genuine connection and support among women entrepreneurs in our region. We are also excited about our initiatives like the “6-Figure Blueprint for Local Businesses” which helps women build successful and sustainable businesses.

Our journey began with the founders, Jamie and Sarah, who met in 2021 and bonded over their shared experiences of starting businesses in a new area without knowing anyone. They bootstrapped their ventures and emphasized values of authentic connection and community. This foundation helped them gather like-minded women and grow NOCO Women in Business into the thriving community it is today.

The journey has not been easy. One significant challenge was overcoming the isolation brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. By focusing on old-school business-building methods and fostering in-person connections, we managed to create a supportive network that helped members navigate the difficult times. Building trust and a strong community was key to overcoming these challenges​ .

Some valuable lessons we’ve learned along the way include the importance of authenticity in building lasting relationships, the power of community support, and the necessity of continuous learning and adaptation. We’ve seen firsthand that when women come together to support each other, incredible things can happen.

We want the world to know that NOCO Women in Business is more than just a networking group; it is a community where women can find their business besties, uncover their leadership potential, and achieve their wildest dreams. Our story is one of resilience, community, and the unwavering belief that women can achieve more together than they can alone​.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This was fun! We pulled together a 7-day itinerary with morning, afternoon and evening stops for women in business to eat, drink & visit!

Day 1:
– Morning: Start with a leisurely breakfast at The Little Bird Bakeshop in Old Town, known for its cozy ambiance and delicious pastries.
– Late Morning: Wander through Old Town Fort Collins, exploring the unique boutiques and art galleries. This historic district is filled with charm and offers plenty of opportunities for shopping and cultural immersion.
– Lunch: Head to Coopersmith’s Pub & Brewing, one of the local favorites, for some hearty pub fare and a sampling of their craft beers.
– Afternoon: Visit the Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures to gain insights into diverse cultures and global arts, fostering a broader perspective.
– **Evening:** Dinner at The Welsh Rabbit Cheese Bistro, where you can enjoy a curated selection of cheeses paired with excellent wines.

Day 2:
– Morning: Have breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, renowned for its creative breakfast dishes.
– Midday: Take a scenic hike at the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. The trails offer stunning views and a chance to connect with nature.
– Lunch: Pack a picnic or grab something from a local deli to enjoy by the Horsetooth Reservoir
– Afternoon: Explore the **Cache la Poudre River** for a relaxing walk or some whitewater rafting if you’re up for an adventure.
– Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Farmhouse at Jessup Farm, which combines farm-to-table dining with a rustic yet elegant setting.

Day 3:
– Morning: Begin your day with a visit to the CSU Annual Flower Trial Gardens to see beautiful blooms and get inspired by nature.
– Late Morning: Visit the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery to explore interactive exhibits that blend science, history, and culture.
– Lunch: Try Choice City Butcher & Deli for gourmet sandwiches and craft beers.
– Afternoon: Spend the afternoon relaxing at a spa like **Sanctuary Spa** to unwind and recharge.
– Evening: Head to Odell Brewing Company for a brewery tour and enjoy some of the finest craft beers in Colorado. Follow up with a casual dinner at one of the food trucks often parked nearby.

Day 4:
– Morning: Attend a local business networking event or a workshop at The Innosphere to connect with fellow women entrepreneurs.
– Lunch: Have a business lunch at The Kitchen, a community bistro that emphasizes sustainability and local ingredients.
– Afternoon: Visit the Fort Collins Foodie Walk, which happens every third Friday, to explore local culinary delights and meet other food enthusiasts.
– Evening: Enjoy a sophisticated dinner at Jay’s Bistro, known for its live jazz music and excellent menu.

Day 5:
– Morning: Breakfast at Lucile’s Creole Cafe, offering a taste of New Orleans in Fort Collins.
– Late Morning: Visit the **Totally 80’s Pizza & Museum** for a quirky and fun experience that blends good food with nostalgia.
– Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at the Foothills Mall for some shopping and perhaps catch a movie at the Cinemark Fort Collins.
– Evening: Wrap up with dinner and live music at The Lyric, a cultural hub that offers a unique blend of cinema, live performances, and great food.

Day 6:
– Morning: Start the day with a visit to the Coyote Ridge Natural Area for a peaceful hike and wildlife watching.
– Lunch: Have lunch at The Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant, known for its margaritas and vibrant atmosphere.
– Afternoon: Spend some time at Lee Martinez Par*, which offers trails, a farm with petting zoo, and plenty of green space to relax.
– Evening: For the final dinner, book a table at The Emporium: An American Brasserie at The Elizabeth Hotel, offering a refined dining experience with an emphasis on local ingredients.

Day 7: Final Touches
– Morning: Enjoy a farewell breakfast at Cafe Vino, which offers a relaxed setting with an extensive menu.
– Midday: If time permits, explore the Fort Collins Trolley, a charming way to see the city and its historic sites.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
We would like to shoutout ALL of the women of Northern Colorado who have supported our mission and made this possible.

Website: https://www.nocowomeninbusiness.com

Instagram: @nocowomeninbusiness

Linkedin: N/A

Twitter: N/A

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nocowomeninbusiness

Yelp: N/A

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/nocowomeninbusiness

Image Credits
Krista Henery Photography
Rhema Faith Photography