For the Hub City Times

MADISON – Marshfield’s Off the Mat Yoga has been named a finalist in the annual Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Main Street Makeover Contest and has a chance to win up to $10,000 in upgrades for their storefront.

“Based on the popular reality show concept, established businesses located in one of the state’s 35 Wisconsin Main Street communities had the opportunity to nominate themselves for a ‘makeover’ that will take place in the spring of 2021. The winning business will receive personalized technical assistance and up to $10,000 to implement recommended changes, which could include interior and exterior design improvements or personalized assistance to boost the business’s image and operations,” a WEDC release stated.

Finalists were selected based on their business track record, the vision for their business, and the potential for the makeover to have a positive impact on the Main Street district.

Off the Mat joins four other finalists: Lucky Cow Coffee & Gelato, Darlington; Moores on Main, Ashland; Stateline Mental Health Services, Beloit; and Sweet Pea’s Pie, Mayville.

“The winner will be announced in mid February. The winning business will spend several months working with Main Street staff and consultants from RetailWorks, Inc. a Milwaukee-based interior design firm, on a renovation plan followed by a two-day transformation in late spring,” the release added.

“The new downtown storefront will be formally unveiled during a public celebration. All eligible businesses that submitted applications for the competition will receive technical assistance from the Main Street team to help achieve their goals and improve their business.

“Yogis Stacy Wolf and Luanne Sojka opened Off The Mat Yoga Studio in 2015. The studio has operated in three different downtown locations since then, expanding both the number of instructors and style of classes offered. Last February, the duo were able to purchase a downtown storefront space and start the process of remodeling, which continued as classes went virtual during COVID. The business hopes to explore opportunities associated with the new space to offer additional group sessions and add a retail component to further serve their loyal customers.”

For more information on the Wisconsin Main Street Program, visit wedc.org/MainStreet.