“There wasn’t a lot of businesses going up so I just figured I’d take the chance and go after my dreams,” said Jesse Steinmetz.

The pandemic affected many businesses in the Northwoods, but some young entrepreneurs decided to open their doors.

Rhinelander saw the addition of Jesse Steinmetz’s Reve Coffee Bar, Emily Babcock’s Babs & Co Studio and soon another addition with Andrew Egan’s Inspire Digital Studios.

“I always wanted to have a little spot of my own, but I never pictured it in the next few years and when the opportunity arose I just had to take it,” Babcock said.

Downtown Rhinelander is fast becoming a hub for young business owners and it shows no signs of slowing down in the future.

“It’s a lot of work. I don’t have a lot of time off, but it’s going towards the right direction and it’s really good for the community. It’s a little bit of a sacrifice, but in the future I think it’s going to pay off,” said Steinmetz.

Steinmetz is excited to have a place for people to gather and add a tasty coffee spot to the downtown Rhinelander scene.

Babcock has carved her own corner of downtown out to make people more beautiful.

“I wanted to bring a like luxurious, but welcoming and cozy space to Rhinelander,” said Babcock.

Babs is making people more beautiful, while Andrew Egan of Inspire digital Studios is excited to follow his multimedia dream and join the downtown community.

“Whatever your dream is, I would say do it. Absolutely go for it. Like I just said, it’s tough but it’s tough but it’s so rewarding,” said Egan.

“I’d rather fail and say I tried than never try at all,” Babcock said.

These businesses are all under two years old and are looking to add their fresh new perspectives on the city they call home.

“I have pretty much been introduced to a whole group of yes thinkers, of positive, creative, you know, people and it’s been incredible how much support I’ve gotten in this community,” said Egan.

“It’s been really great. I’ve met a lot of awesome people,” said Steinmetz.

“I wouldn’t trade it for the world. It’s hard work, but I love it,” Babcock said.