Gina Joyce (left) and Laura Muus on Artist Point in May 2026. Photo by Joe Friedrichs

New Book Features Women Business Owners Near the Boundary Waters

By Joe Friedrichs

May 3, 2026

    Grand Marais residents Gina Joyce and Laura Muus are putting the spotlight on women entrepreneurs who live near Lake Superior and the Boundary Waters.

    Gina and Laura created a platform called “She Does,” which is the result of a year-long effort to document the stories of 38 local mothers and entrepreneurs (mompreneurs) through a collection of interviews and photography. The media they’ve collected will be shared in a new book and an upcoming podcast.

    And while nearly every story featured in the book can be tied to the Boundary Waters or the outdoor setting in Cook County, four of the women featured in the book, “She Does – Words of Wisdom from North Shore Mompreneurs,” have direct ties to the BWCA:

    -Clare Shirley, Sawbill Canoe Outfitters

    -Ashley Bredemus, Birchwood Wilderness Camp

    -Cassidy Ritter, Voyageur Canoe Outfitters

    -Sue Prom, VCO and Voyageur Brewery

    Joe Friedrichs from Paddle & Portage media met with Gina and Laura on the shoreline of Lake Superior to discuss the She Does platform, including an event May 20 at the Johnson Heritage Post in Grand Marais. 

    Subscribe to Paddle and Portage to support storytelling from and about the Boundary Waters.

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