This past week, I was named the Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year at the Chamber’s annual awards banquet.
If you would have told me a few years ago that I’d be running my own business full-time and accepting an award for entrepreneurship, I probably would have laughed.
I’ve worked since I was old enough to have a job. There were plenty of years I worked two, sometimes three jobs at a time. I was raised by two parents who taught me that you work hard for the things you want in life, and I think that work ethic has followed me into just about everything I’ve done.
For a long time, I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I loved photography, creating, writing, and telling stories. I just didn’t know how to turn all those things into a career that actually made me happy.
Three years ago, Kozlowski Co. started taking shape. What began primarily as social media management has grown into photography, videography, content creation, writing, and opportunities to work with businesses and brands I never could have imagined.
On January 1, 2025, I took the leap and left my stable 9-to-5 to become fully self-employed. No more guaranteed paycheck, benefits, or knowing exactly what the next few months would look like. Just a big jump with a lot of determination and the hope that I could make this work.
And now, here I am, approaching what is projected to be my biggest year in business yet. I work more than I ever have, but for the first time, I can genuinely say I love what I do.
One of my favorite things about this business is getting to tell other people’s stories. I love Hayward, the Northwoods, and the people who make this place what it is. Getting to work with local businesses, photograph families, travel, create, and share this little corner of Wisconsin with the world is something pretty special. Even after growing up here, there’s always something new to discover, another perspective, and another story worth telling.
This year has been filled with some incredible opportunities, but it has also been one of the hardest of my life. Losing my dad in September is something I’m still trying to navigate, and I sure wish he were here to celebrate this with me. Both my mom and dad taught me the value of hard work, and I hope I’m making them proud. After everything this year has brought, I really needed a win. ❤️
Receiving this award has made me stop and appreciate just how far I’ve come, because I’m usually too busy thinking about what’s next.
I’m incredibly grateful to the Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce for this recognition, and congratulations to the other outstanding nominees in my category. It’s an honor to be recognized alongside so many hardworking people in our community.
To everyone who has hired me, referred me, recommended my name, trusted me with their stories, or supported Kozlowski Co. along the way, THANK YOU. You’ve helped turn something I once dreamed about into something I get to wake up and do every day.
I’m proud of what I’ve built, proud that I took the chance, and really freaking excited about what’s ahead.
And finally, Jay. When I told you I wanted to quit my stable job, give up our health insurance, and make a living doing this, I might have been wondering what the hell I was thinking.. but you’ve 100% been my biggest supporter and believer through it all. Through the long days, late nights, crazy ideas, and everything in between, you’ve always been in my corner. Thank you for believing in me, even when taking that leap was a little scary for both of us. I couldn’t have done this without you.
Thank you for being here,
Sarah Kozlowski
