Meet Leslie Readlinger, a local mom, photographer and founder of The Store Next Door Project!
How many children do you have and what are their age(s)?
3 kids: Scotty 11, RJ 9 and Haley 4
How long have you lived in (your town)? What made you decide to live here?
14 years in Madison. I grew up in the area and loved coming to Madison downtown as a kid to shop or go to the restaurants with my parents.
What’s your favorite family activity Chatham, Madison or Summit?
Going to Noe Pond in the summer.
Where’s your favorite place to eat and/or shop Chatham, Madison or Summit?
I love to shop in at the Pink Pear, Madison Camera Shop, Sugar Rush with my kids and we eat a lot at Bottle Hill Tavern, 54 Main, Il Mondo Vecchio, Trevi, Shanghai Jazz and Nahm.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I’m an only child, for some reason that surprises people.
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
My Dad, he is always there to help me when I’ve needed him for help with the kids.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
I started “The Store Next Door Project” as a way to use my skills as a photographer to promote the small businesses, who are trying to stay open and in business during this terrible time. It has been a pleasure to meet and talk to all of the store owners and hear their stories.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
This community has been supportive in so many ways, from the neighbors we’ve had, friends we’ve made and my kid’s coaches and teachers, all of whom are always there to lend a hand in any way they can.
What’s your favorite form of self care?
Working out and getting massages!
For more information on The Store Next Door Project, follow along on Instagram & Facebook!