Algoma Women Entrepreneurs: Mariah Iwen (Vandertie) of The Steele Pour
A Vision for Community and Cocktails
Mariah Iwen (Vandertie), owner of The Steele Pour, has turned a lifelong appreciation for local taverns into a thriving business. Growing up in Sturgeon Bay, just 20 miles north of Algoma, Mariah balanced her career in education with bartending for over a decade. Having lived in more than ten different places, one constant remained: the welcoming atmosphere of a great bar.
When the opportunity arose to create her own space on Steele Street in Algoma, WI, she seized it. The Steele Pour, a 100% woman-owned cocktail bar, offers specialty cocktails, martini flights, wine, and a selection of beers, both unique and familiar, all served in a beautifully historic building just blocks from Lake Michigan. This marks Mariah’s first business venture, and she has poured her heart into every detail.
Challenges and Growth as a Woman in Business
The cocktail industry is steeped in tradition and innovation, and Mariah has embraced both since opening The Steele Pour. Despite progress, stigma still exists around a woman-owned and operated bar, making her first year of ownership both challenging and rewarding. She has found her voice, honed her expertise, and learned to advocate for herself and her business when working with vendors. Every challenge has strengthened her resolve to continue carving out a space for women in the industry.
Finding Support in Algoma
Mariah has found overwhelming support in the Algoma business community. Fellow business owners, patrons, and the Chamber of Commerce have welcomed The Steele Pour with open arms. Visitors often remark on the collaborative nature of Algoma’s businesses, where competition takes a backseat to mutual success. Local businesses frequently recommend one another, fostering a spirit of unity that makes Algoma truly unique.
Advice for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs
Mariah encourages young women considering entrepreneurship to think through their ideas carefully, but ultimately take the leap. She advises:
- Trust your instincts and embrace uncertainty.
- Honor your creativity and let it guide your vision.
- Seek mentorship and guidance from experienced business owners.
- Give it your all, because passion and perseverance lead to success.
A Name with Meaning
The name The Steele Pour was chosen with deep intention. Mariah wanted to honor the history of downtown Algoma and Steele Street itself. Built in 1905, her building has been home to a furniture store, saloon, funeral parlor, music store, men’s clothing shop, clinic, church office, and multiple taverns. It has long been a space for celebration, community, and even commiseration. When developing the cocktail menu, Mariah focused on classic, bold, and unforgettable flavors—a reflection of steel’s strength and resilience.
The bar’s logo, featuring the Badhorse font, represents clean yet playful energy. Front and center is a woman—unapologetically herself, daring others to chase their wildest dreams. She balances atop a martini glass, a nod to The Lost Generation, who, around the time the building was constructed, saw the martini as both a symbol of sophistication and rebellion. As a 100% woman-owned establishment, this imagery is central to Mariah’s mission—to create a space where strength, ambition, and community thrive.
Through The Steele Pour, Mariah Iwen is redefining what it means to own and operate a bar, proving that women belong in every corner of the business world, including behind the bar.
The Steele Pour is located at 322 Steele St. in Algoma, WI. Learn more: Facebook
