Discovering Penelope's Covered Blessings

Downtown Madison Faith Based Gifts and Wig Shop

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with Madison Main Street.

The Trolley Barn Shops, located at 719 W Main Street, feature a variety of specialty shops perfect for every occasion. Today, we’re highlighting Penelope’s Covered Blessings, a unique shop where you’ll find meaningful Faith based gifts and beautiful wigs, expertly fitted by owner Bonnie to help you feel beautiful!

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with Madison Main Street.

Bonnie and Nathan opened shop on April 3rd, 2023 in the back right of the Trolley Barn. This space was a perfect start to grow their vision. So, how did it all begin?

Bonnie has been known for years for her stylish 80’s style hair, always thick and long. Unfortunately, a combination of both COVID and Menopause resulted in significant hair loss. “This hair loss was substantial enough to cause alopecia-type symptoms, such as balding in random spots and major thinning,” Bonnie reflected on the devastating effects. In search of ways to restore her confidence, Bonnie began exploring options. Little did she and Nathan know, her journey would lead to healing not just in the Wentworth household, but across Madison and beyond!

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with Madison Main Street.

Bonnie’s friend in Florida was experiencing a similar medical situation. After talking about their options, the idea of wearing wigs came up. The two met at a local salon, where they realized the community had an untapped need for wigs. Bonnie was inspired, but she wasn’t sure she was ready to open a business, especially since she had just retired.

Friends and family suggested she pray about it, and her answers came when a local cancer center reached out to her. “I decided to take the plunge,” said Bonnie. “I knew that all the signs were there, I just hadn’t been paying attention to them!” Madison needed a wig shop and Bonnie was ready to provide one! In the background, Nathan had already been on the search for a spot the entire time!

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with Madison Main Street.

Penelope’s Covered Blessings offers 80-100 different wigs at any given time. “They are lace front, heat-friendly, with monofilaments. They’re low density, with the heaviest wig in the shop weighing under 7 ounces! There’s a variety of colors and styles to choose from,” said Bonnie.

Private appointments are available at no charge for sitting or trying on wigs. Bonnie also works with several local salons that offer haircuts for wigs, including American Wildflower, Blades Styling Salon, Fantastic Sams, Mane Attractions, Mary’s Shear Perfection, and Salon Reflections.

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with Madison Main Street.

The other half of Penelope’s Covered Blessings targets another unique need in the community: faith-based gifts. “We knew we couldn’t survive on people just walking by and buying wigs at random, so we needed something more… hence, the gift shop!” said Bonnie. Both Nathan and Bonnie hold the Catholic faith close to their hearts, and the gifts they offer reflect this, covering the Catholic sacraments.

“Faith-based gifts aren’t something you find in every store,” said Bonnie. This beautifully curated shop offers gifts for special occasions like newborn celebrations and weddings. You’ll also find blessings bowls, cute pocket Jesus figures, notebooks, newly stocked cards, and so much more!

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with Madison Main Street.

What makes Penelope’s Covered Blessings even more special is that it’s a mission-based business. When you make a purchase, a portion of the proceeds goes toward purchasing gift cards and turbans for Norton’s Cancer Institute each month. Bonnie and Nathan also run their own Wig Nomination Program. “If you know someone who suffers from medical hair loss and doesn’t have insurance or the means to purchase a wig, consider filling out a form. We make it our mission to provide a free wig to one recipient each month as sales allow,” Bonnie explains.

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with Madison Main Street.

You’ll find Bonnie and Nathan raising funds, promoting donation specials for Norton’s Cancer Institute in Madison, offering prayer cards, and of course, supporting all things Madison, from cheering on their neighboring businesses to celebrating community projects and events. Bonnie originally started the shop because she “needed to fix” her situation she found herself in. “I quickly learned that this journey I was on was so much bigger… it wasn’t about me at all!” Bonnie said. “I’ve been humbled by (and Nathan, too) so many people and their stories.” Penelope’s Covered Blessings pays it forward, making it their mission to help others.

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