Introducing the Makers
Learn a little more about the hands behind the Milwaukee Maker Fundraiser team of small businesses! We’d love you to follow along on social with each of our businesses - we’ve linked each Instagram account to the photos to make it easy.
Makery Maven Co.
Fundraiser organizer and Maker/Artist of all lasercut wall art, home décor, custom/personalized gifts and more. Ellen has paired her analytical, math minded left-brain with her creative, artistic right-brain to build a business over the last 11 years. Without any formal art schooling, she’s a self-taught designer and maker and ultimately wants to inspire people to do what they love. Her niche is combining naturally beautiful reclaimed wood with precisely designed lasercut artwork and meticulous hand construction, resulting in beautiful pieces for you to gift to someone special or to bring joy into your space through handmade, unique décor.
James Steeno Gallery
James is an independent artist/illustrator and creative entrepreneur in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A beginning Ukulele player, enthusiastic explorer, and backer of the Packers. "If my works remind people that Milwaukee is a fun and vibrant place to be, then I have done my job," says artist James Steeno.
Lowercase Toys
Passionate about the importance of play, Brenna Davis is a Speech Language Pathologist turned toymaker. "Our learning toys are deceptively simple. Made for play, Lowercase Toys' straightforward designs foster creativity and invention. Rigorous, multi-disciplinary research indicates that play is the very best vehicle for learning; Lowercase Toys is a reminder to champion a play-filled childhood. All of our toys are durable, washable, and use felt made from recycled water bottles. We have eliminated first- and single-use plastic from our products and packaging.”
DyNamo
Dynamo features handcrafted modern jewelry with an edge. Their pieces are handmade in Milwaukee, offer a fresh jewelry alternative for bold, free spirits. Mother nature rarely duplicates itself, making many of their pieces unique to their wearer.
Maebel
Stacey creates handcrafted salvaged leather & acrylic jewelry here in Milwaukee, WI. She sources her leather from artisans and companies who have already used the bulk of the hides they needed. She turns these salvaged remnants into something new. Obtaining materials from a variety of sources allows her to offer unique and sometimes very limited edition pieces. “It feels like a win/win to me because some pieces are just a little more special when you know there were only a few produced AND every single piece has been diverted from a landfill and made into something lovely!”
Nourish Natural Products
If you ask Jamie, she’d insist, “You matter!” That's why Nourish exists - to help you live well and spread kindness by taking the very best care of yourself. Yes, permission to take care of YOU! Whether you are purchasing a Nourish deodorant, lash serum, or essential oil roller blend, you are purchasing decades of healing, hope, and passion. Made of much more than organic ingredients, Nourish Natural Products are made from the most powerful ingredient of all: Love.
Big White Yeti
Big White Yeti is a small batch home fragrance company in the Bay View neighborhood of Milwaukee. Since 2012, wife and husband team of Katie and Cody have been handcrafting beautiful soy candles that are 100% soy wax, pure fragrance oils, undiluted essential oils, and cotton wicks. That's it. Clean, pure, long lasting candles. Their creative process begins with thinking about things they like and scents they want our home to smell like. Earthy, natural and happy are typically the terms tossed around the candle studio. It's that simple. They believe in simple, unfussy scents that smell really, really good. Silly names, seriously good candles.
Abigail Hausman
Abbie works full time as a graphic designer and does side freelance work, as well as makes and sells her personal design work at makers markets, online, and in some local shops. She graduated in May of 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in graphic design as well as a minor in Spanish. Other interests of hers include travel, animals, lake activities, power lifting, yoga, wildlife photography, and foreign language.
Indulgence Chocolatiers
After a deployment with the Army, Julie took a backpacking trip through Europe that changed the direction of her professional ambitions. Struck by the quality and presentation of the chocolate she found abroad, Julie returned home with the idea of offering Milwaukee an artisan chocolate experience. While studying music education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, she developed her recipes and business plan and in 2007 she opened Indulgence Chocolatiers. Today, with three retail shops in the greater Milwaukee area, Indulgence allows Julie to share her passion for handcrafted chocolate with others.
JoBea Bakes
Jobea Bakes specializes in creating whimsically modern sweets and treats that bring joy to kids' birthday parties and family celebrations alike. Each unique creation is a blend of artistry and flavor, to reflect the fun and magic of special occasions. Jobea Bakes delivers sweet moments with a personal touch.