By Molly Snyder Senior Writer Published Jun 28, 2016 at 1:50 PM

After 16 years, Annette French plans to close the doors to Dragonfly, 1117 E. Brady St., in early 2017.

Dragonfly, a funky hive of new and vintage goodies, was one of the East Side’s go-to shops for gifts, clothing, jewelry and unique household items.

"I have decided that Dragonfly has completed its flight," French wrote on Facebook. "I am ready to explore some new horizons."

Personally, I have many fond memories of shopping at Dragonfly. I purchased one of my favorite pairs of earrings – made from Shrinky Dinks – more than a decade ago. Also, my son still reminds me of stopping in years ago to visit French and her late pup, Peewee, whom she rescued from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

Prior to owning Dragonfly in Milwaukee, French operated a shop of the same name in Boston. Both shops were named in honor of her father, who had a love for the elongated, winged insects.

French says she is not retiring and will move on to new adventures. At this point, her plan is to remain open through the holidays during which time she will have "an amazing sale."

"Then maybe I’ll take a nice vacation," she wrote. "This has been great, but I'm ready for something new and equally great. I don't know what yet, but stay tuned!"


Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.

Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.