For two years, OnMilwaukee has showcased some of the city's most innovative, locally-owned shops in a series called Unique Boutique.
In honor of Small Business Saturday, we've compiled five of our favorites (in no particular order) and hope you'll add them to your list of places to swing by this weekend.
BC Modern
900 S. 5th St., (414) 737-3745
Instagram: @bcmodernmke
BC Modern is owned by Eric Lewis, a professional auctioneer with Brew City Auctions since 2001, who opened the eclectic shop to share some of his finest finds with the public including 1950s, '60s and 70s furniture, home goods, art, clothing, toys, knickknacks, records, stereo equipment, classic signs, holiday / seasonal items and more. Everything in the shop is from people who were either downsizing or moving. Nothing is from a thrift store.
The Waxwing
1800 E. North Ave.
thewaxwing.com
The Waxwing is stocked with cute, useful and unique items from more than 300 artisans. Whether you're shopping for Christmas, Hanukkah, St. Nick, Secret Santa, your BFF, the cousin you drew in the family gift lottery, the new sweetie, the old sweetie, or for your nice self – there's plenty to choose from. Owner Steph Davies also is the proprietor of Milwaukee Home. Click here for more about Small Business Saturday at Waxwing.
Dandy
5020 W. Vliet St.
facebook.com/livedandy
Instagram: @livedandy
Dandy describes itself as "Midventurous Modern," that includes furniture, clothing, industrial objects, weird stuff, home decor and much more in an alluring setting curated by the owners, Ryan and Jess Day. Dandy is also an event space that's available for rental.
Boswell Book Co.
2559 N. Downer Ave.
boswellbooks.com
Boswell Books Co. is an independent business stocked with everything from the classics to the current bestsellers, along with a huge local writers section, gifts, an adjoining Starbucks cafe (not local, but hey, book lovers need their caffeine) and more. Boswell was originally the iconic Harry W. Schwartz Bookshop and when it closed, longtime employee Daniel Goldin bought the business and has lived up to the respected Schwartz name ever since.
Swoon Trinkets & Doodads
5422 W. Vliet St.
swoonllc.com
Swoon sells a large variety of gifts for all ages including handmade clothing, art, jewelry, soaps, lotions, cards, patches, toys and more from local and national artists. The business also hosts workshops and events for people of all ages. Owner Kira Wendel recently expanded the shop to make room for even more cool wares. Here's more about Small Business Saturday at Swoon.
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.
