By Molly Snyder Senior Writer Published Oct 24, 2019 at 10:30 AM

In June, OnMilwaukee reported on a pop-up children's boutique, Blackbear, that leased a space for the summer on Downer Avenue. Now, owner Emma Carollo has found a permanent home for her adorable wares at 4312 N. Oakland Ave. in Shorewood and will celebrate with a grand opening this weekend.

The event takes place Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to noon. Mimosas and "morning treats" will be served, and guests will have the chance to check out Blackbear's new merchandise for fall and winter.

Blackbear sells sustainable, handmade kids' clothing that is primarily unisex and in colors that adults would wear rather then typical pink-and-blue attire for kids. Some of the designers showcased in the shop are local; most are women.

Carollo graduated from Shorewood High School and the University of Vermont before starting Blackbear as an online store in 2017. She became interested in kids' clothing when her sister became pregnant a decade ago with her first child.

"I love children and I'm really excited for my next step with the shop," says Carollo.


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.