{image1} If you want something done right, do it yourself. And in the world of the Gaudy Girls, if you have a creative idea, just make it yourself. Sara Schumacher and Carrie Czosnek are building a business out of handmade creative items. If you stop in at local boutiques like J. Bird or visit spas like Actaea Works, you may have heard of the Gaudy Girls. From jewelry, scarves and condom pillows to poop bags and journals, these ladies have an ever-changing line of merchandise.
"We have everything, but the kitchen sink," laughs Schumacher.
The dictionary defines gaudy as "tasteless or showy ornaments," but it's about to be redefined. The Gaudy Girls are about fun and fashion. "We put the good in gaudy," says Czosnek. "Now it is fabulous."
It still may have a showy side, since there is a little touch of glamour in their merchandise. "I think everything Gaudy sparkles just a little bit," says Schumacher.
Schumacher and Czosnek have been collectors over the years and are transforming their old collections into new treasures. "Almost everything has a vintage touch. It is just recycled in a funky way," says Schumacher.
Scarves made from old sweaters, journals created from old record covers, catalogues and yearbook pages and clip-on earrings changed into dazzling rings. Everything old has a new life, when blessed by the Gaudy Girls.
Schumacher, 25, grew up in Port Washington and has always been an artsy lady. She is self-taught and has a knack for making things. Czosnek, 32, was raised in Racine and came to Milwaukee to attend MIAD with a concentration in drawing.
The two crossed paths several times, but it was after a triumphant victory as partners during a scavenger hunt that they knew they must work together. Gaudy Bar was an original idea, but it soon turned into the Gaudy Girls.
"We want it to be something fun. It is a great outlet for us, and we work so well together," says Czosnek. "As business partners, Sara is the go-getter and I am the one who has to pull the reigns every now and again to keep us in check. It is good to have that balance. It is something to think about when you are going into business."
According to Czosnek, "If you have a will, there is a way. Sara always has the will, and finds a way to get things done."
"I shoot for the moon," says Schumacher. She hopes that one day there will even be a Gaudy Girls store.
Jennifer Hemberger of J. Bird Boutique in the Third Ward provides shoppers with the Gaudy Girls experience. "I had to have it here because it represents the Downtown Gaudy Girl in all of us. They mix great vintage pieces with contemporary styling. I have people collecting their sweater scarves as well as their Yobot and Road Kill pins."
"Jen from J. Bird is the savvy fashionista who helps push us along," says Schumacher. If Hemberger has a need, then the Gaudy Girls figure out how to make it happen.
Necklaces made out of scrabble pieces and neckties used for just about everything are all part of the signature style. They are even using their creativity to support tsunami relief. Czosnek has personal connections to Thailand, so they wanted to find a way to help. For ten dollars, you can purchase a Gaudy Girls "Spread the Love" globe pin that will show your support for the cause. It is a visual message to help spread the word, and 100 percent of the purchase price is donated to Save the Children.
The Gaudy Girls find their customers at all ages from 3 to over 70. They have merchandise that ranges from $1 to $60 and are always creating one-of-a-kind, exciting products.
This team keeps coming up with new ideas, and Milwaukee will be seeing more and more of the Gaudy Girls. They are constantly changing their merchandise, so part of the fun is trying to keep up with them. You can view their creative wares online at gaudygirls.com.
"Who doesn't like to be a little gaudy?" says Hemberger. "In fact, I think everyone needs to be a little gaudy." Never fear Milwaukee, the Gaudy Girls will show you the way. Watch as they add a little sparkle to the city.
