Introducing the Makers
Learn a little more about the hands behind the Milwaukee Maker Fundraiser team of small businesses!
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.
Soap Fixx Co.
Mari has built her business while raising 4 kids at home. She enjoys making soap, candles and bath/body care products. Her products are eco-friendly and free of plastic and palm oil. “Creating these products allows me to show my children that dreams come true and that anything is possible. I want to inspire them to step out of their comfort zones and try new things,” she shared.
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.
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.”
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.
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!”
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.
Giltee Apparel Co.
They are a family owned, midwestern lifestyle and apparel company based in Milwaukee, WI. They make apparel for regular folks with a need for utility and an eye for style. Their products are centered around comfort and function, but the secret sauce lies in their passion for community & focus on design. No one does it quite like them.