Illustration by Caroline Ferrero @carolineartsy17

On the third Friday of March, one hundred fifteen creatives gathered at Relics Rentals for another morning of magic. Located in an unassuming warehouse in Walkers Point, Relics Rentals is a comprehensive design resource & rental company specializing in creative direction, rental solutions, custom fabrication, product sourcing, and staging for events and interiors. Hire them for weddings, galas, parties, brand activations, home staging, holiday staging—you name it! 

📢 Special shout out to Renee, Shaquita, Bob, Kelly, & Jan for your hands-on partnership on & leading up to the event. Thank you for your hospitality!

We took in the rows upon rows of stellar vintage finds and settled in with good company, Discourse Coffee (thank you Ryan!), and Cranky Als sprinkle donuts. 

And then… Erilei took the stage. 🌠

With a voice like honey, Erilei sang her self-produced song Don’t Like Me, reminding us that we’re not alone when we find ourselves in the hellscape that is facing our worst inner bully.

Performance Artist: ERILEI

Like a salve, hearing the CreativeMornings Manifesto read back to you heals. Thank you, Monica Thomas, for braving the stage and soothing our hearts with these words!

🪄 If you would like to read the Manifesto at our next event, please email us at milwaukee@creativemornings.com

Portrait by Linda Smallpage. Quotes captured by Murphy Fraser.

Keynote Speaker: Tonda Thompson

Our esteemed speaker coach, Alea Cross, introduced Tonda. (Parts of this introduction have been redacted. Only those who were present were gifted the full, humorous introduction. 🤭)“I have a metaphor for you… she is the rose that grew from concrete in 53206. 

I have some truth for you… it’s not the doing but the being that makes Tonda who she is… 

Her accolades and single story proceed her; however, that’s not what we are here to learn. She’s chapters expressed in one great and wonderful book. 

A woman learning what a healed story blooms; I introduce one of the most beautiful women I’ve grown to love, admire, and root for. 

Let’s give a standing ovation for Tonda Thompson.”

🎬 Filmed & edited by Precious “Jae” Burrell from Epic Media

Visit sheslangswood.com to shop products, sign up for carpentry workshops, book a “board and sip” night class, or schedule a consultation to learn about the many services offered! She Slangs Wood can be hired to build fences, cutting boards, sheds, garden beds, furniture, and so much more. 

Tonda invited all of us to visit her at her self-made shop at 128 E Burleigh St. Email Tonda at info@sheslangswood.com or book online to set up an appointment. 

Thank you, Tonda, for being authentically YOU and sharing your truth with us. What a gift it is to receive your greatness. 

CreativeMornings is about shining the light on our communities. One way we do this is via 30 Second Pitches. This is where we invite a few people to the stage and share a pitch. Our 30 Second Pitch Nomination Form is always open! Feel free to self-nominate :)

Queer Prom: A Night to Celebrate Queer Joy and Trans Existence

Saz’s Hospitality Group presents Queer Prom, a fun-filled evening on May 3 from 7:30pm-12am to celebrate Milwaukee’s queer community and the richness of the Walker’s Point neighborhood (838 S 2nd St.). A portion of proceeds will benefit the Milwaukee Trans and Queer Depot.

Cassie Caminiti shared some fun details for the event, which will feature a prom royalty contest, drag performances, queer resource tabling, and a VIP package with open bar and small bites. Enjoy colorful vibes, curated sounds, and photobooth from our partner Milwaukee Airwaves. Cap the night off with Saz’s festival faves for all attendees and join us afterwards at La Cage for waived cover and your first drink free with your event wristband. 

Tickets are on sale now! Follow @sazshospitalitygroup and @mketranshealth for event announcements. 

One MKE

Nicole Shaver shared the good news from One MKE, a nonpartisan coalition led by the Milwaukee Public Library, Cities Forward and NEWaukee, along with over 50 Milwaukee community partners.

One MKE provides easy, transparent information to:

• Access local, state and federal services to save you money and improve your wellbeing
• Attend events to meet other residents and get involved in your community
• Learn about nonpartisan voter resources

One MKE envisions a future in which every City of Milwaukee resident (regardless of age, race, gender, or political affiliation) understands how active civic engagement can enrich our lives and communities. Follow along on IG: @weareonemke. 

minglespace

Our friend Michael Kirsh dreamed up the concept minglespace, which partners with businesses and organizations to create designated areas where people are encouraged to introduce themselves and strike up a conversation.

minglespaces are engaging spaces for anyone seeking a spontaneous connection, whether they’re alone, new to the city, traveling, or in a group.  They are adaptable for various settings and audiences, from coffee shops and breweries to universities, parks, and festivals. They feature conversation prompts linked to signage, making it easy for people to connect in fun and meaningful ways. Each minglespace sparks conversations and shared experiences, helping transform public places into more vibrant and inviting spaces. 

Join us in bringing people together to create meaningful connections: www.minglespace.com/create.

Eucalyptus & Co.Eucalyptus & Company is located in Riverwest, right next to Seven Swans Creperie. Danielle Burrows offers a variety of art workshops including Pottery and Stained Glass for all ages and experience levels. Eucalyptus & Co. is a collaborative teaching space and is always looking for other artists to teach their medium. Some past events include Redacted Poetry with Gina Cornejo, Block Printing with Bailey Danz, Puppy Yoga with Thrifted Kittens Rescue, and Collage Club with Allison Smith. 

The space is also used as a floral studio, specializing in wedding and event flowers. Interested in teaching your medium in the space? Email eucalyptus.co4424@gmail.com, follow @eucalyptus__co on Instagram, or visit Danielle’s website for more information. 

Independence FirstIndependence First is the resource for people with disabilities in the greater Milwaukee area, offering over 40 programs and services across all age groups. Amelinda Burich and Lorna Barthel shared how this local nonprofit supports individuals and families to live successfully in our community, from independent living skills and disability awareness to recreation and assistive technology. 

Programming includes art and cooking classes, peer support, and adaptive gaming, with more than 50% of staff, managers, and Board having disabilities themselves—ensuring a strong peer-driven approach. Independence First also provide benefits counseling, personal care support, and advocacy for inclusivity, helping people live independently in their own homes rather than institutions. 

Check out @independencefirst on Instagram to learn more. 

Event day photos by Holly Schisler. Lots more love in our Flickr gallery.