Love letter recap from our TRUST event!

Illustration by Aly Miller @aly_illustrations

Happy autumn, CM!

Have you ever had something in your drafts and never hit send? Same. Read on to catch up on a much-awaited recap from July’s TRUST event. In case you missed it: lots of tears were shed at this one.
We recommend you tune into our themed Spotify playlist, locate your tissue box, and relive some of these sweet, sweet summer memories. 

Craig Burzynski is reliably one of the first to arrive at our CreativeMornings events. When he reached out generously offering his space at Adventure Rock as a venue, it seemed obvious to book the climbing gym for July’s theme TRUST. It was during our walkthrough when we asked Craig what brings him to CreativeMornings again and again to which he replied:

“I come back partially because CreativeMornings is a sober event." 

From there, it became clear that our TRUST event would center around the relationship between trust and sobriety. Craig not only nominated our keynote speaker Byron but took to the stage to tell us about their friendship and shared gratitude for sports as an antidote to addiction.  

Craig, if you’re reading this: we can’t thank you enough for hosting us, offering free day passes to Adventure Rock to our attendees, for giving from your heart so fiercely, and for being the reason we celebrated sobriety and the people and organizations that support a joyous, active, and integrated sober life. We love you!

Our chapter got a special visit from friends all the way from CreativeMornings/MIL (Milan, Italy)! Silvia Clo Di Gregorio (chapter organizer) and her partner in love & work Samuele Galli stopped through Milwaukee to share their short film, POLLO ALL'ANANAS ‘98 on their way to Toronto Film Festival. The film is not yet available to the public online but we will let you know when it is!

About the film
A Chinese restaurant in a small Italian province becomes the scene of conflict between the Chinese owners and their customers, a family who have emigrated from southern Italy. A story of immigration, stereotypes and mistrust that leads to a grotesque climax. In the surreal and comical finale, the children try to put the two similar and dysfunctional families back together.

Portrait by Linda Smallpage

Rock bottom ended up being the best place for me because I was willing to listen. - Byron Thompson

Byron Thompson is the senior community engagement manager for The Phoenix, a national non-profit organization whose mission is to build physically active sober communities. He is also the owner of Rebound Recovery House, a sober living home in Milwaukee, and the founder of Soberfest, a drug-free music festival fit with motivational speakers and dozens of recovery groups/resource tables. 

Last year was the first annual Soberfest, which saw a whopping 250 attendees. That was a surprise to everyone involved, given how taboo sobriety seemed to be in what some call the beer capital of America. However, this last July at Pere Marquette Park, Soberfest welcomed over 500 people. Clearly Byron is striking a chord. 

Byron celebrated 24 years of sobriety this September. A graduate of Marquette University (2014) and of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ Emerging Leaders program (2023), Byron has dedicated his life to helping others recover from alcohol and drug addiction. This year, Byron was the recipient of the Rising Star Award from the Museum of African American Addictions Treatment and Recovery.

At one point during his recovery journey, Byron had lost the trust of nearly everyone around him. During his talk, Byron generously shared how he gained that trust back — starting with himself. Thanks for trusting us with your story and bringing more sober spaces to meaningfully connect in Milwaukee. Hearing how you stood with your dear friend through his illness, started a basketball club to support hundreds of others on their sobriety journey, and how joy-filled you are to give a dog a great life makes us feel so dang grateful for a heart like yours, Byron. We’ll find ya at the next booze-free event (we downloaded the Phoenix app)!

Whether you are sober, wanting to get sober, sober curious, or know someone who is struggling: click below to get inspired. ⤵️

Filmed & edited by Maria Patrella

Follow The Phoenix on IG and search events happening in cities across the US!

• The Phoenix (@riserecoverlive) • Instagram photos and videos
• National Sober Active Community | The Phoenix

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 :)

We heard from Sheila Teruty and Madelyne Strunsee of Amara Studios, an upscale vintage clothing shop in Bay View. Drawing inspiration from New York City street style and cult 90s runway looks, check out their carefully curated collection or bespoke events. Sign up for Amara’s newsletter or follow them on Instagram. 

After spending years as a teacher, Kat Zilka grew passionate about helping young people detach from the internet. Through her organization, dis.Connect MKE, Kat leads social media recovery groups to help teens take a much needed digtal detox together. Send Kat an email to learn more (dis.connectmke@gmail.com) and look out for more updates in 2025! 

Sober in the Brew City welcomes women and non-binary folks who are interested in trying out sobriety in social settings. Leia Ferrari Taner shared several upcoming gatherings, including a coffee walk, full moon standup paddle board yoga and fun with tarot. Follow along for some good, clean, sober fun!

Kat Doughty introduced us to AGENCY, America’s first 1:1 hybrid mocktail/cocktail bar. From the Smoked Manhattan to the Ghost Mango, there are plenty of delicious non-alcoholic beverages to choose from at AGENCY, now located in the historic Dubbel Dutch Hotel. Follow along on Instagram!  

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

Give to our chapter

Big thanks to our local partners:

Photo credit: Linda Smallpage

Event details
🗓️ Date: Friday, July 19th
⏰ Time: 8:30 – 10:00 AM
📍 Location: Adventure Rock – 2220 N Commerce St; Milwaukee, WI 53212

REGISTER NOW

Learn about Byron Thompson

Byron Thompson celebrates 24 years of sobriety this year. At one point, Byron had lost the trust of nearly everyone around him. He’s going to share how he gained that trust back, starting with within himself.

Byron leads The Phoenix here in Milwaukee. The Phoenix’s mission is to build a sober active community that fuels resilience and harnesses the transformational power of connection so that together we rise, recover, and live.

Our theme for July is TRUST.

It was chosen by our Islamabad chapter and illustrated by Ibrahim Nasir.

Trust is the invisible thread that weaves the fabric of our relationships and society together. But, in turbulent times, doubt can unravel our strengths. 

So, go with your gut. Put your trust in a higher power, in our institutions, and in karma. Believe that people will do the right thing. Trust the process. And that your creativity is a well that will never run dry. 

When we trust each other, we feel safe to share ideas, give feedback, and take risks. It requires vulnerability and a willingness to be open to the possibility of disappointment or betrayal. So, trust is not purely belief or faith. It is an active choice. 

Trust is a gift. It must be given before it can be earned. 

Photo by John December.

SPECIAL OFFERING: Adventure Rock is gifting each attendee a day-pass to climb at the gym. Valid for use immediately following the event or any other day! 

Address: 
Adventure Rock
2220 N Commerce St

Did you know the #1 way people learn about CreativeMornings/Milwaukee is through their friends? 

This month, we invite you to forward this email to a friend. Invite them to sign-up for our newsletter & register for this event with you!

We can’t wait to see you and your buds, pour out some more coffee, and expand our circle of morning people.

Big thanks to our local partners

Illustration by Aly Miller @aly_illustrations

Hello friendly CMers,

Miss you and hope you’re well. We have a lot of goodness to recap from our June event before we open up registration for July’s (scroll for the save-the-date!). Can you believe June marked our 6-month anniversary since our reawakening?! We crunched the numbers (not our strong suit) and were tickled to learn that we’ve served a whopping 832 coffees since Jan. 2024. That’s a lot of Discourse and a lot of CM love. Thanks for continuing to show up.

On June 21st we gathered at Milwaukee Public Library’s historic Centennial Hall. Instead of our usual CM/MKE Spotify theme playlist, we were greeted by the songs of two pianists: Phineas Lee and Lucas LaBeau of Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra. Read more about MYSO in our 30-Second Pitch section below.

Melissa Howard- Community Relations and Engagement Director, and Fawn Siemsen-Fuchs and Evan Szymkowski - the duo behind Milwaukee Public Library’s Peabody Award-nominated TikTok account, shared fun & surprising facts about the library and its programming; including…

• Makerspaces
• Free bike lock rentals
• Free business and community rooms
• Opportunities for Authors and Publishers

And closing our event we announced an event hosted by our community partners at Islands of Brilliance. Join us THIS EVENING from 4-6 PM at Wantable Cafe for their free Doodle Lounge.

>>> GIVE TO OUR CHAPTER <<<

Portrait by Linda Smallpage

“We have to critique the pattern. Where do you work, what is your life, and what patterns are you in? Who created the expectations to which you are holding yourself?“ - Jake Daggett

Our main event was Jake Daggett, and boy did Jake serve main event energy. What a joy! At the top of his keynote, Jake referred to a line of questioning from our chapter’s speaker coach, Alea Cross: Who are you when you’re not teaching? When you’re not fighting for literacy rights? When you’re not on instagram?

Jake, we are so grateful for the digging you did to uncover deeper parts of yourself and for sharing these gems with us. We laughed, we cried, and dare I say some of us were sweating!

This one’s worth a rewatch. Click below to be inspired!

Jake Daggett: Embracing Structure within the Gray

Filmed & edited by Joy Frame

Follow Jake on Instagram @jake_daggett and visit his website!

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 :)

Tenia Fisher is director of health and wellness for Social X MKE, a DEI consulting group that creates a connective platform for professionals thrive in Milwaukee. A lifelong runner and lover of fitness, Tenia is also the lead captain for Forget Everything and Run (F.E.A.R.), which brings together individuals who have a passion for health, fitness, socializing and running. Email Tenia at tenia[at]socialxmke.com or sign up for the Social X MKE newsletter to learn more.

We recently celebrated the grand opening of Andy Reiland Creative Studio, which offers brand design, creative strategy and production services. Go visit our friend Andy in his stunning new Third Ward studio, check out his work on his website, and follow Reiland Creative on Instagram @reilandcreative

Amber Thomas created BrushBox art therapy kits to bring accessible art practices to all communities, of all ages. From vision board workshops to help with goal setting to “Build your own superhero” kits to foster personal empowerment, BrushBox will help unleash your creativity. Subscribe to Amber’s newsletter or check out BrushBox on Instagram.

We also heard from our dear friend Steve Glynn about how music can change kids’ lives. When he’s not busy interviewing charming locals for his beloved Experience MKE podcast, Steve is marketing director for Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO).

Recently they launched Milwaukee’s Rising Musicians, a MYSO podcast. Its bio reads: Whether you’re a young musician mastering a legendary composer’s most complex work. Or a proud parent sacrificing to nurture your child’s talent. Or one of our visionary supporters, this podcast is for you. Together, we’ll go behind the scenes to experience the electrifying performances, grueling practices, lifelong friendships forged, and incredible life lessons learned through the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Check out their first episode, From MYSO to Berklee: Lucas LaBeau’s Remarkable Musical Journey.

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

Big thanks to our local partners:

Save the date: Friday, July 19th at Adventure Rock on Commerce!

Photo credit: Linda Smallpage

Register to hear Jake Daggett!

Event details

Date: Friday, June 21st

Time: 8:30 – 10:00 AM

Location: Centennial Hall – 733 N 8th St; Milwaukee, WI 53233

REGISTER

Stuck in a rut? Dance out of it

Learn about Jake Daggett

Jake is an Ohio native who began his teaching career in Milwaukee, WI in 2015. Having specialized in literacy instruction, Jake built a following on social media for his engaging, rhythmic phonics lessons and evidence-based structured literacy practices.

Most recently, Jake appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show this past January and was able to speak about the reality of our nation’s literacy crisis as well as the importance of being one’s authentic self. Throughout his career, Jake has taught PreK, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades and has recently stepped into the role of Foundational Literacy Director for Greater Holy Temple Christian Academy. In his spare time, Jake presents for school districts nationally and for conferences such as Elevate! Your Classroom, Unlocking SOR, and Literacy is Life!

Follow along!

@jake_daggett on IG
Jake’s website: engagewithjake.com

Our theme for June is PATTERN.

It was chosen by our Chennai chapter and illustrated by Nishant Saldanha.

Recognizing, forming, and breaking patterns are core components of creativity. Visuals, sounds, movements, and the passage of time all form patterns that shape our existence and our work. 

Our Chennai chapter’s selection of this theme was inspired by the art form kōlam; which features patterns of dots that are encircled or connected by straight and curved lines. These intricate, geometric designs are created on the thresholds and floors of houses, temples and businesses using rice flour. The practice is deeply rooted in South Indian culture to welcome guests into the home and bring good fortune and prosperity.

Traditionally created by women, our Chennai chapter shared that these beautiful designs are often created by family members and neighbors as a communal activity. Connections between people form patterns in our lives too. 

Which patterns in your relationships, work, and habits are worth repeating? Which ones should be changed? What new pattern do you want to create?

Photo by John December

About Centennial Hall

You’ve probably heard the news by now that Milwaukee Public Library was nominated for a Peabody Award, an award representing #StoriesThatMatter as media narratives that defend public interest, encourage empathy, and tech us to expand our understanding of the world today.

CreativeMornings/MKE is honored to host in their ornate lecture hall, Centennial Hall! Centennial Hall was built over a century ago as a lecture hall for the Milwaukee Public Museum. It’s since been restored and is a vital arm of the Milwaukee Public Library. Maya Angelou, Kurt Vonnegut, and Seamus Heaney are notable writers who’ve graced the stage for author readings. You can view upcoming programming on the MPL calendar.

Parking & Directions 

Centennial Hall is located within the Milwaukee Public Library’s Central Library building in downtown Milwaukee. The hall entrance is on Eighth Street, between Wells Street and Wisconsin Avenue, just south of the Central Library’s Drive-Up window. There is no entrance to the hall through the library.

There is limited street parking surrounding the Central Library building. Two-hour metered parking is available Sunday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Did you know the #1 way people learn about CreativeMornings/Milwaukee is through their friends? 

This month, we invite you to forward this email to a friend. Invite them to sign-up for our newsletter & register for this event with you!

We can’t wait to see you and your buds, pour out some more coffee, and expand our circle of morning people.

Big thanks to our partners

Illustration by Aly Miller @aly_illustrations

Well, well, well, CM Fam… 

It appears Spring popped in for a quick visit, dropped off flowers which are now in full bloom, and invited us to activate Milwaukee’s outdoor recreations again. And activate we did! On May 17th, a little over 140 of us met at Discovery World for some goooood vibes. 

Yes, there was divine coffee by Discourse; yes, there were Sciortino’s baked goods (thanks to your generous donations!), but did you know there was also a MINI MARKET?! That’s right. May’s 30-Second Pitcher line-up consisted of makers within our sweet, sweet CM community. More on that later <3

Bryan W. Wunar, CEO of Discovery World, graced the stage and shared unique perspective on this educational establishment’s history as well as the vision for its future. Discovery World is making moves to be even more involved in the community than ever before. Peeping at their upcoming events, you’ll see they’re soon to host Bike Station Week, a Zine Workshop, and oh… another Milwaukee Makers Market hosted by the iconic Ryan Laessig!

Another exciting Disco World event to mark on ye ole calendar is… *drum roll please*… Adobe's Create Now tour! Registration is open for the event on June 18th from 5:30-8:00PM. We’ll be there and hope to see you too.

Read on to get the fuller story of May’s event. We love ya!
-CreativeMornings/MKE

________________

Give to our chapter

Follow us on Instagram @milwaukee_cm

Find more on our LinkTree

________________

Caution: the contents of this month’s newsletter may raise your vibrations. 

“ADHD is my superpower: It allows me to just jump in.“ - Ryan Laessig

Ryan Laessig can’t help but love Milwaukee with his whole heart. He grew up in South Milwaukee, then lived on the East Side, then back over the bridge in Bay View, and most recently calls the Garden District home. 

You know who he found right away in all those neighborhoods? People who make things. If artists and makers were moths, then Ryan is the flame. Community organizing was a natural addition to his already ripe repertoire of teaching and creating art himself. What started with humble beginnings (read: zero followers on instagram), is now a bustling community both online (now 10k+ followers!) and IRL (800 shoppers each market!). 

The Sunday after our event, Milwaukee Makers Market popped off at Ivy House and, I must admit, the experience felt even sweeter than in previous markets. Maybe it’s because there’s a knowing of what these markets mean to the curator behind them… or maybe it’s the stories we learned about some of the makers themselves. Whatever it was, vibrations were raised. Raise your vibes too and be sure to treat yourself to Ryan’s talk if you missed the event and to add an upcoming M.M.M. event to your calendar.

Click below to watch! ⤵️

Filmed & edited by All Things Digital

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 :)

Aly Miller is a freelance illustrator specializing in maps, cookbook, and food art for publications, commercial projects and brands. She’s also an esteemed CM volunteer—she may have checked you in at a former event, otherwise you’ve definitely seen her recap illustrations she creates for us every month :) 

Shop Aly’s website, follow her on Instagram or email her about a project idea you have! Kelly recently commissioned her to draw a map for her upcoming wedding. 

• Instagram: @aly_illustrations
• Website: Aly Miller — Bio Site
• Email: alymillerdesigns@gmail.com

Carley Knight is one talented human that we’re also lucky enough to call a fellow CM volunteer. She’s a cross-stitch fiber artist, a coloring book creator, an engaging blogger, and a Squarespace website builder for small business owners!

Schedule a free web development consultation, follow @carleyknightart on IG, sign up for Carley’s newsletter, and shop her artwork! Fun fact: Kelly recently commissioned Carley to stitch some abstract art. 

• Website: Services — Carley Knight
• Instagram: @carleyknightart
• Newsletter: sign up for my newsletter (ck.page)

Holly Berg is a ceramic artist whose pieces draw inspiration from the land and water of Lake Michigan.

Visit her studio in Bay View or browse her website and Instagram to see her work. Studio hours are 11-6 PM Fridays, 10-4 PM Saturdays or by appointment. Rumor has it, Kelly is currently curating her dream list of Holly Berg ceramics to fill her kitchen shelves.

• Instagram: @h.bergceramics
• Website: Shop — H. Berg Ceramics (hbergceramics.com)

Rebecca Zastany Wilson is a masterful weaver who is not afraid of color! Former director of ABK Weaving Center and teacher since 2016, Rebecca sells wall hangings, towels, wearables… really anything on the loom. Don’t hesitate to get these gorgeous pieces dirty! They are durable and built for everyday use, for many, many a day.

Follow along on Instagram as Rebecca expands into a new studio space and bring her colorful weaving into your home! Kelly reportedly tossed her big box hand towels and is puzzling through how to restock exclusively with Rebecca’s masterpieces. 

• Instagram: @zastany
• Website: Rebecca Zastany Wilson

Jamie Andrzejewski is the sister you wish you had and the owner of Nourish, a wellness company that handcrafts clean, organic body, mind, and home care products. If you can think of a good-smelling wellness product, Nourish probably has it! 

In addition to shopping their products, check out Nourish Gives Back: a program that donates a percentage of sales to organizations and individuals in need. Remember the M.M.M. at Ivy House two days after CreativeMornings? Well Kelly was there and spent a solid hour at Jamie’s booth. Let’s just say there are going to be some incredibly happy gift receivers in Kelly’s circle quite soon.

• Website: Nourish Natural Products - Organic Products for Body + Mind + Home
• Nourish on Facebook
• Instagram: @nourishnaturalproducts
• Nourish on Pinterest

Speaker portrait by Linda Smallpage.
Event day photos by Holly Schisler. Lots more love in our Flickr gallery.

Big thanks to our local partners:

Photo credit: Linda Smallpage

Event details
🗓️ Date: Friday, May 17th
⏰ Time: 8:30 – 10:00 AM
📍 Location: Discovery World – 500 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202

REGISTER NOW

Need to get the vibe just right? Listen to our VIBRANT playlist!🎵🎶

Learn about Ryan Laessig

Ryan Laessig is the man, the myth, the legend behind the Milwaukee Makers Market, which was voted Best Of in Shepard Express’ “Best Art & Craft Fair” category in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Laessig was also featured in Milwaukee Magazine as the Face of Makers Markets in 2023. 

What started in 2015 as a small outdoor event in the Colectivo Bay View parking lot has grown into the largest, longest-running monthly markets where makers and guests fill venues like Discovery World Museum, The Ivy House, and local venues. Loyal fans know that MMM creates a safe, fun and unique market experience.  With no at-the-door admission fee, anyone and everyone is welcome to shop or browse.

Outside of M.M.M, Laessig is a photographer, mixed media artist, street art stylist, and teacher. 

Follow along! 🧡
@milwaukeemakersmarket on IG

M.M.M newsletter

Our theme for May is VIBRANT.

It was chosen by our San Antonio chapter and illustrated by Isabel Ann Castro.

When was the last time you experienced something that made you feel more alive? 

Heard a melody pulsing with a beat that made your body move. Taken in the view of a lush landscape or sparkling city skyline bursting with light and shadows. Locked eyes with a striking stranger. Poured yourself into prose that crackles off the page with electricity. Lost track of time in a conversation punctuated by spirited laughter. Stopped in your tracks in front of a canvas in a museum or a mural on the street with colors so bold and bright it popped from the paint straight into your synapses. 

It might not happen every day. But you can live a life full of energy and enthusiasm. You can strive to bring brightness into every interaction. 

Because our world is full of all kinds of vibrant masterpieces. And you are one of them.

About Discovery World

Discovery World is an extraordinary experience devoted to sharing the wonders of science and igniting a love of endless exploration. Through interactive exhibits, the underwater worlds of the Reiman Aquarium, and unforgettable and ever-changing events and activities we serve as an immersive science experience for families, students, and everyone in our community. We are your destination for fun science learning. 

Parking & Directions 

Discovery World parking garage will total about $14/car for the duration of our event. There will be plenty of spots available as our event begins before the building is open to the public.

There is also limited street parking (both metered and free) along Harbor Drive and E. Michigan Loop.

Discovery World is accessible by bus lines 14, 30, 33, Green, CN1, and the M-line!

Did you know the #1 way people learn about CreativeMornings/Milwaukee is through their friends? 

This month, we invite you to forward this email to a friend. Invite them to sign-up for our newsletter & register for this event with you!

We can’t wait to see you and your buds, pour out some more coffee, and expand our circle of morning people.

Big thanks to our partners

Love letter recap from our SPICY event!

Illustration by Aly Miller @aly_illustrations

Howdy CM fam, 

The third Friday in April was hot, hot, hot! 🚒❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥 Over 130 of us re-routed our maps to Eagleknit Converge, a hubspot for Milwaukee-based startups. Huge thank you to the infamous and internetless Facilitator of Joy, host of Eagleknit’s MKE Gallery Night, for warmly welcoming us to the space. Sometimes life’s spiciest surprises lead you to a charcuterie of generosity. 

This particular CM/MKE event was packed like a stuffed jalapeño. Rich storytelling from our keynote speaker, spotlights on five incredibly important Milwaukeeans who give a damn, and of course Discourse Coffee a la our friend Ryan. 

Have you ever sweat at the thought of sharing exciting news? The CM/MKE team has! On Friday we finally got to announce that 🧨 WE NOW HAVE AN INCORPORATED NONPROFIT WITH A BANK ACCOUNT! 🧨 We are so excited to sustain our Milwaukee CM chapter in this way. 

Good Land Gatherings, Inc. is our name and all funds raised go directly into our CreativeMornings MKE chapter. Some things we are raising money for: 

• Speaker clicker
• CM MKE signage
• Breakfast pastries
• Audio equipment
• Chair rentals

We value your time, talent, and treasure equally. If you are able to give your treasure, please know that we will provide you a tax-compliant receipt for any donations above $250. If you would like to give but prefer another method outside of PayPal, send us a message. 

—Natalie Derr—

“Neurospicy represents the spicy, tangy, savory aspects of the brain. Being neurospicy is about the depths and complexities extraordinary and fierce neurodiverse personalities.Art is a voice.” 

With every slide of her presentation, we were blasted off further into another, more present orbit. The journey Natalie brought us on was one of inventive self-reflection. By the end, we were covered with goosebumps and waxed with a wicked need to try something new, give more to others, and try our darndest. This, as Natalie’s late grandfather would often attest, is all we can take with us when the sun finally sets. 

Visit our event page or click below to watch! ⤵️

Filmed & edited by Create & Capture.

Filmed & edited by Create & Capture.

Thank you for an amazing Q1, Create & Capture! 🎥🎞️

We could not be more grateful for your talent and the magic you preserved so we can relive all the heartfelt goodness our speakers have shared! If you’re new around you here, catch up on past events through the beautifully filmed videos Jesse and Natalie have created.

Create & Capture needs to hang their hat for the time being to focus on their busy season with weddings. They have graciously offered to mentor the next videographer, if you are interested in volunteering or partnering with us get in touch at milwaukee@creativemornings.com

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 from the audience to the stage and share a pitch. Our 30 Second Pitch Nomination Form is always open! Feel free to self-nominate :)

Kevin J. Nichols is apprentice to Isaac Steele, a third-generation member and president of the Wisconsin Black Cowboys and Buffalo Soldiers Association and owner of Steele’s Welding located in Walnut Hill. Steele “seeks to instill personal responsibility and leadership skills in the young people of the neighborhood through the rugged work of the ranch.” [Shepard Express: Milwaukee’s Cowboy Ways]

Kevin is seeking community support for the following: 

• Welding shop organization
• Website design
• Equine Therapy business planning

If you are interested in getting involved with any of the above or how other ideas on how you can contribute, please reach out to Natalie Derr: natderr76@gmail.com

Mrinal Gokhale is an author, content creator and consultant. Check out her book, Taboo: South Asian Mental Health Stories, or contact her to discuss her writing, editing, and creative consulting services below. 

Taboo: South Asian Mental Health Stories is a collection of true stories about navigating mental illness, neurodivergence, identity, culture, sexuality, trauma, and other topics that are taboo in South Asian culture. All stories are written based on interviews with people of South Asian descent living in the United States, India, United Kingdom, and Canada.

Follow Mrinal on Insta, visit her website, and order her book!

Jessica Sunier is the founder of FitPOWER LLC, a barbell and martial arts gym that is woman & LGBTQIA owned, and trauma informed certified. Set up a tour to experience a safe, inclusive fitness environment that is neurospicy, LGBTQIA and BIPOC friendly in the Wauwatosa area.  

Offerings include: 

• Free consultations
• $75 barbell form analysis
• Small group coaching (starting at $92/mo)
• Private Judo and BJJ coaching (starting at $75/session)
• Online coaching (starting at $85/mo)

Set up a free consultation!

Shalina Ali is Co-Executive Director of TRUE Skool, a social movement that uses hip hop to empower youth and young adults to nurture their talents and skills & challenge the oppressive systems in Milwaukee and beyond. They’ve been doing amazing work since 2004. Shalina invited us to attend some exciting events they have coming up!

Save the dates:

• TRUE Skool Student Showcase Gallery | Thursday, May 9th | 5PM-8PM | Radio Milwaukee; 220 E. Pittsburg Ave | More info
• Summer Park Jam Weekend | August 9th-11th | Event Details

Donate to TRUE Skool!

Debra Gillispie is the founder of Mothers Against Gun Violence, whose mission is to elevate the voices of survivors of gun violence through the arts and advocacy. She started the organization after losing her only son to gun violence. 

Through academic and community collaboration at UWM, Debra co-created “Voices of Gun Violence,” a living archive of stories of gun violence. This project seeks to share stories to promote healing, understanding, and community action.

One way Debra helps raise awareness about Milwaukee’s gun violence and give voice to its survivors is through interactive bus stop murals. This costs money, and Debra is seeking financial support!

Donate to VOGV Murals!

Speaker portrait by Linda Smallpage.
Event day photos by Holly Schisler. Lots more love in our Flickr gallery.

Big thanks to our local partners + event sponsors:

Photo credit: Linda Smallpage

Event details
🗓️ Date: Friday, April 19th
⏰ Time: 8:30 – 10:00 AM
📍 Location: Eagleknit Converge | 507 S. 2nd Street; Milwaukee, WI 53204

Register Now!

Is it getting hott in here? Listen to our Spicy playlist!🎵🎶

Learn about Natalie Derr

From country to city mouse, Natalie Derr, an experimental artist, aims to use her background in Digital Studio Practice and Painting & Drawing as tools for creative intervention into the exploration of young people’s identities. As a Lead Creative Technologist at the Milwaukee-based non-profit Islands of Brilliance, Natalie is passionately curious about our diverse imaginations and how to exercise empathy through the shared experience of artwork. She wholeheartedly believes, “Everyone is creative and wants curated safe spaces where more of us can embrace our innate creativity.”

Outside of her day job, you can find Natalie playing with playdough, coloring with crayons, creating artwork for organizing communities and demonstrations, going for long bike rides, or scouring the local thrift shops (more often than not doing a nice melody of all the above mentioned).

Natalie values youth mentorship by empowering creative expression. She has curated programming for Vel R. Phillips Juvenile Justice Center, Milwaukee College Prep, Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences in Bhubaneswar India, Sop Chem Primary School in Laos, Ban Nong Bua in Thailand, and IOB’s Fellowship program that serves youth on the spectrum in rural areas of Wisconsin. 

Follow along! 🧡
@cowgirlwithapaintbrush on IG

Website
Contact Natalie: natalie@islandsofbrilliance.org

Our theme for April is SPICY.

It was chosen by our Tucson chapter and illustrated by Sophie McTear.

Oh yeah, that’s hot! 

When you’re cooking, spices add flavor, depth, and complexity to an otherwise plain culinary dish. Spicy foods interact with receptors in our mouth and can trigger sensations of heat and even pain. Can you handle it? Being open to trying new and bold tastes is a good lesson for bringing daring and originality into all of our creative endeavors. As they say, “variety is the spice of life.” Spicy can also be exciting and suggestive. A spicy comment or joke is provocative or controversial. Such “spicy takes” often challenge conventional beliefs and ignite strong, passionate reactions from people. So, how can you make your work and approach to life spicier?  Let’s bring the heat!

Formerly a knitting factory, Eagleknit Converge is now a coworking space with a focus on technology, innovation, and collaboration. The newly restored space is sure to serve as an active platform for networking and creative problem solving. 

Street parking is available and nearest bus lines include the Green, 15, 19, and 18. 

Did you know the #1 way people learn about CreativeMornings/Milwaukee is through their friends? 

This month, we invite you to bring a friend! Whether they’ve never heard of CreativeMornings, have been away for a long time but are excited to get back, or are a CM regular but just needed a push from a friend to join this Friday, get them to tag along! 

We can’t wait to see you and your buds, pour out some more coffee, and expand our circle of friends.

Big thanks to our partners

Love letter recap from our PERSPECTIVE event!

CreativeMornings/Milwaukee hosted PERSPECTIVE at Relics Rentals on March 15th featuring speaker Sam Smith.

Illustration by Aly Miller @aly_illustrations

Hello friends! Wow, are you still buzzing from March’s event?! Us too. For those who weren’t able to make it, or for those who did and want to taste at least the dust of the lingering magic—this newsletter is for you. 

On March 15th, over 140 of us gathered in Walker’s Point at Relics Rentals. If our Spotify playlist didn’t prime you for the month’s theme, then the venue surely did. Walking into Relics Rentals felt like the intro song to this late-90’s family television classic. It’s a warehouse you drive aimlessly by; but once inside, you have an entirely new perspective. You’re swept away by its jewels. RR, not to speak for the CM community, but we can’t wait to rent the heck out of your relics for all of life’s occasions. Thank you to the fabulous woman in charge, Jan, who took to the stage, for not only gifting Milwaukee the choice of a low carbon footprint furniture/tableware resource but also for inviting us in-kind into your lovely space. And thank you to the talented RR team for staging the venue with such generous care and ingenuity.

Speaking of genius, Ryan Castelaz (eventually 😉) graced us with his presence and much desired Discourse coffee. (What, are you busy or something, bro? In fact, he is.) Just this month, Discourse launched their newest locale at Radio Milwaukee and announced their upcoming pastry shop + cocktail bar [Agency] at the historic Dubbel Dutch Hotel. See you there! (Love u always, Ryan.)

We also nibbled on anonymously donated Sciortino baked goods from a beloved Anonymous Donor (we insisted on outing him, and we insist you reach out to him if you need design or marketing advice, mentorship, or a unique ceramic item). We also highlighted CreativeMornings/MKE Instagram QUEEN, Hannah Rae Birkholz. Hannah hath entered the freelance sphere in conjunction with her employment at a local marketing agency. Every single CM MKE team member agrees that we trust Hannah with not just the IG handle but with our lives. If you know what’s good for your business you will slide into either her email or the CM Instagram DMs which, we repeat: she runs independently and expertly.[*Shakes jar of March magic*] And lastly, in addition to of course the Main Event + 30 Second Pitches singularly featured below, the last sprinkle of excitement was our announcement to LINKEDIN! Yes, the sexiest social app out there. It is our goal for all of Milwaukee’s creatives to reap the very real benefits that LinkedIn has to offer.

Special programming to come. Invite your colleagues, clients, and local loved ones!

You’re invited: CreativeMornings/MKE on LinkedIn

—Sam Smith—

“With time, I started to not be able to ignore the whispers of these passions and the therapeutic feeling I was getting from them. It’s not a bad thing to have multiple interests and to allow everybody who knows you to be aware of [them].It’s not something to hide. In fact, I found it was something to embrace.” 

Video by the incredible Jesse & Natalie from Create & Capture.

Sam Smith [she/her] is managing partner and executive creative director at a full-service design agency and production company, Shine United; a seasoned writer with over 15 years of experience in the advertising industry; and—oh, that was AI talking. Ahem. Yes, Sam is all those things but she’s also… a concerned and involved community member, a wife to her best friend, a mother of two youngins, a budding gardener, an out-of-the-box DIYer, and a responsible content creator. 

In Sam’s talk, Own Your Perspective, she teaches us not only how to stand in our voice, but of all the powers that get unlocked when we do so. 

Her insightful parting gift was the following homework assignments: 

Sam, we laughed, we cried, we jotted down copious notes—all of which will stay with us for at least as long as a Relics Rentals disco ball’s shelf life. Thank you for sharing the tenacious work you’ve embarked on to know, embrace, deepen, widen, and own your perspective. In doing so, you’ve inspired us to do the same. Because when we do, we all shine brighter. 

Instagram: @OneSmithStory
Website: One Smith (onesmithstory.com)
Link to video: Sam Smith: Own Your Perspective (youtube.com)

CreativeMornings is about shining the light on our communities. And one way to do this is via 30 Second Pitches. This is where we invite a few people from our community to come up to the stage and share a pitch with our audience. It could be that they are looking to hire, need collaborators, have an upcoming event they’d like to promote, or who knows? Maybe even looking for a date! Our 30 Second Pitch Nomination Form is always open!

Brothers Ricky and WilliamHeidvogel created a holistic, functional, and beautiful approach to the landscape industry—something green thumbers know has been missing in the market. Their company, Earthside Food Forests + Nursery, offers on-site consultations, semi, and fully custom services.

If you’re interested in bringing native or regionally adaptive plants to your garden, growing market or culinary plants, or have general inquiries about landscape design, Earthside Food Forests + Nursery is there for you!

Laura Couture is an engaged community member in Fox Point, an incredible mother of two, and a photographer whose images will stop you in your tracks. (We all felt that with this adorable photo!) Laura is now expanding her portfolio to include interior shots! As she said, “you cannot fully describe a human without describing their environment.”

To inquire about a shoot with Laura, reach out to her on Instagram @lauracouture.photography

For The Time Being is about an accidentally pregnant present-day mascot maker making radio contact with a lonely newlywed in 1958.The women connect across time through an old radio and exchange stories, brought to life through lush reenactments. It’s like Ex Fabula in film form, but stylistically is Persona meets Being John Malkovich with a little bit of The Tree of Life sprinkled in. 

Contact Kara if you are interested in supporting their mission! They’re specifically seeking the following:

Executive Producer
Graphic Designer
Meal Train for Crew
1950’s Wares & Vehicles
Raising Awareness
Community Engagement

Abi Gilman spread the love about her business, The Little Village Play Cafe. Fostering an environment of acceptance, compassion, and warmth, TLVPC is a one-stop shop for families with children 0-6 years old. Whether you’re looking for a delicious latte, a place to engage with other parents, educational opportunities, a party rental, the perfect gift, or a place to let children’s imaginations run wild —The Little Village Play Cafe has it all under one roof! (And the cherry on top? The interior was designed by our keynote speaker, Sam!)

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

Big thanks to our local partners:

FRIDAY, APRIL 19TH

Register to hear Sam Smith!

Portrait by: Linda Smallpage

Event Details

Date: Friday, March 15th
Time: 8:30 – 10:00 AM
Location: Relic Rentals – 420 S 1st, Milwaukee WI 53204

Get in the groove until we reunite!

Learn about Sam Smith

Sam Smith thrives on a spectrum of creative challenges. By day, she’s a Managing Partner and the Executive Creative Director at Shine United, leading creative teams to build ambitious brands and craft captivating multi-media campaigns.

Off the clock, you’ll find her knee-deep in DIY adventures, often with the assistance of her five- and seven-year-olds, and teaching others to tackle their own projects at @onesmithstory. With her interior design business, One Smith Studio, she designs joyful residential and commercial spaces, including the vibrant Little Village Play Cafe in Wauwatosa.

Our theme for March is PERSPECTIVE.

It was chosen by our Fargo chapter and illustrated by Fred Gaye Wremeo. 

Every creative act is an attempt to share a unique perspective on some slice of the world. What you see — and how you see it — shapes your beliefs. So, what’s your point of view? And how are you putting it into your work? What was the last piece of music, writing, illustration, or film that opened a new window on the world for you? 

One of the most impactful artistic innovations was linear perspective; widely credited to Fillipo Brunelleschi in the early 14th century. This breakthrough enabled artists to create the illusion of three-dimensional space on a flat canvas, paving the way for the ornate art and architecture of the Renaissance. Today, it feels like we are at another precipice with AI generated images and video. We don’t know how this rapidly emerging artistic tech will shape our perspectives. The machine is already capable of evoking real emotions. But only we can understand those feelings. 

About Relic Rentals

Relics Rentals is a Milwaukee treasure. As a boutique specialty rental company and prop house located in the heart of Milwaukee, they maintain a carefully curated inventory of gorgeous and distinctive furniture, decor, dishware, and details both grand and small. They are the ace up your sleeve with their unrivaled selection of goods for creating one-of-a-kind visual displays and unforgettable events: from intimate soirees to epic galas, from trade shows to residential & commercial staging, from styled shoots to theater.

Relics’ sustainability approach results in remarkable design while minimizing their environmental footprint and preventing unsustainable overflow compared to other event industry practices. They rise to the challenge of cutting their carbon footprint, and they embrace the challenge of an acquisition process that does not exploit, and they understand the time commitment this involves and, more importantly, the unrivaled end result it produces for their clients.

Parking & Directions

Psst… CreativeMornings volunteers will be out front to help navigate you!

Relics Rentals is located in Walker’s Point on the east side of South 1st Street between Florida Street and Virginia Street. Accessible by car and by transit via bus lines 18, 15, 20, and Green.

Please enter building through northside entrance.

NORTHSIDE: Less than 50 parking spots available. Entrance via Florida Street. Do NOT park by Central Bark Doggy Daycare NOR by the Bartolotta’s dock.

This month, we invite you to bring a friend! Whether they’ve never heard of CreativeMornings, have been away for a long time but are excited to get back, or are a CM regular but just needed a push from a friend to join this Friday, get them to tag along! 

We can’t wait to see you and your buds, pour out some more coffee, and expand our circle of friends.

Big thanks to our partners