Milwaukee is full of local small business owners making products that could make great gifts, from the vendors at the Sherman Phoenix and Bronzeville Collective to downtown retailers like Mod Gen and the Milwaukee Public Market.
There are also many entrepreneurs operating primarily online businesses without a physical storefront, many of which were started this year. Here are some local startups to consider buying from if you're looking to support a brand-new Milwaukee-area business this season.
Hats to show state pride
From trucker hats to beanies, Hmegrwn makes hats inspired by the Wisconsin license plate. Milwaukee sports-themed designs include "BCKS-IN6" and "BREW-CREW." The brand is an entity of social media agency Edward Dean Creative LLC, a company founded and run by Lucas Treptow.
Sustainable nutrition supplements
Launched this fall, Pewaukee-based True Grace is a line of multivitamins, probiotics and fish oil made with ingredients produced through regenerative agriculture and sold in sustainable packaging. Founder Kristina Hall was partially inspired by her father Mark Redmond, who co-founded Waukesha construction firm The Redmond Co. and died of prostate cancer in 2005.
Warm beverages designed to boost your mood
Twi Pods are hot chocolate and mocha Keurig pods packed with ingredients that are designed to decrease stress and promote mental clarity. The brand was created by Kwadwo Owusu-Ofori, who has a doctorate in pharmaceutical sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and was inspired to start the business after a trip to Ghana.
Heirloom-quality locking wood furniture for secure storage
Milwaukee-based furniture brand Forti Goods makes sustainable, app-enabled locking nightstands, chests and coffee tables. The furniture was designed with cannabis users in mind but could also be used to safely store firearms, alcohol, money or important documents. Forti Goods also has wooden drawer storage accessories, including boxes and trays.
This summer, Forti Goods founder and CEO Sharon Kevil organized a pop-up event showcasing other local women-owned businesses that could also offer unique gift ideas, including the Bay View boutique URSA; The World In Leather (TWIL), which makes leather accessories and decor items; and Leashless Labs, which makes dog treats from upcycled beer grains.
Fresh produce subscription boxes
Founded by 22-year-old Jalen Greenlee, Flora Fruit Co. began with fresh fruit delivery boxes but now offers vegetables, too. Customers can make a one-time purchase or set up a recurring subscription for fruit, vegetables or both. The company also has a B2Box program for companies that want to provide employees with fresh produce, whether they're working from home or in the office.
Apparel to support new female independence tool startup
Amelia Faist is in the process of building Piper Tool Co., a company that will sell tools designed for women and tool literacy materials to help women use the tools. In the meantime, she's selling apparel on the company's website, including shirts, sweatshirts and a tote bag.
Faist is working on a master's in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and completed the gBETA Milwaukee startup accelerator program this summer.
Comfortable women's athleisure apparel
Milwaukee entrepreneur Amy Fallucca launched a new athleisure brand this year called Comfyist, which is starting with a camisole that will have built-in bra cups. Fallucca, who's also the founder and CEO of human resources consulting firm Bravent LLC, was inspired by her own frustrations with athletic wear. The tank tops are currently available for pre-order so may not be ready in time for Christmas, but could still make a great belated gift.
