For over 7 years, Rocket Baby Bakery has launched itself into the hearts and mouths of thousands in the Milwaukee area. Year after year, this local favorite has been honored on practically every "Best of Milwaukee" list as a stand-out bakery. Despite being located near a sea of fast-food chains, Rocket Baby Bakery has found success by emphasizing its out of this world, made-from-scratch goodies and cultivating a welcoming space for all. 

Co-Owner Shannon Trenholme welcomes us to her bakery and shares the best advice she's ever learned: 

Why did you decide to join the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber?

We decided to join the Chamber because we celebrate that the idea of "community" is inclusive and all of our neighbors are humans to be welcomed and respected.

Tell us a bit about your business and what you do. 

We are a family owned artisan bakery and cafe. Our mission is to make the best bakery, serve it joyfully, and bring cheer to our neighborhood. We do this by sourcing quality ingredients locally; making all of our product fresh daily; serving it in a welcoming location that is a integral part of a thriving community.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

We enjoy bringing people happiness through amazing food. Also the opportunity to feed our curiosity by testing and trying new things.

What do you enjoy most about being a member of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber? 

The connections - growing the relationships.

What's the best piece of business advice you've ever been given? 

Every customer wears an invisible sign that says "see me" - in other words, recognizing that people need and deserve to be heard and acknowledged. 

Also, as a leader, you need to model the behavior you wish your employees to display.

What do you know today that you wish you would have known when you first got started as an entrepreneur? 

I now know establishing the culture you want is paramount to success. A culture will be established for you if you are not mindful and purposeful in your leadership. Often a culture that you do not intentionally establish will be negative and counterproductive.

At the end of a long day, how do you relax? 

Play sports. Hang with friends and family. Read.

How would you like people to remember you and Rocket Baby Bakery?

I want people to remember us as a place where all were welcome and the food was so good you would happily ship it to friends and family.

Learn more about Rocket Baby Bakery (and the origins of its name) here.

Order tasty holiday goodies from Rocket Baby Bakery here. 

Starting out with just one size of handmade lotion in 2009, Scentability (Tomahawk) has expanded to an arsenal of bath, body, and home fragrance products. Each item from this woman-owned, veteran-owned small business is handmade on-site by entrepreneur Tricia Hoffman. A passion for classic scents and custom creations has allowed Hoffman's company to grow from a home-based business to a thriving storefront in the heart of her town. 

Owner Tricia Hoffman shares the origins of her company and how a hobby became her career:
 

Tell us a bit about your business and how it began. 

I came to Wisconsin from Georgia where I was active duty in the Army Nurse Corps. There at Fort Benning, I was a Labor and Delivery Nurse. Dealing with dry and cracked hands from such frequent handwashing in my job, it was hard to find a decent lotion that would moisturize my hands enough, but not be too greasy to carry out my job. A co-worker shared a recipe for hand lotion and I fell in love with it! I made this lotion for friends and family in small batches using retail supplies from 2001. Upon moving to Wisconsin, I shared my lotion in Christmas gifts for co-workers. They fell in love with the product and offered to purchase more!  I began to search for quality bulk supplies, to be able to make the lotion in larger batches. With that, Scentability was (unofficially) launched!
 
In September of 2013, one of my dreams for Scentability came to fruition when I opened a brick and mortar storefront in Tomahawk, Wisconsin! 
 

Why did you decide to join the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber?

I have many friends and family members who are a part of the LGBT community, an have always been an ally. When news came out in July 2017 that the current administration was enacting a ban on transgender people in the military, I was quite upset.

As a veteran, my belief has been that your ability to perform your job is not reliant on your gender, sexual orientation, race, culture, religion, etc.

It was at this time that I discovered that the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber existed, and I joined right away, as an additional way to let customers and the community know that I am an inclusive business.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I enjoy formulating all kinds of cosmetic products. It’s my passion. My workshop is my haven! It is where I can put my creativity to work, put both my nursing degree and my chemistry degree to good use and make awesome products for my customers. I take pride in my attention to detail and customer service!

How would you like people to remember you and your work?

I love working with and giving back to my community. I enjoy formulating amazing products with quality ingredients at an affordable price. I also enjoy working with my customers. If they have questions or special requests, I try to educate and accommodate them to the best of my ability. I feel like my repeat customers become almost like extended family and they put a smile on my face when I see them walk in.

What's the best piece of business advice you've ever been given?

The best piece of advice I have been given and that I pass on to others in the handcrafted industry: do not become too worried about what the person next to you is doing. If you focus on making your business the best that you know how (and avoid bad-mouthing your competition) you will be more successful and happier as an entrepreneur!

If you had to choose another career today, what would it be and why?

This is my other chosen career! I left my career of almost 17 years as an L&D/OBGYN Nurse to start Scentability.

How do you relax?

Being involved with my kids’ activities (twins that are 14 and youngest is 11!), TV, crochet and bowling!

Learn more about Scentability here.

Order Scentability's LGBT Pride Soap (pictured above) here. 

In just under a year, MOOD a Salon (Appleton, WI) has solidified its reputation as a trend-setting, edgy hair salon; offering services that tailor a style for every mood. This National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) certified LGBT Business Enterprise is the operated by stylists Eric Johnson and his husband, Dana. With 50+ years of combined experience, the stylists at MOOD a Salon exude creativity and passion for their work.

Co-Owner, Eric Johnson tells us a little more about his company and experience as an LGBT owned business:

Why did you decide to join the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber?

We are two husbands who own and operate the salon. We believe in inclusivity, seeking our clients in our community who can be their true selves, and our promise to support our LGBTQ+ community and culture.

What's the best piece of business advice you've ever been given?

Be bold, be brave, be adaptable. Have fun with every moment, even the challenging ones.

What do you wish you would have known when you first got started as an entrepreneur?

We learned quickly that our best laid plans needed adaptation. Our business plan was ‘solid,’ but we still found the need to choose what was best based on our clients’ needs. We also realized we needed more capital than we anticipated and were fortunate enough to seek out additional financial resources and hold a reserve.

What do you enjoy most about being a member of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber?

Representing our LGBTQ+ community and being an inclusive partner to help foster support, engage in community building and connectedness, and help build collaboration.

How would you like people to remember you and your company?

At MOOD we are not only about the service but finding a style for every mood. We want you to enter our space in one frame of mind, and leave with another. This includes feeling inspired, confident, heard, healed, supportive, and loved.

Learn more about MOOD a Salon here.

Learn more about becoming a NGLCC certified LGBT Business Enterprise here. 

 

Since 2013, Uncommon Ceremonies has been officiating weddings around Wisconsin to celebrate the power of love. Owner Jennifer Soule believes people who love each other should be able to form their own family - physically, emotionally, and legally. Whether you are a traditional or same sex couple, UC is ready to make your wedding an uncommon ceremony to reflect your uncommon love.

Wedding Officiant Jennifer Soule tells us a little more about her work:

Why did you decide to join the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber?

After returning from many years living out-of-state, I was looking for a way to connect with LGBT couples here. I became a wedding officiant, originally, to provide service to LGBT couples who might encounter difficulty finding a willing officiant, and wanted to continue providing this service. The Chamber has brought some great couples to my business, but even more, I've made some great friends.

Tell us a bit about your business and what you do. 

Through Uncommon Ceremonies, I work with couples to create wedding ceremonies that reflect their love story, traditions, beliefs, and ideas. Every couple is unique, and my greatest joy is to perform a wedding ceremony for them that reflects that uniqueness. My experience performing over 150 ceremonies helps me bring interesting suggestions and solutions to this important rite.

I perform weddings of all types—for same-sex couples or traditional ones, religious ceremonies or secular, including beliefs of a wide variety of traditions. My philosophy is to help each couple create the best possible ceremony and to perform it well.

Whether your ceremony includes religious beliefs or is strictly secular, I can help you work through belief issues that come up and make suggestions to help you accommodate family belief pressures.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

Helping couples create ceremonies that suit them perfectly.

How would you like people to remember you and your work?

I would like wedding guests to remark on how perfectly the ceremony reflected the couple, and for the couple to remember how we worked through their story and ideas to make that happen seamlessly.

Learn more about Uncommon Ceremonies here.

For over half a decade, Short Stack Eatery (SSE) has been committed to not only life-changing breakfast, but real and relevant social change within the community and beyond. Since opening its doors in Madison in 2014, SSE has critically examined what it means to be sustainable--from fighting racial injustices in Dane County to creating and achieving local purchasing goals that focus on sourcing products from businesses owned by women and people of color.

As a public-facing company that serves over 3,000 customers weekly, SSE recognizes the social responsibility and power to create inclusive spaces, participate in difficult dialogues and step up to calls of action that most other companies ignore. SSE supports 12 to 15 local nonprofits annually with financial donations, sponsorship and event partnerships, cultivating a safe space for the community to dine, gather, organize and thrive.

Assistant General Manager, Taylor Kaspar tells us a little more about Short Stack and its dedication to inclusion:

Why did you decide to join the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber?

We decided to join the LGBT Chamber because we are always looking for next steps towards being more inclusive as a business and community leader. For our LGBTQ customers and community specifically, we recognized we could do more in increase involvement and awareness. Our efforts to be an inclusive and safe place for all members of our community requires ongoing evolution and growth. The award-winning Chamber is a fantastic resource for allies and business to get involved intentionally and connect with others with similar values. We've pledged to be sustainable allies for equality, recognition and justice for members of this community and the LGBT Chamber helps us to do this.

How would you like people to remember your company?

We want people to remember us as a restaurant that cares about more than just the delicious food we serve. We want people to remember how they *feel* when they are here—that regardless of who they are in every form of identity, they are welcome, safe, and appreciated here. We hope people feel at home at SSE and know that we are here to serve amazing breakfast *and* serve our community. We want people to remember that by choosing to dine with us, they are simultaneously participating in sustainable social change because a portion of their dollars go to support the organizations that we support.

What do you enjoy most about being a Chamber member?    

The best part is connecting with people and putting our brains together about the work we do and can do more of. In  the past we hosted Coffee Connections, a networking event for the Chamber. We love having the opportunity to provide a space for people to gather for a common purpose and this allows us to do that. We love that by doing things like being a member of the Chamber and hanging the Philadelphia Pride and Trans flags in our windows we are able to provoke important conversations that get people talking about things that matter.

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Learn more about Short Stack Eatery here.

If you've attended our recent Coffee Connections or Out in the Kitchen Expo events, you know Kilwins Milwaukee Bayshore is one of our sweetest members. For over 5 years, owners Rick Clark and BJ Gruling have handcrafted delicious fudge, chewy caramel, and out-of-this-world tasty brittle at their locally-owned confectionery. The team at Kilwins are experts in personalizing treats for all occasions - they can even add your logo on their chocolates! Rick and BJ's passion shines through in every bite.

Kilwins Milwaukee Bayshore Co-Owner, BJ Gruling tells us a little more about his company and its history with the Chamber:

Why did you decide to join the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber?

The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber offers a variety of networking opportunities with like minded businesses, classes and support for businesses such as ours offered at various times of the day and different formats to fit our needs and schedule.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

We are fortunate to have a job where we make our customers happy. We get to know our regulars in the store and help make a party or event extra special. Kilwins is "Sweet in every sense!" Opening Kilwins Milwaukee was a huge leap for two science guys changing careers, but there is a science to what we make and we have the opportunity to be creative.

How would you like people to remember you and your company?

Kilwins Milwaukee is where people go to feel better, have fun, and celebrate. Yes, you can have a party in the store!

What's the best piece of business advice you've ever been given?

Be sure to take some time for yourself.

How do you relax?

Good food, friends, wine and craft beer....and maybe a piece of chocolate!

What do you enjoy most about being a member of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber?

Networking opportunities and all the new friendships!

Learn more about Kilwins Milwaukee Bayshore here.

A pioneer for craft beer, Lakefront Brewery has paved the way for the bustling Milwaukee beer scene. Earning a place as a Milwaukee landmark over 30+ years, a visit to Lakefront Brewery has become a must-do when in Milwaukee. Whether it’s their award-winning beer, nationally acclaimed brewery tours, or their restaurant full of it's own accolades (we can't rave enough about their cheese curds!), Lakefront Brewery has something to offer everyone. To double down on their promise of a good time for all, the brewery launched a monthly Drag Queen Bingo Night starring Milwaukee favorite, Ester Flonaze.

Brewery President, Russ Klisch tells us a little more about his company and its history:

Why did you decide to join the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber?

Put simply, we wanted to support the Wisconsin LGBT community. It is good business to be part of the Chamber for business connections and to keep our name out in front of our friends.

Tell us a bit about your business and what you do. 

On December 2nd, 1987, my brother Jim Klisch and I opened Lakefront Brewery and sold our first batch of Riverwest Stein to a neighborhood tavern in Milwaukee. We have grown to brew 46,848 barrels of beer in 2017 and have received awards in most every renowned beer competition. Our products are now distributed to 30+ states, Canada, Ukraine and South Korea. Lakefront Brewery was the first certified organic brewery in America, the first brewery to produce a government-approved, gluten-free beer and the first indigenous beer using all Wisconsin grown ingredients. We currently brew 30+ year-round and seasonal beers including a barrel-aged series and our unique, My Turn Series which gives each of our full time employees a chance to choose a style we've never produced.

What do you wish you would have known when you first got started as an entrepreneur?

Besides having a crystal ball to know the latest trends in the industry, I'd liked to have had a better knowledge of how to finance the brewery and understand the metrics of what the bankers are looking for when giving you a loan.

If you had to chose another career today, what would it be and why?

If I had to choose another career, I'd go back to being a Mechanical Engineer. This is what I was doing before I got into the brewing industry.

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Cheers to you, Lakefront!

Learn more about Lakefront Brewery here.

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Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce

5027 W North Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53208