Twigs and Twine is bringing the crafty and creative side to Racine County. When shopping for home decor, art and furnishings, most people turn to TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Home Goods. What if there was a way to shop for the trendiest items while supporting local businesses? Think about items you’d find on Etsy, but available at an actual storefront. Twigs and Twine is that store.

Business partners Shannon Walczak and Renee Wallace took their individual businesses, put their heads together and created Twigs and Twine. They will soon open their doors at 615 N. Pine St. in Downtown Burlington on March 25. Combining their strengths, they are working to give the community a place they can call home for all their home decor, personalized calligraphy items, and local art/goods.

Two Businesses Come Together

Several years ago, Walczak and Wallace met at re:Craft and Relic, an event for makers and artisans. Walczak owns Father’s Daughter, a business that she operates with her dad, Kevin Buss. Walczak states, “I love to focus on curating, as well as building one-of-a-kind pieces with my father,” and she adds, “He’s taught me all the things I know!” She has been in business since 2016.

Wallace, who owns and operates Rosie’s Craft Company, focuses on selling personalized calligraphy items and home decor. She has been a small business owner since 2018.

For the two creators, it has always been a dream to own and operate a storefront. However, the time didn’t seem right, until now. COVID-19 put a halt on normalcy and opening a location was pushed to the back burner. Walczak comments, “shops that we rented space in had closed, businesses had to shut down, and it was a tough time for the maker community.”

It was during this time that the two female entrepreneurs realized that their businesses meant a lot to Southeastern Wisconsin. The owner of Father’s Daughter says, “people still had a need and a desire for a sense of normalcy. So our businesses shifted. We made paint kits, small gifts to send people in quarantine, and things to make people smile. We moved a lot of our sales to Facebook/online, and did porch drop-offs and pick up! And our customers loved it. People saw small businesses struggling, and they showed up.”

Now, Twigs and Twine is showing up for their community with a place they can physically shop at. Online sales are offered as well. The idea has always been there and now they have finally pulled the trigger.

“There’s a huge sense of pride in owning a small business in itself, but having a physical store to call your own is just incredible. It’s really cool to see your visions and dreams come to life. We get to be a more active part of the community – we love the fact that we can offer events and bring a unique shopping experience to the area.”
Twigs and Twine

Two Teachers with Creative Outlets

In addition to being small business owners, these women are both teachers in the Burlington area. Walczak teaches at Burlington Catholic Schools. Wallace teaches at Waller, Winkler and Lyons. Therefore, it was a no-brainer that this is the community they wanted to share their business with.

“Burlington has a wonderful sense of family and unity in the community. There has always been a large support system for our small businesses here,” says Walczak. She adds, “we are often doing sign/furniture deals in the parking lots of our schools!”

There’s no denying that this community has rallied behind their businesses and will show up whenever they need. They know this from experience. Walczak notes, “last year, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer – and even though I was not a part of the community physically – this community took care of me. The cards, the letters, the videos, the prayers, emails. I remember my family saying – wow, what a wonderful place to be a part of! And it truly is. That’s not something you see and experience just anywhere. We know Burlington is truly a special place.”

What’s Offered

In addition to the charm that Twigs and Twine offers, their storefront will be a place filled with local goods and opportunities. They will showcase the work of other makers and artists as well as their own. You can expect to see pieces from other small businesses including Jax Kelly, Ruth, SomethingFine, Fifth Avenue Floral, Aged and Infused, and Lambs & Thyme.

In stock at the store will be everything from home decor, furniture, candles, fun gifts ideas, and wall art. If you are a fan of the boho theme, then you’ll fall in love with Twigs and Twine. They share, “we love the boho theme, and just timeless, quality pieces for your home.”

In the future, these creators are looking to host events including paint nights for kids/adults, calligraphy classes and workshops. They aim to be a place where the “community can come hang out and make memories while making something beautiful!”

While school is in session, they will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. However, if you can’t make it out to shop, live online shopping will be offered each Tuesday. Hours will be adjusted once summer starts.

Grand Opening

Twigs and Twine’s grand opening weekend will take place on March 25 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on March 26 at 615 N. Pine St.

Renee will be on-site offering calligraphy and personalization. Additionally, they will be offering a free gift with a $50 purchase. Likewise, everyone who stops in for their grand opening weekend will be entered to win one of their boxes.

While currently not released, they soon will offer monthly gift boxes with curated pieces. You can be the first to get one just by stopping by the store. Can’t make it out? Another way to support these entrepreneurs is by following their social media.

Instagram:

Etsy:

Rosie’s Craft Company

Have questions? Reach out by emailing twigsandtwinewi@gmail.com.