Welcome to Maggie Mae Creations, where creativity is stitched into every detail and the community is woven into every piece. What started as a simple love for crafting has grown into a boutique in her backyard (referred to as the “She Shed”) full of handmade treasures, inspiring workshops, and heartfelt connections. Today, we chat with Maggie Mae Creations owner, Vallerie Burton, to unravel her journey! The boutique is filled with her own creations – as well as those of local artisans/vendors.
Visit Kenosha: What inspired you to create Maggie Mae Creations, and how did you choose the “She Shed” as its home?
Vallerie: Crafting has always been a love of mine, as well as doing event shows. I had been working full-time as a mortgage lender, and that only allowed me a small amount of time for those activities. Once COVID hit, I decided I no longer wanted to be in banking. I wanted to see if maybe my love of crafting could be a full-time job, so I had a shed built and gave it a whirl – and now we are on year four!
Visit Kenosha: How did you decide on the name “Maggie Mae Creations” for your boutique?
Vallerie: I named my business after my toy Min Pin, Maggie Mae, who used to lay in her little bed right beside me as I crafted. It’s funny, because people call me Maggie all the time, assuming that the shop is named after me.
Visit Kenosha: With such a variety of handmade items, what are some customer favorites, and what sets them apart?
Vallerie: I would say some of my customer favorites are the crocheted market bags and blankets, as well as my personalized stove top covers and home decor pieces. I can customize just about any item – so the truly unique pieces are also popular. I have done custom puzzles and mugs, specialty kitchen scarves, and even a recent dinosaur vest!
Visit Kenosha: How do you choose the seasonal themes and products for the shop?
Vallerie: Throughout the year, when my customers are in the shop, I have conversations with them about things they would like to see, and that helps me select all my seasonal items. I also get ideas for trending items online and enjoy recreating patterns, improving styles, and playing with options to customize gifts.
Visit Kenosha: Maggie Mae Creations sponsored pumpkin decorating at last year’s Fall into Fun Festival. How do such community activities align with your business philosophy?
Vallerie: I enjoy doing anything that involves my community – whether it’s working with special needs groups, children’s events, or military events. That is where I feel very happy and at home. It’s heartwarming to know that you can be part of and help your community in any way possible, and still be able to share your brand story with new people. I participate in the Kenosha Public Market as a vendor too and love meeting new people and other business owners there. The holiday market event was a wonderful time.
Maggie Mae Creations was also part of Visit Kenosha’s “Kenosha Takeover” at the Naval Station Great Lakes Family Fun Night in April.
Visit Kenosha: How do you connect with and support the Kenosha community through your boutique?
Vallerie: Whenever I can, I make donations of product to various local causes. For example, I have a team participating in the MS Walk that needed 30 shirts, so I lowered the cost dramatically to help support their team. I also donate Chapstick covers to Visit Kenosha welcome bags to welcome visitors to our area while promoting my business.
Visit Kenosha: You’ve collaborated with The Pine Blossom for craft classes and events, too. Can you tell us more about this partnership and any future collaborative plans?
Vallerie: My interactions with The Pine Blossom started when I was new to displaying my items outside of craft shows and before I had my She Shed. It grew into a very nice partnership. Now that The Pine Blossom has closed its physical space, we have sort of traded places. We carry some of the items left from that shop and items that Cheryl (former owner of Pine Blossom) makes throughout the year when the crafting bug hits her. It’s wonderful to have friends who understand the business so we can bounce ideas off each other, and collaborate when it makes sense.
Visit Kenosha: Your boutique hosted events like the Tent Sale in September 2024. How did this event go, and are there plans for similar sales in the future?
Vallerie: I definitely enjoy doing tent sales. They not only help with making room for new products, but the prices are lowered, so it gives people a chance to shop for some bigger ticket items at a discount.
Visit Kenosha: Could you share more about the seasonal classes and workshops? What kinds of activities can attendees look forward to?
Vallerie: I choose my seasonal class items based on the desires of my customers. When they are in the boutique and ask, “Do you have a class on how to make stove top covers?” or “Do you have a class on how to crochet a blanket?” – that’s where my inspiration comes from for classes. We keep all our classes small in size, due to physical space of the boutique, but also to ensure everyone can ask questions and get help on projects.
Visit Kenosha: You’ve offered beginner crochet classes in the past. What other types of workshops have you held, and how do you decide on new class offerings?
Vallerie: My crochet classes have happened to be one of the most popular classes I offer. I start with absolute beginners and use terminology they would find in YouTube videos so that when they feel ready to try a blanket, a purse, or any other item, they will recognize the terms and feel comfortable. This year, I am expanding with a three-part class:
- Beginner crochet basics
- A session where we start a simple blanket
- A follow-up class where we finish their project.
Visit Kenosha: What has been the response from attendees of your classes, and do you have any upcoming workshops planned?
Vallerie: The response to my crochet classes has been very inspiring. Attendees have shared that my classes have made it easier for them to continue something their grandmother used to do, or that they were never able to learn successfully from someone else. They love having someone guide them in person, as it’s much more helpful than trying to learn online without one-on-one support.
Visit Kenosha: Are there any exciting events, workshops, or new products you’re planning?
Vallerie: This year, Maggie Mae Creations is participating in more events in Downtown Kenosha and throughout the area, such as the Kenosha Public Market events, collaborations with local bookstores, and some collaborations with other local businesses and artisans. I’m very excited that Maggie Mae Creations will be expanding beyond the She Shed, but also at all the opportunities I’ll have to tell people about the shop.
Visit Kenosha: What has been the most rewarding aspect of running Maggie Mae Creations so far?
Vallerie: The most rewarding part of having Maggie Mae Creations is all the amazing people I have met – fellow small business owners who work together to help grow our brands, promote, and support each other. I never set out to make a million dollars with Maggie Mae Creations; I simply wanted to enjoy doing what I love, share it with others, and be involved in my community.
Visit Kenosha: What advice would you give to others looking to start a small, community-focused business?
Vallerie: In addition to have a business plan in place with scalable and attainable goals, my advice is to be patient and persistent. On days when you want to give up because you think it’s not working, use those challenges as stepping stones to get where you want to be. Align yourself with good, supportive people, and remember – success takes time!
Visit Kenosha: What challenges have you faced operating a boutique in a unique setting like the “She Shed,” and how have you overcome them?
Vallerie: Leaving a stable job to pursue something you love – especially when it may not initially replace your previous income – is very scary. But I’ve learned that taking a leap of faith is also very brave, fulfilling, and, in my case, has been the best decision I ever made. The She Shed has its own challenges in educating people where we are located. I have signs up pointing people in our direction, and post my location in all my social media to remind people not to be shy and head to the backyard!
Maggie Mae Creations isn’t just a boutique – it’s a handmade haven where passion is painted, stitched, and carved into every creation. Whether you're looking to crochet your way into a new hobby or pick up a one-of-a-kind piece, this shop is a reminder that when you follow your dreams, things really start to click! Stay crafty, Kenosha!
Visit Maggie Mae Creations!
6436 81st Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
