There’s something special about the holiday season in Kenosha — the lights glow a little brighter, the lakefront feels a little cozier, and our small businesses shine in a way only locals understand. From festive storefronts and family traditions to community events that bring everyone together, the people behind our shops, cafés, studios, and boutiques play a huge part in what makes this time of year feel magical.
In this series of holiday interviews, we sat down with a handful of Kenosha’s small business owners to hear how they celebrate the season — from their favorite local traditions to the ways they spread joy through their work. Their stories show exactly why supporting local isn’t just a purchase… it’s being part of something bigger.
Let’s spread some holiday cheer and get to know Maureen Cashin Bolog, Acting Coach and Public Speaking Coach at Actor’s Craft!
What are your favorite local holiday traditions or events in Kenosha?
I love the Lightin’ Up event in Downtown Kenosha. Mrs. Claus comes to Actor’s Craft to help children write their letters to Santa. Some families return year after year. It is lovely to be part of their Christmas traditions.
I LOVE THE WHITE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS strung across the streets of downtown. It reminds me of Christmas in Ireland’s small towns.
I love to go to Christmas Lane and enjoy the lights.
What role does your business play in making Kenosha a festive destination?
This year, I will have a nativity scene on our parkway (thanks to Visit Kenosha and Jerry Smith Farm). My building is at a gateway to downtown Kenosha. My stage is decorated for Christmas with a tree and stockings hung by the Chimney with Care. Mrs. Claus tells everyone the date, time and temperature.
What do you love most about interacting with the community during the Holidays?
I love when our Gift Certificates end up as Christmas presents!
What do your customers seem to love most about your business during the Holidays?
Actor’s Craft is a warm and friendly acting studio. With the stage decked for Christmas, we do Christmas themed scenes and it is a lot of fun.
What do you think surprises out-of-towners most about Kenosha during the holidays?
I tell people, “Do you know when you watch Christmas Movies, and the crowds are out, and carolers are singing, and the businesses are engaging in fun Christmas activities? We have that in Kenosha on the day after Thanksgiving in the Lightin’ Up.”
How can the community support Kenosha businesses like yours this holiday season?
Please buy Gift Certificates for the Adults, Teens or Children in your life who are interested in Acting or Public Speaking. I work with Fortune 500 Companies, Small Businesses and Individuals on Public Speaking and Executive Presence. Your loved ones will get excellent training.
Please tell your friends about our Professional Acting Studio. Our students have appeared on local and national stages, television shows and movies. Our Facebook Group Actors in Wisconsin has over 11,100 members and is considered the premiere networking group for Filmmakers in Wisconsin, and has led to thousands of roles being cast since we started in 2007.
What’s the best holiday gift you’ve ever received?
My children all being home for Christmas.
Do you have a favorite childhood holiday memory?
My parents are from Ireland, and none of their siblings moved to America. My favorite memories revolve around my family getting together with my parents' friends who had children our age. We had dinner together and played the day away as our parents chatted over endless cups of tea. There was something very comforting about hearing my parents’ laughing with their friends as we children also laughed together. I think traditions are an important part of life - creating memories together. They do last a lifetime.
Is there a holiday tradition from your childhood you still celebrate today?
I love sharing Christmas with family and friends. I love my children playing with their cousins as we adults chat. Now that they are grown we are laughing and talking together. We usually sing songs and play music together.
What’s your favorite holiday treat or dessert?
I love a Bacardi Rum Cake - recipe from their website. It has become a Christmas tradition.
What’s your favorite holiday movie or TV special?
I love ELF! It’s a Wonderful Life.
Real tree or artificial tree — which do you prefer and why?
I love the smell of a real tree and bought them for about 20 years. I also like the safety of artificial trees - and not having to water them.
Ugly sweater fan or avoid them at all costs?
One person’s ugly sweater is another person’s fashion statement.
Have you ever had a holiday mishap or funny story you can share?
My husband and I were asked to be Mary and Joseph with our new baby Theresa starring as the baby Jesus in our church pageant at Saint Viator’s Catholic Church in Chicago. I asked my father to tape record it with our Hi-8 video camera. I tried to show my dad how to work my camera, but he insisted he knew how to use it. He had a VHS camera and figured he would be fine. He somehow zoomed in ALL THE WAY and most of the video was of dad’s dizzying search for focus on something recognizable as a nativity play. While Theresa’s debut as baby Jesus was her last official lead acting role (unless you count participating in my acting classes), she did grow up to be a very engaging public speaker.
Eggnog, yes or no and why?
Yes, please! Spiked, please. I love the flavor and the once-a-year tradition.
Naughty or nice?
I always want to be on Santa’s Nice list year.
Make it a New Year’s Resolution to sign up for an acting class or public speaking class at Actor’s Craft!
Address: 4900 7th Avenue, Kenosha WI 53140
Website: actorscraftwisconsin.com
Getting to know the people behind Kenosha’s small businesses reminds us why this community is so special. Each owner brings their own story, passion, and personality to what they do — and that’s a big part of what makes visiting Kenosha such a meaningful experience.
As you enjoy the holiday season, we invite you to stop in, say hello, learn their stories, and support the work they pour their hearts into. Every conversation, every visit, and every purchase helps these business owners continue doing what they love while keeping Kenosha vibrant and welcoming.
This is what makes exploring Kenosha unique: you don’t just shop here — you connect here.
Happy Holidays, and thanks for supporting the people who make Kenosha truly worth visiting.
