WINDOW WONDERS. Audrey's Boudoir has joined forces with the Wisconsin Makers Market (WiMM) — with both shops now housed together under one roof at 404 S Barstow St., Eau Claire. Home to Midwest creatives and quippy trinkets alike, the two business owners describe this new collaboration as "fate."

On a typical Saturday in downtown Eau Claire, community members and visitors alike might find themselves window shopping among the dozens of local purveyors. Some may have even notice a familiar duo that have relocated along Barstow and Main street.

Audrey's Boudoir, now housed within 404 S Barstow St., has joined forces with the Wisconsin Makers Market (WiMM). This collaboration — described by the two business owners as “fate” – has become a new creative fixture in downtown Eau Claire.

Kristie Adisek, the owner of WiMM, acquired the business in 2024 and recognized its significant potential for growth in the business.

Having spent decades immersed in the Midwest makers' scenes — and running her own boozy jam business along the way — Kristie sought a spacious environment for the WiMM. Sure enough, the 17,000-square-foot venue along Main Street opened in January of this year, and Adisek jumped at the opportunity.

“I thought we needed a place for makers to ‘make’ and for (customers) to see that,” Kristie said. “(What is) really important for me — having the majority of the space — and the suite owners is that we are all a cohesive group. It’s important to me that we maintain that integrity of who we are and the businesses we run.”

A view from the Wisconsin Makers Market (WiMM) where hyper seasonal — and locally made — goods fill every inch of its 17,000-square-foot building. The WiMM is also home to several makers "studios," where vendors can house and develop their future works. 

This vision has materialized in the form of studio rentals which actively house local makers such as Nobuimo, The Kids Corner, and — of course — Audrey’s Boudoir. Still, Asisek continues to offer hundreds of products from regional and Wisconsin-based creatives available for in-person shopping along with monthly, seasonally-tied pop-up markets for vendors in the Chippewa Valley.

In turn, Nikki Chetwood, owner of Audrey's Boudoir, found her business in an unexpected situation – and in need of relocation – in January of this year.

An unpredictable Wisconsin winter coupled with irreparable water damage to her former storefront on 305 Main St. forced Audrey's Boudoir to find a new location, ultimately doing so in the WiMM storefront, Nikki said.

"It’s important to me that we maintain that integrity of who we are and the businesses we run."

Kristie Adisek

owner, wisconsin makers market

It was in these circumstances the blooming friendship between Kristie and Nikki proved to be a lifeline, the two agreed.

“Kristie was like, ‘I have the perfect spot for you — come with us and we will do this together.’ ” Nikki said. “When people say, ‘look for the helpers,’ that’s all I was doing to survive (through) that situation.”

Today, Audrey’s Boudoir remains a “one-stop shop” for customers of all ages and interests, Nikki said. After the previous losses to water damage, the shop has replenished its inventory with hundreds of new items alongside favorites including the “Little Golden Book” series — which Nikki has collected over the years.

Audrey's Boudoir, pictured above, offers a rotation of glittery, colorful, humorous, and vintage items or "novelties," as Nikki described. Audrey's Boudoir offers products from small makers across the country as well as the work of local creatives in its "Taste of the Midwest" displays.

Customers will quickly spot the collaborative spirit between the two businesses in the “Taste of the Midwest” displays. These displays — featured alongside the window displays of the WiMM — allow Nikki to showcase regionally made jewelry, resin products, stickers, keychains and more.

This inviting approach to collaboration invites different customer bases to interact with one another and get curious about new makers in the Chippewa Valley, the two added.

“We work really well together,” Kristie said. “There’s a mutual respect as women business owners — and as partners — that I would have never imagined. That mutual respect has grown and keeps growing; it’s appreciated by both (businesses) which makes our teams work really well together.”

Between Nikki and Kristie, and a team of “helpers” — including area creatives, makers whose products are in the shared storefront, and friends of the owners — the group continues to offer innovations and explore cross-promotional avenues through social media and in-person events. 

Both owners welcome the idea of a “working community” where WiMM, Audrey’s Boudoir, and local artists of the Chippewa Valley uplift one another's creative pursuits. Nikki and Kristie believe the shared downtown location presents an opportunity to invite more local folks into a larger network of entrepreneurs in downtown Eau Claire.

“We (makers and business owners) have different fields... and we have different side shoots,” Kristie said. “I think (that) makes us so unique, individual, and not just competitors but more of a working community.”

Visit Audrey’s Boudoir and the Wisconsin Makers Market at 404 S Barstow St., Eau Claire. Both storefronts are open seven days a week, with hours of operation posted online via social media. Check out their respective online platforms at audreysboudoir.com and wisconsinmakersmarket.com.