Sherman Phoenix

Must Visit Stop in Milwaukee! 

*First of all, we got paid to visit milwaukee but this blog was my idea and all opinions are my own. Yes, I said what I said (in this blog).

When we first visited Sherman Phoenix I was wondering “why are we here?” This is an outdoor and adventure themed company so I didn't see the value right away. Then soon as I met Romero and Stacia we realized exactly why we were here! 

When we arrived we received a personalized tour of the beautiful facilities. Romero educated us about how in 2016, violent unrest broke out in the Sherman Park neighborhood of Milwaukee after a fatal police shooting in the community. In the process of unrest the people realized that they needed welcoming neighborhood spaces. This is where the idea for Sherman Phoenix was born.

Sherman Phoenix transformed a fire-damaged BMO Harris Bank into a space for small businesses-of-color offering diverse foods, wellness services and cultural activities. It's giving Time Out Market for POC’s. They named it Sherman Phoenix because they rose from the ashes! Ayeeee!

When we arrived we felt immediately welcome. Everyone in the building was willing to talk and socialize. I honestly don't see how Romero can walk through the building without talking to every single store vendor. The facilities are completely updated! But my favorite part has to be the art on the walls detailing the old layouts and blueprints for the building when it was a bank. The building still holds on to some of the old history, by keeping all the old vaults and old safety deposit boxes. 

The space is extremely welcoming with a dining area in the atrium that can seat at least 70 people. While we were there, we drank the signature tea at House of Viali-Tea and we even got to be on the shot cam where we took ginger wellness shots. The tea was amazing hot and cold, I couldn't choose which way I liked it the most. We had the best cookies from Baked Dreams. We were chatting next to her store when I saw her take out a giant pan of chocolate chip cookies. I had to get me one, which turned into two, which turned into a whole half dozen cookies. They were so warm, giant, soft, chewy and then crunchy around the edges. Then she whipped out the pecan chocolate chip and it was over with, we nearly purchased the whole tray. I don't see how crusti crumbl cookies can exist when these are only like $1.50 each and taste like heaven! 

We walked around a lot more and we met so many black business owners. From barbers, to african soaps shops, to black owned clothing stores and even a fun crochet shop run by the most colorful black woman. She was so much fun. I was in her shop spilling the tea like we've known each other for decades! I LOVE THIS PLACE. I truly felt at home. Ramero continued to show us around to reveal a podcast studio, conference rooms and additional seating areas for teens and other programming.

Sherman Phoenix is so many things under one roof. This is why we spent like 2 hours here when we were supposed to just spend 1. We even came back to eat at Richmonds! We had fried catfish and all the sides of mac and cheese, cabbage, yams, and dressing. Which was all amazing, this was honestly my favorite food trip of all the trips we've been on. I put that on outside! Not to mention they have a bar where people chill and watch the game on Sundays. This really is the spot! 

Writing a blog was not required for our visit to Milwaukee but I had to tell my people about this amazing place that cultivates black entrepreneurs like ourselves. It was really nice to see a Chelsea Market with all black vendors. This place is a chance for Black business owners to learn and grow together. I dream of something like this in Chicago where we can unite and work together and get all your needs under one roof!  When you visit Milwaukee, You MUST visit Sherman Phoenix. 

Better yet, I have an even cooler idea! Sherman Phoenix is having a retreat this weekend! From November 1-3 at the Sheraton Brookfield. This immersive experience is designed to empower, educate, and promote wellness within the BIPOC community. You will have the opportunity to see how Sherman Phoenix operates and learn from the successful business owners within the organization. It's only a 1.5 hour drive from Chicago, so what are you waiting for? Check it out here!