By Molly Snyder Senior Writer Published Dec 22, 2015 at 11:17 AM

Later this week, Christy Schwacher will open a clothing boutique and home item shop called Free Bird Clothing and Home Trends at 249 N. Water St. in the former Blush Beauty Boutique.

Schwacher refers to Free Bird as "a beautiful miracle" for herself and her daughter, Sophia.

She originally opened a boutique of the same name in Muskego, but after a year and a half in business, it was lost to an electrical fire.

"I'm a single mom and I started my first boutique on a shoestring budget," says Schwacher. "I lost everything in the fire. It was extremely devastating."

After the fire, Schwacher's customers and the Muskego community rallied with support, and she was able to reopen the shop last May. With the help of a friend, she was able to commit to the Third Ward store, which will be much larger.
A Free Bird soft opening will take place on Saturday, Dec. 26, while a grand opening will happen sometime in January. 

"It's crazy timing, but I am really excited to be in the Ward," says Schwacher.

Schwacher says Free Bird will offer a wide range of items that will suit every budget.

"I'll carry fashion inspired by bohemian luxury, love of travel, feminine retro and nature. Free Bird is truly for the independant woman who charts her own course," says Schwacher.

Schwacher plans for Free Bird to be more than simply another Downtown store. She says she's hiring a "community-minded staff with a love for people" who will join her in quarterly volunteer outreach programs.
"I've been blessed and overcome terrible experiences with help," says Schwacher. "Now it's my turn to give back."
Molly Snyder Senior Writer


Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.

Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.