Erin Perkins

What is your job and its responsibilities?
I work for Schwanke-Kasten which is a small, family-owned, high-end jewelry store. Being a small store with few employees, it’s really a team effort kind of place (which is probably why I love it so much). I would say my main responsibilities are the inventory entry and jewelry repair department. I love being the first one to see the new merchandise that arrives at the store. I get to take pictures of the items and catalog them and then show them all around before they are merchandised. I like the challenge of the jewelry repairs, because it involves deciding which goldsmith will work on it and then being the liaison between the goldsmith and the customer. I feel like I learn something new every day when it comes to repairs, especially things involving the chemicals or different reactions, it’s incredibly interesting. Also we do have a custom goldsmith and I like working with customers to create their own pieces, it can be tedious and it isn’t a process for everyone, but seeing it in all its rough stages and then the final product is pretty exciting.

What neighborhood do you live in and what do you like about it?
I live in a really cute neighborhood that’s technically Milwaukee but borders Wauwatosa. I love how much Wauwatosa has grown in the last few years. I feel like everything I need and want is so close by. We have nightlife, little festivals and a farmer’s market on State Street and there are a number of diners and little shops all along North Avenue. I love the great little parks that surround my neighborhood. It really has a small town feel and it’s very cozy.

What is your favorite Milwaukee building?
Most definitely the Milwaukee Central Library. I think it is so grand looking. The outside has this old world feel, and the inside is full of pillars and arches. There are beautiful murals on the ceilings and marble floors. And it holds my most favorite thing in the world… books!

What is your favorite Milwaukee event?
My favorite Milwaukee event is the Harley Davidson weekend every 5 years. I love all the sights and sounds to be heard all weekend long. There’s so much going on throughout the city at each dealership as well as the parade. I love to go and look at all the bikes and hear live music and engines rumbling all over.

What strikes you as the most unique thing about Milwaukee?
The most unique thing about Milwaukee, I think, is Summerfest. Growing up here I think I often take for granted things like having the largest music festival in the world right here at home. It’s a pretty big deal and I think people genuinely travel here to see this event. It’s a really fun experience.

Who is your favorite Milwaukee personality?
My favorite Milwaukee personality is probably Vince Vitrano, an anchor on TMJ4. I watch it every morning for the weather, etc. and I just think he’s funny. He feels real like someone I know or would want to know. I also “follow” him on Facebook and he’s always posting things about his family and witty statuses. It feels like a genuine Milwaukee personality to me.