Molly Clarey

Molly Clarey

What is your job and its responsibilities?

I am the assistant to the crazy cool blogger at I Spy DIY. I help brainstorm project ideas, source materials, craft anything imaginable and get pretty messy along the way. I am also the owner and maker at shopMCsquared. I specialize in creating minimalistic skylines based on the unique characteristics of each city. All of the art is done using washi tape, a material that I have a severe obsession with. You can find my shop on Etsy or at various art shows this summer!

How long have you lived in Milwaukee & what brought you here?

I have called Milwaukee home my entire life. After a minor stint in Minnesota, I returned because I love and respect the culture and traditions that are purely Milwaukee. There’s no replacing the diverse neighborhoods, festivals, museums, lakefront activities, accessibility, or ham scramblers at George Webb’s.

What is your favorite Milwaukee event?

My family’s calendar revolves around Irish Fest. My parents are heavily involved in the Irish community and I grew up Irish dancing with Cashel Dennehy. The weekend of Irish Fest is one where I can celebrate my heritage with my family and closest friends, and spontaneously bust out some Irish dance moves for no reason at all.

I’d like to give my honorable mention to NEWaukee’s Night Markets. In my opinion, there’s no other event that gathers together Milwaukeeans from all different backgrounds and positively highlights some of the best entertainment, food, and talent that the city has to offer.

Every single tooth I have is a sweet tooth, so my drinks of choice have to have a dash sugar in them. Based on this dietetic need, my favorite coffee shop in Milwaukee is Rochambo. If I could be hooked up to an IV of their Milky Way drink, that’d be great! Bryant’s is my choice for favorite after dinner drink spot. I love their ice cream drinks and the element of surprise that comes when you describe what you have a taste for and they craft a magical alcoholic creation.

Favorite little known fact/secret/hidden gem in Milwaukee?

Next time you pass the Grand Theater on 2nd Street and Wisconsin Avenue, look up! My mom pointed out this camouflaged mural to me when I was little and it’s my favorite little known secret. The mural resembles an apartment building facade. Some of the windows are painted to appear open and the sun is shining in the painted reflection. It’s a nice reminder that no matter how grizzly the winter months may be, warmer days are (eventually) around the corner.

How does Milwaukee vary from other cities you’ve lived in/visited?

Milwaukeeans have a lot of pride in their city. I’m a professional eavesdropper and I can’t tell you how many times I have overheard people gushing about their favorite bars, brunch spots, or the friendly neighbors that they have in Milwaukee. This love translates into a community that puts a lot of effort into everything they do. Also, there’s no other place in the world where you can take your pick of custard stands when you have those 11 PM cravings…all Milwaukeeans have these cravings, right?