Curing Stumped Gifters: Unique Boutique Opens Downtown

One of the most rewarding aspects of holidays and birthdays is the opportunity to give a gift that causes genuine excitement and appreciation for that special lady in your life. However, sometimes the pursuit of the right gift can be a daunting challenge.

For those stumped shoppers – or others who suddenly had an anniversary pop up on the schedule – there’s a new business downtown that will surely put a smile on faces of those of “the fairer sex”. The Olive Branch, a unique gift boutique, will open its doors at 10 a.m. Saturday at N88W16595 Main St.

The Olive Branch carries unique gifts, fun cards, jewelry, candles, home décor, clothing, soaps, and more. Sisters Kathy Keene-Amundson and Kari Keene opened the boutique, which is a significant expansion of a small gifts section they operated at their salon – Avenue Hair Studio.

“We have a large variety of items you won’t find in the gift areas of conventional retail stores,” Keene said. “I think this is a great place for man who doesn’t know what to get their wife, girlfriend, or mother for the holidays. We have a lot of fun and unusual items.”

Keene’s second sister, Kim Woodly, has owned Willow - a similar boutique in Eau Claire – for over a decade. Keene helped out at the shop for a few weeks several years ago, and knew she wanted to offer a similar retail experience back home in Menomonee Falls.

“I really enjoy running the boutique because the customers that shop here are looking for something fun. They always seem to be in a good mood when they come to places like this,” Keene said.

Keene has joins several other businesses recently established in downtown Menomonee Falls. Just Kiln’ Time, Vibe Nutrition, Wondersound Music, It Is Vapor, Vivid Yoga Studios, and Hess Hypnosis opened within the last several months.

Keene grew up in Menomonee Falls, and hopes her business – along with all the others – can elevate Falls’ downtown experience to something like Cedarburg's. She said all the pieces are in place for downtown to become a must-visit location.

“It’s so pretty down here with the waterfalls and walking paths through the parks. We have more businesses opening and hopefully we can get more people excited to come walk the downtown area,” Keene said. “Hopefully things can continue to grow.”

The Olive Branch will hold an official grand opening sometime in October. Keene said they are also planning a Christmas open house and Ladies Night events before year’s end.

The Olive Branch is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays; and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.