Cultural Cloth Opens Its Doors in Whitefish Bay

The new Cultural Cloth is located at 523 E Silver Spring Dr. in Whitefish Bay

Whitefish Bay’s retail scene just gained a new neighbor with Cultural Cloth, a thoughtfully curated home‑goods shop located at 523 E Silver Spring Dr.

The new storefront will hold a grand opening on Friday, May 16, with festivities 4 pm-6 pm and ribbon cutting 4:30 pm.

Led by Angélica Sánchez and her team, Cultural Cloth builds on the success of its sister location in Maiden Rock, the store shines a light on handcrafted textiles, décor, and gifts created by women artisans around the world—each piece carrying a story of tradition, sustainability, and community empowerment.

In this Q + A, Angélica shares why Whitefish Bay felt like the perfect fit, how every purchase ripples positive change through global communities, and what families can look forward to—think kid‑friendly felt animals, hands‑on workshops, and an always‑open online storefront. Whether you’re hunting for a cozy throw, a one‑of‑a‑kind Kilim, or a cultural experience for the kids, Cultural Cloth aims to connect households here with makers abroad in meaningful, forward‑looking ways.

What inspired you to open an international homegoods store in Whitefish Bay specifically?

Since we already have a location in Maiden Rock, WI (on the West Coast of Wisconsin on Lake Pepin), we were looking for a space that would allow us to be part of a community while staying within the Milwaukee area that my family calls home. So many of our pieces are rooted in community - an Afghan Kilim being made in a multigenerational household or a Guatemalan travel satchel being made by 3 different artisans coming together to make one beautiful piece. I think this is a community that values handmade pieces that also have a purpose.

Can you tell us about your mission to source products from women artisans around the world?

The idea is simple, when you invest in women and give them the tools to earn a sustainable income through their work, the ripple effect extends to their families and their communities as role models for social change.  

Do you have any special items that would appeal to families with children of different ages?

Absolutely! We have lots of cozy throws, beaded and woven animals in various sizes, and felt figurines for all ages!

Will you be offering any workshops or events where families can learn about the cultures and craftsmanship behind your products?

Yes, that's the plan! We have hosted workshops and talks by our artisans as they are sometimes able to visit us. As we establish ourselves, our hope is to host workshops and talks - Stay tuned!

Are there any specific stories behind some of your most unique items that would resonate with our community?

It's hard to pick just one but I will say that most of our pieces have a few things in common 1) they are keeping alive cultural traditions and techniques that are becoming harder to find, 2) the makers (mostly women), are actively participating and changing their communities in a positive way, and 3) there is a sustainability component as working alongside nature is a win-win for the community.  Check out our blog to learn more about our artisans and pieces.

Do you plan to collaborate with any local schools or community organizations?

Yes,we want to be a community resource and support community groups that are aligned with our work and mission.  

What hours will you typically be open, and do you have plans for an online store?

Starting May 20th, we will be open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm. Our online store is also up and running, you can shop online 24/7 at www.culturalcloth.com