The Monarch Makers Story

My amazing family and support system! Thank you for always believing in me!

There are so many new friends here that I thought it was time for a reintroduction.

Hello! My name is Lisa and I’m the owner of Monarch Makers. Welcome to my home away from home!!

A little about me:

I’ve been married for almost 18 years and have 2 kiddos that you may see around the shop. My daughter (11 years old) loves to think she owns the place! My son just turned 14 so if you see him he’ll be attached to some sort of electronic device. Both kids are super active… my son is a freshman at south and on their show choir team and does martial arts. My daughter is a dancer who recently changed studios and will now dance for AMB (American Midwest Ballet). She will be competing for them and also performing in their shows. If I’m not at the store I’m usually driving one of them around! Wouldn’t change it for the world!

In my past life I was a kindergarten teacher. I also recieved my maters degree in school counseling. I was an elementary counselor in the PLV schools for many years! I can't seem to get away from teaching either, as I am still a sub in the district.

I did not grow up here… but my roots are here. Both of my parents are Papillion graduates and went on to UNL. After college they landed jobs for corporate John Deere. Because of this they relocated to Moline, IL where I grew up. But we traveled the 6 hours to Papillion several times a year to see family! It is a little strange that I ended up here… but I followed my husband here. He graduated from UNO and then went to work for Union Pacific (where he still works in their IT department)

I have been to the Papio days parades since I was a kiddo (my grandparents were actually king and queen of Papio days one year!). I remember going to all the little shops on Washington street with my grandma as a little girl. Which is why when I decided to open a store it had to be here! So many memories!

I am an active member of the downtown business association and recently was asked to be on the board. I am also a member of the Sarpy County Chamber and love being able to help out and support all the local businesses.

My family is my life but crafting and anything to do with the water are my loves!  I started Monarch Makers so that I would have a place to sell my crafts but also so that I could help out all the other dreamers! I wanted to have a space to help support as many small, family owned businesses as I could. We are a family of local businesses. When I can host a cottage bakery for a popup it warms my heart! I really try to promote these businesses and help them grow.

THANK YOU for being on this crazy journey with me! And thank you for supporting not only my dream but the dreams of all vendors at the store.