The 2021 Retail Business of the Year award goes to a mother and daughter who wanted to fill a need within the Shawano community.
Yvette Wilber, owner of Tumbleweed, said she felt the area could use a store that sold women’s clothing and accessories.
“We opened in 2017, and it has been going very well,” said Wilber, whose business has expanded to now include men’s clothing, as well as more accessories and shoes.
Wilber attributes much of that success to the business’s ability to pivot when COVID-19 hit and make potential shoppers aware of their merchandise through the internet.
“During the pandemic, we really concentrated on our social media presence,” said Wilber. “We have noticed that this is where we are really starting to strive.”
Wilber said that her daughter, Haley, was instrumental in helping to develop this online presence.
“She decided to pursue a career with me and help me do a good job on our social media,” said Wilber.
As an involved community member, Wilber serves on the Shawano Business Improvement District Board, as well as the board of directors for Safe Haven and the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce. She says she gives of her time to maintain community ties between Menominee and Shawano counties.
“I live in Keshena,” said Wilber. “I like to become involved in these things to know that the community isn’t only focused on Shawano County, but has Menominee County in mind.”
Her work with the Safe Haven domestic abuse shelter and on the ThedaCare Safety Committee is a labor of love and one of the most important components of her community activism efforts.
“Domestic violence is important to me,” said Wilber. “I just want to make sure that we are bridging that gap.”
Further, she said that she and her employees strive to portray high ideals of caring and respect at Tumbleweed.
“I try to treat everyone the way that I would want to be treated,” said Wilber. “We are kind to everyone that comes in. I think we excel in customer service with all of the staff.”
In accepting the chamber award, Wilber said she was shocked, then quickly offered the credit to everyone who works at Tumbleweed.
“It is not just me. It is my staff — we are a team,” said Wilber. “It means a lot that the countless events and the countless hours we have put in is really paying off. It feels good that people are recognizing how much we try to do to make Shawano a destination.”
She added that she and her Tumbleweed staff did not set out to win this award.
“We are in it to make Shawano a better place, and this was just a perk,” said Wilber.
A point of pride for Wilber is in the store’s unique offerings and ability to offer bigger-city fashions in a smaller community.
“We are constantly changing things and trying to bring something different to Shawano,” said Wilber.
Wilber noted that she has heard a good reception to the business.
“I think that we have a really good following on both Legend Lake and Keshena and from the people who own property on Shawano Lake,” said Wilber, who noted that visitors and tourists to the area like to shop in her store. “To be honest, those people really aren’t from around here, but we get a lot of support from that community.”
Wilber said that she is very happy that Tumbleweed can play a role in the community.
“Small towns are a great place to start families and raise kids,” said Wilber. “I think the more that businesses work together, we can attract more people to come and make Shawano their own.”
Regarding the idea of businesses supporting each other, Wilber said that stores in the downtown area consistently show support.
“We try to shop at each other’s businesses and support each other,” said Wilber. “We come together as a group and try to help each other out, because competition is great and it helps to get people downtown and shop everywhere.”
Moving forward, Wilber said that being open to change is the recipe for success.
“Things change every day. Styles change and trends change, and you need to stay up-to-date,” said Wilber. “You also need to share your new ideas and be willing to take constructive criticism.”
lreimer@newmedia-wi.com
Tumbleweed wins Retail Business of the Year
