Brookfield Central Class of 2001
Molly Conway is a 2001 Lancer graduate who began COPPER+CRONE, a handpicked collection of meaningful objects from women-owned brands that celebrates creativity and positive change.
Conway’s Elmbrook education took her from Brookfield Elementary to Elmbrook Middle School and finally Brookfield Central where she was involved in Choir and the Ski, Golf and Soccer teams. “Having seen much more of the world outside of Brookfield, I have a strong appreciation for the hard work my parents put in to get us to be able to attend Elmbrook Schools,” Molly reflected. “I am thankful for the opportunity to be challenged by such a highly-rated school system and how it set me up for success in college.” Molly also reflected on her History teacher, Jonathan Mroz, and his engaging lectures. “Not only did he make history interesting, but he prepared me well for college lectures!”
Following her Central graduation in 2001, Molly continued her education at Marquette University where she was involved in the Theatre Arts program. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in 2005 in Communications with an emphasis in Theatre Arts, and moved to Chicago to begin a career in Theatre. She worked at Ben Pao, a restaurant affiliated with the Lettuce Entertain You program. It was there that Conway developed her love of customer service and the restaurant industry, honing her skills at Ditka’s restaurant on Michigan Avenue and eventually Bartolotta’s in Milwaukee where she worked in their Corporate office.
During the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Conway took her love for customer service and combined it with her love of creating. “I have always had a passion for creating things, I love being able to make something beautiful and meaningful and share it with others. From jewelry to art, sewing to painting, I love it all,” said Molly. “I have always sold a few things here and there, but COVID really gave me the opportunity to create something bolder. I was able to tie that into my love of people and open my own business!” In November 2020, she launched COPPER+CRONE with her friend and MU classmate, Jenny Jeep. The online store sells handpicked items made from women all over the world that celebrate creativity and positive change. Their company is sourced from small businesses that help with important causes and gives back to organizations that support medical research, establishing schools in Africa, and ending domestic violence.
Today, Molly lives in Brookfield with her husband (and fellow BCHS graduate), Bill Conway, and two sons. In addition to COPPER+CRONE, Conway runs a co-working space called Workspace at Bishops Woods, raises money for the National MS Society and works with her father, Tim Keane, in his photography business.
COPPER+CRONE continues to grow steadily and she hopes to open a brick-and-mortar location in the future and potentially a non-profit arm of the company to continue to give back. “Our company believes in the magic of women and the power of supporting each other unconditionally,” she stated. “I love sharing what I've learned with others and trying to make a difference to those who truly need it. Diversity is energizing and exciting and I treasure the opportunities I have to see the world from a different point of view.”
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