All Tied Up Floral Cafe is a coffee house and a flower shop in one.
“My goal is to have something different," said owner Aaron Phillipson. "You can’t find another coffee shop like this around."
Aaron Phillipson opened the store four years ago, hoping to give it a vintage, industrial feel. He had to close for almost four months last year because of COVID.
“It was financially very difficult, because obviously when you’re not open, you don’t make any money," said Phillipson. "You don’t have anything to pay the bills.”
Since opening back up, the cafe owner has received nothing but support.
“We’ve got some really great, loyal customers that come in every day, every week," he said.
This June is Pride Month, and Phillipson is making some colorful cupcakes with a message.
“I guess it means something different for everybody, for me, just a month that, not only for myself, but even my friends and family can just celebrate happiness," he said. "I don’t even know what specific word to use. I guess, it’s just a happy time of year.“
For Adrienne Van Eperen, pride month is a time to show allyship. The barista wears a small rainbow pin on her shirt with the word "Ally" on it, and even puts on rainbow eyeliner too.
“They should feel comfortable being who they are," she said. "I just want everyone to know that I’m here for you, and you can come to me if you’re having a bad time at home or you’re getting bullied. There’s someone there for you.“
Growing up in Northeast Wisconsin, Phillipson has watched the community become more diverse and inclusive and has hopes the Fox Valley will continue to welcome everyone, he said.
“Education is really important and getting people out there to know and understand that people should be allowed to be themselves and there should be no reason why one person should say, this is how you have to live your life," said Phillipson. "Everybody should be able to do what they want.“
All Tied up is located at the Eisenhower Plaza in Appleton, at N474 Eisenhower Drive. They are open Wednesday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and they are closed on Sundays and Mondays.
