Like many small businesses, the key to Lion’s Tooth’s success is curating a space that welcomes community and breeds authenticity. And while owners Shelly McClone-Carriere and Cris Siqueira didn’t always know they’d own a bookstore together, their friendship and passion for empowering the next generation bred the idea to open something. Early ideas of music venues and art spaces, both having a punk rock background, circled around, but the idea of a bookstore was born in January of 2019. McClone-Carriere, an avid reader, and Siqueira, a cartoonist and previous owner of a bookstore in Brazil, naturally brought two passions together.

An advocate of the Milwaukee County Library, McClone-Carriere can often be found checking out books, but she noticed it was a challenge to locate more obscure finds through the library system. At Lion’s Tooth that’s exactly what you’ll find. Together, the pair are inspired by the DIY punk scene and curate a selection of zines, prints and art from local artists.

But beyond the uniquely crafted selection of books and art for sale, there is something palpable in Lion’s Tooth: community. When I sat down to talk with the two owners in Lion’s Tooth, we’re interrupted by a customer, popping in to purchase a selected book for the Cactus Bookclub, hosted by Cactus Club in Bay View. Another customer comes in to say hi to Siqueira, while purchasing youth books with their child.

“The joy in owning a bookstore is buying from small publishers while keeping an eye on the community,” says Siqueira while picking books. McClone-Carriere adds, “It’s not uncommon for customers to remark, ‘Whoa, this is so cool!’ while perusing through the store.” Then, Siqueira closes the thought, “It’s truly a love fest with our customers in Lion’s Tooth.”

The space inside of Lion’s Tooth is filled with old-school charm: a black-and-white checkered floor, burnt orange bar stools, wood paneling and an art deco clock. And while you’re walking through the bookshelves, art is very much alive. Aside from the vibrancy of color, the walls are filled with custom art from visiting artists, authors and customers. The main counter is handpainted with black-and-white flowers – so articulate it looks like wallpaper. There’s reading tables, a children’s section and a wall of art prints for sale. And yet, in the small space, you feel at home.

And as serendipity might have it, I separately asked the owners what the space means to them. As Siqueria chats with a customer McClone-Carriere says without pause, “It’s like home – a spot that inspires.” And as Siqueria joins the conversation again, she answers, “Lion’s Tooth is an extension of our homes – a space that creates actual community where no one is excluded.”

But what does the name Lion’s Tooth mean? Literally, Lion’s Tooth is a dandelion. Dandelions are often seen as weeds, although they’re a beautiful, resilient flower, surviving in all climates and against all odds – much like independent bookstores. Everyone knows that dandelions begin as a yellow flower but then phase into white seeds that blow in the wind. To the owners, they’ve been through their own yellow phase. For McClone-Carriere, one of the founders of the Riverwest Co-Op Grocery, she’s always been involved in activism. Whereas, Siqueria found her roots in journalism, working for a newspaper in Brazil. Now, the two are in the white phase of the dandelion: spreading seeds to empower the next generation.

Beyond books, the Lion’s Tooth owners hope to create an intergenerational space. One way they’re approaching this is by hosting a comic artist in residence. This summer, the artist in residence hosted and taught a comic school for young artists ages 9-17, where in one week they created their own comic book. Plus, their book clubs are beloved.While Lion’s Tooth will host events for just about anyone, they really specialize in book clubs. From their music book club (partnering with Milwaukee Record) to their wine book club (partnering with Milwaukee Wine Academy) there’s something for everyone.

In a time where artificial intelligence dominates, Lion’s Tooth is the antithesis of machine curation. With real people and real objects, McClone-Carriere and Siqueria make it a point to know their customers, know their customer’s children – and assist in book selections to match. They are proud of their ability to stay sustainable – and to have created something – community – out of nothing. Lion’s Tooth is more than just books; it’s a place of inclusion, art and connection.

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