Last spring, Jennifer Morales and Tina Owen got married in Vancouver. This month, the life partners added another dimension to their relationship: a business partnership.

Morales and Owen purchased Broad Vocabulary, Milwaukee's only feminist bookshop, from previous owners Molly Tennessen, Amy Daroszeski and Kelly Todd.

"We're very happy that Tina and Jennifer are the new broads," says Tennessen. "Clearly, they are politically-minded ladies and are able to devote the time and energy to make Broad Vocabulary an even more successful bookstore."

Tennessen says she and the other founders knew they would relinquish Broad Vocabulary at some point because the three of them have so many other endeavors. Todd is moving to Spain and Daroszeski is a full-time English teacher.

"I found it harder and harder to find the energy and motivation that the store really needed. For me, handing the store off to people who can actually be there is the most appropriate thing I personally can do," says Daroszeski.

When Owen heard that Broad Vocabulary was for sale, she instantly called Morales.

"Within a few hours of getting the announcement that the store was for sale, we had a meeting with the founders scheduled," says Morales.

Owen is the founder of and lead teacher at the Alliance School, a small, MPS high school serving students who have been bullied or harassed in other school settings. Morales is a school board member, writer and freelance editor (she is also a featured blogger for OnMilwaukee.com.) Both women say owning a bookstore is a natural fit.

"It's a really satisfying blend of two of our greatest passions -- words and politics -- and it builds on the many relationships we have with people in education, the arts, politics, the LGBT community, the social justice activist world, Tina's school, my editing business, our church, everywhere," says Morales.

Broad Vocabulary offers a wide selection of books on women's issues, education, the environment, politics, activism, religion, pop culture, arts, health and cooking. Also, the shop is a gathering place for socialization and activism. Several clubs meet at the bookshop regularly.
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Recent Talkbacks ...

Posted by taylerbaby on Nov. 15, 2007 at 3:37 p.m. (report)

Best of luck to Jennifer and Tina! Jennifer, I hope you'll have time to continue writing your blogs for OnMilwaukee.

Posted by liontigerbear on Nov. 14, 2007 at 12:07 p.m. (report)

Thanks for adding the children's section! We had a blast at your grand re-opening. Good luck in your new endeavor!