Hi there, I’m Erica! I was born and raised in West Allis and I attended UW-LaCrosse where I majored in art. I met my husband Brian at a wedding and our first tiny house was in West Allis. Needing some more space for our growing family, we came to Mukwonago about 15 years ago. I love our neighborhood and I love this community! There’s much to be proud of here.
About Erica Rauls
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’ve been married to Brian for almost 22 years. Our first house was in West Allis. We moved to Mukwonago in July 2009. We have two beautiful daughters, Claire, 17, and Scarlett, 13. We’re also the owners of a silly boxer dog, Lucky.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My past career was as a photo stylist. I was on staff with Kohls and Boston Store. Then I was a freelance stylist for years. It was a fantastic job! I loved using my creativity daily. But the retail market has changed quite a bit, and I wasn’t getting enough work. So, I asked myself, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” ha! I have always enjoyed volunteering in the girls’ classrooms, so I thought something like that would be an excellent position. I started out in 4K at the YMCA, then at Prairie View Elementary, and now I’m at Rolling Hills as a kindergarten aide. I absolutely love it! The kids have such great energy and enthusiasm. I love how each year, my class becomes “my kids.” It’s so fun to learn their different personalities and to see them grow so much in that one year! It warms my heart when past students still take time to say hi and get a quick hug from me. It makes me think I’m doing something right. In the summers, I am the volunteer manager for Wisconsin Harley Davidson’s Rally. It’s completely different from working in kindergarten, but I enjoy it. It’s a nice change of pace for the summer.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
My grandmother lived to be 103 years old. I remember asking her when she was in her 90s what she thought the secret to living a long, healthy life was. She told me that her teacher in elementary school told her to “never lose her sunny disposition!” She carried that with her forever, and now I try to do the same. The glass is half full. There is always something to learn. Find the silver linings in the dark clouds. Be kind.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Wherever my kids are! (at least not too far from them)
Q: What have you done to make Mukwonago a better place?
I volunteer with MFAB (Mukwonago Fine Arts Boosters), The Village Players, and The Black Box Theater. All of those organizations have provided my girls with amazing opportunities and experiences. I love to be involved and give back however I can.
Erica Rauls & Our Community
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community? And what is your favorite thing to order from those restaurants?
That Place – cheese ravioli (it’s the only thing I’ve tried so far, but it was delicious) DAA – Nachos and a smoked old-fashioned Fork in the Road – build your own mac and cheese and their famous house salad Brew 52 – matcha latte Sol de Mexico – Mexican skillet.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Kay Heine is the owner and instructor at Kay’s Academy of Dance. She is a successful business owner who is also kind and gracious. I love the example she and her staff set for the young girls in our community. Calyn Walker—Cal has a wonderful enthusiasm for the local theater program, and it’s just contagious. She directs, sings, helps with set design, does hair and makeup…you name it, she does it. Lori Wildeman and PJ Uhazie—These two choir directors are amazing. We are so lucky to have them. They instill a love of singing in our kids, encourage them, and push them to be their best. Every middle school and high school concert I have attended has been nothing short of wonderful. Kevin Hiller. Whether it’s been 2 days or 2 months since you’ve seen him, he greets you with the biggest smile and hug like you’re his best friend. He’s so laid back and easy to talk to. He has great stories to tell. Make a bonfire, grab a beverage or two, invite Kevin and you’ll be entertained all night long.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
In college, I would spend my summers working alongside Gail and Gilbert Yerke and their family at the Yerke Garden Center. (Where Garden Mart currently is) I met some great people and learned so much about flowers and plants! To this day, I still remember the botanical names of many perennials. (thank you, Nateal!) I would come home sweaty, sunburnt, and filthy, and I loved it!
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Gretchen Rubin. I’ve read a few of her books and listen to her podcast occasionally. She writes about habits, happiness, and human nature. Her ideas for living a happier life are so interesting and thought-provoking. She provides excellent examples and funny stories. Gretchen would be a great lunch date at Pieper Porch in the summer with a big charcuterie board and some wine.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do in Mukwonago?
Watch my girls do what they love, whether singing, dancing, or acting.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Friends, How I Met Your Mother, Amazing Vacation Rentals, Bluey (I have difficulty staying awake long enough to watch movies!)
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I was in a handbell choir at my church for as long as I can remember. To this day, I still am and direct two kids’ handbell choir as well. Fun fact: I was a leg model for a spray-on tanning product.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I’d love to travel along the Pacific coast and see the redwoods.
Q: What is your go to band/artist when you can’t decide what to listen to?
That’s a tricky question to answer. Depends on my mood. I seriously listen to it all…classical, rock, country, show tunes, oldies, etc…
Q: If you had a time machine, what historical event would you want to see?
Woodstock! Music, bell bottoms, epic people watching.
Q: Do you have any nicknames? What are they and why were they given to you?
When I worked at Prairie View, many of the teachers went by their last names, so I was just “Rauls.” I still keep in contact with some of them, and I have to think hard about what their first name actually is!
Q: What are you passionate about?
The music/dance/theater programs in our school district and community are wonderful! The talent we have here is second to none, and the teachers and directors are outstanding!
Q: Who would you like to give a shout-out to that contributed to your success?
My husband, Brian, is our rock. He allows us girls to be the sometimes free spirits and sometimes emotional messes we are. He can fix just about anything and is also an amazing cook. I owe much of my success and happiness to him.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Easy one – October! (fall things, pumpkin everything, and my birthday) Thanksgiving – it’s all about getting together with great people and yummy food. No gift-giving pressure. The single best day(s) on the calendar are both the first and last days of school. They are both so fun and exciting for different reasons.
Q: If you won $10,000,000 what is the first thing you would do?
Remodel my kitchen, buy new patio furniture, and then be responsible and save the rest for my kids’ college fund.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
coffee and tropical/coconut
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, comfort, love
