Do you have any advice for new/future shop owners in Chicago?
"Please be realistic when considering opening your own business, especially if it in a brick andn mortar store. If it's online then thats something completely different. When you open a store make sure your rent is something you can afford. I can't even tell you how many businesses, of all kinds, fail within their first year because they did not anticipate the bills being what they actually are. There is not only rent to pay but electric bills, insurance, security, on top of your merchandise, staff, etc. The list of things to pay goes on and on. Do not go over budget. Also, join your neighborhood Chamber of Commerce. They are an amazing source for help and support. When I first opened I thought 'how cool, I'm a business owner. I can come and go as I please.' Yeah right! I work from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. in the store seven days a week. On top of that, I go home and do accounting, make phone calls, answer emails, pay taxes, order merchandise. Should I go on? Because I can. I miss weddings, birthday parties, and all sorts of fun activities. It's called sacrificing. This is what happens when you are in charge of a business. So please be ready to work non-stop for a good long time. That is the reality of being your own boss. Nothing easy about it BUT when its something you love doing, you wont consider it work. That is the amazing part of owning your own business. It does get easier as time goes on. You can hire employees, giving you the opportunity to not miss those weddings and parties but I'm telling you now... it's definitely more work than play. By far." 


Photographed by Heather Talbert