Heather George, Em Bo

What inspired you to open your store?
"I had my 'aha' moment when I was enjoying a typical Chicago summer afternoon with a good friend lounging on my sun deck. She was in the midst of making a significant career transition, and even though she was taking a significant pay cut, she couldn’t have been happier with her decision. She was following her heart! And then came the question that we’ve all pondered…if you could do anything and not have to worry about money or whether you had the skills or experience (you know that pie in the sky kind of stuff), what would you do? And that conversation sparked a fire under my butt and provided the clear recognition that I needed to do something more soul fulfilling. And so I began the journey from a successful 10-year career in financial services to 'independent shop owner'."

Em Bo, 3432 North Southport Avenue (at Newport Avenue); 773-360-1501.


Photographed by Heather Talbert