Jewelry designer opens shop in Glen Ellyn
The owner of a new Glen Ellyn store features gifts and jewelry designed by her father and made in Bali.
Danielle Gerke has about four cases of mainly silver jewelry created by her father, Albert Konder, 59. Konder's jewelry is also sold locally through trunk shows and home parties.
"My dad has been doing this for 40 years," said Gerke, who opened Georgia Rae at 484 N. Main St.
The jewelry at the shop, including a line she created herself, ranges in price from $22 to $500. Some costume jewelry can also be found at the store, as well as handbags and scarves that shoppers won't find in other stores.
"I'm selling the stuff really fast, so the inventory is always changing," Gerke said. "It's a nice place to buy gifts."
Fun handbags include the Tylie Malibu line featuring hand-painted flowers or rhinestones. Shoppers also like the Latico line made up of leather handbags under $200, Gerke said.
She is also finding that big, fun rings have also been very popular. "It's fun to see people's faces light up when trying them on," she said.
Gerke's sister and mother have been running a similar store in Visalia, Calif., for the past couple years. "They've been helping me out and sending me merchandise that's popular out there," she said.
Prior to launching the business, Gerke worked for her father. She had a baby 8 months ago and decided to launch the store. Gerke and her husband, Grant, reside in Warrenville with baby, Jackson, who usually goes to work with Gerke.
Gerke grew up in California. Her father took a jewelry design class years ago and fell in love with the art. He now has several people working for him making his designs. He also taught jewelry making in California at an Indian reservation and at the community college.
The store is open from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call (630) 469-9800.
The nominations please: Kent and Julie Phillips, owners of Sir Speedy Printing of Naperville for the past 22 years, were recently nominated for the 2007 Illinois Family Business of the Year award. The award is presented to companies with a strong commitment to both business and family.
Kent and Julie, along with their sons, Kyle and Ryan, own the business at 526 W. Fifth Ave., Naperville.
New name and home: Rec Room Furniture and Games changed its name to SuitePlay.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was recently held at the new store in Naperville, 404 S. 59th St.
The store features all the same games and a large selection of furniture and accessories. Pool tables, bar counters and stools, wine storage, game tables, casino and arcade games, home theater seating and sports memorabilia are included in the mix.
Marketing guru: The new leader of Dinner By Design, John Matthews, will deliver the keynote address at the Passport To Success Business Expo on Oct. 17.
The event, co-sponsored by the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Villa Park Chamber of Commerce, takes place from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Diplomat West Banquet Halls.
Matthews will share his ideas for generating "No Cost, Low Cost Marketing" during his 60-minute keynote address beginning at 11 a.m.
A marketing executive, he is also the founder and president of Gray Cat Enterprises Inc., his North Barrington-based international consulting firm.
More than 40 area exhibitors will showcase their products and services at the expo. Attendees will be treated to chocolate desserts from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, specialty coffee from Caribou Coffee and non-alcoholic pina coladas from Patrick's Pro's.
Liquidation sale: The party's almost over. After 22 years in business, PartySetters in Geneva is closing soon.
"It's time to move on," said Sharon Wisniowski, who operates the shop at 204 W. State St. with her husband, Thad.
"We're having a quitting business sale," Sharon said.
She said shoppers can expect to find 20 to 70 percent markdowns on the merchandise. The store is expected to be open through Nov. 3.
The liquidation sale includes all paper products, balloons, party favors, cards, costumes, party supplies, tables, chairs, party machines and more.
All of the store fixtures, delivery trucks, furniture and other equipment most also be sold.
The owners were busy Thursday placing sale tags on the merchandise.
Sharon suffers from multiple sclerosis that is progressing. The couple said the business has been such a big part of their lives over the years. They say they'll miss the customers and friends they've made.
Born and raised in Geneva, Sharon now lives in Batavia.
Moving right along: Luxurious Suds & Ooh La Lingerie is moving from St. Charles.
The store will soon be down the street in Geneva at 422½ State St. on the second level with We're Making Faces.
A moving sale is now taking place at the St. Charles shop. Purses and jewelry is marked 25 percent off and bras start at $8.
The shop will close at 8 N. Third St. on Oct. 7, said owner Dina Tenuto.
When the store moves into its new location on Oct. 16, it will make some changes. The new location will not carry the lingerie line, decorative pillows, luggage tags and purses because of space constraints. Wall fixtures, mannequins and floor displays are also for sale.
The new shop is next to Dawn's Café.
A new home: The Barrington Home Shoppe, formerly the Canterbury Shoppe, is in a new location at the historic Ice House Mall, 200 Applebee St. in Barrington.
Owners Rusty Hernandez and Cynthia Bear expanded the collection of upscale artisan gifts, fine tabletop items, home accents, one-of-a-kind artisan furnishings and holiday collectibles. The store had outgrown its space.
The Canterbury Shoppe had been recognized by Chicago Magazine as one of the area's "best stores to shop" while being named one of the top stores in Illinois by Vietri and Mariposa, two luxury table-top and home accessory brands.