Friendship, Love of Shopping Turns Into Booming Business

Three woman who tried their hand at business with one of Homewood’s popular pop-up shops so loved the experience, they’re making a go of it at a permanent location.

Suzy Moore, Julie Lawton, and Julie Smith—all of the Homewood-Flossmoor area—swung open the doors of Upsadaisy Boutique, 18100 Martin Ave. this week. The shop is the newest addition to a unique retail atmosphere known for welcoming business newbies, and the trio experienced that firsthand with their pop-up shop adjacent to Suzie’s Hallmark last summer.

“It was great, we were very successful,” said Moore. “The people of Homewood were very welcoming, very generous. We were busy all the time. People were asking us if we were going to open a location.”

Upsadaisy will feature handcrafted knitwear, custom-made baby line, and upholstered items, along with jewelry, purses, and candles. All stay-at-home moms, the co-owners are eager to bring their taste and love of shopping to their own store.

“We all like to shop, find good deals and share that with other people,” said Moore.

The mom of four said as three of her kids move on in their adult lives and one ventures into his teens, she heard opportunity calling.

“I think it was time for me personally to get back out there and start doing something for myself,” Moore said.

The store will have similar hours as a pop-up shop, open Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

They’ll also welcome vendors previously featured in pop-up shops, including Knotty Knits, Hermosa by Carolyn, Happy Sew Lucky, Sitting Pretty Studio and Vintage Postcards by Susan.

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