DPBA Spotlight: Chandelier Boutique Brings the Latest Trends to Northwest Suburbs
Chandelier Boutique in downtown Palatine is one of the many unique businesses that makes up the Downtown Palatine Business Association (DPBA).
The retail store is located at 17 W. Wilson Street, just west of Plum Grove Road, and carries stylish clothing, jewelry and other accessories, along with gift ideas such as candles from the Good Frog Candle Company, and all-occasion cards from Design Design.
Owner Mayme Ranallo said it has always been a dream of hers to build a profession centered around fashion.
"I received a degree in fashion journalism, then worked for a boutique in the city and loved it," Ranallo said. "Fashion has always been a passion of mine, but I never thought I could make a career of it."
But making a career of it is exactly what Ranallo did, opening up Chandelier Boutique in November of 2009 at the age of 24, amid a number of empty storefronts in the downtown area.
The fashions offered appeal to a variety of tastes; styles and unique, but casual and good for every day wear, and new selections arrive weekly. Special occasion dresses for weddings, graduations and other events are also available, in addition to funky to conservative jewelry and other accessories.
"I hand pick all of the items; I'm the buyer and the sales girl," she said.
Coordinating accessories for the bride to be, along with the entire bridal party has become a large part of the business in recent years.
"We work closely with brides to help them have a great experience leading up to their big day," Ranallo said.
Ranallo and her team are ready to assist all of her customers with their choices when they need it.
"I work very hard to please the customer and when they want it, help them make selections. It's nice when the customer trusts you, and important they leave happy and looking great - because in the end it's a representation of Chandelier Boutique," Ranallo said.
Ranallo comes from an entrepreneurial background, as her family has owned a business of their own for more than 15 years. She said that example gave her the confidence that she too could be successful as a business owner.
"Chandelier Boutique offers trendy clothing at a fair price, and other interesting gift items that you really can't find anywhere else," she said.
To learn more, visit Chandelier Boutique online at http://www.chanboutique.com/.
The Downtown Palatine Business Association is made up of businesses located in the perimeter of Palatine Road on the south, Smith Street on the west, Colfax Street on the north and Plum Grove Road on the east in Palatine. It is exists to contribute to the vibrant and growing downtown area, and promotes events that utilize the downtown area- while offering retail, dining and a wide range of services for residents of Palatine and the surrounding areas. Visit the website at www.downtownpalatine.org/.