Growing fashion accessory business expands with Naperville boutique
It's all about the accessories for Naperville business owner Tracy Paulson.
Paulson started Creating Your Style from her home three years ago. The company focused on selling fashion accessories including handbags, watches and scarves. She sold the merchandise from her home and through home shows.
The business plan seemed to fit. She now employs 100 consultants who sell the merchandise through their own shows. Two years ago Paulson opened a showroom in Naperville in the basement space at 116 S. Webster St. at the corner of Jefferson Avenue.
The bustling showroom featuring thousands of items and serves as an outlet for Paulson to sell merchandise to her consultants and the public. "It's cash and carry," she added.
She expanded the business earlier this month, opening TracyAcessory, a boutique on the main level of the same building.
"The boutique is much more soothing and calming. There's less inventory," she said. She created the atmosphere at the new shop, decorated with her grandparent's antique furniture, to feel more like the living room of her home.
The business focuses on selling a large variety including handbags starting at $5, belts, scarves, jewelry, watches ranging from $10 to $28, fur vests, hats, seasonal items and sunglasses.
"We have great teacher's gifts," she said. The cell phone case with a gift card tucked inside is a popular gift.
"You never know what you'll find here. We have new things to look at everyday," Paulson said.
When hosting home shows, consultants don't hold presentations. The merchandise, often stemming from top designer's trends, speaks for itself. "Customers just shop," Paulson said.
She has consultants in several states and locally in Hanover Park, Round Lake Beach, Highland Park and many in Naperville.
Paulson, 41, launched the business shortly after she went through a divorce. For the seven years before the divorce, the energetic Paulson was a stay-at-home mom. Prior to starting a family, she held a career in outside sales and marketing.
In starting her own business, she was looking for something flexible while raising her sons Tim, 7, and Ben, 9.
"I saw the vision early on. It's really exciting," said Paulson, who added that her parents have been helpful in the operation and building the new boutique.
For more, call (877) 789-5341 or check out www.creatingyourstyle.com.
Fudge brownies: Art McGinn, owner of Roselle-based Custom Direct marketing firm, is attempting to market with sweetness.
McGinn is handing out Little Debbie brand fudge brownies with information about his firm at the Metra commuter stations in Schaumburg, Roselle and Medinah.
"We're not a big downtown agency, with a big overhead, a big staff or the attitude to match. We're a small group of dedicated design, production and marketing pros with national experience," McGinn said. For more, check out www.ChooseArtie2007.com.