Hawley Street is home to a new arts, crafts and antique shop
Kathy Patzer's passion for color and art drove her to open a new gift and antique shop in Mundelein.
Patzer opened Hawley Street Shoppe at 39 E. Hawley St. on Dec. 1. It takes the place of A Rare Find, a custom furniture business that moved to Libertyville.
The new Mundelein business features antiques, glass, yarn, fine art and more. Knitting classes will be kicking off soon.
Patzer's son, Charlie, makes the hand-blown glass sold at the shop. Charlie, 22, makes a variety of merchandise including jewelry, ornaments and paperweights for the shop.
Kathy's husband, Karl, handles a great deal of the antique part of the business. The couple resides in Mundelein and also has a home in Hazelhurst, Wis., where they do a great deal of antique shopping.
Karl has his own home remodeling business, KP Enterprises, and has an appreciation for old furniture, Kathy said. "He really knows what to look for," she said. They have a variety of antiques including old tables, clocks and even a dining room set with a buffet selling for $900.
Prior to launching the business, Kathy worked in the corporate health-care industry for 30 years. When the Deerfield company she worked for was bought out, her position was eliminated. She looked into starting a business.
At first she considered opening a quilting business because she enjoys working with fabrics. She discovered she would need more space for that type of business and altered the focus to yarn and gifts. "I love color and art," she said.
In operating the business, Kathy said she offers prices that are competitive so that the merchandise turns over quickly.
"I want it to look different every time customers come in," she said.
Kathy added that she's interested in making the shop ecologically friendly. She said she has bought recycled yarn and the antiques fit in with the "green theme."
For more information, call (847) 566-2300.
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