Mother, daughter blend experience, love for animals into business

For years, Teri Hoppe and her daughter, Kim Fickel have talked about opening their own business together.

Using their previous business experience and their love for animals, the duo made this a reality in launching Hearth and Hound in Grayslake. The gift shop, at 456 Barron Blvd., features seasonal home accessories, creative garden accents and a large assortment of pet gifts.

"We have unique gifts for the home, from the heart," said Hoppe, a resident of Mundelein.

Hoppe, a manager and buyer for a Long Grove gift shop for 23 years, decided it was time to launch her own venture. Most of the items in the store are hand made, while everything is made in the United States.

"This is important to us," Hoppe said.

About 60 percent of the shop is devoted to pet-related merchandise. Bling collars, picture frames, socks for dogs, bowls, pet carriers and charms for dog collars are included in the selection.

Fickel operates a dog grooming business in a separate building next door. Fickel, a Grayslake resident, has been running Beauty For the Beast for about seven years.

The women say they realize that opening a business in a down economy is a risk. But they are finding that people are continuing to spend money on their pets.

The business owners say personalizing makes up a large portion of their business.

"The 'Count your blessings' plaque has been going over well," Hoppe said. The wooden indoor piece features the names of family members.

Painted glassware, small furniture, functional and decorative birdhouses and seasonal flags have all been going over well at the shop that opened in early April, Hoppe said. Candle melts have also been a hit. The fragrant low-watt light bulb gives a scent instead of the flame of a candle. Vanilla cake is the No. 1 scent right now, Hoppe said. The melter sells for $17 while a bag of the scents is $8.

Real estate professionals staging homes have been coming into the shop for the faux foods. Wine glasses, fruit and chocolate cake looks like the real thing, Hoppe said. The bowls of popcorn and pretzels have been big for entertainment rooms. An artist in Iowa makes this popular line.

Painted wine and margarita glasses as well as personalized Christmas ornaments are other items going over well, according to the owners.

The shop is open from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The shop is closed Wednesdays.

For more information, call (847) 548-1200.

• Kim Mikus covers small business and retail. She welcomes comments at kmikus@dailyherald.com.