Suburban retail boutiques are a perfect fit for three sisters

An interview with sisters Samantha Shapiro, Lena Blitstein, Melinda Kaplan, owners of ENAZ On The Park in Libertyville.

Q: What do you do?

A: We own, operate, and manage three women's contemporary retail boutiques offering our customers a fun, eclectic, urban shopping experience; ENAZ On The Park across from Cook Park in Libertyville, ENAZ in Highland Park, and ENAZ For Life in Northfield. ENAZ is the acronym for Energy, Nature, Attitude, and Zest For Life. We carry vibrant T-shirts, denim, chunky knitwear, and dressy pieces; accessories; handbags; scarves; custom jewelry from local artisans; and more than 25 scented oils for blending into silky lotions and bath gels. Our clothing lines feature Michael Stars, Sanctuary, J Brand, Genetic Jeans, Central Park West, and its own ENAZ 4 Life label. Our jewelry is from local designers such as Rita Ratskoff Designs, Dana Rebecca Designs, Shoshanna Lee, Avaasi, Allison Fiutak, Graziela Gems, and many more.

Q: What made you start your business?

A: Our business was founded in Highland Park 22 years ago by our mother, Susan Lurie, who was a custom leather designer whose growing business forced her to move from her home into larger quarters. We have cultivated a loyal following due to her and our dedication to community and family that has enabled us to satisfy the fashion needs of the casual, polished, put-together, on-the-go woman, and those who want to be just that.

Q: What is the most difficult obstacle?

A: Figuring out how to be stylish, but not too trendy, understanding who our customer is, and finding the right merchandise; creating a fun, comfortable and helpful environment to shop.

Q: What do you enjoy most about the business?

A: We love helping our customers create a great look from head-to-toe that complements their personality and lifestyle. We enjoy hosting shopping events such as private parties, anniversaries, and special occasions. We offer an exclusive opportunity to customers who bring a group of 10-20 friends and family for a private party/shopping experience. Our trunk shows create a lot of buzz. Our customers love that we wrap gifts for free with our signature wrapping.

Q: Is this what you pictured when you were young?

A: The three of us were born to be in this industry. Our aunt and uncle are "garmentos" in California. Our mom started this store when we were in junior high and high school so following in her footsteps was always in our minds at an early age. We worked on the wholesale end as reps in California and New York after college. Samantha serves as buyer and merchandiser, Lena is buyer and head of marketing who often attends Fashion Week events in New York City to keep up with the latest styles, and Melinda is director of operations.

• We feature small suburban businesses on Mondays. We want to hear about yours. Contact Kim Mikus at kmikus@dailyherald.com.