From boutique accessory shops to personal training, there are a number of startup and small businesses throughout Chicago that are vying for your dollars. For those luxurious items, you should check out JGeren and Simona Calla for interestingly different takes on fashion accessories.
This Lil' Light of Mine: This Southwest Side company launched an online store this year for its children's T-shirts, which feature the smiling cartoon face of a girl named Nuri. Company founder Shannon Hill Muhammad says she was inspired by a picture that her daughter, Maryam, drew several years ago. “When I saw the sweet little face, I just thought it was beautiful,” she says. “It came to me that maybe we could use it as a logo, like Ralph Lauren — or better yet, like Hello Kitty. Little girls love it.” Ms. Hill Muhammad says she hopes the shirts will boost self-esteem for girls of color — to inspire girls to say, “Nuri's beautiful. I'm beautiful, too.” Read More
