Today we’d like to introduce you to Hallie Borden.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Hallie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I opened Milk Handmade in the spring of 2012. Milk is a women’s boutique in the Andersonville neighborhood of Chicago. We work exclusively with independent designers, and most of the things we sell are made right here in Chicago. In 2017, I joined forces with my sister and we opened Honey Bridal, a wedding dress shop right next to Milk. Next up for Milk is a clothing label — keep your eyes peeled!
Has it been a smooth road?
Every big step is just a thousand little steps added up. That’s how I like to approach a challange, and it was definitely how I approached opening Milk. So I guess I’d say the biggest challenge was all the little steps I hadn’t thought of. Things like securing business licenses, factoring shipping fees into my costs, and making sure my shelves were sturdy enough to hold loads of merchandise. We didn’t face one big roadblock, just a lot of small challenges that were manageable when taken one step at a time.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Milk Handmade – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Our focus at Milk is selling goods from local and independent makers. We sell clothing, accessories, jewelry, and bath & body products. And candles. Everyone loves our candles. I’m lucky to be able to work directly with so many amazing artists and designers. It’s an inspiring community, and it’s great to know the people who make the things I wear and sell.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I’m a Chicagoan at heart, and I love to explore the city. I’ve lived here all my life, and there are still so many things I’ve never done. I’m always up for checking out new restaurants, visiting museums and galleries, and shopping at local boutiques.
I’m passionate about supporting local artists and businesses. There’s so much talent, creativity, and ambition in Chicago, so it’s easy to shop locally.
My least favorite thing about the city is obviously our 8 month winters, but they weed out the complainers, so they’re not too bad.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5137 N Clark Chicago, IL 60640
- Website: www.milkhandmade.com
- Phone: 7732347053
- Email: milkchicago@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/milkhandmade
- Facebook: Facebook.com/milkhandmade
- Yelp: Yelp.com/biz/milk-handmade-chicago
Image Credit:
Mandy Lancia, Marjorie Guindon
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
