Meet Kate Merena of Sacred Art in Lincoln Square

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Merena.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
For many years my career was in finance and project management, and in 2011, I dropped out of the corporate world in search of a more fulfilling, sustainable, balanced life. I jumped into many different things in the following couple of years: event planning, retail, systems consulting, tech start-ups, public relations, storefront theater, alternative energy healing.

One of my many jobs was working at Sacred Art, managing the shop and developing our artist portfolio. It was my favorite of all my part-time jobs, and when founder Sarah decided that she was ready to move on, I purchased the business from her in 2013.

Since taking the helm, I have honed our focus on local, handmade and independent makers, and we currently represent 90% Chicagoland-based artists. My main focus is community building; I believe that we do well when our entire community does well.

Sacred Art hosts community events and sponsors local craft shows, and we can be found at events like Square Roots and Show of Hands. I represent the neighborhood on the Board of the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce and I co-lead a virtual networking group of 200+ women entrepreneurs.

And in the spirit of balance, I teach guided meditation in a partnership with Lena Rose Natural Beauty in Ravenswood.

Has it been a smooth road?
There is no well-worn path to success when it comes to business ownership. The open secret is that we’re all making it up as we go along. The learning curve can be fun, and it also can be exhausting, lonely work trying to capture the magic that will lead to success.

The biggest struggles for me are the unpredictable, like a burst pipe, or a show impacted by bad weather, or a poorly-attended event. Even the best planning based on experience doesn’t accurately predict the outcome or what the next step should be. Being an entrepreneur has taught me resilience and flexibility, and every lesson is something to build upon, but I still have days that feel like I’m crossing my fingers and jumping in the deep end!

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Sacred Art – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Sacred Art is an art gallery and gift boutique with a focus on locally handmade goods. We work with independent artists who are creating in a variety of media. We have a little something for everyone. We are known as the shop where you can always find the perfect gift!

Being deeply rooted in the Lincoln Square/Ravenswood community means that Sacred Art has a reputation for service and connection. Our customers trust our eye for quality and style, and our artists trust our representation of their work and story. We aim to connect our customers with exactly what they need, even if it means sending them to a neighboring shop that can fit their needs better than we can.

Customers are always telling us that they like the vibe of the shop, and for me there is no bigger compliment!

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Chicago has an openness and a community unlike any other city I’ve lived in. It is full of passionate people working hard on something they care about, whether that’s art, improv, advocacy, or cooking. Chicagoans are proud of their city, and actively support small business. It’s a small town in disguise; I am always running into people I know in other parts of the city or through mutual friends. And the city planning deserves a shout-out, too; Chicago’s green spaces, riverwalk development, neighborhood centers and public art are second to none.

I wish the city and county were more small-business friendly when it comes to permitting and taxes. And I’m not a fan of winter, but that’s not Chicago’s fault!

Contact Info:

• Address: 4619 N Lincoln Ave.,
  Chicago, IL 60625
• Website: www.sacredartchicago.com
• Phone: 773-728-2803
• Email: sacredartstore@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sacredartchicago/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SacredArtChicago
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/SacredArtChi
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sacred-art-chicago-3

Image Credit:
TK Photography

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.