Today we’d like to introduce you to Gilda Norris.
Gilda, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I moved here 3 1/2 years ago from the East Coast. I’ve worked for the corporate fashion industry for years holding positions such as buyer, manager, wardrobe stylist and merchandiser. I always wanted a space to express my creativity and to help people express theirs.
I started an outdoor boutique in front of my house in Washington D.C. on weekends. My business grew and a clientele formed. Although it was very hard work, I knew this is what I wanted to do but in D.C. it’s very expensive to have a brick and mortar.
I came to Chicago visiting a friend and fell in love with Hyde Park! I decided to make this my home.
After working a year for corporate in downtown Chicago, I felt like I was falling into the same mode, making money for other people and confined to their ideas. So I stepped out on the belief in myself and decided to open my own boutique!
I chose a thrift boutique for many reasons. I feel the community would appreciate getting quality, beautiful merchandise at an affordable price and my ability to provide that!
GILDA was born in Hyde Park November, 2016. It has been wonderful! Housing womenswear, menswear, home décor and art, new, vintage and resale. It is truly an environment of community, style and knowledge. My customers are the best!
Because of the current market, GILDA is also on line, highlighting vintage merchandise on Etsy. The FB and Instagram pages: @gilda.designerthriftboutique also allow customers to buy, comment and be a part of GILDA!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest struggle is making people aware that GILDA exists. Getting customers to come into the store. The weather here dictates everything.
GILDA Designer Thrift Boutique – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
GILDA offers new, vintage and resale womenswear, menswear, home décor and art at frugal prices. It is an eclectic mix of quality specializing in the finer things.
What sets GILDA apart from others is excellent customer service, product knowledge and selection. All customers are the stars and deserve to be treated as such.
I am most proud of the relationships I have with my customers. I am also very proud of my journey and being able to give to the community.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1703 E. 55th St., Hyde Park, Chicago 60615
- Website: www.etsy.com/shop/GILDADesignerThrift
- Phone: 773-888-3134
- Email: gilda.designerthriftboutique@gmail.com
- Instagram: @gilda.designerthriftboutique
- Facebook: @gilda.designerthriftboutique
Image Credit:
Gilda Norris
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.
