Meet D’Cher Whitaker of Love Peridot in Logan Square

Today we’d like to introduce you to D’Cher Whitaker.

D’Cher, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I call Love Peridot my “daydream”. It launched online March 2016 as a passion project inspired by my grandmother’s amazing accessory collection as well as my love of August. All of my life, I’ve watched my Grandma wear heels, beautiful jewelry and handbags to special occasions. Even at 80 years old, she has pieces that I “borrow” (she makes sure to remind me to return her stuff) :).

Peridot is the gemstone for August which is a very special month. It’s the month I was born, got engaged and married amongst others.

All of these things conspired to turn my daydream into a reality.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Entrepreneurship is no easy feat. It comes with long nights, no days off and minimal self-care just to name a few. Add a demanding full-time job along with other roles and it can be A LOT! However, the growth and connections developed are worth all of the bumps and bruises along the way. I have learned to persist and understand that every success will come with trial and error. Even with the struggles, it has truly been a rewarding experience overall.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Love Peridot – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Love Peridot is a curated collection for the distinctive lifestyle. Our collection consists of jewelry as well as lifestyle and travel accessories. Currently, I do it ALL!

I always get asked, “where did you get that?” and told, “I love that!” I try to ensure that what I curate is different from other local shops so that my customers can have that same feeling of distinctiveness. Who doesn’t love to stand out!?

I also ensure that each item motivates my customer in some way. From the wallets that say “Work It” and “Girls Just Wanna Have Funds” to the “Goal Getter” Crown Pens and Agenda, I hope that it inspires them to find their greatness.

Our most popular item since launch has been our Sideways Initial Necklace. It’s the perfect everyday piece and available in gold and silver. Customers rave about being able to wear it every day because of the great quality.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
In the near future, I plan to get a team! These two years in have taught me that I can’t build this alone. My first employee will start this August.

I have so much planned for Love Peridot. We are debuting our men’s collection very soon. I will also be adding some items for the mommies.

While we pop up all over the city – Boombox Wicker Park is up next, a more permanent space is in the works.

We are super excited for what’s to come and hope you stay tuned.

Pricing:

• Sideways Initial Necklace – $34
• Work It Document Wallet – $36
• Crown Pens – $6
• Girls Just Wanna Have Funds Wallet – $40
• Hustle Tote – $28
• Goal Digger Agenda – $20

Contact Info:

• Website: www.loveperidot.com
• Email: dcher@loveperidot.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/shoploveperidot
• Facebook: facebook.com/shoploveperidot
• Twitter: twitter.com/shoploveperidot

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