Meet Gina Crevi of Gigi Bottega in Evanston

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Crevi.

Gina, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
After graduating from Ole Miss in 2009 with a major in graphic design and a minor in mass communications, I moved back to my hometown in Bloomington, Ill. In October that year my dream became a reality as I opened my first boutique, gigi BOTTEGA, a fusion of my nickname Gigi, from Gina, and the Italian word for boutique, “bottega.” My vision for the store was to cater towards the contemporary woman with customer-friendly prices. ­

After almost two years, I was looking for a change, but didn’t want to sacrifice my dream job. I wanted to move up to Chicago to kind of expand the boutique. So I went around to a few different suburbs and then I just fell in love with Evanston because Northwestern is here, it’s close to the city, there is a lot going on in the town, and a lot of young people as well as young professionals. College towns really attracted me as there is always a revolving door of new people.

I think gigi BOTTEGA provides a niche in Evanston and Bloomington as there are not many boutiques that have clothing that mimics a Neimans or Intermix with an affordable price point.

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?
Being in business for yourself is always challenging but it is always worth it in the end so it makes you keep going. It was always hard the first year in both locations as you are trying to get the word out and market your locations. If you have a drive and persistence to succeed you will; I have the attitude that giving up is never an option.

Gigi Bottega – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Gigi Bottega offers everyday couture to women of a variety of ages. We specialize in on trend wearable clothing at a customer friendly price point. Our mission is to provide looks that you would find in contemporary departments at higher end stores for a fraction of the price. We really try to provide an upscale retail environment in our locations with a friendly attitude and comfortable setting. We are proud to be able to get to know our customers personally and cater to their shopping needs. Being a smaller store it allows us to be personal and to provide a one on one experience with our customers.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
It is always very gratifying when you hear customer’s positive reactions to the service you are providing. Hearing how happy they are that the store is there makes you feel like you are doing something right.

Pricing:

• Clothing: $30-$75
• Jewelry: $10-$35

Contact Info:

• Address: 612 Davis Street, Evanston, IL 60201
• Website: www.gigibottega.com
• Phone: 847-425-5158
• Email: shop@gigibottega.com
• Instagram: gigibottega1
• Facebook: gigibottega

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