Today we’d like to introduce you to Lyndsey “Lyn” Hooley.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Lyndsey “Lyn”. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Born in 2007 right before the collapse of the economy, Rep Chi began as a small eco-friendly screen printing setup in our bungalow’s basement, making custom shirts and other merch for businesses and non-profits around the city. We took our original designs on the road for a few years of Chicago street festivals and in 2012 saved up enough to open our brick and mortar location on Milwaukee Avenue.
Three years later, we expanded into the adjacent storefront almost tripling our retail footprint. You’ll find civic pride apparel, unique upcycled handmade gifts, and local art in the shop (only a fraction of our offering is online since many items are one-of-a-kind or made in very small/limited batches).
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?
Haha… Small Business is never a smooth road. Struggles of work/life balance (especially while the business lived in my home), of hustling trying to find pennies while building the business on credit cards due to the lack of small business loan availability, you name it. But: through the blood, sweat, and multiple buckets of tears, we just celebrated ten years of business and couldn’t imagine doing anything differently.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Replica Chicago a.k.a. REP CHI – what should we know?
Rep Chi is three people doing the work of thirty. We primarily specialize in hand screen printed apparel but are most known for our Chicago-wares and affordable gift items. Since we have a hand in making about 60-75% of the items in the shop, the things you find here aren’t found elsewhere. We’re proud to have been recognized for Most Loved Shop by Time Out and 45th Ward Awards as well as USAToday Ten Best.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I’d say devotion; when you’re set on making something from nothing and are in too deep to turn back, you have to make it happen. But the most important part of our success really has to go to our customers and clients, without the support and enthusiasm from them, we would not be where we are today.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4425 N Milwaukee Ave
Suite 1 Chicago IL 60630 - Website: repchi.com
- Phone: 773-696-1992
- Email: lyn@repchi.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/repchi_4425nmilwaukee
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/replicachicago
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/replicachicago
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/replica-chicago-chicago-3
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.
