Today we’d like to introduce you to Melly and Mitchell Schwartz.
Long-time suburban Chicago residents, Melly and Mitch Schwartz, opened the doors to Turn The Tables in July of 2011.
Melly studied art education at Illinois State University and has been utilizing her love of art for thirty years. Under the company name “Turn The Tables” she established herself by painting and re-purposing furniture, both in a retail and studio environment. After her clients continuously asked her to find interesting furniture items for their homes, she had a vision that could make this happen.
In late 2010, Melly approached her husband, Mitch, who had a long career in the commercial lighting industry. She asked, “What if we partnered to create a consignment shop, combined with my existing custom painting business, all under one roof?” Mitch, surprisingly replied, “Let’s give it a go.” They pursued a 2,800 square foot vacant retail space in downtown Northbrook. The space was perfect for both their consignment shop and onsite painting studio. The feedback from the community, since then, has been tremendous!
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?
It was immediately apparent that operating a full time painting studio and retail consignment shop was more than two people could handle. Mitch and Melly quickly hired Mary Ellen Ward as a full time consignment manager. Over the next few years they have had to staff as many as seven people.
The biggest hurdle, in the early years, was the amount of hours it took to operate the business. Mitch and Melly often worked seven days a week including many 12 hour days.
They recently changed to a new consignment software program. The change has been for the best but the months of transitioning were definitely a challenge.
Please tell us about Turn The Tables.
Turn The Tables…Creations and Consignment for the Home, is a retail store that carries upscale furniture and home decor consignment items. We are a unique consignment shop with a painting studio on premises. They can recreate any piece that is purchased from us or that is brought in from home. They offer numerous painting techniques and design choices…each project is completely custom. Clients enjoy taking a peek in the painting studio to see what the next project is.
Melly’s vision for the shop was that it look like a lovely boutique rather than a thrift store. With the help of a creative, hard-working, staff she has accomplished this. Walking through the front door, you will find a fabulous six chandelier installation, hand painted floral walls, custom “industrial chic” lighting throughout the store, as well as a cozy faux fireplace. In the studio is a fun, one of a kind, “paint can chandelier”.
One of the aspects of the business that they are most proud of and was most unexpected, is how their business has affected the lives and businesses of other people. They have brought many additional clients to delivery companies, upholsterers, handy men, and designers. They are also proud and surprised by the response from the community. They often find neighbors greeting each other in the store or clients coming in for a bit of retail therapy. As one frequent visitor says…she comes in to “massage her brain!” Other frequent clients have become “friends of the store.” They have often been told how much the store means to the community and that they are the “go to place” for quality, creative pieces at reasonable prices.
Our staff is knowledgeable and go out of their way to help a client through the consignment process or find just the right piece for their home.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Melly spent many days trolling the back alleys of her hometown, Danville, IL, looking for treasures that she could incorporate into “found art” pieces. She also spent a great deal of time creating “new” fashion pieces from old blue jeans and flannel shirts.
Contact Info:
- Address: Turn The Tables LTD
Creations and Consignment for the Home
1955 Cherry lane, Northbrook, IL 60062 - Website: www.turnthetablesnorthbrook.com
- Phone: 847-272-9966
- Email: turnthetables@comcast.net
- Instagram: @turnthetablesnorthbrook
- Facebook: Turn The Tables
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.
