Today we’d like to introduce you to Randi Lamb.
Randi, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I can remember Imagining what my shop would look like long before I had one, I could visualize the wall color the displays and fixtures even the little details of my gift packaging. After saving money living at home and working in restaurants, I decided to open Randoons in 1999 in a small room that was part of a salon. In the beginning I carried mostly my own hand- painted clothing and furniture, with a focus on baby. I grew the shop slowly by reinvesting all the earnings over the first few years and the focus shifted from baby to women. In 2001 I moved into my own storefront and have been there ever since. It’s hard to believe we just celebrated 18 years this May.
In addition to running Randoons, I also work on my own line called Randellas Enchantments. Both Randella and Randoon were childhood nicknames. Randellas Enchantments includes greeting cards and hand-painted and printed clothing that I design myself. I’ve also collaborated with Shannon Mages to create Folklore & Fairytales, a sterling silver jewelry line that tells a story, and with Heidi Mages from LA to create Emery West Jewelry.
In October of 2016, my daughter (Ryelan) who is 6 took over a little corner of the store called Ryelan’s Frocks and Frills. She picks everything out in her section for girls 5-12 and it’s been very successful. I hope that Randoons will one day be something I can give to her.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I feel like one of our main struggles has been trying to keep as much of our inventory “Made in America” as possible. As a small business owner it’s important to support other local businesses and I try to focus a majority of the store’s merchandise around being made in the US. When we opened we had at least 70% made in America, but now with clothing we are at 50%. The growth of online and big box retailers always hurts mom and pop shops, but I am thankful that there has been a resurgence of shop small and small business promoting in the last few years.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Randoons – what should we know?
At the shop we carry women’s clothing, accessories, and gifts along with a sweet section for babies. I like to carry lines from other artists and small businesses. We strive to be the little shop where people come to get styled or just need to get there seasonal, casual wardrobe pieces. We also have a great selection of gifts.
One of my favorite things to focus on in the store is our special themed events. When possible I try to find ways to give back to our local charities. One of my favorites was the “Polar Express Event” last December, where we partnered with The Floured Apron, a local charity that helps empower women from under-served communities by providing a 10-week work training program in a bakery. They brought in some baked goods to sell and people could purchase raffle tickets to go towards the organization.
Even my six year old daughter likes to help with charities. Last summer she held a lemonade stand outside the store and donated all of her sales to the Evanston Animal Shelter.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There are many people I would give credit too, one being my mother. When I opened my business at the age of 24 I still lived at home. My mom said she wouldn’t charge me any rent so I could invest my money into my dream. She has also been a huge supporter in my life and of the shop.
My father was a creative inspiration, always painting, sculpting, or making music. Even though my shop was mainly for women’s and kids he loved to shop at Randoons. My dad passed away in 2007 but I know he would be so proud of what the shop has become.
Also I need to give a shout out to Sapphira Miller who is the shop manager, she has been an amazing part of running the store. Sapphira is also a photographer and a wonderful cookie decorator and does so much for our events and social media.
Pricing:
- We like to keep our merchandice affordable and we have a wide range of pricing you could get a gift anywhere from $ 15 to $150
- Clothing ranges from $24 to $120
- Jeans $36 to $168
Contact Info:
- Address: 962 1/2 Green Bay Rd Winnetka IL 60093
- Website: www.randoons.com
- Phone: 847 784-1890
- Email: randoons@sbcglobal.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randoons/www.
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Randoons
- Other: http://randoon.blogspot.com/
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