Today we’d like to introduce you to Winifred Gundeck.
Winifred, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 2003 I️ founded Winifred Grace, a line of handmade jewelry, which I️ primarily wholesaled boutiques and retailers such as Anthropologie, free people, and Steven Alan. In May of 2014 I️ opened a brick and mortar location selling my jewelry and a few clothing and home accessories. Over the past three years, the store has evolved to offer affordably priced clothing & accessories, home goods, vintage rugs and apothecary items. It has become a go-to shopping destination for personalized gift items and everyday wardrobe staples. Our meticulously curated space and unparalleled customer service make your shopping experience at Winifred Grace truly exceptional.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Opening the boutique has been one of the best decisions I️ e ever made. I’ve been extremely fortunate to have found an incredibly committed and hardworking staff. Without them, none of this would be possible! Also, the Andersonville neighborhood is full of quality residents who have been nothing short of amazing in their support and enthusiasm for the Shop. We run a strong repeat business with many of our new customers resulting from referrals. Of course, having come from over a decade in the wholesale business I’ve had to learn the ins and outs of retail on the fly. I️ still have a ton to learn but having an open dialogue with and listening to what our customers want has been incredibly helpful! I’m so grateful!
Please tell us about Winifred Grace, Inc.
We offer a line of in-house fine jewelry (10 & 14k jewelry using a variety of diamonds and gemstones) as well as a casual line of everyday pieces made of bronze and sterling. We offer custom stamping on blank pendants and cuffs that we can personalize with names, dates, map coordinates, initials, you name it! Turn around time is up to one week or same day for a rush fee. Most of our clothing is under $100. We offer a wide range of gift items ranging from glassware, ceramics, apothecary, scarves, & handbags. We are an intimate space with incredible customer service oozing with great taste and sincerity. We will tell you if something doesn’t look right on you, and help you find something else that does.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Two years ago I️ overstaffed my jewelry workshop when I️ should have been focusing on the Shop & clothing items. I️ had shrunk my wholesale business so ramping up my jewelry production didn’t make sense. It took me a while to fix it, but now it is small and incredibly efficient making it much more manageable.
Pricing:
- Clothing, footwear & accessories from $35-150
- Fine jewelry from $60-1000
- Personalized Bronze and sterling jewelry starting at $35
Contact Info:
- Address: 5642 North Clark Street chicago Il 60660
- Website: Www.winifredgrace.com
- Phone: 8728062455
- Email: winifred@winifredgrace.com
- Instagram: Winifredgrace
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