by Kristen Kucharski, Photos by Mike Catuara
CONGRATULATIONS TO KARISMA BOUTIQUE IN NAPERVILLE
Chosen from Thousands of Entries Submitted by West Suburban Residents, Karisma Boutique of Naperville is named Glancer Magazine's 2020 Business of the Year and will receive an advertising package valued at $4,000. Here is their story–
Very similar to the challenging times of today, back in 2009 when Ginger Makowski decided to open her store in downtown Naperville, she was also in the midst of an unsettled time in her personal life. Mother of three, Ginger had always thought she would start a charitable organization and volunteer when she retired, but when circumstances shifted, she dug deep and pursued her dream of opening a retail store. She did not have a solid plan and just ran with it and along the way found it to be the most satisfying thing she has ever done outside of raising her children.
Karisma Boutique, Naperville’s “hidden gem”, was named after her daughter Jen Hoeft who has amazing charisma and travels with Ginger to worldwide trade shows to purchase unique apparel and accessories, jewelry, scarves, purses, hats, shoes, home decor, candles, lotions, and various gift items.
“We are usually buying weekly which brings in new arrivals a few times a week,” Ginger says. “It's been a challenge recently as I like to hand pick our merchandise, but I have had to rely online at this time which makes it difficult. We pride ourselves in exceptional customer service, incredible selections, affordable pricing, and also guarantee our product 100%. Satisfaction is extremely important to us.”
This has been an extremely difficult year for the Boutique and without the impromptu live online shows followed by personal delivery and curbside service, Ginger is not sure she would have made it through. She is eternally grateful for her customers and staff for keeping the dream alive and she is just as surprised as the next to see masks as the fashion statement of 2020!
Ginger consciously gives back to the community by attending many charity events and hosting in store parties for her customers. She thoroughly believes it is not always about making the sale, as it is to bond a relationship that is treasured forever.
Karisma Boutique, 232 S Washington St, Naperville, IL 60540
630-355-5554 • www.karismaboutiqueshop.com
