THE GNOME COLONY
GLEN ELLYN–Step into another world known as The Gnome Colony Co. in the heart of beautiful downtown Glen Ellyn.
With its tagline "a store full of love, whimsy and wishes," this shop is the creation of renowned beauty guru Michael Perich. The Gnome Colony Co. is a 1,700 sq. ft store that leaves you feeling as if you’ve stepped into a "living storybook" upon entry– and that is exactly how Michael Perich, who designed and owns store, wants you to feel. As if by some kind of fairy magic, whatever is on a woman's mind that might be weighing her down emotionally immediately vanishes as she gets deeper into the store. If she already feels good, she will feel even better.
The attention to detail is overwhelmingly impressive and shows just how much Mr. Perich loves what he does, along with his genuine love for women. Rest assured, this shows in every step you take through this store. The front of the store has clothing in all sizes, beautiful jewelry that ranges from the classics to eclectic, other worldly scents and a makeup area which showcases his PERICH Skincare & Makeup product line. This brings people from as far away from Chicago, Winnetka, Hinsdale, Barrington and West Dundee into downtown Glen Ellyn to sit in his makeup chair.
"I do not take any booked appointments nor do I travel offsite any longer. I do what I do because first and foremost having a woman in my chair brings me joy, and watching her feel good about how she looks is soul food. Women just walk in everyday, get comfy and away we go. To me that is how it should be!”
said Michael.
“Truth be told, my product line sells itself because of my dedication to uncompromising quality, my ‘no sales pitch’ reputation and the fact of the matter is it will outperform anything put up against it, and I own that with great pride. Some people have told me I boast and it is true genuine passion that drives me, not boastfulness,” he added.
“I have been in the beauty industry for 25 years, and lasted, for a reason. If you have a passion that drives you the moment you open your eyes for the day, you know exactly what I mean."
Michael points to another curtain and says, "Beyond there is the second half of the story, go enjoy yourself and explore!” You step through and are even more overwhelmed by what can only be described as pure magic with little twists, turns, nooks and crannies filled with pure eye candy and things that give the soul joy, laughter and happiness.
"The energy of my store attracts people in with an open heart, an affinity for the imagination, whimsy, wonder and the magic of all life has to offer, " said Michael.
His biggest achievements, in addition to being a one-man operation, is that he has personally raised awareness and tens of thousands of dollars for such charities and organizations as:
Charlies Corner c/o Luries NICU, Glenbard West High School Boosters, Glen Ellyn Public Library, Westfield Elementary School, Glen Ellyn Childrens Resource Center, Glen Ellyn Food Pantry, Italian America Women's Organization benefiting CAMP One Step, Phil's Friends, Canine Companions for Independence, Glenbard South High School Boosters, Metropolitan Family Services, Bridge Communities, Margarets Village, Glen Ellyn Infant Welfare Society, Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce and The Service Club of Chicago.
Visit The Gnome Colony Co. today at 485 N. Main Street in downtown Glen Ellyn to see for yourself just how special this store is and to meet the person behind all of its beautiful success, Michael Perich.
