Women of Naperville’s Girls Weekend

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Updated: August 4, 2011 4:20PM

Ready, set, shop!

Today is the start of the popular Fall Girls Weekend event in downtown Naperville — three days of special events and sales especially for gals and their pals at the many shops and restaurants downtown.

Given the weekend’s focus on females, I thought it fitting to once again shine the spotlight on another batch of downtown’s female business owners (surprisingly there are more than 40). These women operate “boutiques” — specialty shops that create the one-of-a-kind environment that people love about our downtown.

Kelly Kirch, owner Twist Boutique, 206 S. Washington — Previously on Jefferson, Kelly recently expanded Twist to a larger space on Washington. Twist is a fashionable apparel boutique that carries a selection of denim jeans, tops, coats, dresses and accessories with exclusive brands like Joe’s Jeans, Hudson, Kensie and Tulle.

“There is no other city like Naperville where you can experience the “big city” atmosphere in a suburban community. We love bringing big city fashions to downtown Naperville.”

Natalie Sansores, owner M2 Boutique, 121 S. Washington St. — Relatively new to the downtown scene, M2 is an eclectic pink boutique popular among ladies of all ages. M2, with a second boutique location in Chicago, carries jewelry, handbags and gifts that are affordable but “fun and funky” for all women. Natalie most enjoys making connections with great customers who come into her store.

“We love seeing the same faces over and over again, and developing a relationship with our customers.”

Betty Kick, owner BK Jewelry, 231 S. Washington St. — BK Jewelry carries high-end designer merchandise as well as moderately-priced fashion jewelry. Their highly trained staff works hard to make every customer experience educational and memorable.

“Our valued customers have made our store what it is today . We love the activity of our community, and the support we feel as a small business owner. It’s unmatched!”

Debbie Jagel, owner Ootra, 315 S. Main St. — Ootra, the newest downtown apparel and gift boutique, is owned by longtime Naperville resident Debbie Jagel. Debbie recently moved Ootra from Michigan Avenue to Naperville’s Main Street to the delight of many.

“Ootra is about embrace, fun and transformation of how you think of dressing.”

The items in Ootra have been carefully selected and created so no two pieces are ever alike. Debbie thrives on making every woman feel special.

AdreAnne Tesene, owner Two Bostons Pet Boutique, 103 W. Jefferson. — Naperville loves its pets, and thanks to Two Bostons, they are well cared for.

“My husband Andy and I truly love what we do, and it shows as soon as you walk through our doors. We have fun, and it’s our goal to make sure you and your pets do too,” Tesene said. “The atmosphere in downtown Naperville simply can’t be beat! There is a great combination of regular and out-of town customers. And we love the variety and frequency of all the great activities in downtown Naperville.”

Cindy Crawford, owner SaraBoo Creek, 107 W. Jefferson. — SaraBoo is an adorable shop where you can personalize just about everything.

“Lots of people don’t realize that we make every item they see in SaraBoo Creek from scratch locally ... right down to the tiny glittered letters! I love being part of such a vibrant downtown that’s really supported by its residents. I feel honored knowing that SaraBoo Creek letters are hanging over lots of little girls’ beds and our customized frames surround ... photos of many Naperville cheerleaders and baseball players. We really feel part of the community.”

Cindy Meals, owner Bella Caley, 20 W. Jefferson St. — Another hot new boutique, Bella Caley is designed to be a fun, friendly place where women can shop for gifts, something special for their home and also find chic, trendy clothes and accessories at reasonable prices.

“I have worked in retail for 13 years in downtown Naperville, first with the Canterbury Shoppe and since June with my own store. I love being a part of the downtown business scene. The way downtown store owners work to support each other is very gratifying.”

Kellyn Machacek, owner Baubles by Maclyn, 26 W. Jefferson St. — Baubles jewelry boutique carries all sterling silver jewelry, and 30 to 40 percent of everything in the store is a one-of-a-kind piece with genuine stones (pearls, garnet, jasper, turquoise). New pieces come in every week.

“I really love the ‘feel’ Naperville has ... it’s a very special little town with a lot of community involvement. The customers are friendly and my fellow shop owners share the sense of family. We really look out for and refer customers to each other. It’s reassuring to be a part of such a supportive community.”

The customer is definitely “queen” to these ladies! See for yourself. They and all the downtown merchants invite you downtown this weekend for Fall Girls Weekend. (Guys, you’re welcome too!)

Katie Wood is the executive director of the Downtown Naperville Alliance, a division of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce. DNA offices are in the Main Street Promenade, 55 S. Main St., Suite 351, Naperville. Contact Katie at 630-544-3372 or kwood@naperville.net.