Mom Turns Boredom Into A Business

The Southtown Star:

Two years ago, stay-at-home mom Amy Gluch needed a change.

The 37-year-old Frankfort woman wanted to return to work, but she wanted a job that would allow her to spend the day with her 7-year-old son Jack and 5-year-old daughter Claire.

In July 2007, she created Claire A Bella Boutique to escape her rut and try her hand at business.

The store at 115 Kansas St. in Frankfort has pink walls and hardwood floors. Gluch sells an eclectic range of merchandise, including rubs for grilling and small compact mirrors.

Gluch said she is passionate about giving back, so she looks for business opportunities to benefit charitable causes. For example, her shop stocks TOMS Shoes. The California-based shoe company gives a pair of shoes to a needy child each time a customer buys a pair of TOMS.

“Knowing that my products help someone who is less fortunate than I am makes me feel good,” she said.

Gluch says on average she has about 20 to 25 customers a week. However, she’s learned how difficult the slumping economy can be on a businesswoman.

“Oh, gosh!” she said. “Not making a profit is the hardest part. It’s tough. I wouldn’t recommend anyone opening a business.”

Photo by Jeff Keen

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