To honor International Women’s Day this year, we celebrate the achievements of women around the world, starting with those in our city. Throughout the month of March, we will be sharing stories from female entrepreneurs running shops and businesses of all sizes here in Chicago.
This month, Winnie Cooper Boutique has partnered with a woman-owned candle company Hive to Home to create custom candles. With every candle purchase this month, they are donating $5 to Sarah’s Circle women’s shelter in Uptown to give back during Women’s History Month.
Meet Sandy, owner of Winnie Cooper Boutique
Winnie Cooper Boutique, located in Roscoe Village has been curating stylish fashion finds at an affordable price since 2017 and brings amazing products from businesses that do good including women-owned.
Sandy, what made you start Winnie Cooper Boutique?
I wanted to live the experience and the challenge of being the person where the “buck stops.” Building and running a business of my own was something I had wanted to do for some time. Opening Winnie Cooper let me fulfill that dream.
Have there been any challenges you have had to overcome?
Getting the business open was hard work and exciting. But keeping the business going is much harder. I found speaking to other women running their own businesses I was able to get useful ideas that helped me.
Do you have any advice for other women thinking of opening their own businesses?
You’re the boss and you’re responsible for it all. But here’s a tip: whatever you’re not strong in, hire or contract with someone who is. Don’t try to do it all. Be true to yourself. Yes, it’s a business and you want to be successful. But it’s really all about the people.
Have you found any helpful resources available for business owners in Chicago?
Talk to women who are running businesses. Ask us LOTS of questions. I was amazed at how many helpful and supportive businesswomen there are in the Chicago area. Join and get involved in your local chamber of commerce. Besides the great network aspect, it’s a great source of other resources available within the city and state.
Thank you, Sandy, for all you do and for being such an important part of the local Chicago community!
