Once Upon a Time…
That was the name of the store Bachabee’s once was when it first opened its doors in 1985 by store owners, Tina Heckel, and her mother, Mary Anne Loftsgaarden. The name Once Upon a Time became too common and caused enough mix-ups with other businesses that when their storefront moved from Montrose Ave. to Spring Rd. they made the name switch to Bachabee’s (pronounced like the composer Bach). When Tina was a little girl she called birds Bachabees. She was sure no one else would have that name and I believe she’s right. This bird has taken flight and continues to soar.
Tina describes her store as a place “where we practice the art of living and giving.” She says it’s not a store of knick knacks, but a store where people can buy quality things that you can’t find everywhere. My tennis girlfriends told me about this place and I’m so glad I checked it out because it is a great place to find unique gifts, cards and other “curiosities” as Tina’s business card puts it. Here is my curiosity of Tina’s story as to how it all started because we all have a story…
During Tina’s freshman year at College of DuPage she noticed a sign at a flower shop on Spring Rd. needing help. She was taking general classes and courses for horticulture, landscape and floral design. Tina was working at the Elmhurst Public Library at the time, but thought a floral shop would be the perfect place to work and get some hands-on experience. However, it was just a front desk counter job. When things slowed down after the holidays, the store owner allowed her to work in the back and arrange flowers. She was able to attend gift shows with the owner and that’s where Tina learned how to order and buy. She planned to take a year break from college, but never went back. Tina discovered what she wanted to do!
Tina and her mother’s store originally was a consignment store of handmade items made by 50-60 local people and craft show vendors. I picture an in-person Etsy shop because this was before the on-line buying and selling era. Eventually, it transitioned into a lot more.
Tina says the best things about owning your own business is the freedom of being able to order what you want and no one telling you what to do. She also loves all the loyal customers she’s had throughout these 30+ years and getting to know them.
The hardest thing she says is feeling guilty when she takes time off. She runs the whole shebang herself now because sadly her mother died in December of 2010. That was undoubtedly a tough time and on top of that her store lease was coming to an end and she decided to just sell off some things and close shop, but another little door opened.
The window treatment store across the street on Spring Rd. (she was then located where Kie & Kate is now) offered her a small space in front of their store to sell the rest of her things. After about a year she decided she wanted to open up her own doors again and moved Bachabee’s over in September 2012 to its current location 116 W. Vallette St. in Elmhurst, IL. This woman is definitely one who rolls with the punches and finds a way to keep doing what she enjoys and has made it her very own.
When I asked what tends to sell the most, Tina said, “Socks! They’re snarky socks!” These socks have comments that are funny and make great gifts for those who may need a lift.
She tells stories of people who have come back saying how much their friends loved their gifts from her store from people who are experiencing the good, the bad and the mundane in-between life happenings. There’s all kinds of jewelry and seasonal items that sell well too. Bachabee’s carries a cabinet full of an assortment of ribbon to beautify any present, wreath or decoration. You just gotta come and check it ALL out for yourself!
You can like, share and comment to be entered in a drawing for one of these unique, hand-made crocheted necklaces shown below. They can liven up any plain ‘ol T-shirt when you don’t want to change a whole outfit for a night out to dinner. If you’re a local winner you can opt for $25 off anything in the store. How cool is that? Drawing will be Friday, September 1st!
Thanks for supporting small businesses and local ma and pa shops. Follow me on Instagram and “like” for more chances to win the drawing. #smallbusinessshopster
If you’re a small business owner and would like your biz to be highlighted on my blog or need any social media help contact me and I’ll be happy to oblige.
Small Business Shopster 