Naperville boutique owner brings her fashion sense to store appealing to moms and daughters

Rachel May majored in fashion photography at Columbia College Chicago. She brings her fashion knowledge to her new store, Boutique Poppy, in downtown Naperville.

Business: Boutique Poppy

Address: 231 S. Washington St., Naperville

Phone/website: 630-216-9147, www.boutiquepoppy.com

Owner: Rachel May, 25, of Chicago

Time in business: Six weeks

What does your business do? “We are a women’s apparel, home décor and accessories boutique. I wanted to have a versatile space where I can host events, do artist pop-ups, collaborations with other businesses, offer styling services,” May said.

What’s your background? “I’m from a small business family. My dad and his brothers have a trucking company by O’Hare. I worked for them, R&M Trucking, while I was in college. Poppy is what I called my grandfather. He and my grandma had a store in downtown Naperville, Heirloom Dolls and Treasures, across the street. It’s named after him.”

Why did you open this store? “I was a fashion photography major at Columbia College. I wanted to grow a boutique and bring my fashion knowledge to it. I do all the photography for the business. … I enjoy working with people, talking with and meeting new people.”

How’s your business doing? “It’s going good. I’m doing a ribbon-cutting at 4:30 p.m. on June 29. There will food, beverages and a gift with (each) purchase as well. I had a soft opening May 9 (to) get the rhythm of the store, all of that.”

What have you learned? “I’ve learned a lot of things about myself. … Being here, wearing multiple hats, I’m able to be more confident as a person, style myself and style others. Learning how people shop, what they gravitate towards.

“I do a lot of research. I love reading about fashion trends. One of my favorite things is I go to markets to purchase all of the clothing. Speaking to the vendors, being able to touch the garments before I purchase them. … I’ve been to (shows in) Las Vegas, Nashville, Atlanta. … I have local artists’ works in here. Those I met at the One of a Kind Show at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago.”

Any goals? “A big mission of mine is high-quality denim just because there’s a lot of industry over consumption when it comes to denim. All the denim I carry is high-quality, 100% recycled cotton. Everything is made with 70% less water and non-toxic dyes, good for the environment.”

What do you like best? “I love meeting people, styling people and getting to know all the customers who come in.”

Any negatives? “Right now, I love it. Who knows? Maybe I’ll hit a wall at some point, but right now everything is going really good.”

Why did you choose to open in Naperville? “Growing up, being from Aurora, me and my mom — I have four sisters — we would all come to Naperville. My sisters and I had our stores we’d go to. My mom had her stores. I wanted a space where both mom and daughter could come to. All the clothing is super versatile. … My one sister, Mallory, she’s at Aurora University, she helps out when she’s free.”

What does a sister say? “I’m proud of her. She designed this whole place. She picks out everything. She should be proud of everything she’s put together,” Mallory May said.

What about competition? “I did my market research. There is a good variety of boutiques here. We can all piggyback off of each other and help each other out. … Competition is a good thing. But the variety is so different. You can come down here and no matter what boutique it is, you can find something.”

What misconceptions do people have? “The price point variety is a wider range than people think. My philosophy in fashion is you spend more money for higher-quality staple pieces that will last you a really long time. The trendier pieces that will fade in and out? Those are on the lesser price point.”

What’s hot? “The trends are going back to cleaner lines, higher necklines, simple colors. Accessories are the big thing. … Jewelry and purses are what style your outfit.”

How did the pandemic impact your business? “I’ve been trying to open since (my college) graduation in 2019. I started looking for spaces in 2020. Nothing was the perfect size or location, so I opened online in the fall of 2022. As soon as opened online, I found this spot.”

What are your hours? “10 to 7 Monday through Wednesday, 10 to 8 Thursday through Saturday, and Sunday is 11 to 5.”

What’s your advice for someone starting a business? “Don’t be scared. That was my biggest thing, being afraid of failing. You’ll learn once you do it.”

If you know of a business you’d like to see to profiled in Down to Business, contact Steve Metsch at [email protected].

Steve Metsch is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.