By Adrienne Boudreau
and Caitlin Kupiec
BengalNews Reporters
The owner of Global Villages has
opened a sister store, Global Chic, a few storefronts down, to focus on selling
unique, handmade clothing from around the world.
Louise Sano opened two stores within nine months of each
other without any financial aid. Global Villages, located at 216 Grant St., is down the block from Global
Chic, at 242 Grant St.
“A lot of people told me I was
crazy, but I said you know, what I’m going to try it… good things can
happen, ” said Sano.
Sano got her start at the West Side
Bazaar, where she received hands-on business training.
Her
first store, Global Villages, which opened in July 2012, is a gift shop
described by Sano as perfect for picking up Mother’s Day gifts. Her new store,
Global Chic, focuses on international fashions with a modern sensibility.
“Global Chic has timeless pieces. Five
years from now you can still wear it and it will be fashionable,” Sano said.
Since all the Fair Trade certified
items are handmade, the store only carries one-of-a-kind garments and
accessories. Sano said the items are long-lasting and durable.
“You can wear it any time and it
will look like you just got it,” Sano said.
Each purse, skirt, dress or shoe is completely unique and affordable,
priced between $14 and $40.
Sano hopes that her ambition will inspire other
people to open businesses.
“Maybe
other people will try and do the same things, there’s a lot you can offer,”
Sano said.
