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Avondale Terrarium Boutique Could Close If Business Doesn't Blossom Soon

By Ariel Cheung | December 1, 2015 5:44am
 Alejandra Aranda opened Eco Boutique at 2855 W. Belmont Ave. in July.
Alejandra Aranda opened Eco Boutique at 2855 W. Belmont Ave. in July.
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DNAinfo/Ariel Cheung

AVONDALE — An Avondale woman has combined her love of art and plants in a new shop specializing in terrariums, but she admits she is in danger of closing if business doesn't blossom soon.

Eco Boutique, 2855 W. Belmont Ave., specializes in terrariums, jewelry and trinkets designed by Alejandra Aranda and a hand-picked group of collaborators.

The boutique opened in late July across from planned condominium buildings on Avondale's east side. The bright store is bursting with glitter and color, with jewelry designed by Aranda's family and lux products like organic bath salts and candles made by her friends.

"I come from a family of artists, and I try to give the opportunity to other crafters, too," Aranda said.

But Aranda, who lives in Avondale, said Eco Boutique might not be around much longer. She's had trouble attracting foot traffic into the store since opening, and her business is feeling the strain.

For the past two weeks, she said no one has come inside.

"It's hard for every new business, because people don't know about them," Aranda said.

She hopes the holidays will bring better luck; she's making ornaments and other new products to try and lure customers.

 

 
Posted by Eco Boutique by Alejandra on Sunday, November 22, 2015
 Terrariums are the main focus at Eco Boutique, 2855 W. Belmont Ave. The glass containers can create miniature eco systems for the plants inside.
Terrariums are the main focus at Eco Boutique, 2855 W. Belmont Ave. The glass containers can create miniature eco systems for the plants inside.
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DNAinfo/Ariel Cheung

 

For the past year, Aranda has been combining her love for art and plants through making her terrariums. The self-contained ecosystems are arranged with succulents, cacti and bonsai trees and require little care.

Aranda's creations have proven popular at street festivals like Pilsen Fest and Villapalooza, but it's easier when Aranda can take her products directly to customers.

With winter on its way and the festival season over, she needs the customers to come to her. There are some good days, she said, but business is still too spotty.

When the storefront just west of Belmont and Elston opened up this past summer, Aranda was in search of a brick-and-mortar location. Feeling her success at festivals was a good sign, she leaped at the opening.

"It's a good neighborhood, and this is a big opportunity for me," Aranda said.

The business is a new venture for Aranda, 45, who previously spent her time performing within the transgender community. That style of art gave way to her terrariums, and she's determined to make it work.

"My store has something different, people tell me. What I see in other stores is boring," Aranda said. "I have color."

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 Eco Boutique, 2855 W. Belmont Ave., specializes in terrariums, jewelry and trinkets designed by Alejandra Aranda and a hand-picked group of collaborators.
Eco Boutique, 2855 W. Belmont Ave., specializes in terrariums, jewelry and trinkets designed by Alejandra Aranda and a hand-picked group of collaborators.
View Full Caption
DNAinfo/Ariel Cheung