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Economic Uncertainty Sends Jewelry Maker to Try Etsy

By Serena Dai | November 28, 2012 5:25pm
 Serda Amil, owner of Serda's Store, stands in her soon-to-close shop on Nov. 28, 2012.
Serda Amil, owner of Serda's Store, stands in her soon-to-close shop on Nov. 28, 2012.
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DNAinfo/Serena Dai

LAKEVIEW — Economic uncertainty is pushing a neighborhood jewelry maker to try her luck at e-commerce instead.

Serda Amil, 43, of Serda's Store, 3402 N. Southport, will be closing her shop at the end of the year.

Amil sold handmade jewelry at city street festivals before deciding set up shop in Lakeview. She's been at her current location by the North Southport Ave. Brown Line station for two years. Previously, she had a shop at North Broadway and West Addison for two years.

"This is not a location problem, this is an economy problem," Amil said.

Her store is filled with statement necklaces, knitted scarves and headbands. Prices range from $10 for small rings to $150 for larger necklaces, now all 20 percent off for a closing sale. She's also selling off furniture. 

Amil doesn't want to leave brick-and-mortar and is considering finding a different location in Evanston or Lincoln Park. But for now, the focus is on her website, www.serdasstore.com, and selling on sites like Etsy. She's been making jewelry for ten years and wants to continue working.

"This is not my job," she said. "This is my life."