PILSEN — Inspired by his parents' passion for business, Roberto Guzman decided to follow in his father's entrepreneurial footsteps two years ago.
Two years later, Guzman is expanding his own business. To meet increasing demand, Guzman re-opened his furniture resale shop Accent Minded in an expanded space on 19th Street last month.
The new 1,500-square-foot shop, at 2200 W. 19th St., is located across the street from Guzman Grocery, the food store his parents Julio and Amparo Guzman have owned and operated for 31 years.
Accent Minded aims to provide great, gently used furniture and decor at an affordable price, Guzman said, who scours estate sales, moving sales, auctions and Craigslist all over the Midwest to find items for his store. Most of the shop's treasures are offered at more than 50 percent less than the item's original retail price.
The store's furniture finds can include like-new items from Restoration Hardware, Pier One Imports and Crate and Barrel or one-of-a-kind vintage finds, custom pieces, and original paintings from Pilsen artists, Guzman said.
"My main hunt is for things that are unique," he said.
Accent Minded features a variety of furniture, including couches and sofas. [Accent Minded]
Pilsen raised
Guzman has wanted to own his own store for as long as he can remember.
"Forever I've had that entrepreneurial spirit because I saw my dad doing it," he said at the shop last week.
The youngest of seven children, Guzman was born and raised in the neighborhood and grew up working in his parents' store. In his bachelor days, he operated the recording studio Blue Door Records out of a storefront in front of his 19th Street home.
Two years ago, in his late thirties, Guzman took a chance, leaving behind his steady paycheck at University of Chicago Medicine where he worked as an executive assistant. He loved the work, but craved an artistic outlet that would allow him to spend more time with his wife and four children.
Inspired by resale TV shows like Storage Wars and Pawn Stars, and at the urging of his wife, Guzman opened a small resale furniture shop in space that once housed the recording studio. Even though the tiny storefront was located in the middle of the residential block, Guzman was determined to overcome challenges.
Over time, word spread and prompted the businessman to move Accent Minded into a bigger space on the block.
"It was slow to start. But I had too much passion for it," Guzman said.
Customers can also shop Accent Minded's inventory online.
Accent Minded is open Noon TO 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The shop is closed Mondays.
Accent Minded's new storefront is located at 2200 W. 19th St. in Pilsen. [dnainfo/Stephanie Lulay]
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