LINCOLN PARK — A former advertising professional recently opened a jewelry shop on a residential-heavy stretch of Clark Street with a goal of bringing handcrafted yet affordable accessories to Lincoln Park.
Suuri Design, 2042 N. Clark St., specializes in artisan jewelry, including watches, necklaces, rings and bracelets.
Owner Linda Cochran selects hand-crafted pieces made in countries around the world, from Argentina to Canada, with help from her creative family. Right now, most of the pieces are made with sterling silver, but Cochran plans to sell more types of metal in the future.
"It's a family affair," Cochran said of the jewelry shop, adding that her daughter, Ashley, will be working the counter.
Cochran's 14-year-old son is an artist, her 24-year-old daughter is into fashion, and her husband has been an entrepreneur for years, she said.
Pieces range from $14 for a choker necklace to $275 for a reclaimed wooden watch made in Canada. Customers can also hire Cochran to make custom pieces, including engagement rings.
Cochran worked in advertising/marketing for more than 30 years, but she's always had a passion for accessories, especially making costume jewelry. So when her company downsized, she saw it as the "perfect opportunity" to open her own shop.
"I've always wanted to get into the jewelry business," she said.
She said she was drawn to the neighborhood feel of Lincoln Park, having lived in the city for many years before moving to suburban Burr Ridge.
"Downtown there [are] so many retailers. People are always moving and on the go," Cochran said. "They forget to say 'hello' and 'good morning.' Here, you get a family bond. That's what I like."
The 2000 block of North Clark Street is mostly residential except for a few small shops, and it's about to get even more residential.
Two developments on either side of the jewelry shop are underway: A 65-foot tall, 10-unit condo building will likely replace Buddy's parking garage, 2038-40 N. Clark St., and a five-story residential building at 2040 N. Clark St. was recently approved by the city's Plan Commission.
Cochran hopes the shop will be a "convenient place for people in the neighborhood to grab a gift" for years to come.
She also plans to host fundraisers and partner with neighborhood businesses on events.
Suuri Design is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays.
One of the pendant necklaces for sale at Suuri Design. [All photos DNAinfo/Mina Bloom]
Necklaces for sale at Suuri Design.
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