Suzanne D'Addario Brouder, a former fashion buyer and nonprofit CEO, is launching a new venture in Lincoln Park. Her store, Lost Soul Found, is a boutique shop and coffee bar with a welcoming atmosphere and various products, including apparel, jewelry, and vintage goods from small, eco-friendly makers.
LuxCafe Club noted that visitors could enjoy coffee from Michigan-based Madcap Coffee in addition to shopping. The goal is to create a community space where people can relax and connect. D'Addario Brouder aims to provide a unique shopping experience, different from the often intimidating feel of traditional retail stores.
The grand opening of Lost Soul Found will take place on Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m.
Lost Soul Found: Creating a Welcoming Retail Experience
Inspired by the desire to create a less intimidating retail environment, D'Addario Brouder, a 25-year resident of the area, aims to make her store feel welcoming and inclusive.
"Retail can be an intimidating experience," she said. "I've always focused on the retail atmosphere, and I think there's a renaissance happening now, especially for independent and small boutiques. People are tired of buying things from behind their desks at home."
According to its website, the designers behind Lost Soul Found's curated selection of goods have meaningful missions and captivating stories. These creatives include skilled craftsmen and women, many representing small family businesses.
Their offerings range from woven bags from Bangladesh to ceramics from Mexico and hand-embroidered dresses from Greece, each item showcasing unique beauty and craftsmanship.
Lost Soul Found is dedicated to discovering new brands and products purchasing in small quantities to ensure a constantly updated and diverse mix. This commitment to responsible sourcing and beautiful design sets Lost Soul Found apart in the marketplace.
At the back of the shop, customers will find a coffee bar and pastry counter featuring coffee from Madcap Coffee, a Grand Rapids, Michigan-based roaster. The front of the store includes three small tables for café customers.
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Madcap Strives for B Corporation Status
As per Block Club Chicago, Madcap is registering as a B Corporation, aiming to meet high social and environmental performance standards, accountability, and transparency.
"We wanted a local Midwest partner, not saturated in Chicago," said D'Addario Brouder. "Madcap's phenomenal coffee and commitment to B Corporation certification, along with their direct relationships with farms, made them a perfect fit."
D'Addario Brouder ensures that Lost Soul Found's products are from sustainable and eco-friendly brands. Shoppers will find hand-dyed bags from Bangladesh, hand-embroidered dresses from Greece, and ceramics from Mexico.
"People want an experiential atmosphere and a sense of community," she said. "As a small independent brand, it's crucial for people to support initiatives like ours."
In a market often dominated by fast fashion and large corporations, D'Addario Brouder hopes Lost Soul Found can offer a unique and community-focused shopping experience.
"I love anything old," she said. "Creating a space for conversation over coffee, where people feel they can slow down, is important. We aim to make our shop welcoming to everyone."
Lost Soul Found will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
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