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Business & Tech

Business Owner Finds Her Treasure in Oak Lawn

Lora Alejandro who has loved crafts since she was a young girl, finds a second career at Cha Cha's Treasures after being downsized from her job as customer service associate.

“You’ll never know what you’ll find here,” says Lora Alejandro, owner of , which will be celebrating its one-year anniversary in May. This Oak Lawn specialty gift shop includes three rooms arranged as a cozy boutique, filled with items ranging from painted wine glasses and jewelry to personalized sports memorabilia and greeting cards. Alejandro’s love for crafting and people is palpable, even contagious, and it takes but a few minutes of casual conversation to appreciate the passion and enthusiasm she feels for her business. Located across the street from the Green Oak Shopping Center, Cha Cha’s is easy to spot at 9840 S. Cicero Ave. by its bright pink sign. The store is easily accessible to anyone looking to buy or sell gifts with a professional yet personal touch. 

Oak Lawn Patch:  How long has Cha Cha’s Treasures been open?

Alejandro: We opened almost one year ago on May 15, 2010.

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Oak Lawn Patch:  What is the premise behind the store?

Alejandro:  This is a gift shop and art supply store. If you are a craft or jewelry vendor, you can rent space from us to showcase your product and we keep a small percentage of the sales.

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Oak Lawn Patch: How much does it cost to rent a space at Cha Cha’s?

Alejandro: An entire grid wall from the floor to almost the ceiling is $60, but vendors can rent half a space at $30. It’s also possible to rent a smaller space such as a single shelf.

Oak Lawn Patch:  How long have you been doing crafts?

Alejandro:  I have loved crafts all of my life, but I’ve been a crafter and in the craft world for about 16 years.

Oak Lawn Patch: What was the first thing you ever “crafted?”  

Alejandro:  When I was a little girl, I would take out my mom’s old Singer sewing machine, run paper through it without thread, and make coupons good for hugs and kisses—and I was five.

Oak Lawn Patch:  As a lifelong Northsider, what brought you to Oak Lawn?

Alejandro:  I lost my job working in customer service for an international company, they downsized so I had no other choice. A friend of mine started this store but she also had another business which really took off, so she asked me if this would be something that I would want to do.  Since I really needed something to do and I needed a way to make money, I agreed. It’s been a perfect fit.

Oak Lawn Patch:  Obviously, the economy has been tough on small business owners.  As a new business in town, has it been difficult to produce sales?

Alejandro: Well, honestly, sales did fall off after Christmas, but I think that people are getting their credit card bills paid off because we have seen more traffic. Plus, the weather has been a little nicer.  I’m holding my own and I’m completely happy, no complaints whatsoever.

Oak Lawn Patch:  What would you say to a person who has never “crafted” before but wants to try?

Alejandro:  Here’s a trick I learned, because I always said I’m not very crafty either. Crafts are like your muscles, if you exercise them, you get more crafty, more artsy, and your ideas flow more smoothly and more frequently. I’m currently teaching myself how to paint with acrylics.

Oak Lawn PatchLet’s say I’m shopping for a birthday gift for my best friend, why should I come to your store rather than go to the shopping mall, for example?

Alejandro:  If you buy a gift from Cha Cha’s, you’ll know that you are buying something special. The products here are personal and beautiful. Customers can also personalize and customize anything.  We try not to duplicate anything in terms of the vendors’ products and a large majority of the products you find here are handmade originals. I want it to be eclectic and have a little bit of everything.  A lot of brides like to buy our wine glasses and put their bridesmaids’ names on them. And I always remind our customers that whenever they buy something at my store, they are supporting their local economy and their neighbors.  One of my vendors lives right down the street and around the corner.

Oak Lawn Patch: If you won a million dollars tomorrow, what would you do with it?

Alejandro:  I would pay off all of my father’s debt and I would also take care of my husband’s parents.  Then I would buy a house.

Oak Lawn Patch:  Would you still own the store?

Alejandro: Absolutely. I didn’t even approach that thought because it’s a given. Crafting for me is more than a hobby, even more than a lifestyle. I always say it’s cheaper than therapy and not as bad for you as heroin—it’s my addiction. Plus, I think any time a woman succeeds in business that’s a beautiful thing.   

Oak Lawn Patch:  What are some of your favorite items in the store?

Alejandro: I like anything that is old and repurposed and anything that has to do with paper. Covered journals, greeting cards, things like that. I also love the jewelry.

Oak Lawn Patch:  Where can people go to find out more information about your store?

Alejandro:  We’re on Facebook.  All you have to do is search for Cha Cha’s Treasures to browse our item selection or ask a question about the store.  The store phone number is 708-422-4438. I can also be reached by email: chachastreasures@yahoo.com. I recently began selling products on etsy.com, a site dedicated to handmade and vintage products. 

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