Karin Dittmar Miller was looking at a Chicago news­paper’s Sunday edition to list her natural foods store for sale when she saw an ad about a store for sale in the state next door.

Colleen Perry wanted to own a vintage, décor, and gift boutique for as long as she can remember.

Lorena and Rick Freis spent 35 years running other people’s businesses before they had the opportunity to own their own gift shop.

Teresa DeJarlais turned her love of nature and old, unique items into a shop full of furniture, home and garden pieces.

Cedar Creek Candles & Gifts’ story begins in the kitchen of an Indiana home.

Cheryl Lemke’s inspiration to open a children’s boutique stemmed from her own experiences as a grandmother.

Katy Sensenig Schilthuis has always been great at two things — celebrating creativity and bringing people together.

Jennifer and David Tubbin’s passion has always been about building something special and creating experiences that bring ideas to life.