Constructing group by style at Makoma Home – Shaw Native

It’s exhausting to overlook one of many latest girls’s clothes boutiques in St. Charles, Makoma Home, located in a standalone, tan stucco constructing at 211 S. Most important Road, donned with freshly potted flowers and colourful, patterned luggage hanging from a picket ladder.

And for anybody who has not too long ago been within the store (or on-line), it’s exhausting to overlook the almost-addicting attract of proprietor Maggie Komes.

On any given day, Komes, 24, might be discovered filming “a-day-in-the-life” movies for her social media accounts, inviting viewers to observe alongside whereas she opens the store, lights candles, waters vegetation, unboxes new arrivals, kinds mannequins and whips up mouth-watering lattes.

One might argue that Komes is an precise residing doll, as she playfully fashions outfits within the mirror of the dressing room, accessorized by her flawless manicure, shiny darkish locks and crystal blue eyes set in opposition to sun-kissed pores and skin. A fragile, gold septum nostril ring coupled along with her candy disposition and soothing voice exudes a boss-babe vibe, immediately inspiring these watching to purchase something (and all the things) she’s promoting.

However for Komes, it’s not simply concerning the fairly garments.

Whereas the moniker was merely born from combining her first and final identify (and love of Frankoma Pottery), Komes deliberately included “home” to emphasise the house as a extra intimate, welcoming atmosphere —far past someplace to solely buy clothes and niknaks.

“I envisioned making a spot the place girls might meet, have a drink, chat, get to know me and simply hang around,” stated Komes. “I’m all the time fascinated by how we are able to all assist each other. Lengthy earlier than we even opened, it was my aim to convey the group collectively.”

And that she has. Throughout the first few months of opening, Komes hosted a number of occasions in her house, together with the Alleyway Soirèe, the place she and different surrounding companies threw a block get together, that includes pop-ups from native artisans, meals vehicles, stay music and the well-known Makoma Home gelato cart. At her July Brunch and Bouquets occasion, company loved pastries and a customized iced espresso bar whereas arranging their very own bouquets with blooms from a neighborhood flower farmer.

“I don’t assume purchasing must be a proper expertise,” stated Komes. “It’s all about getting folks in right here and having enjoyable.”

Upon coming into the ethereal, female house, one is greeted by a impartial, calming palette of whites accented with heat woods and pops of pearlescent tile. The arched dressing rooms are outfitted in customized wallpaper, that includes Komes’ signature bows and “martini women” emblem, in addition to slightly fox, paying homage to the St. Charles group.

Two tufted, mauve-hued swivel chairs anchor the room, inviting company (and purchasing companions) to lounge between attempting on new appears to be like. Petal-like lighting fixtures float overhead, floral-scented candles flicker close by and French-Indie music hums within the background.

From special day clothes and buttery-soft loungewear to a build-your-own necklace bar and distinctive items (assume espresso desk books, glassware, fragrance), Komes’ inventive eye and skill to curate surprising outfits evokes clients of all ages, sizes and shapes to step outdoors of their consolation zone — season to season.

“My very own fashion is all the time altering, so I figured why not swap up the vibe of the shop, too. Summer time was very impressed by the Italian coast, however shifting into fall and winter, I’m pondering NYC avenue fashion, very editorial … blazers, saggy denims, trench coats, leather-based jackets, chunky sweaters,” stated Komes. “I need each girl to really feel empowered, lovely and assured — irrespective of the place they’re going or what they’re doing. I promise I’ve one thing for everybody.”

Regardless of Komes’ love of style (a self-proclaimed purchasing addict from the womb) and years of working in retail, the considered opening her personal brick-and-mortar appeared unrealistic as a recent graduate from the College of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a level in promoting. It wasn’t till her aunt, Abby Komes, a St. Charles native, talked about the constructing was obtainable for lease earlier this 12 months.

“I had been tossing across the concept of probably opening an internet retailer, however once we visited the house, I used to be instantly drawn to that spherical window going through Most important Road. I noticed the potential and thought perhaps that is it,” stated Komes. “I went dwelling and didn’t sleep that night time. The following day, I took my dad to see the house — and he was immediately offered.”

Every week later, she took a leap of religion and signed the lease. Instantly following, Komes’ household rallied to assist construct out the attractive house that’s now a breath of recent air to the downtown retail scene.

Her aunt showcased her unparalleled DIY abilities by handcrafting each single fixture, together with the marble-topped entrance counter and clothes shows. Her brother, uncle and pa, all tradesmen with experience in electrical, plumbing and ironwork, helped get development off the bottom. Komes traveled to Nashville along with her mother and aunt for his or her first shopping for journey. Her grandmother even sewed the curtains for the altering rooms.

“It was really a household affair,” stated Komes. “All of us have a really particular relationship, and I couldn’t have accomplished this with out them.”

You’ll want to observe together with Komes on Instagram @makomahouse for particulars on upcoming occasions, new product arrivals, styling suggestions and plenty extra!