Gingi's Celebrates Grand Opening this Weekend

Patch has a Q&A with Gingi's store owner Sharyl Curtis.

What is your background?

Business Development within the not for profit arena, event planning and gallery management. I have also served on several volunteer boards and chaired several fund-raising events.

Are you starting a business for the first time?

No. I had a personalized custom knit baby blanket business several years ago. We created, designed and made blankets which were sold to high-end baby boutiques across the country.

Why did you want to open Gingi's and what's behind the name? I wanted to become a curator when I was in college but could not afford the additional schooling which required a Ph.D. as well as being fluent in three additional languages. Gingi's allows me the opportunity to curate on my terms and offer a unique selection of gifts for those who enjoy gifting with a flair and want to seek out something different.

The name comes from a nickname I was called in college. Two Israeli friends would tease me and constantly call out "Hey Gingi!" I finally asked them why they would call me by that name and they said it meant "redhead" in Hebrew...similar to ginger. Since I am a redhead and the business is an extension of me I thought it would be the perfect name to represent what my shop is about.

How/why did you decide on your location?

My husband and I live in Prairie Crossing and love being a part of this unique community which is home to many creative individuals.  My dream was to open an art gallery/gift shop near our home and Station Square (located in Prairie Crossing) lends itself to the warm, welcoming and comfortable environment that I wanted to convey both inside and outside the doors of Gingi's.

What kinds of items can customers find at your store?

"Unique Artistic Finds" consisting of art, decor, cards, gifts, jewelry, soaps, candles and children's books.

What makes Gingi's unique?

I hand pick every item that comes into the shop and only purchase from small boutique vendors who do not sell to big box stores. They all possess a social conscience, have a "green component" and give back to either their community or an organization meaningful to their product line.

Quantities are limited which allows the shop and gallery to be a constant work of art in and of itself...always evolving and changing supporting my goal of keeping it fresh and interesting. I also try, as much as possible, to carry Made in the USA products. The artwork at Gingi's consists of mostly local artists with the majority of them living in Lake County.

Tell us about any upcoming events, demos or shows you plan to host.

Grand opening weekend is 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20 and noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21 (check out the attached flier for more details). We plan on offering a variety of workshops after the holiday season and also host gallery events throughout the year.

Beginning this holiday season, Gingi's will add a gift registry component to the shop. Customers can meet with me and create their very own personalized list of gift items which will be kept on file. I want to make it easy for people to shop when looking for that special gift as well as give them the assurance that their purchase will truly be appreciated.

Gingi's is located at Station Square, 970 Harris Road, Suite 1C, in Grayslake. For more information call (224) 541-4046. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; and noon-4 p.m. Sunday. The store is closed Mondays.

Gingi's is also on Facebook.