Chateau de Chic recently made changes, creating three distinct businesses in Spring Valley’s downtown district. There is something for everyone at Chateau de Chic Salon, Spa & Boutique, and Some Like it Hot Cakes & Catering.
Owner Jenn Slifka reminds readers, “We have been operating as a salon and boutique in the same building for seven years, and wanted to split the two concepts and give more room for a full clothing and retail store.” The main reason for making this change was “because we have been so busy and wanted to be able to house a larger variety of retail for the community,” says Jenn.
Where did the name originate? Let’s go back seven years……Today, the new clothing store is Chic by Chateau. It is still a reflection of the salon and spa, but has its own identity and feel.
The process of making this idea a reality began early in 2018 when Jenn and her mother, Suzanne Gardner and sister, Steph Thouin (owners of Some Like it Hot) started working with Dave Phillips. The plan was “to purchase the two buildings housing the newspaper next to ours,” comments Jenn. “The Tribune relocated in August and we immediately started working on the building that is now Some Like it Hot Cakes & Catering. We refinished the floors, added new paint and lighting. The middle building was a little more of a project. We tore the ceiling out to the original wood, tore the floors up to the original wood underneath, then added new lighting, paint and some accent wood walls for character.”
So what EXACTLY do these businesses offer to those in Southeastern Minnesota? Jenn responds, “Chateau de Chic is a full service salon and spa. We offer a full variety of services for hair, skin and nails, carrying a wide variety of professional product lines including Moroccanoil, Kevin Murphy, skincare lines, essential oils, bath and body, men’s products, fragrance and makeup lines.” Over 20 product lines are offered.
Chic by Chateau is a women’s clothing store. “We carry a wide variety of brands, sizes and styles, from custom tees and hoodies to more dressy business attire,” mentions Jenn. Many accessory lines, hats, bags, scarves, jewelry, candles, plus home decor are among items one will find shopping in this boutique. “We also carry a full line of Kingsland Knight clothing, with 25% of our sales being donated back to the school.” Jenn believes strongly in giving back to the local community.
The third business, Some Like it Hot Cakes & Catering is a custom catering company. The focus of their work varies. Suzanne states, “We welcome the opportunity to assist in small jobs, big jobs, weddings, specialty menus, desserts, custom boxed lunches and gourmet-to-go platters.” With the new space, inhouse catered events for up to 50 people is now possible. We’ve created a nice cozy space for guests to relax in. Along with the catering business, they have a full retail store full of home decor, holiday items, gift items, gourmet food lines, coffees and teas, cards, locally made handmade items and a lot more,” says Jenn.
These are three very unique stores all carrying a variety of retail lines with each shop, each distinct from the other. Yet with the winter upon the area, the added bonus is that all three stores are connected inside so upon entering one, a shopper can access all three shops without having to go outside.
Many rewards exist when starting a business, in addition to having the good fortune to be able to expand it. Jenn shares, “It is very rewarding being in a small community like Spring Valley. We have been open for 12 years now and the amount of support from the community is huge. We could have never grown over the years had we not gotten so much support. It is rewarding knowing your clientele and over the years, your customers become your friends.”
Obstacles have also had to be overcome as the business was becoming more established. “Some hurdles early on were, obviously, financing,” confides Jenn. “When you are starting out it is hard to find people who share your vision and believe that you will see it through. But now that we have been open for as long as we have, everything seems to get a little bit easier. People can see you are here to work hard and achieve something.”
Chateau de Chic has grown because “we have so many amazing customers,” exclaims Jenn. “Our clients make everything possible. They have shown that our small community can support more retail businesses in town.” These business owners also are cognizant of the support of other retail businesses in town. “We do as much of our business local as we can,” says Jenn.
“As a small business owner, you learn to appreciate your peers because you know they are working as hard as you are to make a go at it. When we did our expansion we kept everything local,” she shares. Those involved in the process included Seabright Electric for lighting and electric, Andrea Hindt, who painted the front of building; Jay Osterhus for floor refinishing, and Jayson Smith of Grafix in the Go, who did all the graphics in the windows.
With it being the holiday season, readers may be looking for just that right gift for those on your list. Ideas abound for children and adults. “We also have gift certificates, if you aren’t sure what to get for someone. Plus, new items are coming into our stores every week!” Jenn states.
“Owning a small business WILL work. It takes hard work, dedication and time……but it will work,” concludes Jenn. “I would love to see every building downtown filled with something amazing. I am hoping that our expansion will spark a movement of people who have a dream to start a small business. It has never been easy, but if you are passionate about something, hard work pays off. Come downtown Spring Valley and visit us!”
For more information on these North Broadway businesses, call (507) 346-2922 or visit www.chateaudechic.com and www.somelikeithotcc.com. Business hours for Chateau de Chic, Some Like it Hot, and Chic by Chateau are Monday-Thursday 9-8, Friday 9-6, and Saturday 8-4. Chateau de Chic and Chic by Chateau specials are posted on their Facebook page, as well.
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