Apr 21, 2009

Mother, daughter blend experience, love for animals into businessBy Kim MikusDailyHerald.com

For years, Teri Hoppe and her daughter, Kim Fickel have talked about opening their own business together.

Using their previous business experience and their love for animals, the duo made this a reality in launching Hearth and Hound in Grayslake. The gift shop, at 456 Barron Blvd., features seasonal home accessories, creative garden accents and a large assortment of pet gifts.

“We have unique gifts for the home, from the heart,” said Hoppe, a resident of Mundelein.

Hoppe, a manager and buyer for a Long Grove gift shop for 23 years, decided it was time to launch her own venture. Most of the items in the store are hand made, while everything is made in the United States.

“This is important to us,” Hoppe said.

About 60 percent of the shop is devoted to pet-related merchandise. Bling collars, picture frames, socks for dogs, bowls, pet carriers and charms for dog collars are included in the selection.

Fickel operates a dog grooming business in a separate building next door. Fickel, a Grayslake resident, has been running Beauty For the Beast for about seven years.

The women say they realize that opening a business in a down economy is a risk. But they are finding that people are continuing to spend money on their pets.

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