Norabella Boutique celebrates first anniversary in downtown Glen Ellyn

GLEN ELLYN – Sharon Dotson is happy that after a year in business, more and more people are seeking out her Norabella Boutique for unique fashions and jewelry.

"Glen Ellyn people have been very supportive of Norabella," she said. "We've made a lot of new clients."

Dotson is the owner and buyer for Norabella Boutique at 482 N. Main St. in downtown Glen Ellyn. The store is a family affair, with her daughter, Jamie Dotson, acting as Norabella's buyer and manager.

Norabella Boutique, which opened in March 2015, is an outgrowth of Sharon Dotson's A Bella Bead Studio, which featured her custom-made jewelry. The store was located in Banyan Tree Mall in downtown Glen Ellyn.

Although she closed the store earlier this year, Dotson continues to make jewelry and sell it at Norabella Boutique. She also does jewelry repair.

Norabella aims to sell unique items that women can't find elsewhere.

"We are always trying to bring in new brands and sizes," she said. "You will find things here that are not in the mall or big box stores."

Norabella also sets out to provide personal service.

"We are building relationships with our customers," she said. "We are not just trying to sell them clothes."

The store sees customers from throughout the area, including Oak Park, River Forest, Glendale Heights, West Chicago and St. Charles, she said.

And although Glen Ellyn is home to several boutiques and will soon get another one with the opening of Jayne boutique, she said each store provides something different.

"I feel each boutique in Glen Ellyn has its own mark," Dotson said.

Norabella also keeps active in events in the downtown business district, including the upcoming Wedding Walk on April 17 and Wines & Finds on June 16.

Jamie Dotson said she hopes more people will discover Norabella.

"We want to grow the name," she said. "There is something in our store for everyone and at a price point they are looking for."

Norabella Boutique is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. The store is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

The boutique also does private shopping and parties. More information is available by calling Norabella at 630-403-2203 or visiting its Facebook page, Norabella Glen Ellyn.