A note from Maria
For 15 years I built a career in Corporate America, and while I was good at it, something was always missing. In February I stepped away to finally pursue the creative life I had been quietly craving and to spend more time with my kids. The Small Business Edit was born out of my deep belief that small businesses are the backbone of communities like ours, and that the people behind them have stories worth telling. This series is my way of honoring those stories, one business at a time.
What inspired you to open Swell House?
I’ve long been drawn to decorating and the thrill of the hunt that comes with thrifting, estate sale shopping, and carefully sourcing a beautiful or meaningful piece. Over time, I became increasingly interested in incorporating vintage and antique pieces into my own home and moved away from the more mass-produced decorating styles that had become so popular.
After years working in client service and spending several years at home raising my kids, I decided to pursue this passion more intentionally by opening a small booth in Jackson Square Mall. This gave me the opportunity to test ideas, refine my aesthetic, and connect with customers. Then when our storefront became available, I couldn’t resist the chance to create a more immersive, curated experience in my own dedicated space.
Why did you want to open in La Grange?
I grew up in Hinsdale, so the western suburbs have always been home to me, despite years living in Chicago and Denver. My family and I now live in the West End of La Grange, so it was a dream to open my business right here in town. La Grange has such a strong sense of community and appreciation for small businesses, which further made it feel like the perfect fit for Swell House. The walkability and historic character of the downtown area provided an opportunity to create a space that feels like an inviting neighborhood destination.
What do you want people to feel when they walk in your store?
I want Swell House to feel warm, inviting, and a little different each time you visit. I've always been a homebody, and my home has long been my sanctuary, so creating a shop that carries that same feeling has been important to me. I want people to slow down, enjoy the experience of discovering something special, and feel inspired to create homes that reflect who they are rather than chasing trends.
I'm drawn to objects with history and character... ones that maybe aren’t perfectly polished or show signs of a life well lived. In a world that often encourages overconsumption, I hope Swell House offers a more thoughtful way of living and decorating.
What has surprised me most since opening is how meaningful the connections have been. I've come to love seeing familiar faces return and getting to know neighbors and visitors. It is really heartening to connect with people in a genuinely kind, natural way. I hope people always feel like I am happy to see them in the store, because I truly am!
What is the meaning behind the name Swell House?
I wanted the name to feel welcoming and reflective of the overall feeling I hope the shop creates. “Swell” gives a slight nod to the past while still expressing an elevated sense of style. When thinking about opening a storefront, I knew I wanted to incorporate modern decor pieces, so I replaced "Vintage" with “House” to better represent the scope of our product offerings.
What advice would you give someone who wants to start a small business?
Ask me again in a few more years, ha! In all seriousness, the biggest thing stopping you is often you. If you keep focusing on all the reasons not to do something, you'll never get where you want to go.
I recently read that we tend to not recognize the things we're naturally good at as special because they come easily to us. What you're good at can feel too obvious to take seriously. In reality, those gifts are uniquely yours. If you feel driven to pursue a business that reflects your passions and talents, listen to that voice. The ideas and authentic excitement behind that pull are worth honoring. There's a very good chance you'll surprise yourself in the process of creating something meaningful.
I've also learned how important it is to include people who believe in you and what you're building. Starting a business can be incredibly intimidating, and periods of self-doubt are inevitable. The encouraging energy of people you trust and respect helps steady you through those moments. For me, that support has come from my husband and my older sister, and I'm deeply grateful for both of them.
Swell House is located at 46 LaGrange Rd Unit A, La Grange, IL 60525.
Shop their collection online at Swellhouseshop.com and follow along @swellhouse shop on Instagram.
Photography by Maria Klovens — mariaklovensphotography.com
