Business: Dash of Nash

Address: 32 W. Chicago Ave., Naperville

Phone/website: 331-457-5219 and www.shopdashofnash.com

Owner: Erica Sebesta, 29, of Villa Park

Years in business: Opened June 2022

What does your business do? “It’s women’s clothing. We carry a little bit of men’s clothing, but it’s mostly

women,” Sebesta said.

Why name it Dash of Nash? “We have a little bit of Nashville elements, a little country vibe. I’ve always had a bit of country flair to my boutique. (My first) business was called Homegrown Honey.”

You’re a country music fan? “Oh, yeah. My first concert was Shania Twain.”

What’s your business background? “I started six years ago online in my parents’ basement. … I was going through a pretty big health challenge. That’s why I started out of their house. I’m better now. … I’ve always had an interest in fashion. I went for a year to Columbia College, then I went to makeup artistry school. I’ve always had a passion for the beauty/fashion industry. … Six months after I started (online), I rented a second-floor location in Naperville, above Benefit Cosmetics on Main Street. Three years there.”

What about the industry appeals to you? “I’ve always had a creative mind. I love putting outfits together. I really love helping people and making them feel confident. If I can do that through my work, that’s what it’s all about.”

What does Mom say? “My husband took her shopping to Limited Too. He bought her a $40 denim skirt. She was 7 or 8. I tell him, ‘This is what your started.’ She used to dress for (Willowbrook) high school like the halls were her runway. … Fashion was always in her. She always dressed up,” said her mother Monica Sebesta, who works in the store.

How’s business? “It’s great. First floor. Can’t ask for more. It’s nice to have that visibility. We’re right next to all the bars and restaurants. We get people from the hotel, people from all over, people who used to live in Nashville.”

Where do find merchandise? “I work with more than 100 vendors. … I travel all over. We’re going to Atlanta this week. I shop in L.A. and Dallas. I make appointments with vendors to go over things. I’m going to L.A. next week to meet with some of my vendors to go over designs. I have some say in the design of certain items.”

What’s hot? “Fringe. Rhinestone. Bell bottoms. It’s all coming back.”

What do you like best? “Seeing someone try on something they normally would not have picked out is fun to me. That’s like my Super Bowl, to get people into unique items and seeing their confidence come through. I have several customers who didn’t like shopping before. Now, they’re coming in weekly. That makes me happy.”

Any negatives? “Not really. I mean, your work never stops. You’re working from home. My mind’s always going, so there is no down time.”

What’s your philosophy? “I like to treat people like they’re my friend, because that’s how I’d want to be treated. I will tell someone if I don’t like something or if I prefer something (else) on them. I’m going to be very honest.”

How many sales are online? “About 30 percent.”

What misconceptions do people have about your business? “That’s it’s only for younger people.”

What impact did the virus have on your business? “We were fortunate that when my three-year lease ended (for my first business), that’s pretty much when Covid-19 started. It was June 1, 2020. Covid-19 happened in March. We had a few months of down time. Then we had a pop-up location during Covid-19. We shared a space with Treasures, the toy store, for three months.”

Why Naperville? “Having our other store, we built a clientele. We’ve always loved the area. I think of it as a mini-Chicago.”

What about competition? “I feel I’ve always stayed true to me. I’ve always had a unique style. I don’t think anyone (else) has appealed to my same demographic.”

How big is your closet? “Not big enough.”

Future plans? “We have a separate line called Dash of Bach, short for bachelorette. It’s everything besides your wedding day, from showers to bachelorette parties. I work one-on-one with the brides, as well as have parties for them here. I’ll launch it full force in February.”

What’s your advice for someone starting a business? “Stay true to yourself. Don’t compare yourself to others. Be prepared to have your heart and soul in something because when you do, it will work. … It takes a lot of hard work. Remember why you started.”

If you know of a business you’d like to see to profiled in Down to Business, contact Steve Metsch at metschmsfl@yahoo.com.

Steve Metsch is a freelance reporter for the Naperville News-Sun.