At her Oak Park boutique with a social altruism mission, Liz Drogosz looks forward to sharing the stories behind the products she sells.
“I just think it’s a different way to look at shopping,” Drogosz said. “You can buy these things and they actually benefit people.”
Two Story Farmhouse, at 1016 North Blvd. in Oak Park, opened Feb. 25. The boutique sells apparel, handmade jewelry, leather bags, home decor and other gifts, most of which are sustainable, or their purchase supports specific causes.
The 580-square-foot shop’s name comes from a Wisconsin farmhouse Drogosz spent time at growing up.
“And basically, it’s where I began loving the hunt of things — antique, vintage things,” Drogosz said.
Drogosz has run a booth at a flea market, worked retail and staged homes, “a little bit of everything,” she said.
A family trip to Haiti in early 2015 opened her eyes.
“It’s so important to be intentional with what you find,” she said of supporting artisans or brands that benefit others. “They have a story behind it, and that purchase matters.”
One of her favorite brands, Half United, provides meals for children with every purchase of its jewelry or other items. Other brands offer goods made by artisans from the U.S. or other countries.
Drogosz said about 90 percent of her inventory supports a cause, gives back or is sustainable, and the products are beautiful, stylish and current.
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Prices range from $13 for smaller items, to $200 for some bags or clothing. Drogosz said she features one-of-a-kind artists and Etsy sellers. She also hopes to sell vintage items in the future.
“It’s a really nice range and there’s a little bit of everything,” she said.
Drogosz, a Western Springs resident, said she and her family came to Oak Park occasionally and she loved the community’s vibrant, eclectic feel.
“I always wanted a community that was large but had kind of a home feel,” Drogosz said. “It’s exactly what I was hoping for, but better.”
Max Austin-Williams, executive director of the Downtown Oak Park business district, said Two Story Farmhouse makes a nice addition to the district.
“One of the things we’re most excited about is the continuation of retail on that block,” Austin-Williams said.
Michelle Neudorf of Oak Park stopped in the shop for the first time March 12, after hearing about the boutique from a friend.
“It’s a good concept. I like that,” she said after Drogosz explained the shop’s mission. Neudorf also said she appreciated Drogosz selling some Etsy vendors’ products, as being able to see the products before purchasing is helpful.
Two Story Farmhouse is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, call 708-613-4122 or search for Two Story Farmhouse on Facebook or Instagram.
Caitlin Mullen is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.