KANKAKEE – Shopping in downtown Kankakee is beginning to expand just in time for the upcoming holiday season. Anna Kolokythas, a sales representative for One Stop Shop Blinds, is now the proud owner of a new home décor and gifts store, The Swanky Home. The store features boutique style shopping and is located in the Burfield and Remington Building, formerly known as The Majestic Theater at 150 North Schuyler Avenue in Kankakee.
Anna stated when her clients began asking her about interior decorating, she began doing her research last year. She started a group on Facebook in February this year to sell home décor items and it began to grow through social media.
The pandemic leading up to a shut down allowed her more time to spend researching and promoting her online store as she was working from home. As a full-time working mother of three, Anna said she wasn’t sure if she could keep up. She thanks her husband, owner of both Poor Boy restaurants in Kankakee, for his support and mentorship.
“The response was overwhelming and then we went on lockdown. I also had people telling me I should still go for it, so I did. I later realized that I needed a space as the business began to grow,” said Anna Kolokythas, Owner and Founder of The Swanky Home. “This experience so far has been very humbling. I am very appreciative for the support from the community. There is so much negativity in the world currently, that it is really important to focus on the positives. My hope is that you feel welcomed and appreciate the little things when you enter The Swanky Home.”
“Opening a business in a pandemic is a risk. I commend Anna for her bold vision and courage during these uncertain times. And I am especially proud Anna chose the City of Kankakee to open her beautiful store which offers unique items. The City’s team, which includes a Business Attraction & Retention Coordinator, stands ready to assist and support business owners in the area. I look forward to the success of this new store in our community,” said Mayor Wells-Armstrong.
The Swanky Home is set to launch their Christmas line this Saturday at “Midnight at the Majestic” from 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Their regular business hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. You can follow The Swanky Home on Facebook and Instagram.
