Father’s Day in the CWE
Central West End Blog
Our Business Spotlight series highlights the people and stories behind the businesses that make the Central West End so diverse. This edition features The Silver Lady, a jewelry boutique in the CWE celebrating 40 years of business. We chatted with Lori, the owner, to learn more about what inspired the business, what makes it unique and what she loves about the neighborhood. Read on to get to know the person behind the storefront and discover what makes this local business worth a visit.
Tell us about The Silver Lady and what makes your business unique.
Lori: Our business is unique because we specialize in sterling silver jewelry and semi-precious stones. We hand-select every piece from artists all over the world. Our unique selection has customers returning for more! We bring experience, knowledge and trust.
Tell us about the team here at The Silver Lady.
Lori: I’m the owner and started the business in 1986 with encouragement from my father. 40 years later, I’m still enjoying the joy with my husband/partner/Jeff. He covered the store on a Sunday 20 years ago and had such a good time. He said he would leave his current work to join the jewelry world. My degree in design has had an immense influence on how we curate our stores. After joining forces, Jeff became a graduate gemologist. Not a simple task.
What drew you to working in the retail industry?
Lori: What drew me to retail was the joy of working with people and creating a space where people can choose unique, distinctive, handmade sterling silver jewelry.
Congratulations on your 40th anniversary! What does this mean to you?
Lori: What it means to me is WOW, where did the time go? The people I’ve met along the way are priceless. The travel has been a joy. To be “the store” that people choose for celebrations is an honor.
What are some of your popular items?
Lori: We offer a large selection of items. Rings and earrings seem to be most popular, followed by necklaces, pendants, bracelets and chains. We have also had a steady jewelry repair business for years and repair all types.
What is your favorite thing about being in the CWE?
Lori: I feel like I’m part of a neighborhood in the CWE. And I love my neighbors. Many small businesses have their sole store in the CWE. I love being part of it all. I opened in 2004 on McPherson and I moved into The Chase Park Plaza in 2022.
Besides your own, what is another business in the Central West End you recommend people check out?
Lori: I recommend various stores in the CWE based upon people’s needs. Delicious food, gift shops, event spaces, etc. This neighborhood is the best.
