Now that winter is officially over and summer's heat has yet to strike, the time is ripe to visit Chicago, Illinois for our next virtual shopping trip. Pack your Cubs or White Sox garb (no judgement either way, I root for the team with the most bling), a hefty appetite for hot dogs and deep dish pizza, and shoes fit for a gander along the Magnificent Mile; we're heading to the Humboldt Park neighborhood in the Windy City to visit Sherri at Komoda!
When/Why did you open Komoda? I opened Komoda with my husband Dominik in December 2006. I had co-owned another store prior and I really missed it. There were no other stores in our neighborhood at the time and I thought it would be a great fit.
What are some of your favorite things about Chicago? The people, the diversity of the neighborhoods, and that there is so much to do. There are so many great parks, museums and restaurants here as well.
Describe your personal style: My personal style is a high-low mix with some nice jewelry. I am a mother of two young children so I need to be ready for anything active, without actually wearing athletic wear. 
From the looks of this photo, Sherri, your personal style is definitely working for ya! (bonus: can you spot her favorite betsy & iya piece?)
Where to eat in Chicago? My favorite local restaurant is Bite Cafe. You can always get a great meal: breakfast, lunch or dinner. And they serve my favorite local coffee, Dark Matter.
Yeah, I'd eat here. Probably Instagram something, too. Photo courtesy of Bite Cafe
Best Stress Reliever: The best stress reliever for me is a super hot bath in the Japanese Soaker Tub with some great bath salts and a good magazine.
Favorite Hobbies: I love thrifting and biking around the city with my family.
What inspires your buying for the shop (what do you look for in the lines you carry?): I like for things to be functional and aesthetically pleasing. I love to buy hand made, small batches and I also like to support local artists.
Most rewarding part of your job: The most rewarding part of my job is meeting so many other like-minded people. I never get tired of hearing "I love this shop" because I truly love what I do.
Hardest part of your job: The hardest part of my job is keeping up with the paper work. It's not hard to do, it's just time consuming.
Why do you like carrying betsy & iya jewelry in your shop? I like carrying betsy & iya jewelry because I love it all! It's well made, it's functional and there isn't anything else like it. It's affordable and easy to wear with anything. I love the choice of materials, the mixed metals, and the way pieces are sophisticated, but with an edge. And my customers really like it as well.
Voyage Collection pieces hanging out at Komoda! Photo courtesy of their Facebook page
Favorite betsy & iya piece: This might be the hardest question....right now it has to be the Deadly Nightshade Earrings. I have been wearing them everyday for the past month.
Never come between a woman and her favorite earrings! Thank you so much for your time, Sherri. Please let us know when/if you get a chance to visit Komoda. You can keep up with new stock & more on Komoda's Facebook page. Until next trip, Anna
***Song of the Moment: Overture/And All That Jazz Chicago Motion Picture Soundtrack***