Chandelier Resale Furniture Boutique is a resale vintage furniture shoppe. They specialize in mid-century, 1970’s & 1980’s furniture, accessories and artwork and some antique furniture as well.  Catherine Dillon is the owner of Chandelier Resale Furniture Boutique.

How did you get started in the business? – I have been “junkin” for years but have always had refined taste and I love retail.  However, this is an expensive business to be in and the rewards come slowly as your attract buyers and build a trust in the community. So I have been at this awhile now, and that makes me confident in my ability to run this store.

What is the most unique aspect of your business? – The store is unique in that all pieces are highly edited and only the most distinctive or interesting pieces are chosen for the store. We are not a crowded store, but carry just the right amount of offerings like you would find in a higher end boutique; say Kansas City for instance. The overall look and feel for a piece is how it is ultimately chosen for the store. We like to think we are the Tiffany’s of vintage shoppes.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Being in dead end jobs going nowhere while always knowing that I could do better on my own.  This was frustrating as I have had some pretty nice jobs in my life but I was never happy and never felt comfortable in my skin. So now I am a struggling entrepreneur.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Time off is tricky for me. I think most business people will agree when you’re left with free time on your hands you feel a little lost. When I do have it I tend to overindulge in about everything; mainly sleeping, eating and shopping for the store. Whatever it is, I do it with much fervor.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I worked for the Department of Corrections from 1994-1997. That was a real trip!

What are you the most proud of? – That my two children have turned out to be wonderful parents to their own children. I look at my kids and grandkids and think I must have done something right in raising them, because they certainly are doing a great job on their own.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – The best piece of advice I have received is you can’t manage it when you can’t see it. In other words you must consistently measure and track your business growth. If you have no system for tracking your success you will never get there. Success means different things to different people.

Which talent would you most like to have? – I would love to be more tech savvy. All the new startups are tech-based.  If it hits it can hit very big!

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Something very glamorous! Maybe a buyer that travels the world for a fashion house.

What is your favorite local restaurant? – Lazlo’s South. It is my dear friend’s family business and I like the beer!

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Diana Princess of Whales.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?  – At (402) 742-3876 or chandelierfurn@gmail.com.  You can also visit the store at 1547 N. Cotner Blvd. or our website at http://chandelierresalefurniture.boutiquewindow.com/