Delivering a dozen roses every day until the perfect girl is won over, steaming milk for a delicious caramel latte, or scouring the Merchandise Mart to discover the perfect line of candles; this is all in a day's work for Krista Stewart, owner of The Cypress House in Rochelle. In just a few short years, Stewart has transformed a local flower shop into a gourmet coffee house, boutique, and beauty salon. The Cypress House has been the realization of a life-long dream for Stewart and a tool she uses to help others fulfill dreams of their own.
The granddaughter of a landscaper, Stewart's green thumb comes from her roots. As a child she savored the sights and smells of the local florist. In a business class, Stewart designed a flower and gift store. Then a local flower shop came up for sale and Stewart found herself unable to sleep. She already had name and logo- had she finally found her location?
Just off the beaten path, one block west of highway 251 in Rochelle, The Cypress House has a charm all its own. It is and always will be first and foremost a full service floral shop. Stewart has been know to hoard her favorite flowers: peonies that remind her of her grandma's backyard, tulips ushering in spring, and the vibrant colors of gerbera daisies. Many on her design staff have been arranging flowers for over 20 years, and her silk arrangements are often mistaken for fresh. She's even been told that the beauty of her flowers eased the pain of a grieving widow. A lover of the planet that provides her with the flowers she adores, Stewart's tissue paper, gift wrap and bags are all recycled. She also buys American -made products whenever possible.
Floral services firmly in place, Stewart began to build on her dream of an espresso bar and boutique. After she and her mother toured Stone Creek Coffee's roasting facility in Milwaukee, she knew she'd found her coffee supplier. The premium organic beans, along with Monin natural syrups tempt the senses as soon as one enters the store. The crackling fire place and stunning visual displays make it easy to linger. Stewart also carries Tea Forte, organic teas as well as bulk coffee. A consummate entertainer, Stewart enables her customers to throw the perfect party, complete with Robert Rothschild and Earth and Vine gourmet dips and dressings, distinctive plates and napkins, and "Wake Up Crabby" Bloody Mary Mix. Of course, she can also provide the perfect floral centerpiece for any occasion.
Stewart's boutique began with home decor and candles. She offers in-home decorating consultations and admits the she sometimes orders merchandise with a specific customer's home in mind. She chose the hard-to-find SKEEM and FairFax and King soy candles for their delightful fragrances and environmental friendliness. Next came a few items of trendy jewelry which have since expanded to unique pieces from Ollipop, Grandmother's Buttons, Tracy Jane and Elisabetta Ricciardi. There are also one-of-a-kind handbags, including Spartina, made with linen and genuine leather. Stewart is constantly adding new products. This fall, leather boots make their debut- adhering to Stewart's rule that only items she would use or wear herself make their way into the shop.
Stewart admits that the extremely long hours were a surprise to her, but the level of contentment she feels when living her dream is worth the hard work. And Stewart has used her success to empower others to pursue their personal passions. In 2008, she consented to have the back office of The Cypress House converted to a full service hair salon. Offering organic products like Pureology, Sha Sha's Salon is the fulfillment of a dream for owner Michelle Metzger and stylists Wendy Gilbert and Melinda Meyer. Stewart also makes the most of local talent she finds around her. Ashley Hintzsche with AE Photography recently completed a website for The Cypress House www.cypresshouse.net Ashley's sister and artist, Emily Palmquist, designed the shop's private 'Cypress Girl' t-shirt line. And Stewart provides a work-from-home opportunity for Betsie Swartz, who helps with Cypress House marketing and mailings. Most recently, Stewart included business partner Elke Drendel. Elke has years of retail experience and oversees the espresso bar and boutique.
When Stewart dreamed up The Cypress House, she knew she wasn't content to just sell flowers- she was on a mission to make a visit to The Cypress House an event. This effort was recognized by the Rochelle Chamber of Commerce when it awarded Stewart "Retailer of the Year" in 2008, less than two years after she bought the shop. Stewart's courage to act on her dream and provide a place for others to pursue their own has resulted in a truly unique shopping experience. As Stewart's dream and shop constantly evolve, each visitor learns a little about Stewart and themselves, too.
written by B. Swartz
