COTTAGE JEWELERS

After returning from a trip to India, Ira Rose, the owner of Cottage Jewelry, had become intrigued with the beautiful gems and crafting of jewelry across the countryside of India. He bought various bracelets, necklaces and gemstones and returned to the states and sold these wonderful items at flea markets and art fairs. Cottage Jewelry opened its doors in Evanston in 1975 as a small jewelry store in an old Pure Oil Gas Station building which resembled a small cottage. Today Cottage Jewelry is a thriving business on the corner of Chicago Ave. and Dempster St. Cottage Jewelry is a fine jewelry store specializing in engagement rings, designer jewelry, pearls, sterling silver and has a large selection of Antique and Estate Jewelry. Cottage Jewelry is also a center for custom made jewelry and has a Gemologist on staff. Cottage Jewelry has been happily serving three generations of customers from Chicago and the North Shore. The commitment to customer service and good value is first and foremost at the store. Ira Rose The nature of the business has changed over the past 47 years and Ira has kept up with the times. The store has been recently remodeled and Cottage Jewelry is selling a vast array of both Natural Diamonds and Lab Created Diamonds as well as many other types of gems and metals to keep up with current trends. Cottage Jewelry also buys unwanted and estate jewelry. Ira has a saying, “If you’re not wearing it sell it or let us make it into some thing you will love!”. When not at work Ira enjoys spending time with his family, including his two chocolate labs. You will often find the dogs at the store to greet you. He enjoys traveling, meditating, and volunteering his business skills to charitable ventures. This brings him much joy and has provided him an opportunity to follow his passion for service, gratitude and the opportunity to spending time with his family, 2 daughters and 2 dogs

In 2012, restless to try something new, John considered several franchise opportunities, but nothing seemed quite right. He was looking for a sign to point the way to his next venture when he found it two blocks from his Evanston home and in an area he knew and loved: a For Lease sign in the window at 1939 Central St. in Evanston. Formerly a women’s wear store, the space was completely built out. He signed the lease within 48 hours and headed to L.A. the next day for a buying trip. John opened Gracie’s on November 30, 2012.

A lot has changed from his early days in retail. John takes cues from Gracie’s customers, who give him feedback on everything from fabric care, price, looks and styles. He listens, and he values and attempts to honor their feedback. “I only buy what my customers tell me they are looking for. It’s as simple as that,” he said. “Occasionally, I try something new to mix things up just for the sake of variety. So far, so good.” John isn’t done exploring his creative side and has taken up abstract painting at the Evanston Art Center.

Come meet John at Gracie’s, 1939 Central St., Evanston, where you’ll often find his pup, Freddie, sleeping under one of the display tables or awake and eager to greet you.

John Liberty, owner of Gracie’s on Central Street in Evanston, got an early start to his retail career. His grandparents owned a combination jewelry store and flower shop on the south side of Chicago and “put him to work” when he was just 6 years old. He learned his first lesson in retail when he sold a bunch of tulips at the wholesale price. His grandparents sat him down and explained the facts of store ownership. John would go on to obtain Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Urban Planning. After graduation, he headed to Lake Tahoe, where he figured he’d work on a mountain while doing some skiing before putting his education to good use and finding a “real” job. But Tahoe hadn’t seen a significant snowfall, and there were no jobs. Instead, John was hired as a salesperson at a men’s and women’s store located in the lobby of Harrah’s Hotel and Casino. He put his childhood retail experience to use and soon was promoted to a junior-buying position for men’s wear and then to a senior position. He also bought men’s wear for the company’s outdoor shop (think Evanston’s Uncle Dan’s with skis). After three years of skiing and working retail, John returned to Chicago and joined a consulting company that helped retailers with profitability by implementing finely attuned buying plans. He spent 11 years as a consultant before impulsively buying out one of his clients, Handle with Care, in Chicago’s Old Town. During his 17 years of ownership, sales increased six-fold. After selling the store in 2008, John returned to consulting. He also successfully completed his Teacher Training at Yogaview and now teaches Gentle Yoga and Multi-Level Yoga at Evanston Athletic Club. John Liberty GRACIES 847-859-2527 1939 Central St., Evanston, 60202

EVANSTONMAN.COM 12 I ndividuals over the age of 50 and approaching retirement may begin to consider their options for a major lifestyle change. The rate for couples choosing to go ahead with a “gray” divorce has increased twofold since the 1990s, based on studies conducted by the Pew Research Center. Some couples may decide that dissolving a long-term marriage allows each individual to pursue his or her own goals without any restrictions. Financing a newly single lifestyle, however, may require dividing a variety of assets during a divorce proceeding. Illinois divides a couple’s property under its equitable distribution system. As reported by Reader’s Digest, the court divides everything by what it considers fair or “equitable.” From the family court’s viewpoint, all properties and assets obtained during a marriage belong to both individuals, but they should not expect an equal or 50-50 division. Splitting Property Between Two Spouses Some factors a judge considers when determining how to split property fairly include each spouse’s age, health and ability to generate income. An individual who will rely upon financial support or alimony may decide that selling property and splitting the proceeds is fairer. Negotiating the sale of properties and splitting proceeds between two ex-spouses may, however, require several discussions before finalizing a divorce through the court. Requesting A Payout From A Retirement Plan Some individuals may need to determine how to “cash-out” from a spouse’s employer-sponsored retirement plan. An individual has the right to a portion of a working spouse’s pension plan including a 401(k). As reported by Kiplinger magazine, federal law requires that a spouse request a qualified domestic relations order from an employer during the divorce procedure. An individual may request a percentage of the plan or a set dollar amount of a spouse’s workplace retirement fund. Considering A Divorce Before Retirement For more information on preventive lawyering and the Divorce process in the Chicagoland area, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get information and legal advice you are seeking by calling P. Ann O’Connell, Evanston, Illinois