WICHITA — Tonya Harge says she’s giddy about opening an online business next month, though it has its roots in something sad.
Harge previously worked in senior and child care, but then she lost her grandmother and mother in a short period of time.
“You really can’t care for others if you don’t take care of yourself first,” Harge says.
So she took time off and traveled abroad.
Her travels gave Harge the idea for Chapter 34, an online boutique for designer products.
“It’s the new chapter in my life,” Harge says. “I’m creating a one-stop shop for designer goods.”
That includes handbags, fragrances, accessories, cosmetics and skin-care products from brands like Clinique, Prescriptives, Chanel and Dolce & Gabbana.
Chapter 34’s Web site, www.mychapter34.com, will debut Oct. 15, which is the same day Harge is throwing a kick-off party at Suede in Old Town.
Harge also is a graduate student at Wichita State University.
“I believe that small business is the lifeblood of this economy,” she says. “The spirit of entrepreneurship is still alive and well.”
But it’s her mother and grandmother who are Harge’s inspiration.
“They were my first fashionistas. I can remember them getting ready for church or just their business of the day,” she says.
“I know they would be so proud.”