Saturday, September 26, 2015

The Small Business Revolution Sits Down with Ty & Lynne McDaniel of An Orange Moon


Ty & Lynne McDaniel


Ty McDaniel
CEO

Lynne McDaniel
Chief Marketing & Acquisition’s Officer




To talk shop, we sat down on a vintage Eames chaise across from co-owners Ty and Lynne McDaniel.

What was the process of opening like?

Lynne: We began hoarding furniture away in a 3-car garage and got our inventory together. I went out and found a space here in this neighborhood, and I signed the lease and said “we’re official!” Ty was still going to work and he would come home and take his suit off and just start painting or running new electrical – doing whatever we needed to do in the shop to open.
Ty: She kind of shoved me off the ledge. It was like being pushed off a ledge and into water. Now she says to swim and I’ve never swum a day in my life! I had to learn. Who are the designers? Who are the furniture makers? Why is this furniture here?  What is mid-century modern furniture? What is Art Deco furniture? What is French Revival? What is this stuff made out of? Why do people like this furniture? It’s a lot of things. I think the mid-century modern style is timeless.
Lynne: He’s an expert now. He really is. His opinion, his curation, his aesthetic. He’s extremely well-regarded.

What is WOW?

Lynne: It stands for “West of Western.” Meaning West of Western Avenue. We’re turning the image of this neighborhood, which used to be negative, into something positive. This is a small business shopping district now and we’re growing together. The big boxes won’t be able to get in because we’re hunkered down. I want to be sure everyone over here has good, strong, tight leases, with options to renew, so we can keep growing and getting stronger. It’s almost like a magnet effect. Someone wrote an article and they named me “the Goddess of WOW” and I hope that I can live up to the expectations! If we stick together, we’re going to the top together. 

What’s your role, Ty, your vision?

Ty: We want to be different than the norm. My job is to make An Orange Moon the best vintage store in Chicago. Merchandising, curating, buying, other business aspects. But everything is a creative process. The whole store is a canvas. I want it to be an experience. A vibe. I hope we’ve created that.

Social media has offered powerful marketing opportunities to small businesses, but it can also be time-consuming. What’s your approach?

Lynne: My secret to social media is you don’t have to be on social media 24/7. Do what’s important and just speak from your heart. Whatever you do, stay positive. We hear too much negativity, just talk about the positive things. Talk about this beautiful new lamp you got in the shop and how somebody from Australia came in here and they just fell in love with you and you feel in love with them. Have fun.

How do you handle negotiation?

Ty: The negotiation is always fun. It’s a process. I like to phrase it “what’s the best you can do on this piece?” They put out a price. We come together. It’s bought. And in the store, 100% transparency is the only way of doing business.

What’s it like to work with your spouse?

Lynne: Let’s talk about the positives of working with your spouse. The positives are that your spouse knows every button, in a good way. You’re able to vent to your spouse at the end of the day. You can brainstorm new directions. You can pow-wow at any time. I don’t know if there’s anything better, really. The negative? You’re working with your spouse. (Laughs.) You guys are together all the time. You have to remember to maintain your own space and your own identity. That is so crucial. But the positive way outweighs the negative. I love it.

What’s the biggest challenge?

Ty: The furniture is beautiful. The pieces are what make people happy. But once people get their house furnished, that’s it – at least for a few years. So, we have to develop new customers on a regular basis. Consistently developing new customers is one of the biggest challenges. But we enjoy that.

Jens Risom Desk
Interested in these pieces? Simply visit www.anorangemoon.com for availablity.



Business Details

2418 West North Avenue Chicago, IL 60647
PH: 773-276-6726 Website


Friday, September 25, 2015

AN ORANGE MOON TURNS 6 YEARS OLD!!!!!!


We opened on time today. Noon sharp! But today is not just any day, its our 6th year in business. Our 6th year. Just about everyone knows our story. Ty worked at Haymarket House over by the old Oprah Winfrey studio and Circle Family Care in Humboldt Park. I was just starting out as an Intern. I did my practicum at Ty's job, and that's how we met. Shortly thereafter, we were married. Fast forward to today, we celebrate our 6th year as small business entrepreneurs! Our goal is to make An Orange Moon the best luxury vintage furniture shop on the planet! Or at least in the WOW DISTRICT!  







Please visit: 

info@anorangemoon.com 
773.276.ORAN (SHOP) 
Estate sale Goddess, Inc. 312.450.9821 
Ring 773.664.3704 WE BUY!!

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Ty & Lynne's Soulful Mid-Century Chicago Studio


AN ORANGE MOON FEATURED IN APARTMENT THERAPY


Name: Ty & Lynne McDaniel, Owners and Founders of An Orange Moon 
Location: Humboldt Park; Chicago, Illinois
Size: 1,200 square feet
Years lived in: 3
Ty and Lynne McDaniel, owners and founders of the fantastic Chicago furniture store An Orange Moon have created a hip and airy crash pad in the back of their shop. Located in the heart of Humbolt Park, the store/studio is brimming with history and charm. Lynne has been a pioneer in the advancement of the neighborhood, and has used those same skills in transforming their personal space. The couples’ warm smiles and knowledge of all things vintage invite you into the place, often permeated with the greatest hip hop beats.


Their passion and constant quest for all things vintage has led to a masterful collection of art objects and furniture. One 1200 square-foot room functions all at once as a bedroom, living space, office, dining area, and kitchen. Despite the lack of “rooms,” Ty and Lynne have skillfully arranged this multipurpose space in a way that doesn't feel crowded in the least.
Their store has earned many Chicago accolades and has been featured in the well-loved Small Business Revolution documentary.
With an eye for quality and a love for personal details, Ty and Lynne have imbued their unique sanctuary with soul and delight. Want more? Click the link below!
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ty-and-lynnes-soulful-midcentury-chicago-studio-house-tour-215546


Please visit: http://anorangemoon.bigcartel.com 
info@anorangemoon.com 
773.276.ORAN (SHOP) 
An Orange Moon Estate Liquidators, INC. 
312.450.9821 or 773.664.3704 
WE BUY!!

Monday, March 2, 2015

SNEEK PEEK FILM PREMIERE AN ORANGE MOON SMALL BUSINESS REVOLUTION PARTY










Please visit: http://anorangemoon.bigcartel.com info@anorangemoon.com 773.276.ORAN (SHOP) 
An Orange Moon Estate Liquidators, INC. 
312.450.9821 or 773.664.3704 WE BUY!!










Thursday, February 12, 2015

AN ORANGE MOON FEATURED IN THE SMALL BUSINESS REVOLUTION DOCUMENTARY CAMPAIGN


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            
Contact: Lynne McDaniel
Email: info@anorangemoon.com
Phone: 773.276.ORANGE
AN ORANGE MOON FEATURED IN THE SMALL BUSINESS REVOLUTION DOCUMENTARY CAMPAIGN
Stories of small business owners across America comes to life in new movement championed by Deluxe Corporation
Chicago, Ill. Feb. 18, 2014 – Today, a mini-documentary featuring An Orange Moon (AOM) and the businesses of West of Western (WOW) was released as part of the Small Business Revolution campaign. The Small Business Revolution is a movement designed to shine light on the power and energy behind American small businesses.
Part of Deluxe Corporation’s 100th anniversary year, the Small Business Revolution is highlighting 100 small businesses from across the country throughout 2015. Businesses were nominated by Deluxe employees and the general public.
An Orange Moon is the second business to be featured in the mini-documentary campaign, featuring Lynne and Ty McDaniel of AOM, focusing not only on the unique story of their furniture and design business, but on their overall effort to create a business movement in their neighborhood. The documentary debuted during a premier showing at An Orange Moon on Feb. 17.
“The documentary really captures the spirit and enthusiasm of our community and how so many small businesses are helping to forge a new path for this area,” Lynne McDaniel said. “We were thrilled to be part of this effort and can’t wait for other small businesses around the country to see our story. This is a great project.”
Deluxe commissioned award winning filmmakers and photojournalists to capture the rich tapestry of compelling and unique stories that make up the small business experience. Flow Nonfiction of Austin, TX is directing and producing this distinctive effort that will come to life in real time throughout the year.
“The Small Business Revolution is truly an authentic effort to start a movement to celebrate small businesses across the country,” said Amanda Brinkman chief brand and communications officer for Deluxe. “We chose An Orange Moon because they have an exceptional story, Lynne and Ty not only pursued their passion but in doing so have made a significant impact in their community.”
An Orange Moon’s mini-documentary can be followed on both An Orange Moon and The Small Business Revolution platforms, including:

• www.anorangemoon.com
• http://AnOrangeMoonChicago.blogspot.com
• Facebook- www.facebook.com/AnOrangeMoon
• Facebook – www.facebook.com/smallbizrev
• Instagram – @smallbusinessrevolution
• Twitter – @smbizrevolution
• Twitter - @AnOrangeMoonChicago
• Website – www.smallbusinessrevolution.org
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About An Orange Moon
An Orange Moon (AOM) is Chicago’s uber hip, vintage interior furnishings and design center. AOM offers furnishings from the mid-century modern period, retro, jet set modern, industrial, French, Victorian, steam punk, shabby chic, Danish modern, art deco, world traveler, mission and English pieces. The store also offers an awe-inspiring selection of vintage lighting, textiles, mirrors, artwork, home and office accessories. For more information visit, www.anorangemoon.com
About Deluxe Corporation
Deluxe Corp. is a growth engine for small businesses and financial institutions. More than 4.5 million small business customers access Deluxe's wide range of products and services, including customized checks and forms, as well as website development and hosting, email marketing, search engine optimization and logo design. For our 5,500 financial institution customers, Deluxe offers industry-leading programs in checks, customer acquisition, fraud prevention and profitability. Deluxe is also a leading provider of checks and accessories sold directly to consumers. For more information, visit us at www.deluxe.com www.facebook.com/deluxecorp or www.twitter.com


Please visit:
http://anorangemoon.bigcartel.com 
info@anorangemoon.com 
773.276.ORAN (SHOP) 
An Orange Moon Estate Liquidators, INC. 
312.450.9821 or 773.664.3704 WE BUY!!