Hinsdale home to four new businesses

By Ken Knutson

and Sandy Illian Bosch

If residents are hungry for some French toast, interested in trying a new hairstyle, intrigued by new lighting in the living room or fancy redecorating in the family room, they need not travel outside of the village. Four new businesses either have opened or are about to right here in Hinsdale.

Central grad returns to her roots

Indifference Salon is new to Hinsdale's downtown, but owner Vanessa Camara has a long history with Hinsdale and as a stylist.

After graduating from Hinsdale Central High School in 1988, Camara graduated from beauty school in 1990. By 1998, she was in business for herself, but it wasn't until September 2021 that Camara returned to where it all began and opened her own storefront salon at 6 West Hinsdale Ave.

"I started in Hinsdale as a salon employee," said Camara, who grew up in Clarendon Hills and still makes the suburb home.

As owner of Indifference Salon, Camara offers cuts, color and blowouts to her customers. She also offers updos for special occasions.

A color specialist, Camara said her vision is for a place that leaves customers looking good on the outside and feeling good on the inside.

"I want people to come in and just unwind and relax," said Camara, who chose neutral tones and a minimalistic, clean look for her salon. Peaceful music and stress-reducing beverages help to set the mood, as does the mini scalp massage that's included with every service.

After more than 30 years as a stylist, Camara said it's her customers that keep her job fun, interesting and fulfilling. She's served a handful of local families through three generations of cuts, colors and style consultations.

"It's like getting together with your friends as opposed to work," she said. Some of those friends have been coming to Camara for cuts and color since she was in beauty school.

Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, Camara said she welcomes new customers.

Being "in style" can make people feel better and more confident. That's the meaning behind the name of her salon.

"When people look better, they feel better," Camara said.

Owner channels decorating flair

Like so many people, Danelle Antipov spent time over the last 20 months dreaming of what she would do once stay-at-home orders were lifted and the COVID-19 pandemic had passed. But rather than just daydream, Antipov put her plans into action.

"This is my pandemic baby," said Danelle Antipov, owner of Marabella Home at 28 E. Hinsdale Ave.

Soon to be an empty-nester, Antipov knew her 22-year stint as a stay-at-home mom was coming to an end.

When several friends approached her for guidance in decorating their homes, the pieces for her next chapter fell together.

"The signs were all there," she said.

Antipov's knowledge and experience in finding the right furniture, art and accessories for the right place comes not from formal training, but from listening, observing and doing. She said she paid close attention to the design professionals who helped her turn multiple houses into homes.

"It's just something I enjoy doing," she said.

Antipov has filled Marabella Home with items large and small, affordable and extravagant. From unique trinkets to chairs, Antipov selected each item herself.

"Everything is for sale," said Antipov, who noted some people mistake the shop for a design studio rather than a showroom. Even the shelves and mounted lighting fixtures are ready to be placed in the right home, she said.

With the holidays approaching, Marabella Home has taken on a decidedly festive look, with ornate Santas, oversized jingle bell ornaments and a fully decorated 9-foot Christmas tree

Marabella Home offers customized furniture, with a huge inventory of fabrics to choose from. Antipov offers in-home consultations to help homeowners choose the right items to create a space they love.

Whether a customer is searching for a special gift, a new look for a room or just inspiration to make a change, Antipov said it all can be found at Marabella Home.

Store to light up First Street

Holiday lights won't be the only source of illumination in downtown Hinsdale this season.

Circa Lighting is putting the finishing touches on its soon-to-open showroom at 28 E. First St. The 5,438-square-foot store is equipped with a state-of-the-art Architectural Lighting Lab, according to a press release, with options in downlighting, cove lighting and other layers of light. The lab allows customers to experience architectural lighting in real-life applications and provides tools that aid in the design and decision making.

Gale Singer, company founder and president, explained what sets Circa Lighting.

"We present an unparalleled, curated assortment," she wrote in an email. "We have technology allowing the customer to see most products in full scale. Our meeting spaces are considered an extension of the interior designer, architect and builders' own offices as well as a place for the homeowner to work with our staff for lighting design services and product selections."

She called Hinsdale "a natural selection" to pair with the existing downtown Chicago showroom.

"We have many customers who live and work in the area, and the home market here is perfect for our product offering," Singer said.

With nearly two dozen showrooms across the country, Singer said seeing the growth and development of people on the Circa Lighting family has been gratifying. And she expects patrons will notice.

"The strong customer relationships we have developed over the years and the environment we have created in the showrooms is extremely humbling," she said.. "The best thing I ever heard (from a customer) was, 'I just want to hang out here.' That's the epitome of the experience we've tried to create."

Garden Berry Café is in bloom

Garden Berry Café is now serving up flavorful dishes to satisfy appetites in Gateway Square.

Couple Selene Padilla and José Jasso opened the eatery at 777 N. York Road in September, adding to a sister location to the Vernon Hills breakfast/lunch restaurant they've operated since 2017. Padilla said the Hinsdale site, previously occupied by Egg Harbor, seemed like the "perfect fit."

Along with the signature Garden Berry Salad and Berry Berry French Toast, Padilla noted her surprise at the popularity of the Avocado Benedict among her new clientele. She stressed that diners of all tastes will find items to enjoy on the ample menu.

"There's a lot of options for everyone," Padilla said, noting their gluten-free and vegan options. "I feel like even picky eaters like me can find something."

Jasso heads up the kitchen, where he leverages his extensive background in Mexican cuisine on unique and tasty offerings like chilaquiles, the Tijuana omelette and the South of the Border skillet or omelette.

"And the paninis are really good," Jasso remarked.

"Everything it served really fresh," Padilla added. "We also have homemade green and red salsa."

She said presentation is a point of emphasis.

"A lot of people give compliments on how nice the dishes look when they come out of the kitchen," Padilla commented.

Pumpkin spice latte and peppermint mocha are brewing for the season - and don't miss the cinnamon rolls preferred by their 8-year-old daughter.

Garden Berry Café is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.