Meet Your New Neighbor: Tatum Mae Boutique Opens in Lemont Downtown
You know those ten year plans that you set and admittedly, kind of forget?
Bri Vanpelt is making her dreams come true with the opening of Lemont Downtown’s Tatum Mae Boutique.
In their first brick-and-mortar, Bri is bringing affordable trends and everyday style essentials to Lemont. Motivated by her faith, supported by her family, and knowing all good things to fall into place, Tatum Mae (named after Bri’s daughter) was born.
Lucky for you, if you’ve been wondering what’s coming to 406 Main Street, we sat down with Bri to learn all about her new shop.
KG: Tell me a little bit about Tatum Mae – how did you get your start?
BV: About 9 years ago, my husband and I were on our first date when he asked me, “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?” The answer was simple: I really wanted to open up a boutique.
Flash forward and life happens, we get married, we have 3 kids and after going back to my medical sales job after having my youngest, I ultimately decided that I didn’t want to be in the corporate world anymore. It didn’t feel right and I wanted to be home with my kids.
Well, about two weeks later, I decided that it was time to make that dream of opening a boutique a reality. I heard about a trade show that was happening in Vegas two weeks later, and with my husband being the supportive man he is, we booked the trip to meet our first vendors. Before our first shipment arrived, I set up my online business and built my customer base.
Bri and her family, courtesy of Yvone Photography
KG: Wow, that is amazing! How did you choose your first location?
BV: My first goal was to grow a following online for the boutique. We did that in about a year. We’re from Cincinnati, Ohio, and moved to Frankfort, IL about three years ago at the start of the pandemic.
When I came to visit Lemont, I don’t know what it was: I felt I was in a small town, that still had a big city feeling, and the people, the environment – it was love at first sight.
As I walked around, I saw a vacancy sign in a window and made a few phone calls. While the first building I saw wasn’t a good fit, the second at 406 Main St, was absolutely perfect and we’ve renovated it from the ground up.
Brianne in front of her new storefront at 406 Main Street
KG: What can new customers expect to see in your shop?
BV: When I started Tatum Mae, as a mother of 3, I knew I wanted to create essentials for Moms who want to look good and feel good when they’re going to school drop off, on date nights, or headed to brunch with friends. You’ll find trendy pieces along with capsule wardrobe pieces.
As a Boy Mom, I’m also really excited about my Mini & Matching clothing line which will have unisex styles so the entire family can match.
KG: That’s amazing! I will definitely be checking that out. It’s always so hard to find matching mom-and-son outfits. What else will Tatum Mae offer?
Photo courtesy of Yvone Photography
BV: We’re so excited to offer personal styling, private shopping, and special events. Of course, folks can come in to hang with us at any time but if you’re busy with the kids and need someone to pick up some new pieces for you, give us a call and we can pick out exactly what you need.
We’re also excited for people to rent out the space so people can go shopping with their girlfriends to celebrate bridal showers, birthdays, anniversaries, you name it. We can also bring the party to you.
KG: What has excited you most about Lemont Downtown as you’ve moved in?
BV: It’s such a great community and we’re excited to jump right in! We were able to renovate our location from the ground up. We got started in August 2022 and here we are now. We’re so excited that this community really rallies together to make things happen.
KG: What are some of your favorite Lemont Downtown places?
BV: I love my neighbor That Girl + Co. I think what Massiel is doing for women and girls by providing a fun place to get crafty and giving them the confidence to try new things is so important.
I’m also obsessed with Barrel & Vine - I never want to leave. The staff, the food, and that burger – I crave it every day.
KG: I Personally cannot wait to visit! Where can we find you and when can we start shopping?
BV: We’ll be open Wednesday - Saturday from 11 am- 6 pm and Sundays from 12 - 4 pm. Please come hang out with us on Sundays after brunch and church!
You can hang out on our couches, try on some new clothes, or just talk and listen to some country music for a while.
