Sometimes, everything someone touches turns to gold. Luckily, for Shannon Gutierrez gold happens to be her favorite color. Gutierrez is the owner of Wyckwood House, which is now open in the renovated, former School District 129 offices at 80 S. River Street in downtown Aurora.
Gutierrez, of Aurora, rewrote the old, familiar fairy tale to include her friends and community every step of the way, and it shows in her new, welcoming space. Wyckwood House includes a cocktail bar, seating areas, and multiple dressing rooms.
It’s a space to enjoy a beverage while shopping, and it’s a space to come together with others to meet, or to celebrate. Since opening on River Street during May’s First Fridays events, Wyckwood House has been host to a couple of private parties, as well as Boss Babes, a monthly meetup of community women With co-host the Aurora Downtown organization.
Creating a welcoming space is not new to Gutierrez, who started Wyckwood House in her Aurora home. She brought together local women artisans and makers, and quickly saw success with her curated home market.
Once Gutierrez opened a shop along Downer Place in downtown Aurora, she worked with additional vendors to grow her vision of creating a special experience for shoppers.
Over the last few years, Gutierrez has inspired a handful of women to branch out and open their own shops. Gutierrez opened a second shop in downtown Wheaton during the pandemic.
Gutierrez continues to share her spirit of gratitude. She is now realizing her dream. She is constantly grateful for her team of “magic makers” which she calls her staff members, who “make the magic happen.” She’s grateful for all of the supporters who kept her going and growing.
Recently, Wyckwood House was voted second best women’s boutique in West Suburban Living’s Best of the West awards.
Gutierrez doesn’t let her bright light dim anyone else’s. Her passion for creating a space where other women can shine, and where everyone can feel that energy is what defines Wyckwood House.
Wyckwood House celebrated its grand opening May 20. The public can join them June 3 at First Fridays for live music and artisan pop-ups.
Marissa Amoni is the manager of Aurora Downtown, a group of business and property owners in Special Service Area One. Find summer events and self-guided margarita and pub crawls by following Aurora Downtown on Facebook. auroradowntown.org.