(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in Aurora Monday morning for the grand opening of SamandaRose Couture.
Owner Folashade Familola, who emigrated from Nigeria five years ago, says her love for fashion started at a young age.
"My mom is a fashion designer, so I grew up in a fashion designer's home. So I think I grew my interest from there."
SamandaRose features bold, colorful African prints— designed by Familola herself and handmade by her production team in Nigeria.
"There's something here for everyone. Even when you say African wear, it doesn't really mean for African people. Anyone could get it and they would definitely find what they want, what they like."
SamandaRose honors Familola's late mother, combining her name, Samanda, with her mother's name, Rose.
The boutique sits near the intersection of New York Street and Commons Drive.
It's the ninth business to open in Aurora this year — adding both style and culture to the community.
"That's why we say we're open for business," said Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin. "We make sure our businesses are welcome and we do what we can to use our resources and our people to walk them through the process of getting their business open."
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