Forget Me Knodt: A New Flower Shop & Gift Store in Uptown

You know what's better than finding a cute little shop in an unsuspecting location? Going to that shop's website, reading the story of its inspiration and having a one of those "all is right in the world" moments. That's what happened to me when I visited Forget Me Knodt in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood earlier this week. Here's how it all happened...

I've been following Forget Me Knodt's Instagram feed for the past few weeks. I had linked there from a friend's IG feed and I liked what I saw so I started following. I didn't know much about the business but I loved the pics and that was enough for me.

Then, earlier this week, I was dropping a friend at his apartment when I turned a corner and found myself right in front of the Forget Me Knodt storefront. "Oh," I might have said out loud (to myself, mind you), "I've been following this shop on Instagram. I must stop in!" I popped the car into reverse, maneuvered into a parking spot and walked into the shop.

I was warmly greeted by the shop's owner, Janessa Knodt, as she stood at a counter surrounded by fresh flowers. I browsed the shop's handcrafted gift items while Janessa prepped flowers for arrangements, chatting and laughing about schmultzy Christmas music the whole time. I ended up purchasing a candle from Tatine, one of my favorite local candle makers, along with a gift for The Mister.

It wasn't until I was at home later that evening that I plugged Forget Me Knodt's URL into my browser and learned the charming story of Janessa's history with flower shops.

The year was 1952. The place, Hayward, California. My grandparents were happily married with a gaggle of kiddos, when one day my Grandpa confessed that he couldn't fight the urge any longer: he had to open his own flower shop.  He had grown up with flowers as the family business, and the desire was too strong to ignore. Luckily, my Grandma was both supportive and incredibly artistic, so they made a go of it! They took the plunge and started the very first Forget Me Knodt right out of their apartment. 

Much like her grandfather, Janessa couldn't resist the call of the flower shop and, after ten years in advertising, she has taken the plunge to open her own shop.

And this, ladies and gentlemen, is why I try to support small businesses! I want to support the kind of people who follow their dreams. I want to promote the folks who do what their grandparents did. I want to shop in stores that originate from passion and that support other independent designers.

If you're in Uptown, check out Forget Me Knodt for your floral and gift needs. Tell 'em Captain Dapper sent you!

Forget Me Knodt
1313 West Wilson Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60640

Images: Jason Loper