“I don’t think it would be possible to not do it together.”

This is the sentiment of Ashley Cole about Suuri Design, the jewelry and bodycare store owned by her and her mother, Linda Cochran. After finishing an entrepreneurship class in college that helped her create a business plan, Ms. Cole decided to open Suuri Design and enlisted the help of Ms. Cochran. 

The store originally opened in 2016 in Lincoln Park and then closed in 2020 because of COVID-19. In 2021 they relocated to Harper Court on 53rd Street in Hyde Park, where Ms. Cochran grew up. 

At its core, Suuri Design is a family business, and Ms. Cole and Ms. Cochran have built on the closeness of their family to strengthen their business. 

The word ‘suuri’ is a Finnish word that means “large” and “grand,” something that Ms. Cole and Ms. Cochran felt represented their family.

“My mom is from a large family and my dad is from a large family and we are a family owned business, so it just kind of fit,” Ms. Cole said.

Ms. Cole’s father worked in the luxury jewelry industry for more than 30 years, and Ms. Cochran used to make handmade jewelry. Their talents have been passed down to Ms. Cole and her brother who works with her father.

Combining the luxury and handmade aspects, Suuri Design aims to sell carefully and intentionally crafted minimalist jewelry that doesn’t break the bank. Ms. Cole and Ms. Cochran design their own jewelry and then work with local goldsmiths and gemologists to make it.

Ms. Cole first saw a need for inexpensive yet well-made jewelry in college after observing her classmates and friends.

“My demographic, we wanted nice stuff, but we couldn’t afford it in college, so we noticed a need for a happy medium,” Ms. Cole said.

The whole concept of Suuri Design was made possible because they have such a tight-knit family. According to Ms. Cole and Ms. Cochran, the trust in each other is not something they could get with just a regular business partner. 

In addition, the roles they have while working also play a crucial role in the business running smoothly. For example, Ms. Cole does a lot of designing labels for their body care products, and Ms. Cochran gives her feedback on them.

“It’s just understanding what role you play, and collaborating at the end of things,” Ms. Cole said.

Their roles specifically shine through when they are able to specialize products for their customers of different ages. 

“She knows what’s gonna look better on her demographic, and same with me, things that are more trendy, and she looks for things that are more conservative,” Ms. Cole said.

When it comes to working with clients, Ms. Cole and Ms. Cochran team up to prioritize their client’s happiness.

“I see them tirelessly and consistently being in there together, working side by side, partnering together to assist clients,” said Shari Currie, the owner of Recycled Modern, an art gallery and interiors store also located in Harper Court.

For Ms. Cochran, their shared business is an opportunity to connect with her daughter. But she also acknowledges that when they have family time, like family dinner, that is separate from the business.

“Sunday is our family day, our tradition,” Ms Cochran said, “even though we work together, that’s how we try to connect, at least one day a week, we have to have dinner together.” 

They do realize though that the jewelry business is hard — that being that there is a lot of turnover, which is why they celebrate each year Suuri is open.

“It’s not like people have to have jewelry, it’s a desire, not a need,” said Ms. Cochran 

While there are no guarantees that any type of business will stay open forever, Ms. Cochran and Ms. Cole will brave the ups and downs of owning a business together, as mother and daughter.