Image Awards & Engraving/Creative Keepsakes (Geneva)
Some people just know what they what want to do for a living early in life. Then there are the rest of us who take the scenic route. Patty Donahue is a proud member of Group #2.
Along the way, Patty has been a shoe salesperson, a restaurant cook, a concierge at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, and a customer service type several times over.
"I didn't know it at the time, but all of those other jobs prepared me for what I do today," Patty reflected from behind the counter at her charming store at 622 W. State Street in Geneva. She has been the proprietor of Image Awards & Engraving for nearly 15 years (since late 2006 at the Geneva location).
Patty got into the business while helping out at her sister Peggy's rubber stamp shop circa 1994. "A lady who did engraving work for my sister walked in and asked if we knew anybody who wanted to buy her business. I said, 'Hey, I'd like to try that,'" Patty recalled. She borrowed a modest amount of start-up money and the rest is award-winning (and award-making) history.
The first items Patty offered were mostly corporate awards and custom signs. Later she added trophies to the mix. (Image Awards is the supplier to the Granquist Music Competition as well as many local youth sports leagues)
In an effort to broaden the shop's offerings to her customers, Patty created another division of her business called Creative Keepsakes. She now offers services such as digital scrapbooks, high speed digital photo scanning and archiving, and custom gift engraving. The most interesting items that customers have brought in to be engraved? According to Patty, "I've had people bring in swords, guns, and even handcuffs." Hopefully not all at the same time…
And speaking of digital scrapbooks, Patty also offers classes for those who want to learn how to scrapbook, um, digitally. She has a cozy classroom set-up on the second level of the shop filled with computers, scanners, and printers.
An important aspect of Patty's business is being involved in the community. She is active in local chambers of commerce and supports local charities. One such organization is the Living Well Cancer Resource Center in Geneva. When customers purchase anything pink, a portion of the proceeds go to Living Well.
Also, be sure to visit Image Awards on May 9 during Downtown Geneva's Gardenology Event. Patty has invited the folks from We Grow Dreams of West Chicago to sell annuals and crafts at the shop. We Grow Dreams is a greenhouse that provides people with disabilities training and employment opportunities.
Perhaps the best reason to stop by Patty's shop is the chance to meet the assistant manager Frankie. He's extremely friendly and knows the shop better than anybody.
At the very least, visit the Image Awards website and sign up for the newsletter. Patty writes a great newsletter filled with not only her latest offerings, but also great information about local events.
Please stop in and visit Patty and Frankie. And tell 'em you heard it from The Voice!