A Vintage Gem Hidden in Vandalia
May 5, 2021
Iya’s & Friends in downtown Vandalia, IL is a dream come true for owner Anita Gottman. Located at 422 W. Gallatin St. she started the business in 2017.
The shop’s catchy name is filled with meaning. It comes from an endearing nickname given to the owner by her goddaughter she was little.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to own my own business,” shares Gottman, who has gathered together a wide range of vendors to offer antiques, crafts, and unique, gently-used vintage items that attract visitors to her shop again and again to browse the wares.
There’s so many wonderful items to take in that you can easily lose an afternoon at Iya’s immersed in local history, decor, gift ideas as you examine each aisle and shelf.
Everywhere one looks in the cheery shop there is something to examine more closely. From Black Crow Candle Co. scent warmers, to calming pet treats from Dianna's Barkery and more and unique gift options from The Back Porch, the shopping options are limitless!
Some neat finds in a single visit include antique serving trays, adorable towel sets, Vandalia t-shirts, vintage comic books, and a plethora of unique, handmade crafts.
And just when you think you’ve seen it all, you realize there’s both an upstairs and downstairs to the shop yet to explore!
Visitors are greeted by a different scene each time they frequent Iya’s & Friends, which helps to make it popular among local shoppers.
The shop boasts 5 out of 5 stars on its Facebook page and several favorable reviews that call the shop an "eclectic" and "wonderful” spot to find unique home decor and gifts.
Iya’s vendors, who are from all over the state, are like a great big family, bringing their individual styles, interests, and talents to the store. Often new items are brought in daily, so the shop’s landscape constantly changes.
Window and vendor displays also change throughout the seasons and holidays with regular sales on merchandise to help keep interest flowing.
“People visit the Statehouse and then wander down Gallatin to the shop,” explains Gottman, whose store recently celebrated their second anniversary with a week-long celebration providing treats and several special giveaways for its loyal customers.
A big supporter of the Bicentennial Celebration last June, the shop continues to sell the historic home tour book, Fayette County Museum cookbook, community photo, and other memorabilia from the celebration for the Vandalia Historic Society.
There are also items from familiar local artists in the shop, such as Peggy Schulze of Peggy Schulze Photography, who has several stirring images for sale at Iya’s & Friends.
“I just love bragging about our great city,” enthuses Gottman, who was awarded with both the Vandalia Woman of the Year award by Soroptimist International of Vandalia and Economic Impact Business of the Year by the City of Vandalia earlier in 2019.
“I was so honored,” recalls Gottman, who proudly displays her awards on a landing leading upstairs. “It wasn’t anything I expected, but I was so proud to be selected.”
With the first day of school around the corner, the shop has already begun to display some autumnal items and moved patriotic and summer-inspired things around to make room for fall and the inevitable deluge of Christmas-themed wares that will take prominence before the city’s Olde Tyme Christmas festivities in November.
Iya's & Friends is a proud member of the Greater Fayette County Chamber of Commerce and two-time recipient of The Leader-Union Reader's Choice Best of Fayette County award. And it’s easy to see why!
“We’ll be closed the week of August 19th. It’s my first vacation in two years,” shares Gottman, who hopes to return rested, reinvigorated, and ready to tackle the end of year gift giving season.
Iya’s & Friends has a bright future. It is a friendly, clean store with a Christian atmosphere and an owner who clearly loves the community in which she lives and works. Stop by to #ShopVandalia today!
The Small Business Spotlight is a bi-weekly social media series of the Vandalia Vanguard. If you know of a business we should highlight, send us an email at VandaliaVanguard@gmail.com.