Have you ever had a friend who was an arbiter of cool? Someone you could count on to know about the most obscure cult films, the best underground music, the undiscovered vintage clothing store? Someone with an eye for the extraordinary and a sixth sense for where to find it? There's a shop in Lincoln Square that is just like that friend—hanger 18. It's hard to fit it into any category, but you're guaranteed to find one of the coolest collections of stuff there that you'll want for yourself or as a gift for someone you know. That's because the buying eye at hanger 18 belongs to lifelong artist Tina Spinelle Dixon, with the help of her artist husband, Mike Dixon. "I try to create an atmosphere where it's comfortable to shop, whether you're getting something that you love or something you'd love to give," explains Tina. "I'm not a salesperson by nature, but I can sell what I love and believe in."
hanger 18 wiggles out of the definition of a traditional gift shop. It's not a gallery either, though you can buy functional art there made by both local and international artists. hanger 18 is the name (which survived from a previous incarnation of Tina's business), but there really aren't many clothes there beyond a few items for babies. The store itself is a little like a Tim Burton film—familiar, iconic and fun, but with a bit of an edge in some ways. It sells merchandise that would appeal to just about everyone, including handmade jewelry, handbags, a large selection of baby gifts, toys, stationery, some body and fragrance products, and kitchen implements reminiscent of grandma's house. But the plates might feature a cartoon beaver holding a meat cleaver, the baby tees and onesies might have rock bands silkscreened on them, or the photo book might be titled the "Dysfunctional Family Album." Adding to the charm of the merchandise, the store is decorated with cheerful easter egg colors and retro-style displays. "I love color," says Tina. "I wanted people to feel happy when they come in, so even on a dreary day they can have a little sunshine." You could just as easily find something for your jaded teenage niece there as you could for your mom.
Tina and Mike's creativity is the fuel that powers hanger 18. A photographer who once shot punk shows in the 80s at Cabaret Metro and other venues, Tina also has made and sold her own jewelry around the city. Mike is a painter who recently contributed a piece to a new show called TCM Underground, hosted by Rob Zombie on the Turner Classic Movies channel. They both share a kinship with the artists they buy from as they search for special, yet affordable pieces to carry. One of Tina's favorite artists, Thomas Paul, makes melamine plates and trays featuring birds, victorian scenes and kimono patterns. Tina deals directly with artists whenever possible and looks for those who are always adding to their repertoire of designs. A series of hand painted tiles from Xenia Taler is a perfect example of the type of item at hanger 18. "She makes these wonderful hand painted wall tiles like her songbird series," says Tina. "She always keeps her line fresh, too, by offering some old favorites and adding new designs." There's a good selection from Queen Bee Creations, which makes vinyl bags and wallets decorated with foliage, birds, whales, cupcakes, and other motifs. The husband-wife duo behind Funktion designs textiles and makes vintage-inspired aprons in full sizes, half sizes, and matching little girl (or little boy?) versions. Tina and Mike make an effort to support local artists, too. hanger 18's front case is filled with one-of-a-kind jewelry from Purple. "This line is from a local artist who uses shells from Australia in a lot of her jewelry," explains Tina. "She really shows a great sense of texture and color with her choice of beads." Another Chicago artist makes light switch plates worthy of attention. "She makes them all using decoupage," says Tina. "She even decoupages the screws so they match."
Tina's love for art goes back as long as she can remember. "Art saved me," she explains. "It was a safe haven for me and for anyone else who was a little different." Her background brings an interesting combination of perspectives as both an artist and an entrepreneur. Tina's parents, Bill and Angie, owned two White Hens in the late 70s and throughout the 80s. She grew up the youngest in a family of six. "We had a big family meeting before my parents bought the businesses, so that they could see who wanted to be involved," recalls Tina. "We all stepped up to the plate. We helped out by ordering candy, making sandwiches, managing cash, sweeping up." Learning how to run a business from the inside made Tina realize from a young age that she wanted one of her own someday. After high school, Tina went on to Columbia College to study photography and jewelry making. She began a journey of finding herself and discovering her true calling that led her to try professional photography as a career, as well as her own jewelry business. "I found that I'm great at selling other people's stuff, but not so good at selling my own," says Tina. But through pounding the pavement to sell her jewelry, she made connections with other business owners and began to work a number of different retail jobs. "In life, you're supposed to do just one thing for a career," says Tina. "But not everyone wants to follow this rule. And it's not right for everyone. My parents were always my biggest cheerleader and supported me all the way as I was trying to figure things out."
 As she found herself, Tina also found her store in the process. In 2001, she opened hanger 18 in Roscoe Village with a friend to sell women's clothing and accessories. (She later bought out her partner in 2003.) "It was a store where an average woman with an average job could afford to buy clothes that were cool and different. I didn't want to sell $300 jeans." In the first few years, Tina made all of the jewelry sold at hanger 18, until it became too time-consuming. She loved running the business, but after a few years, she began to find the seasonal nature of women's clothing both challenging and limiting in a way that took the fun out of it. "I didn't care when the manufacturers told me that something was in fashion last year," says Tina. "If I liked it, I wanted to buy it that year, too." A series of life changes made her reassess what she was doing. She met Mike while working part-time at the Beat Kitchen and they got married. "When you know, you know," she says. Tina got pregnant and they moved to Albany Park. She started walking around Lincoln Square and thinking about what a great location it would be for her next move. Then came a major epiphany. In 2005, Tina and Mike went to the Gift Show to get a sense of what was available. Inspiration struck instantly as her passion was restored. "I was so happy and relieved," recalls Tina. "I found so many things that I could visualize in my store— jewelry that I could see people wearing, things that I could picture on the walls. I knew then what I was going to do."
So hanger 18 went on to a new chapter in Lincoln Square. Tina closed the Roscoe Village location and set up shop in its latest version. As soon as she moved in, Tina found the neighborhood friendly and welcoming. "The Chamber approached us right away to help us," she recalls. "They truly care about what the businesses think and what they need. We really feel like part of the community here." Today's hanger 18 has no more women's clothing, although some accessories have stayed. The baby gift section has been growing lately, much like the population of the neighborhood. Tina has a personal interest in these lines too, since she had her own daughter, Willa, just 18 months ago. One of the most consistent threads that you'll find running through hanger 18 is its devotion to change. Come in to visit on any separate day, and you'll likely find a fresh crop of new things to awe you. "Some people were really surprised when they saw how the business evolved," says Tina. "But it just felt so natural to me. Being open to change is the key. You're never too old to open a business and find out who you are. I didn't want to be 79 and kicking myself for not trying."
hanger 18
4726 North Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
773.275.3349
www.hanger18chicago.com
Hours
Monday Noon to 6pm
Tuesday - Friday 11am to 7pm
Saturday 11am to 6pm
Monday Noon to 5pm
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