ROCKFORD — Throughout October during National Women’s Business Month, the Illinois  Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is working to uplift and elevate women-owned businesses throughout the state. 

Elora Home Interiors is a home decor, home goods and gift shop on East State Street. 

Owner Amie McDonald says women juggle a lot between being a wife and a mom, and as a new business owner, she is finding being an entrepreneur just as rewarding as those two roles. 

“I think women are incredible. I think we wear a billion hats. Go women, opening businesses, starting things and doing all the things all the time.” 

McDonald started her business as a hobby out of her home. 

She started thrifting pieces for her own home, which led to her creating a business and moving into a space downtown earlier this year. 

She says becoming a small business owner has made her recognize and appreciate local businesses and supporting others by spending money locally. 

“I think it’s important to be mindful of supporting the people in the city that you live in because the only reason why we exist is because we have loyal customers that come in because they want to see us stay and they don’t want to see businesses in their city continue to close,” she says. 

The store sells everything from custom designed throw pillows to locally made candles and decor for your fireplaces and book shelves. 

Elora Home Interiors located on 214 E. State St. is open Thursday through Saturday with extended holiday hours starting November.