Budding Designers Bring Artistry to Kane County Fashion

From farmers markets to boardwalk shops, creativity blooms in local fashion and jewelry.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:36pm

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A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating grid of brightly colored macramé necklaces, flower crowns, and handmade candles, conceptually representing the diverse range of lifestyle products created by local designers.Budding designers in Kane County are bringing their unique fashion and lifestyle creations to local markets, festivals, and retail spaces, cultivating a vibrant local style scene.Chicago Today

Designers Kelsey Rankin and Valeska Girón are finding success sharing their passion for fashion and jewelry through local markets, festivals, and incubator programs in Kane County, Illinois. Rankin started an online shop after the death of a close friend, while Girón and her husband expanded their Chicago-based business to the Batavia Boardwalk Shops. Both designers have built loyal followings by connecting with their community and customers.

Why it matters

The stories of Rankin and Girón highlight the vibrant local fashion scene in Kane County, where budding designers are using community-focused platforms to showcase their creativity and build their brands. These small businesses are contributing to the unique character and entrepreneurial spirit of the region.

The details

Kelsey Rankin started her jewelry and accessory line, Hemp Club Jewelry, after the death of her close friend Julie Berls, who had taught her macramé in school. Rankin began selling online and at pop-up markets before joining the Artisan Collective in Batavia, where she creates custom flower crowns and connects with customers. Meanwhile, Chicago resident Valeska Girón was hesitant when her husband suggested expanding their Girón Apparel + Home business to Batavia, but she fell in love with the community and now has a presence at the Batavia Boardwalk Shops and local retail spaces.

  • Rankin started her Etsy shop in 2012 after her friend's passing.
  • Girón Apparel + Home was featured in the 2025 season of the Batavia Boardwalk Shops.

The players

Kelsey Rankin

A designer who started the Hemp Club Jewelry line and Boho Earth Headbands after the death of her close friend Julie Berls, who had taught her macramé in school.

Valeska Girón

A Chicago resident who initially had doubts about expanding her Girón Apparel + Home business to Batavia, but fell in love with the community and now has a presence at local retail spaces.

Julie Berls

Kelsey Rankin's close friend since grade school, who taught her macramé and inspired Rankin to start her jewelry and accessory line after Berls' passing.

Manuel Girón

Valeska Girón's husband, who suggested expanding their business to Batavia and helped them secure a spot in the Batavia Boardwalk Shops.

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What they’re saying

“I had no idea where Batavia was. I am a Chicago girl.”

— Valeska Girón

“It was a big deal for us. It was a new opportunity.”

— Valeska Girón

“She was a natural born teacher. I wanted to carry on her spirit and her memory.”

— Kelsey Rankin

What’s next

Rankin and Girón plan to continue growing their businesses by participating in more local markets, festivals, and retail partnerships in the Kane County area.

The takeaway

The stories of Kelsey Rankin and Valeska Girón showcase how budding designers are using community-focused platforms to share their creativity and build loyal followings in Kane County. Their entrepreneurial spirit and passion for fashion are helping to cultivate a vibrant local style scene.