Shirley Neumann has worked and sold at antique stores and markets for a long time, but she just recently took the plunge into ownership when she opened Shirley's Place at 12343 S. Harlem Avenue in Palos Heights.

Neumann said that she knew the area needed an antique store and owning her own has always been a dream.

Neumann's dream came to fruition on July 1 of this year when her store's door opened for the first time. She runs the store with a quick-witted sense of humor, excitement for her merchandise and a strong sense of customer service. In many ways it is not at all surprising that Neumann has found herself playing the role of an entrepreneur, what might be a bit surprising is the timing.

"People ask me all the time, 'why do you want to start running a business at 72-years-old?" she said while sitting in her store on October 27. "I tell them, 'why wouldn't I?'"

"If it's your dream, do it … this is the most wonderful thing I've ever done in my life."

Neumann says that people in the area have been tremendously supportive, as have neighboring shop owners.

Business has been booming so far, and Neumann is thinking about extending her hours during the holiday season. The shop has already expanded, taking over an empty suite behind the store last month to add more merchandise.

The shop forgoes flea market items in favor of antiques, collectibles and new gifts. Shirley's also offers something that is increasingly hard to find: one-on-one conversation.

Neumann says that her favorite aspect of running the shop is the customers; some come in almost daily, just to have a cup of coffee and talk before pursuing the store for a bit.

On Wednesday, a young girl who has become a regular popped in to look around.

"Hey, it's the girl with the pretty hair," Neumann said. They exchanged welcomes and Neumann explained that the girl comes in almost once a week and usually leaves with something that "just pops out at her."

On this particular Wednesday Moe Mohsen of neighboring Opinize Design walked in to talk with Neumann and some of the other workers, and Alderman Robert Basso (2^nd Ward) stopped in for a cup of coffee.

In addition to the merchandise and conversation, Neumann also likes to hold some type of monthly event.

She is currently collecting food for local food pantries, and has had live music in the past. Neumann says she wants to find a harpist to perform one day and also remarked to a few customers admiring Derby glasses that she is thinking about having a small party for the annual run for the roses in May.

Neumann says her co-workers are an important part of the shop, and that she could leave them in charge for a month if she wanted too. Not that they would mind.

"Oh it's been so much fun," said Renee Koester, who works at the store and has also sold at the same locations as Neumann in the past. "I just walked in one day … and she said she had open spaces so I took a spot."

"It's nice to talk with all the people and it's fun to go hunting and looking for all the items."

Koester said Neumann can be a "riot" to work with and she gets along very well with all of her customers.

Neumann said she plans on keeping the store open as long as she can and is looking forward to hosting more events in the future. She invites shoppers to come in, take a look around, and don't hesitate to grab a coffee and engage in some good old-fashioned conversation.

Shirley's Place is open from 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., seven days a week.