Bye Bye Fly Bird?

Looks like Fly Bird is fleeing the coop.

In a surprise announcement sent via the store's newsletter on Wednesday, store owner Julia Nash said her time has come to "shift focus and move in a new direction." That means the business at 719 Lake St. is up for sale, and Nash is making a plea for someone to take it over. 

Here's the letter: 

Dearest Friends and Fans of the Bird,

Since May 2004, Fly Bird has been committed to this community. The opportunity to support local organizations, shape business within Oak Park and create a strong foundation and support of art & design over the years has been a wonderful privilege- all while still having a blast in this little shop on Lake Street.

I have always intended to stick around and continue to build a store that is an important asset to our town. A shop that is a mini museum and homage to the talented artists and designers that I am always so excited to share with my customers.

However, the bird must fly the nest. The time has come for me to shift focus and move in a new direction. After much soul searching I have decided it is time to go back to school to complete the nursing program I started 15 years ago. I am already two semesters into my program- and I know that it is the right place for me to be.

This decision to move on leads me to my next big decision- which is to sell this business. Fly Bird is looking for a new headbird. Someone who is enthusiastic, passionate, dedicated to bringing life and excitement to the eager and devoted shoppers that I call my friends. I am looking for someone with the proper skills and resources to keep Fly Bird- flying and I wanted to make my customers aware of the opportunity first. 

I am so proud of what I have accomplished at Fly Bird these past eight years and so excited for what lies ahead. Thank you to all of you who have shared so much laughter with me over the years. It has been one of my greatest pleasures.

XO-Julia

Business inquiries can be sent to: headbird@fly-bird.net