ABOUT US
Hi my name is Kat! :D
We are a family-owned and operated business—just me and my husband working together to make something meaningful.
I've always dreamed of becoming an artist and making a living doing what I love.
The path to that dream wasn't straightforward. Before Katz Scratch, I worked countless jobs that didn't fulfill me—dishwashing, cleaning, warehouse picking/packing etc.. It felt like that was all life would ever offer. But art was always there for me. It was my escape, my clarity, my joy.
I filled journal after journal with drawings, turning the act of creating into a personal mission. I didn't know where it would lead, but I loved every moment of it.
My husband was building his own foundation at a bearing distribution company, starting in the warehouse and working his way up. He learned the ins and outs of running a business while I was finding myself through art. He believed in me through every struggle, every doubt, every pivot. He held us steady while I chased my passion.
Together, we decided to turn that passion into something real. Katz Scratch is proof that dreams don't have to stay in journals—they can become a thriving business built on love, dedication, and teamwork.
How it started
Swap-O-Rama (2020)
It was finally time to chase my dreams. With barely any money, zero business experience, and nothing but determination, I took the leap—starting at a flea market with just one chair and a glass display case.
I started with eyebrow threading services—something I was passionate about and genuinely loved doing. There's a special joy in helping people feel beautiful and confident, in that moment when they see themselves transformed. It became so much more than a service; it was about connection and making someone's day better.
Alongside threading, I created everything else I loved making. Hand-painted trays and canvases. Custom buttons. Wire-wrapped crystals transformed into rings, pendants, sun catchers and more. Each piece made from scratch, by hand.
That's actually how KATZ SCRATCH was born. My name is Kat, eyebrow threading feels like a little scratch, and every single item in my collection is made from scratch. The name just clicked.
Those early days taught me everything. I built a loyal client base, refined my craft, and proved to myself that passion plus persistence could work. We launched right before the pandemic hit—scary timing, honestly—but we stayed safe, stayed strong, and kept creating.
2nd Location
Kiosk in Yorktown Mall (2022)
When I felt ready to take the next leap, I made the exciting move to open a kiosk at Yorktown Mall in Lombard—closer to home and full of new possibilities! I dove into showcasing hand-wrapped jewelry and handmade treasures like bracelets, cleansing sprays, earrings, and rings. Juggling two locations was intense, and the tough call came when we had to close our Swap-O-Rama booth.
It hurt—that flea market booth was my foundation—and losing the eyebrow threading service meant saying goodbye to some amazing loyal customers. But every challenge taught me something valuable about growth and resilience.
3rd location
First store front! (2023)
The breakthrough moment arrived when I landed a storefront at Yorktown Mall! That cozy corner spot became my creative sanctuary—the perfect canvas to bring everything I'd learned to life. It was here that the magic truly began: airbrushing, face painting, and hands-on crafts that let everyone unleash their own creativity. For the first time, I could fully express my artistic vision and experiment without limits. This is where Katz Scratch found its soul and discovered what it was meant to be.
4th location
BIGGER LOCATION (2024)
Before long, success called us to expand! We found the perfect bigger space—still in Yorktown mall, but with so much more room and foot traffic. Managing it solo became overwhelming, but then came the breakthrough moment: my husband was able to leave his full-time job and join me in the business! It was a thrilling turning point. Yes, it meant bigger investments and more work to fill the shelves, but since we handcraft everything with care, we took our time and did it right. Piece by piece, product by product, we grew our collection—more unique crafts, more stunning pre-made airbrush tees, and so much more! Every addition felt like a victory, and we couldn't have been more excited about what we were building together.
TODAY! 5TH LOCATION
CHICAGO PREMIUM OUTLETS IN AURORA (2026)
It's finally here—our moment to grow! We're thrilled to open our doors at a brand new location in the outlets, and we couldn't be more excited to share this journey with you. Closing our beloved Yorktown Mall shop was bittersweet—that's where Katz Scratch grew, where we found our creative voice, and where we built an amazing community of artists and supporters. But we knew it was time to spread our wings.
And what a leap it's been! We're bringing everything you love about us—plus so much more. With more than double the space, we're creating room for boundless creativity, self-expression, and endless artistic possibilities. Whether you're a seasoned artist or picking up a brush for the first time, there's a place for you here.
The response from our community has been absolutely incredible, and it fuels us every single day. We're pouring our hearts into this new space, crafting unforgettable experiences and building something truly special.
