Fresh flowers, balloon arches, full event styling, all with a personal touch.
Gorgeous Galas, the newest storefront on West 111th Street in Palos Hills, offers walk-in bouquets, custom centerpieces and full-service events tailored to fit any budget. But what makes the shop different, owner Hannah Zorab said, is the care behind it.
“I’ve had people come in and say, ‘I can’t afford a designer, but I have no vision either,’” Zorab said. “I sit with them and say, ‘We can work with what you have and still make it feel special.’”
The boutique officially opened May 21 next to Honey Boba, which Zorab also owns with her husband, Alex. But it started long before that with years of party planning for family and friends, stacks of decorations in her home and a passion she couldn’t shake.
“My house was full of tablecloths, centerpieces, all sorts of things I’d collected over the years,” she said. “So when the space next door became available, I thought maybe it’s time to turn this into something real.”
Inside the shop, customers will find a stocked floral fridge, pre-made party décor, balloon arrangements and seasonal designs. Custom event packages are available by appointment. Walk-ins are welcome for floral and small-scale items.
Zorab handles everything herself, from consultations to setup, often with help from her four kids— Jenna, Sami, Nadeen and Malik. Her first full wedding setup took place May 11.
“My son helped me set it up, and seeing the look on the clients’ faces reminded me why I do this,” she said.
“It’s nerve-wracking until they see it and love it,” Zorab added. “That moment, when your idea becomes real and they’re smiling, that’s the best part of the job.”
Her favorite events to design are showers.
“People aren’t afraid of color at showers. I love using pinks, greens, and unexpected combinations,” she said. “It’s where I get to be the most creative.”
Zorab, who also works as a real estate agent, said she’s invested every step of the way. She often puts design perfection ahead of profit.
“You have to project confidence when you’re building something new,” she said. “If people know you’re just starting out, they might hesitate. But I know my work, and I believe in what I offer.”
Palos Hills Ald. Donna O’Connell, who chairs the city’s Economic Development Committee, shared her support for the business.
“On behalf of the City of Palos Hills Economic Development, I would personally like to thank Hanna and Alex, owners of Gorgeous Galas, for their warm and welcoming grand opening,” O’Connell said. “We are honored you have chosen Palos Hills as your home for business.”
Zorab said her work ethic comes from her late mother, Rabiha Taiym.
“She worked day and night with my dad, helped him run his businesses, and never got the credit,” she said.
“We didn’t grow up taking vacations or having extras,” she added. “Now I want my kids to see what it means to build something, and to dream a little bigger.”
Gorgeous Galas is located at 8078 W. 111th Street in Palos Hills, next to Honey Boba and across from Stagg High School. To schedule an event consultation, call Hannah at 708-299-2904.