Indian-born Drew Chellani opened his second boutique on East Franklin Street three weeks ago, saying, "I'll take it in stride. I have 20 years of clothing experience that started in New York City. I'm not worried."
Twenty years ago, Chellani left Bombay, India, after earning his degree in mechanical engineering at Mafatlal University.
But when he arrived in the United States, the first job offer that came along was in the garment district. He took his first job at India Cottage Emporium on 27th Street in Manhattan with $20 in his pocket in 1982.
"The job was there, so I took it," he said Tuesday.
"I learned about clothes and wholesaling and decided to make it work," he added.
Choli's, coin belts, hip belts, spiral chains and even harem pants can be ordered because Chellani "wholesales" much of his merchandise from India.
"People come into shop of all ages," said sales representative Anna Maxwell. "They observe the styles and claim that it was the latest trend in the 1960s.
"It's kind of like the comeback of Woodstock," laughed Maxwell.
Since Sept. 11, five businesses in Chapel Hill have folded: T'Boli Imports, California Cafe, the Record Exchange, Swensen's on Franklin Street and Maui Smoothies.
