Where are you from and how long have you lived in town? What brought you to the area?
I grew up in Mundelein and moved to Libertyville when I was just entering High School. I had my first real job in a shop on Milwaukee Ave, which ultimately led to my first entrepreneurial endeavor. I now have my own business in Libertyville, and we are very excited to be sending our kids to St. Johns this fall!
Do you have child(ren)? Age(s)
I have two daughters; Eve, 4, and Olivia 5.
What are your favorite things to do in the area with and without your kids? Family friendly restaurant? Date night?
We LOOOOVE the Farmers Market in the summer, and hanging out at Independence Grove. The Picnic Basket is our go-to for quick meals and catering – the food and staff are unbeatable! For date nights, my husband and I have been going to Mickey Finn’s forever – we just love the atmosphere and the food!
In addition to the restaurants you mentioned, can you share your TOP 5 favorite local businesses? It could be stores that you frequent for clothes, kids, home decor, healthcare, fitness, wellness, beauty salons or spas, or family resources (photographer, financial advisor, lawyer)… We love supporting local.
It’s hard to just pick 5! Maison Chic and Rustic & Reclaimed for gifts and home décor. 27 Houses for home décor, gifts and super fun/unique interior & fashion pieces. Libbyville for trendy clothing & accessories. Katie Hall Photography for THE BEST family & commercial photography!!! Holcomb Hollow for amazing gluten free, dairy free, vegan goodies.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor or in the corporate world?
I own Happy Little Flame, a candle company that specializes in non-toxic home fragrance with a modern twist! We just opened up a storefront (that’s attached to our production warehouse) in Libertyville last November. Despite the pandemic, our business exploded in 2020, and we’re growing by the minute!
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
I owned a lingerie store and worked in the undergarment industry for over 12 years! My expertise was in bra fittings, and I absolutely LOVED every minute of the work I did in that industry.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I owned a lingerie store and worked in the undergarment industry for over 12 years! My expertise was in bra fittings, and I absolutely LOVED every minute of the work I did in that industry.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another Mom?
The best advice I’ve gotten from another mom is to not worry about being a perfect mom, but focus on being a great role model.
Are you involved in any volunteering or philanthropy? Do you have a favorite local non-profit or charity?
It is a goal of mine to spend more time doing volunteer work this year! Between both of my businesses, I’ve done several fundraisers, donations, as well as a few events to raise money for charities. I will be doing much more of that this year!
What are your favorite places to travel near and far and why?
Traveling has been pretty low on my priority list over these last few years due to my business endeavors! However, my oldest daughter and I have unofficially been planning a girl’s trip to Paris within the next 2-3 years!
Which podcasts and/or TED Talks inspire you the most?
My favorite Podcasts are: Simply Be by Jessica Zweig, The School of Greatness by Lewis Howes, and The Product Boss!
Tell me about your favorite books. I love receiving fiction and non-fiction recommendations!
I’m a terrible book reader – I never finish the books I start! The last good book I actually finished was “What Alice Forgot” by Liane Moriarty. I’m currently reading a few: “The Undefeated Mind” by Alex Lickerman, MD “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert And I just pre-ordered “Simply Be” by Jessica Zweig!
What is your favorite thing about the Libertyville Area Moms Network?
I love seeing all of the awesome things happening in our community! I especially love the Meet A Mom posts because it allows me to see what other moms are doing and it’s usually pretty inspiring!
What is next for you?
My plan for 2021 is to continue growing my business while making more of an effort to have a personal life. I have some MASSIVE goals, but I know that balance is important!
*This post was sponsored by Happy Little Flame