HI! Im Jess Stoffel, owner of Epic Media Inc., an internet marketing company specializing in website design, SEO and social media marketing. I grew up in the Detroit area and moved to Evanston in 2006 after I graduated from Oakland University. In Evanston, I met my husband Chuck Stoffel. We have 2 children Morgan (9) and Charlie (7) and have been living in Mundelein for 8 years.
The kids, Chuck and I love doing things together as a family. We go to movies at AMC Hawthorn 12 where we love the recliner seats. After Charlie’s Lacrosse games or Morgan’s Soccer games, you can usually see us at Emil’s Sports Bar in Mundelein for a beverage to recap the game.
Chuck and I don’t get too many date nights with all of our kid’s activities but when we do, we enjoy the wonderful margaritas and fish tacos at Milwalky Taco, the amazing sushi at Shakou or the great Italian food at Bottaio.
My company, Epic Media Inc. works with local and nationwide businesses to develop/redesign websites as well as assisting the company with social media marketing. I began working in the community by joining the communications ministry at my church, St. Mary of the Annunciation. As a member of the communications ministry, I redesigned the parish website, stmaryfc.org and increased their social media presence. It has been an absolute honor to be able to offer my knowledge and expertise to my church.
Recently, I became a member of the GLMV Chamber of Commerce. I have met so many talented people. As a member of the GLMV, I have been able to increase my local business contacts as well as make some great new friends.
My favorite place in the entire world is Kelley’s Island, OH. Its an island in Lake Erie across from Cedar Point. I have a ton of family history on the island from my grandma being a teacher on the island to seeing some of my great grandparents’ items in the history museum on the island. The island, for me, is a place where I can relax, rejuvenate and feel close with my family, past and present.
Being a mom, you get a ton of advice. Some advice is helpful while other advice is way out of this world. I believe that you just have to be real. Being a mom is unique because every kid is unique. When it’s hard, say its hard. When its going good, relish in it. I think what hurts us moms the most is when we say and act like everything is ok and there are no issues when your household is crazy. I’m not saying you have to walk around, “my kids are crazy and I’m a mess”, but if someone asks you how you are, be honest; “work is good, my husband didn’t clean the garage and my kids tracked dog poop in the house, other than that… great”.
Being a mom is awesome but being a mom who owns her own business… well, it’s pretty amazing.
Photos by: Serena Hughes
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