Where are you from and how long have you lived in town? What brought you to the area?
I am originally from St. Louis, MO. and moved to Libertyville almost 7 years ago. My hubby’s job at the time moved us up here from the Naperville area.
Do you have child(ren)? Age(s)
We have 3! Mckenzie (11), Taylor (10) and Charleigh (Almost 3)
What are your favorite things to do in the area with and without your kids? Family friendly restaurant? Date night?
Dairy Dream is definitely a family favorite in the summer time and we love to head over to Independence Grove when it is nice out. We often head to the Farmer’s Market on Thursdays and do lunch in the park when we can! And Lake Minear is one of our favorite spots in the summer.We belong to Ivanhoe Club so we go there most days to swim and play golf and tennis. My hubby and I love to eat at Main Street Social, Milwalky Taco and go out to Mickey Finn’s.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor or in the corporate world? Please share!
Yes! I own my own children’s clothing company that I started just over 10 years ago. We have 3 brands including Mustard Pie Clothing, Jak & Peppar and Little Prim. All three are sold to online retailers, boutiques, department stores and catalogues, and Jak & Peppar we also sell direct off of our own website. I design all three collections and we manufacture and distribute out of New Delhi, India.
I have also recently started a new gig as a life and style fashion blogger and which I absolutely love! You can find more at thislovelylifeofmine.com or by following me on Instagram at @this_lovely_life_of_mine. I love showing people how to style things and how to find affordable on trend styles that work for moms on the go or really anyone!
Additionally, I am an influencer from Monat Haircare which is a naturally based haircare collection. These products completely changed my hair several years ago, as well as my entire family’s, and I love to share them!
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
It is so hard and very rare to find a community like this with so many young families. I feel like you know someone everywhere you go and my children feel so rooted here. Both my children and husband and I have formed some incredible friendships since moving here and it has made our quality of life that much better!
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Although I was born and raised in St. Louis where the baseball fans are intense, I am not a Cardinals fan.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another Mom?
When we first moved up here we were considering going private for schools because where I grew up, that is how it was. But, a very good friend of mine who was born and raised here said to go with the public schools because they are the best and we could not be happier with that choice!
What is next for you?
We are continuing to grow and change our clothing brands as the retail market changes and will continue to try and stay on trend and innovative in that space. I also plan to grow and expand my life and style blog as well as my following, and hope to build relationships not only locally, but nationally with brands that I feel resonate with my following and who fit with my style and beliefs.
