Karimar and SanDerriqua
Where are you from and how long have you lived in town? What brought you to the area?
KB: I was born and raised in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. I moved to Lake County 16 years ago for my husband’s job.
SK: I am from the great state of TEXAS, I moved to Illinois for my husbands job.
Do you have child(ren)? Age(s)
KB: Antonio (17) Kaylen (11) Kennedy (7) Kasey (1)
SK: I am a mother of 4, 3 girls and 1 boy Makenzi (11) Johnny (7) Lennox (3) and Rioux (19 mos)
Photo Credit: Naja Lerus Photography
What are your favorite things to do in the area with and without your kids? Family friendly restaurant? Date night?
KB: We love to go out to eat to local restaurants. We love going to Wildberry, Egg Harbor, Main Street Social and Lazy Dog. During the summer we are always outside enjoying the weather. All my kids are in sports, so we love going to all their events.
SK: Our favorite thing to do as a family is to eat out at all of our favorite local restaurants like Wildberry, Chili U, Mambo Italiano, or Tsukasa. I also frequent Corner Health Foods because the vibe there is amazing, the Owner is very awesome and super knowledgeable.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor or in the corporate world? Please share!
KB: I am currently a Village of Vernon Hills Trustee. I love that I can be a part of this community, and a voice to my neighbors and residents of Vernon Hills.
I also work for BearsFit. The new state of the art fitness center that the Chicago Bears are opening up in Vernon Hills. It combines my passion for my favorite team, and fitness. I love that I can help people achieve their goals and help them lead a healthier lifestyle!
SK: After not working for 10 years, I am now working for the first ever Chicago Bears brand extension, BearsFit! It’s the newest fitness center coming to the area. I am also attending National Louis University finishing up my Bachelors Degree in Behavioral Sciences.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
KB: This community has helped me be the person I am today. Being from Puerto Rico, I had a different upbringing. I love all the opportunities that I have here and different, amazing things that my kids can do. And the people are amazing!!
SK: This community has allowed me to gain a ton of connections some that will last a lifetime and some that have been necessary for growth & I am thankful for them both.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
KB: I am very sensitive. I cry all the time LOL!!
SK: I coached Competitive Cheer for 5 years
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another Mom?
KB: TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! As moms we always put everyone else needs first, but we cant forget to take care of ourselves. We need to be at our best and make sure we are happy in order to make other people happy!!
SK: “Don’t be a perfect mom be a real one”
Photo Credit: Sonya Martin Photography
What is next for you?
KB: I hope that I can help a lot of people be healthy this year. This has always been my passion. Come see me at BearsFit!!!!!
SK: I laugh at plans, so whatever is for me will come! We shall see!