COVER STORY | Kirsten Swanson of Downers Grove

Loving, Straightforward, and Hardworking, this Entrepreneur in the Party Space is Also Heavily Involved in the Community

DOWNERS GROVE–Originally from New York, Kirsten has lived in Downers Grove for the past 10 years with her husband Tom, and three kids, Brian (13), Drew (12), Kacie (6).

She recalls her Sweet 16th birthday, when her mom planned the most incredible day designed to make each guest feel important. Kirsten’s mother passed away shortly before the party date; however, the imprint of the carefully constructed details left a lasting impression.

Although bittersweet, Kirsten was empowered by the life event and found the courage and strength to pursue her hopes and dreams and carry on the mantra. She lives by the words of Maya Angelou, “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”. She eventually opened Signs & Love Event Rentals, a professional party rental company for high quality, custom made rental props and designs for any event.

In her thirties, she worked a lot of nights and weekends; however, now that she is sailing into her forties, Kirsten is loving every moment being fully present for her kids and cheering them on in whatever the season may be.

Loving, straightforward, and hardworking, Kirsten is also heavily involved in the community, donating time and products from her company, as well as joining Chamber 630 and maintaining excellent relationships with the Downers Grove schools.

As she sores through her forties, she has high goals to give back as much as possible and take more vacations with her family while the kids are still young.

-Kristen Kuchasrki, Photos by Mike Catuara