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Her Story is a Testament to the Beautiful Blend of Motherhood and a Thriving Real Estate Career BATAVIA–Ewelina is a dedicated realtor from Batavia, Illinois, with Coldwell Banker Realty. Her story is a testament to the beautiful blend of motherhood and a thriving real estate career spanning 7 years. Ewelina's busy household, overflowing with love and companionship, includes her two daughters, aged 24 and 17, three stepsons, and a delightful mix of furry friends. Juggling client calls amidst family commitments and orchestrating showings around vacations, Ewelina exemplifies adaptability and dedication. Her genuine care for both clients and loved ones resonates through her approach, rooted in empathy and integrity instilled by her mother. Beyond transactions, Ewelina's passion lies in creating memorable experiences for families house hunting in the Western Suburbs—transforming each search into a joyful exploration of communities, forging lasting connections, and guiding them towards their dream homes with unwavering support and personalized care. Get to know more about Ewelina in her own words.... The Balancing Act How do you balance being a fantastic mom and a top-notch realtor in the West Suburbs? Seamlessly blending motherhood and real estate is all about adaptability and dedication. Whether it's answering client calls while cheering on my daughter at a dance competition or scheduling showings around family vacations, I make it work. My clients understand that family comes first, and they appreciate the genuine care and attention I give to both them and my loved ones. It's about finding balance and being fully present in every moment, whether it's negotiating a deal or attending Friday night football games. From Mom to Mom Can you share a heartwarming story of helping a family find their dream home in the West Suburban area? Recently, I had the honor of helping the Anderson family find their dream home in our community. They were looking for a place with enough space for their growing family and a backyard for their children to play. After weeks of searching, we found the perfect home that checked all their boxes. Seeing their faces light up as they walked through the front door was truly priceless—a moment that reminded me why I love what I do. I Learned It from My Mom What's the best advice your mom gave you that influences how you approach motherhood and real estate? My mom always emphasized the importance of empathy and integrity in everything I do. She taught me to listen deeply, to understand others' needs, and to always act with honesty and compassion. This advice guides me in both motherhood and real estate, reminding me to prioritize relationships, to advocate for my clients with sincerity, and to create spaces where everyone feels valued and heard. House Hunting Fun How do you make house-hunting fun and engaging for families looking to settle down in the West Suburban neighborhoods?  House hunting in the Western Suburbs is more than just finding a house—it's about discovering a community that feels like home. I make the process fun and engaging for families by organizing neighborhood tours, highlighting local parks, schools, and family-friendly amenities. From scavenger hunts for the kids to personalized welcome packages, I strive to make every step of the journey exciting and memorable, turning house hunting into a cherished family adventure.   Finding the Perfect Home As a mom and a realtor, what's your favorite aspect of helping families find their perfect home in West Suburban Chicago?  My favorite aspect is the opportunity to build genuine connections with families as they embark on this journey. I love getting to know their unique preferences, aspirations, and the little details that will make a house truly feel like home for them. Being able to guide and support them through such a significant milestone in their lives is incredibly rewarding—it's about forging lasting relationships and being a trusted ally in their pursuit of happiness. CONTACT EWELINA

COVER STORY | Realtor Mom: Ewelina Rafael of Batavia

Her Story is a Testament to the Beautiful Blend of Motherhood and a Thriving Real Estate Career

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Local Mom & Realtor Shares Heartwarming Stories of Helping Families Find their Dream Homes While Balancing Family Life GENEVA–Meet Julie Riddle, a dedicated wife, mother of three and a successful realtor at @Properties St. Charles since 2017, based in Geneva, Illinois. Julie expertly balances her roles as a top-notch realtor in west suburban Chicago and a fantastic mother by meticulously planning her schedule to accommodate family commitments and client needs. Her passion for both her work and family shines through as she shares heartwarming stories of helping families find their dream homes, emphasizing the importance of happiness at work and home. Drawing inspiration from her family, particularly her mother and grandmother, Julie embodies leadership and warmth in both her personal and professional life. Through her fun and engaging approach to house-hunting, Julie creates memorable experiences for families looking to settle down in the vibrant neighborhoods of west suburban Chicago, showcasing the unique charm and community spirit of the area. Get to know more about Julie in her own words.... The Balancing Act How do you balance being a fantastic mom and a top-notch realtor in the West Suburbs? Part of the balancing act is keeping my schedule well-planned. Our family has the morning bus stop, practices, games, and sleepovers. When I am home, I am present. My clients are well-served by me; they always know they will hear from me quickly. I have systems in place and delegate work tasks when needed to keep a healthy work-life balance. I love spending time with my clients and family; each receives my full attention when we are together. Happiness at work and home is essential to me, and I have both. From Mom to Mom Can you share a heartwarming story of helping a family find their dream home in the West Suburban area? This winter, I was helping a family move from Texas. They knew very little about Naperville, and before giving them a video tour of a home they were interested in, I saw a neighbor shoveling across the street. I asked the neighbor if she would mind telling about the neighborhood for some potential buyers on video, and she agreed, even in the cold! The buyers purchased the beautiful Naperville home, and I dropped off a gift for the sweet neighbor I sprung an interview with. I Learned It from My Mom What's the best advice your mom gave you that influences how you approach motherhood and real estate? I grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and both my mother and my grandmother were a significant influence on my life. My grandmother taught me to be a matriarch and the leader of my family, and I am both a leader within my family and my career. House Hunting Fun How do you make house-hunting fun and engaging for families looking to settle down in the West Suburban neighborhoods?  I am fun, and I love to laugh. Home hunting should be an exciting adventure and never full of stress. I have a design group on Facebook (The Salt of Chicago Home Design Group), and I have many ideas about how a space can be transformed as we search for your home. At the same time, as an experienced parent, I look for the functionality of space as the stages of life change. I can confidently say that I am an expert in the housing economy, but what my clients remember is laughing and smiling with me. We have a blast.    Finding the Perfect Home As a mom and a realtor, what's your favorite aspect of helping families find their perfect home in West Suburban Chicago?  It is a joy to show a neighborhood and town's features. The Western Suburbs offer vibrant downtowns, culture, book clubs, gardening groups, neighborhood shops, and even neighborhood pools. It's a unique corner of the Chicago Area and the Midwest, and I love to show it off. If you speak to my clients, they will tell you that I talk to them about the friends I plan to introduce them to. We have many ways to participate in the community; the Chicago area has a pulse, and I am proud to live here.  If my clients are utilizing public schools, it is important to me that I show them how to interpret the data on the Illinois School Report Card. Knowing the resources your district can offer is essential, and this data is an unbiased and reliable tool. The resources a school-age child may need can also change. I lost my hearing later in life, and resources for people who are deaf or hard of hearing are essential to me. It is important to know about the funding and resources of a school district to gain knowledge about the nearby schools.  CONTACT JULIE

COVER STORY | Realtor Mom: Julie Riddle of Geneva

Local Mom & Realtor with @Properties Shares Heartwarming Stories of Helping Families Find their Dream Homes While Balancing Family Life

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Boutique Owner, Stylist and Volunteer As a young girl, Kathryn was very creative and would draw pictures of girls in cute outfits in grade school. She went on to graduate from UWM and immediately became the first designer to develop the Oshkosh B’Gosh brand.  She worked for fashion design companies for the next 24 years until finally opening her own boutique, Flourish  in 2018, a multi-generational, affordable and adorable, fun women’s boutique filled with clothing, accessories and gifts.  Having volunteered at SAYV Animal Organization  over the years, she also donates a portion of her proceeds to many animal rescues. Her personal style is comfortable and casual with a touch of uniqueness to celebrate her creative and carefree spirit by adding pops of color or textures like open knits, linen, faux fur, or embellished cowboy boots.   Kathryn loves the dressy jumpsuits, midi floral dresses, crochet knit tops and knit dresses that are hot for Spring 2024. Woven button-down menswear styled suit vests are back with matching pleated, tailored pants or pleated shorts. She says bows are trending this season - in every way possible, in every shape, color or size to wear as a hair accessory or to tie in the back of a dress or top, on straw hats or flat shoes or knit into jacquard designs on lightweight sweaters.  “Rosettes are also being used in the same way as appliqués on apparel or jewelry,” Kathryn adds.  “Layering of embellished sheer fabrics, a little white dress or an Oxford white button-down shirt, classic, preppy styles with a twist, as well as exaggerated puffed sleeves, and Maryjane style elegant ballet slippers.” Kathryn is all about community and loves to dine out, especially at Livia  and Preservation , enjoying live music in the summer.  Additionally, she is a very proud member of Life Church in St. Charles . -Kristen Kucharski, Photos by Mike Catuara

COVER STORY | Kathryn Quinn, Owner of Flourish Boutique in Geneva

Boutique Owner, Stylist and Volunteer Shares on Her Love for Her Shop and What's Trending for Spring

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Rachel May on Her Love for Fashion & the Latest Spring Trends NAPERVILLE–Fashion has always been a way for Rachel to express herself.  Growing up with four sisters, clothes were her way to differentiating herself from her sisters.  As social media grew, creating Pinterest fashion boards became one of her favorite pastimes which inspired the opening of her brick-and-mortar storefront, Boutique Poppy  in Naperville, in 2023. “I have definitely gone through phases of different styles but there’s always been a consistent trend of elevated basics and staples in my closet; so as different styles and trends emerge, I just add a piece here and there,” Rachel says.  “I knew that that is what I wanted my store to be about. We have great basics and high-quality denim, but we also have some trends filtered throughout the store that perfectly spice your wardrobe for any season, such as bows this season!” As Spring turns to Summer, she anticipates seeing red everywhere and her personal favorite way to incorporate color trends, like red, is through accessories like shoes, purses, and jewelry. “It’s a great way to add that color into your look and get more wear with a trend, without needing to purchase multiple clothing pieces that you might only wear a few times,” Rachel adds.  “It can really elevate any outfit and it can be so stylized and personal, layering and mixing metals, stacking multiple rings on a finger, or combining a gold chain with a silver pendant.  There really is no wrong way to play with jewelry!” Launching weekly new arrivals, monthly events, and more pop ups, are ways Rachel includes and engages with the community.  She also loves supporting other local businesses in the Downtown Naperville  community through partnership events with Lena Rose Holistic Spa , Baesthetic, Face Foundrie , The Bar Above , as well as many local artisan jewelry and ceramics.  -Kristen Kucharski, Photos by Ruta Drulia

COVER STORY | Rachel May of Boutique Poppy in Downtown Naperville

Boutique Owner Shares Her Love for Fashion Along with the Latest Spring Trends

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Vanessa Trelford Shares Her Petite Perspective on Style ST. CHARLES/WHEATON– As the Manager and Stylist at Jeans and a Cute Top Shop , Vanessa has learned so much about styling, fashion merchandising and buying from owner Jill Card .  She loves all the shades of green for Spring 2024 -   mint, sage, lime, kelly, and seafoam are all the rage; as well as bright and muted corals, porcelain white, hot pink, lilac, sky blue and navy.  Denim is also trending in long skirts, straight leg, wide leg, cuffed, and raw hems. At only 4’11” tall, she shares Petite Perspective  fashion advice, backed by 29 years of personal experimentation. “Say yes to monochromatic outfits.  High rise denim elongates the leg line.  Pair cropped denim with a nude/neutral shoe.  Front/French tuck your tops/sweaters.  V-neck and scoop neck tops lengthens the neckline.  Vertical patterns and small prints are flattering on a small frame.  Lastly, embrace your petiteness! Once you learn how to balance proportions and style your silhouette, shopping is easier and enjoyable.  I personally wear what makes me feel good, because confidence never goes out of style.” When Vanessa is not working at JCTS , she is working on her own small jewelry business, Wild Apothecary & Market , specializing in polymer clay earrings and crystal sun catchers.  With the help of her sister, they sell at local artisan markets, Midwest Nice  in Geneva, and will have a booth at Firefly Market on May 11th in Wheaton ! Fortunate to live in the heart of downtown St. Charles, Vanessa and her husband love eating dinner at El Puente Mexican  restaurant and walking to Town House Books & Cafe  for brunch. She feels blessed to live and work in such a vibrant community. -Kristen Kucharski, Photos by Mike Catuara

COVER STORY | Vanessa Trelford of Jeans and a Cute Top Shop in St. Charles

Vanessa Trelford Shares Her Petite Perspective on Style

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Jeanna Gattuso Has a Big Heart with a Deep Love for Boutiquing GENEVA–Although Jeanna’s personal style is a unique blend of contemporary and boho aesthetics, incorporating modern and trendy pieces, while also embracing a laid-back and free-spirited twist, she says fashion is not just about what we wear, but how it makes us feel. “It can transform our moods and boost our confidence,” she adds. “Fashion is a form of self-expression and allows us to showcase our unique personalities and style.” As the 15-year business owner of Flair on 3rd , a women and children boutique featuring a contemporary mix of clothing, jewelry and accessories with up-to-date trends and personal stylists, she says to look for feminine shades of lavender and hot pink this Spring.  “Some of the upcoming trends also include elevated basics with a touch of sophistication, lightweight knits, fresh and vibrant florals, and bold pops of color through eye-catching prints,” Jeanna says. “Gold jewelry is the must-have accessory for women this season. Whether it's layers of delicate necklaces, dangling drop earrings, stacked bracelets, or bold statement rings, gold is the perfect way to add a touch of elegance and glamor to any outfit.” Giving back to the community is a core value that she prioritizes.  One of their main initiatives is hosting private shopping events, "Shop for a Cause",  where they donate a portion of the proceeds to a charity chosen by the party host, such as Rising Lights , Kayla’s Hope , Kendall’s Kindness , Tiny N Tall Rescue , Cals Angels , Mutual Ground , Tri City Family Services , Lurie Children’s Hospital , Lazarus House , Fox Valley Special Rec , Casa Kane County , Gigis Playhouse , and Sunshine Kids . -Kristen Kucharski, Photos by Mike Catuara

COVER STORY | Jeanna Gattuso of Geneva's Flair on Third

Jeanna Gattuso Has a Big Heart with a Deep Love for Boutiquing

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LOCAL DESIGNER AND UPHOLSTERER SHARES ON FOLLOWING HER DREAM Since Bre was young, she would join her grandmother in sewing, and her grandmother would always encourage her to fearlessly explore the unknown. In addition, she would spend countless hours with her mother, who owned an antique booth and had a deep love for collecting heirlooms. In 2018, Bre took a leap of faith and opened Knot Just Upholstery. She continues to find joy in working with various textures and colors of fabrics, transforming classic pieces with rich histories into modern masterpieces. Bre shares her insights on the latest trends, stating that mixing patterns and bold prints will be popular in Spring 2024. She believes that taking risks with vibrant colors and rearranging furniture can truly revitalize a space, giving it a fresh and new look. Inspired by Alexander McQueen, she sees beauty in everything. Beyond her business, Bre values a healthy work-life balance. Previously working as an Outdoor Recreation Guide and Montessori Teacher, she now cherishes quality time spent with her husband and their two children, Lincoln (15) and Harper (10). She also actively contributes to her community by serving as a commissioner on the Geneva Park District board for the past five years. -Kristen Kucharski, Photos by Mike Catuara

COVER STORY | Meet Bre Cullen of Knot Just Upholstery in Geneva

Local Designer and Upholsterer Shares on Following Her Dream

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LOCAL MOM, HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL AND ENTREPRENEUR SHARES HER PASSION FOR SUCCULENTS Married with five children (18, 11, 11, 6, and 6).  Alongside her role as a mother, Markita holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Health Care Management.   After dedicating herself to being a stay-at-home parent, Markita found herself facing a gap in her work history, so began to explore her creative side through wood sign parties and desert plant workshops. What started as a personal space in her garage for herself and her twin daughters, who are autistic, soon evolved into a passion for succulents. With the support of her husband, Quinton, not only did it provide mental healing for Markita, it also offered sensory exposure for her girls.   This became the driving force behind Markita's flourishing business, Blooming Succulents .  She believes that if your dreams don't scare you, they're not big enough. With this mindset, she has successfully blended the workshop concept with horticulture, creating a unique platform for others to express creativity.   Markita says incorporating plants into home design will be trending for 2024. By simply selecting a stylish pot and adding a plant, one can effortlessly introduce greenery into their space, bringing a sense of wholeness and positive vibes inexpensively.   With her boundless passion, Markita finds joy in connecting with others within her community. She is inspired by the unity and support that defines the west suburban community. - Kristen Kucharski, Photos Submitted

COVER STORY | Meet Markita Young of Oswego

Local Mom, Healthcare Professional and Entrepreneur Shares Her Passion for Succulents

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Lauren's upbringing in Naperville has instilled in her a deep sense of pride and attachment to her hometown.   Right out of college, she embarked on a remarkable journey, showcasing her magnetic and bold personality through her career as a world-traveling designer of exquisite boutique hotels in glamorous destinations like Russia, the Virgin Islands, and Dubai. As she matured and embraced the joys of love and motherhood, Lauren yearned for stability and established her own venture, Lauren Collander Interiors  within the walls of a stunning 1865 Victorian home on Jefferson.     Her commitment to preserving the city's success  is further exemplified by her active involvement on the board of the Downtown Naperville Alliance .   Lauren's passion for renovating a home to match the way a client wants to live  shines through her work contributing to the restoration of the Historic 1904 Bauer Mansion . With a keen eye for detail, she skillfully incorporated timeless materials like wood and marble, while also respecting original features such as stained-glass windows and wall paneling.   One of the hallmarks of Lauren's approach is her dedication to incorporating her clients' cherished possessions into an eclectic design, finding innovative ways to repurpose them within the overall aesthetic.   Lauren envisions homes that reflect a down-to-earth elegance in 2024, tailored to the unique needs and desires of each individual. From golf simulators to champagne bars, bold wallcoverings to specialty lighting, she strives to create spaces that truly resonate with her clients. One notable project she recently completed was a Music-Lover's Family Abode , where she incorporated built-in cabinetry with deep drawers for sheet music, a recording studio, and even a jazz bar.   Every day brings new excitement and opportunities for Lauren. She recently fulfilled a long-held dream by   designing an iconic home by the world-famous   architect Frank Lloyd Wright on Delavan Lake in Wisconsin . With a rockstar team by her side, she feels grateful for the chance to collaborate with her recently retired husband, allowing them to strike a harmonious balance between work and family life.

COVER STORY | Meet Home Design Enthusiast Lauren Collander of Naperville

Lauren's Passion for Renovating a Home to Match the Way a Client Wants to Live Shines through her Work

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THIS LOCAL SHOP OWNERS PASSION FOR HOME DESIGN INSPIRES THE COMMUNITY Creative, curious and caring, Kathryn has always loved learning new things.   Her dad was an artist and an engineer, he did everything from painting and sculpting to designing electrical circuits, which inspired Kathyrn’s ability to try all things unique and different.  Her career captures 17 years in marketing, chef training, full-time motherhood, jewelry designer, and currently the owner of Bench492 .   “I just love the craftsmanship and history of older pieces and one of my very favorite things to do is go on road trips to find one of a kind treasures,” Kathryn says.   “I love the thrill of the hunt and the store is constantly evolving and the merchandising is changing so there is always something new to see.”   She believes one of the trends in 2024 is to be a little less trendy.  Getting ideas from Instagram and Pinterest is great, but she reminds customers to express their own personality by combining old and new; collecting things you love into your decor so it will feel more like an extension of you.   “To spruce up a room easily, first declutter it,” she adds.   “Then incorporate the 4 P's -- Pictures, Pillows, Plants, and Paint.  Don't overlook how adding a plant or flowers in pretty containers can really warm a space and give you that cozy factor.  Rearranging furniture can also give you an instant facelift."   Married with two college aged daughters, Kathryn feels blessed to use her creativity to give back   by donating proceeds from shopping events and Oyster Shell ring dishes to support students in attending school through Partners in Mission  in Uganda.   She also volunteers with DuPage PADS , and is on the Board of the Glen Ellyn Downtown Alliance.

COVER STORY | Meet Kathryn Alcock, Owner of Bench 492 in Beautiful Glen Ellyn

This Local Shop Owner's Passion for Home Design Inspires the Community

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Reveling in the Special Moments, this Loca Designer is Passionate About Expression through Branding & Marketing GENEVA/MAPLE PARK–Widowed at the age of 26, Tanya (Meier) Smith learned early on to live with no bounds after suffering the profound loss of her first true love. That’s what makes the words of Emily Dickinson speak to her so much….it will never come again is what makes life so sweet, so she has learned to take the chance, grow, evolve, set goals, allow space to change, and always remember that the hardest decisions in life often lead to the most rewarding places! Against the odds, Tanya opened her first storefront Addelise (named after her daughters, Addison (13) and Elise (11), at the end of the pandemic, and helps clients with visual branding, web design, print design, storefront and merchandise design. She is passionate about expressing their perseverance and desires through branding and online marketing mediums. Now married to her husband David of 14 years, everything is about family which also includes two mini pygmy pet goats, a Quarter Horse, a Mini Schnauzer, and a cat. They are an outdoors family into motorsports, horses, 4-H, and community events. “Despite the bumps in the road and continuous moments of self-doubt, my greatest moments are knowing I am doing something right as a mom, having my daughters come to me and share their life with me,” Tanya shares. “As you enter your 40's, you release so much of what doesn't serve you, and allow yourself to focus on what really is important. Tanya hopes to always revel in the special moments, travel to Germany and Ireland, horseback ride on a cattle drive, and someday own a Mini Cow Farm! -Kristen Kucharski, Photos Submitted

COVER STORY | Tanya Smith of Geneva/Maple Park

Reveling in the Special Moments, this Loca Designer is Passionate About Expression through Branding & Marketing

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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

COVER STORY | Kirsten Swanson of Downers Grove

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

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