Married almost 8 years to Al my husband. Our daughter’s name is Emilija. She’s 3 years old. Expecting our baby number 2 in October. We have a dog and a cat.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I went to school for interior design, started off actually going to art school, and wanted to be a painter. That was a passion of mine, and wasn’t necessarily a career. As an interior designer I am using both sides of my brain, not only the creative side. My first job at an Architectural firm did a lot of multifamily housing, senior living for 8 years. Working on large-scale projects is all about the timeline and the budget. I wanted something more personal so on the side I started residential design. I loved it so I decided to go full-time in 2020 right before the pandemic. Early 2021, I hired my first designer as the business was booming during the pandemic. And we are growing ever since with 3 full-time designers plus myself. I opened our office space in Hinsdale in 2022 and have so loved having a space to help our community get the most our of their homes.
Love getting into the nitty-gritty with the homeowners, what they actually need out of their space. Love asking the questions about what makes their home more livable.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Il Mio, Fullers House, Tierra coffee, Pierce Tavern
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Lived here for 8 years and worked here 4 years , before that I was working Downtown Chicago.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would go to Italy, as I studied art and history and architecture of Italy, so I want to go see it in life.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Project Runway has been a guilty pleasure for decades. I watch cooking shows with my husband, like Top Chef.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
If you have an idea don’t hold back, just go for it. The more you put into something the more you get out of it.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To go sailing in the Caribbean. My husband I have a sailboat on Lake Michigan. I’d love to take our skills and use them in the prettiest of places!
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I love turning on spotify recommendations and finding new music. It’s a thrill finding something you’ve never heard and catches you immediately.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love the essence of true neighbors/community. Everybody is so open and helpful.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Still living in this community, I never want to move. I would love to own my own storefront for design in this community. Out of that space, I want to build strong women/men in the business community.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love my water chilled, I love reading crime novels, my favorite place to get away is Michigan, and my dream car would be a tiny classic car that I can buzz around town in.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
It’s the island of Šipan in Croatia, part of the Elaphiti off of Dubrovnik.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
August is my favorite month because I love summer, 4th of July is my favorite holiday and my daughter’s birthday is the best day on my calendar.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Owning your career and your life
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
So many people, my family, my daughter. I want to be better for them. My old mentors in design.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Viburnum trees, bonfire, all the fall smells, fermented grape smell
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Functional, Beautiful, Personal
