Evanston Woman Magazine

Brilliant Business Women THRIVING IN ONE COMMUNITY

ALPANA SING

Spicing Up Your Kitchen with The Spice & Tea Exchange

Something abo article he

Celebrating Brillia Business Wome Welcome Terra & Vine

Living Her Passion

Spice up your next me ALPANA SINGH

with The Spice & Tea Exchang

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FROM THE EDITOR

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CONTENTS

hank you to each exceptional woman who has shown resilience, dedication and commitment to the Evanston community.

From health, commerce, education and more, each one of these Brilliant Business Women have taken the time to make our community stronger. In a place where we find ourselves lost or confused, it’s time to take a leap of faith, join hands as a community and keep growing!

12 2 POSITIVE CHI CHI and East Asian Medicine with Linda Ferrigno 3 L ESS STUFF + BETTER ORGANIZATION = MORE TIME AND LESS STRESS! with Expert Organizer Karen York, Organize Me 4 S PICE UP YOUR NEXT MEAL Take a Culinary Trip with a Local Favorite with The Spice & Tea Exchange 7 LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER Q&A with EAC 12 W ELCOME TERRA & VINE Living Her Passion with Alpana Singh 14 CELEBRATING 12 BRILLIANT BUSINESS WOMEN Where Strong Meets Brilliant

These women show us the benefits of living dedicated and passionate lives, and remind us Evanston is a thriving, tight-knit community.

I am proud and honored to include someone we have enjoyed through the years in our living rooms during her time on the program CHECK PLEASE!, Alpana Singh. Alpana shares her passion for the restaurant business, and has broadened her brand with the opening of Terra & Vine.

Combining Italian-Mediterranean cuisines, Terra & Vine has a unique menu that’s perfect for both casual and fine dining. If you are headed to see a movie, or doing some quick shopping, Terra & Vine has a bar where you can stop by and have a quick bite, or make reservations to have dinner in what is now the most remarkable restaurant in the city.

Thank you to Sarah Jane Abbott of See Jane Sparkle—you are the foundation of Evanston Woman Magazine.

In our next issue, enjoy the Holiday Gift Guide with Main Dempster Mile!

27 GROUNDING & CENTERING Embracing the Joy of the Holidays with Janie Murray 28 WEALTH MANAGEMENT Facts for Any Investments with John Eiduk, founder of Elite Asset Management

Editor-in-chief Linda Del Bosque . Advertising Office 847-971-1433 Graphic Designer Maribel Lopez Editors Emma Reynolds, Lindsey Shaw Photographer Annette Patko - Bordeaux Studio/bordeauxstudio.com evanstonwoman.com . facebook.com/evanstonwoman Copyright © Evanston Woman Magazine , all rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from Evanston Woman Magazine.

Cheers!

Linda Del Bosque Editor-in-chief

POSITIVE CHI

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CHI AND EAST ASIAN MEDICINE he word ‘CHI’ is most commonly translated as ‘energy’ or ‘life force.’ East Asian Medicine is all about chi (or qi, as it is oftentimes spelled) and how we can best point our energy toward health.

THE BUILDING BLOCKS To me, the most beautiful thing about East Asian Medicine is that it is all about relationships. There are relationships between the Five Elements – Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood. There are relationships between the Vital Substances – Qi, Blood, Body Fluids, Essence and Spirit. There are relationships between Yin and Yang.

And – OMG – there are even relationships between the groups of relationships!

The components of East Asian Medicine are many, and each one is a study in itself. So, let’s look at just one and break down some of the foundational building blocks into very simplified concepts. It’s pretty interesting to look at life from the perspective of the Five Elements, or Five Phases.

FIVE ELEMENTS – The Five Elements are Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood.

They correspond to colors, seasons, climates, tastes, internal organs, and so much more.

The Five Element Theory relates the natural cycles of growth and decay as they occur in Nature to the natural cycles of the human lifespan.

FIRE – Summer: the season of maturity. In summer, the plants blossom to fullness. They flower and bear fruit. When your Fire Element is in harmony, you are full in spirit. You have a clear mind and an open heart, and you act from your center. Your yin and yang Fire organs are heart and small intestine.

EARTH – Indian Summer: the season of decrease. In the late summer, the life in the flower fades, and seeds ripen for picking. When your Earth Element is in harmony, you have empathy and sympathy. You know how to nurture and be nurtured. Your yin and yang Earth organs are spleen and stomach.

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METAL – Autumn: the season of decay and death; the season of balance. In autumn, the harvest is gathered and the seed is buried. What has died will be reborn. When your Metal Element is in harmony, you know what is truly valuable. You live a righteous life in accordance with your values. Your yin and yang Metal organs are lungs and large intestine.

WATER – Winter: the season of incubation, of rest and preparation. In winter, a seed incubates in the ground undisturbed, becoming what it is intended to be. When your Water Element is in harmony, you aim your will at wisdom. Your yin and yang Water organs are kidneys and urinary bladder.

WOOD – Spring: the season of growth. In the spring, the shoot pushes upward and outward, through the earth toward the sun. When your Wood Element is in harmony, you see the big picture; you can hold the vision … and manifest it. Your yin and yang Wood organs are liver and gall bladder.

CHI has so many facets to explore! In the next issue we’ll take a look at how CHI flows through us to keep us going, and how we can enhance it.

For more information about the Wood Element and a good springtime cleanse, visit lindyferrigno.com/springtime-cleansing/

Lindy Ferrigno is a Shamanic Guide and Shiatsu Specialist in practice since 1975. She practices at the Heartwood Center, 1818 Dempster St. in Evanston. www.lindyferrigno.com, lindy@lindyferrigno.com 847-975-7959

Less Stuff + Better Organization = More Time and Less Stress!

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ouldn’t you love to have a full day to yourself to relax and de-stress?

Of course! Unfortunately, most of us feel we don’t have the time or money. And we are partially right, because one of the major stressors in our lives will be waiting for us when we get home: clutter and disorganization.

Not only do the demands on our time and energy – work, home, family, friends, self, community, etc. - lead to stress, but also our environment; home, office, garage, and even purse creates stress.

“The brain is constantly scanning the environment…looking for cues that signal a need for an energy investment, such as taking care of work or home obligations. When we have chaotic surroundings or a fragmented mindset, the brain can perceive this as a sign that there is more demand for energy than our current capacity, which triggers the stress response.” says Heidi Hanna, PhD and CEO of Synergy and author of Stressaholic and The SHARP Solution.

Nature has wired us to perceive clutter and disorganization in our lives as a demand on our energy (“Something has to be done with this!”).

Then we realize we don’t know how or have the time/energy to do so (“Where do I begin?”), triggering the release of stress hormones. It’s what we feel every time we open the refrigerator, look in our closet, or reach in our purse for our keys.

When I finish working with a client, I always hear, “I feel like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders!” One estimate proves them right: getting rid of clutter could eliminate up to 40% of the housework in the average home. (The American Cleaning Institute) That’s eliminating 40% of your stress!

WHEN ATTEMPTING TO GET ORGANIZED, FOLLOW THESE THREE SIMPLE RULES: 1 START SMALL Organize your purse, one drawer, or just the floor of your closet. Don’t work for more than an hour at a time. Attempting too much will only make you feel overwhelmed, and that’s de-motivating.

2 STAY FOCUSED Mute your cell phone and let the kids watch a video. Play music that you like, and shut the door. If you think of something else that needs to be done, write it down and then keep organizing.

3 BE REASONABLE Sure, there’s a small chance that you’ll wear that blouse that you bought 2 years ago and still haven’t worn yet…but not really. And no, you won’t be able to sell it for 50% of what you paid. The return on investment is $0, and the stress involved is 100%. Donating the item takes less time and less stress.

For more information, and a free guide to “The 5 Steps to Organize Any S.P.A.C.E.,” visit organize-me.biz.

Karen York is a Professional Organizer, time management coach, public speaker/trainer, and the owner of Organize Me. As her mother says, “Karen was born organized. I thought all kids cleaned up their rooms before they went to bed at night!”

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TAKE A CULINARY TRIP WITH A LOCAL FAVORITE

BY LINDSY SHAW

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east your senses on a one-stop, multi-cultural shop for all your culinary needs, The Spice & Tea Exchange® of Evanston. Featuring an array of olive oil, grains, and rubs, this adventurous novelty store offers so much beyond tea leaves and herbs.

With an extensive background in the field coupled with a strong affinity for culinary arts, former chef and co-owner Teri Barton values and appreciates quality blends of spices and herbs from around the world. While The Tea & Spice Exchange® franchise has more than 50 stores around the country, there is only one store in Illinois, located at 1615 Sherman Avenue in Downtown Evanston. Offering more than 140 spices, over 80 exclusive handmixed blends, 16 naturally-flavored sugars, an array of salts from around the world, and more than 30 exotic teas all in one store, the Evanston location provides a portal to internationally imported and innovative cooking complements.

“We chose Evanston because of the demographics, and because it has a really good population density. And we wanted to be close to Northwestern University,” said Dan Barton, Teri’s spouse, co-operator and fellow member of the Evanston Chamber of Commerce.

Rooted in the motto that people enjoy cooking with passion and love, the Bartons took a vested interest in enabling their customers to cook as if

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they had shopped for items from all over the globe while staying local.

Teri said that the most popular teas for this past summer have been their Ginger Turmeric Herbal Tea, Bonita Peach Rooibos Herbal Tea, and Mystic Dragon Tea. The Mystic Dragon Tea is a green tea that is produced in Hubei, China and “makes a great iced tea.” Dan explained that many of their teas are specially blended just for their store and brought in from places such as Indonesia, India, Japan, and Africa. Other bestsellers are Coconut Oolong Tea, Emperor’s Chai Tea and their Blueberry Black Tea, which is produced in Yunnan, China.

Beyond their versatile gastronomic additives, customers can browse the store’s assortment of kitchen tools and accessories, ranging from different-sized tea infusers to marble and porcelain mortar & pestles.

“I like to expand their cooking repertoires by introducing them to new flavor experiences. It’s kind of like going on a little vacation, you can go anywhere in the world,” Teri Barton says of The Spice & Tea Exchange® business mission: Creating and sharing the experience of a more flavorful life.

The Holidays Are Coming!

New Years Eve 2016!

Early Birds Dinner & Late Night If you’re looking for a more peaceful way to

We’re continuing our annual tradition of Dinner

bring in the new year, join us for a special New

& Burlesque! Dinner packages start at $50 (with

Years Eve Afternoon Tea! Tea kicks off at 1pm and is $25.

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Seating is limited, so call today for New Years Eve reservations!

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CUTTING EDGE SMALL GROUP TRAINING

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FREE Intro to THRIVE! Evanston Athletic Club 1723 Benson Ave. 847-866-6190 ChicagoAthleticClubs.com

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based upon how they assessed and what they want, all goals will be achieved safely and successfully.

Q: What will be encompassed in THRIVE? A: It’s five stages Prime, Prep, Power, Strength and Burn, taking people from soft tissue therapy, stretching and waking up the hips and shoulder complexes, followed by mobilizing the three main joints; ankles, hips and shoulders.

The leading cause of missed work was lower back pain from poor hip mobility. Power is next utilizing plyometric work including jumping, SEAN DE WISPELAERE

Evanston Athletic Club’s newest Small Group Training Program, THRIVE launched August 1st. THRIVE is the number one program in America according to Men’s Health, Women’s Health and the NY Times.

Created by fitness veteran Mike Boyle, the program heralds health and safety first, and is structured in small groups of six to eight participants paired with a coach, or “technicians” as they like to be referred.

Coaches lead individuals in hour-long work out sessions built around nurturing vital joints to avoid injury, reach physique goals and ultimately live a healthier life.

We sat down with the THRIVE’s Executive Director of Education and Brand Evangelist, Sean De Wispelaere to learn more about THRIVE!

throwing medicine balls as hard as you can, and things like that. The Strength portion is movement based as opposed to muscle based, dedicated to strengthening every single human dominant pattern. Burn is last, designated to conditioning and getting heart rate high and then low with interval reps.

Q: Is the THRIVE program sold in packages?

A: Much of the success of the program, beyond the exercises themselves, is based on consistency and building the program into your lifestyle. To make this happen, they can choose to participate in THRIVE 2-4 times a week. The days and times can vary from week to week so it’s really easy to fit into anyone’s schedule!

Q: Why THRIVE? A: Our collective “why” is about developing coaches dedicated to allowing clients to get better and feel better every day as well as getting people excited about the process and not the destination.

Q: What’s the number one goal for this program?

A: I’d have to start with our primary philosophy which is ‘first do no harm.’ Learn how to train properly because one is not allowed to get hurt in training. We think if coaches assess people properly and know how to program for them imagenorthshore.com

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From the very start, Alpana Singh knew she wanted to work in the restaurant business. “My mom was a waitress, and I would steal her waitress pads and play restaurant,” she said, sitting in her third restaurant, Terra & Vine in Evanston.

“I started waiting [tables] when I was 15 years old in Monterey California,” she said. “It was a high school job. My first job was at Baker’s Square, and then when I was 18 I started working in a finer dining establishment.”

Since her early moments of pretend in her home town, and youthful experience waiting tables, Ms. Singh has stormed into the Chicago restaurant scene hosting the popular Check, Please!, a restaurant review TV show for ten years before opening first the Boarding House, then Seven Lions, and now her newest venture, Terra & Vine, in the spot formerly occupied by Bravo and before that Wolfgang Puck.

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Welcome Terra & Vine

Living Her Passion

ALPANA SINGH

I feel pressure to be able to succeed, but I think that, any woman who is in an entrepreneurship position feels a duty and obligation to other women to succeed and to do well because it opens the doors for other women to push forward...

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PHOTO ANNETTE PATKO

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“When I see women move forward it gives me hope and encouragement. When I see female CEOs or even a woman running for president it shows the paths and the opportunities available

Along the way, Ms. Singh ran wine at legendary Chicago restaurant Everest and at only 23 years old became the youngest woman to ever pass the Master Sommelier course. “I was on Chicago Tonight after I passed my exam,” she continues, “because it was a little bit of a big deal passing that test – there’s only 147 master sommeliers in the United States, and only 26 of us are women.” The Chicago Tonight appearance led to Check, Please!, and her career took off.

A Californian by birth, Ms. Singh now feels completely at home in the Chicago area having moved here in her early twenties. “I was 23 years old, and a very well known, very high profile chef [J. Joho at Everest] is offering me the opportunity to run the wine program – when you are that age and you have nothing to lose, you go for it. That’s the benefit of being in your 20s, you can afford to take those risks. I’ve been here for almost 17 years, so I’m fairly entrenched.”

Ms. Singh almost bristled at the suggestion that she is a woman in a man’s world of restauranteurs. “I don’t know. I’ve never been a man so I can’t say otherwise. I don’t have anything to compare it to, I mean, but, I don’t know how to answer that question,” she said. Then, however, she became a bit more introspective. “I feel pressure to be able to succeed, but I think that, any woman who is in an entrepreneurship position feels a duty and obligation to other women to succeed and to do well because it opens the doors for other women to push forward,” she explained. “When I see women move forward it gives me hope and encouragement. When I see female CEOs or even a woman running for president it shows the paths and the opportunities available and any time anyone pushes through

it’s always inspiring and encouraging and you know I’d like to do that myself as well.”

She definitely serves as a role model, now opening a third restaurant, her first outside of Chicago proper. Each restaurant is different. “The entire concept [at Terra & Vine] is rooted in Italian cuisine but the specific, sort of what makes it different is that it’s wood-fired Italian.” She gestured behind, adding, “As you are sitting here, you can see all the firepower behind us with the brick over, we have a custom made wood grill that offers three different styles of wood fire cooking. So you have a rotisserie, there’s an Argentinian style grill, and then there’s an oven and everything is wood fired.”

Operating three restaurants at once creates a kind of juggling act. “I have really good people.

I have an incredible support team. Amazing general managers, really good chefs,” she said.

“You have a fair overview of what’s happening, but I try not to micromanage, because micromanaging handcuffs people. You hire good people, and you let them do their jobs.”

Her inspiration comes from another legendary Chicago restaurant group, Lettuce Entertain You, where Ms. Singh worked for about five years after leaving Everest. “Rich Melman [of Lettuce] has always been a fabulous mentor of mine...

Very often I will quote Rich Melmanisms. When I saw Rich right after I opened Boarding House, I said to him, you know I never understood your stories... none of your stories made sense until I opened my first restaurant. [Laughs.] Like, that’s what he was talking about!”

Terra & Vine opened September 29, and looks to become an Evanston fixture for years to come.

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SEE JANE SPARKLE

SARA JANE ABBOTT

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ven though they’ve recently celebrated their four-year anniversary, See Jane Sparkle Boutique revels in a long- standing brand that emerged in 2001.

Owner Sara Jane Abbott first started designing jewelry as a side job while working for major retailers like Sears and Claire’s.

When Abbott isn’t cultivating the See Jane Sparkle legacy of fashion and design—bolstered by her passion for helping women embrace their “inner starlet.” She is giving back to the community through involvement with Woman’s Club of Evanston and the ‘Main Dempster Mile’ Special Service Board.

“

“By being involved I am part of something bigger. Evanston has so much going on and giving back is one way to stay connected and help others in need. In addition, serving on the Main Dempster Mile board helps to put my business at the heart of the decision making process for our wonderful retail and small business community,” Abbott says.

By being involved I am par t of something bigger...

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Furthering starlet creation, See Jane Sparkle hosts private design parties called Beads and Bubbly, where ladies gather for celebratory events like birthdays, mother/daughter dates, and girls night out to design jewelry while catching up and sipping beverages.

PHOTO ANNETTE PATKO

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ORGANIZE ME

KAREN YORK

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I get my energy from others. And of course, I love being able to clean up a messy space...

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he common thread in everything I’ve done in my life is helping others find solutions to their problems so they can be successful.” For the past six years, Karen York, professional organizer and owner of Organize Me makes her mission in life as concise as the practices her business promotes.

Her graduate education and professional experience in organizational psychology has proven to be invaluable in helping York’s clients who say, “I feel like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders,” after working with her.

Further complimenting her efforts by saying she’s helped not only with organizing, but also with life! This is largely due to York’s approach, which helps those she works with to develop new behaviors that work alongside existing habits.

“I get my energy from others. It’s the lifeblood that keeps me going. And of course, I love being able to clean up a messy space!” says York about the basis for her ambitions.

PHOTO ANNETTE PATKO

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nce a part-time employee at the customer service desk, over the past 16 years Dana Anderson has evolved into a certified team member for the Chicago Athletics Clubs organization and EAC. She’s dedicated not only to her clients, but the entire Evanston community. “My role in the community has brought me more self-awareness. I have to listen a lot more.

With that comes an increased level of compassion for others and in turn less judgment of myself,” Anderson says, continuing “I love finding new ways to bring people together in a way that makes them feel at ease with each other. That opens up a whole new world of authentic communication.”

Her allegiance to connecting the community builds on her mission in life, which seeks to cultivate platforms supporting healthy, active lifestyles and motivating people to achieve total wellness—for their mind and body.

As we all know, anyone who makes a positive impact on others starts within. That’s why Anderson says she continuously works on being the best version of herself—setting an inspirational example for her daughter and beyond.

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“” My role in the community has brought me more self-awareness...

EVANSTON ATHLETIC CLUB

DANA ANDERSON

PHOTO ANNETTE PATKO

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“I have brought the vision and love for the traditional Chinese cuisine to life, in addition to cultivating customer favorites our regulars have grown to love...

”

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andy Chen has dedicated her life to continuous learning— changing with the times and staying flexible in an ever-evolving line of work.

She transposes her passion and influence to the restaurant with ease. Not only has she absorbed as much as possible about her industry over two decades in the restaurant business, but shares her expertise while mentoring individuals who become leaders.

“Watching my associates grow into leaders fulfills me as an entrepreneur. I will continue utilizing my skills to train and grow personal characters,” Chen says.

“I have brought the vision and love for the traditional Chinese cuisine to life, in addition to cultivating customer favorites our regulars have grown to love,” says Chen.

KOI ASIAN CUISINE

SANDY CHEN

Beyond proliferating wisdom and dishes from eight regions of China, Chen and the Koi team have enjoyed a 12 yearlong relationship with loyal customers.

“Customers request Table 23 when making reservations by knowing that a portion of the proceeds will benefit a local charitable organization,” Chen she says.

Established in 2004, Koi in Evanston aims to bring fine Asian dining to the North Shore, sharing a concept seasoned with “bold flavors” and Chinese Authenticity.

PHOTO ANNETTE PATKO

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“

We have been received very well. I definitely wanted to open in Evanston because I have great memories growing up here...

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CUPITOL COFFEE

SELLIA GEORGES

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asual yet sophisticated, Cupitol Coffee & Eatery brings a refreshing concept to the Evanston community.

Having opened in July, the multi-faceted cafe is proving to be a thriving concept that fills a void the community was longing for. “I wanted to create a space where guests can choose their own experience. They can take it easy and chat in our lounge over coffee, grab something on the go before work, or gather with friends and play games over cocktails in the evening. Our guests determine how they want to experience Cupitol,” owner Sellia Georges said.

Recognizing how loyal Evanstonians are to their town, Georges and her team deemed it a prime home for Cupitol’s mission of providing a comfortable yet upscale spot for high quality food and beverages at a great value. According to Georges, “We have been received very well. I

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definitely wanted to open in Evanston because I have great memories growing up here. I thought the community would be receptive to the concept and that’s been the case so far. We’re thrilled!”

It’s definitely a symbiotic relationship, since Cupitol put together a menu that accommodates all ages and dietary needs—spanning breakfast, lunch and dinner. In addition to their list of unique coffee drinks including their signature Freddo Cappuccino and tasty savory items, Cupitol is very proud of their homemade pastries and desserts.

Down the road the Cupitol team aims to help in bringing the community together by hosting various events, and will be thrilled to expand their business model to downtown Chicago when they open their second location in Streeterville at the end of this year. “I can’t wait to share Cupitol with the community in the heart of Downtown Chicago,” Georges shared.

PHOTO ANNETTE PATKO

NOTHING BUNDT CAKES

BRITTNEE LUVURICH & SARAH SCHOO

“”

...everyone loves the cakes and they keep coming back to our table...

A

fter Brittnee’s mom Caryn discovered the novelty Las Vegas location, she knew her daughter would love to be involved with such an operation. Eventually her daughter’s former classmate who studied marketing, Sarah, would join the growing team for the perfect package. A motherly impetus turned extraordinary concept, Nothing Bundt Cakes.

“Our guests can expect the best tasting cake, with the highest quality of ingredients in a warm and welcoming environment. We have PHOTO ANNETTE PATKO

fun decorations and gifts for any and all occasions,” the team says.

Strictly bunt cake-inspired, and deemed “roll your eyes” kind of goodness, the women behind Nothing Bunt Cakes marvel at seeing people try their product for the first time.

“It is so fun to attend events where we get to sample because everyone loves the cakes and they keep coming back to our table. It’s also easy to sell a product that we truly believe is the best!”

Just like the ingredients of a mini-cake form to make something delectable, Brittnee and Sarah’s skills have come together in a synchronicity that’s nothing but delicious!

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CREATIVE CO-WORKING

ANGELA VALAVANIS

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or the past five and a half years, Creative Coworking has provided a comfortable and motivational shared workspace—translating Angela Valavanis’s life goals into the betterment of small companies. “Operating a shared workspace gives me an opportunity to be a community builder, and to learn from as well as mentor my fellow entrepreneurs in Evanston and Chicago. I love making positive connections for people and helping them to succeed,” Valavanis says.

In addition to fostering small business networks, Valavanis is an active volunteer involved with organizations like Literature for All of Us, The Woman’s Club of Evanston, and the ACLU of Illinois. Building on her mission to serve others, along with expanding the Creative Coworking brand, a second location will open up in the historic Colvin House in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood in early 2017.

“

I love making positive connections for people and helping them to succeed...

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PHOTO ANNETTE PATKO

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

INGRID STAFFORD

“

I

I have had the great oppor tunity to build a professional career dedicated to worldclass teaching & research for betterment of society...

PHOTO ANNETTE PATKO

”

ngrid Stafford’s moral compass is fueled by a simple yet profound guideline: do no harm and make it better. She has honed that very mission in life during 39 years with Northwestern University. “I have had the great opportunity to build a professional career dedicated to world-class teaching and research for the betterment of society,“ Stafford says.

Combining her objective to being part of the solution everywhere she goes with her finance expertise, Stafford is an avid community organizer. She is currently serving on a multitude of boards including the Evanston Chamber of Commerce, which awarded her Community Leader of the Year in 2000. She also received the Vision Keeper Award in 2012 from the Interfaith Action Council of Evanston.

Her mission of leaving a positive impact in her corner of world is paying off. The finance team at Northwestern has been able to help NWU become one of the top respected research universities in the world while sustaining strong financial health to assure its future.

EVANSTONWOMAN.com

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T

he owner and operator of Found Kitchen and Social House as well as the newly opened The Barn in Evanston, Amy Morton, is driven by a simple mission in life to be the best person she can be. She aims to grow her family’s legacy in the restaurant business while maintaining a positive impact on the community.

“It’s simply a joy to be present and in connection with others. I do this every day or night I am in the dining room as well,” Morton says. Beyond the restaurant walls, she is a part of Y.O.U., as well as Connections for the Homeless; focusing on an area she has been involved with her whole adult life.

After her duties at work and in the community are addressed, Morton says she thrives most at being a mother, admitting, “It is the best part of my life yet!”

“”

It’s simply a joy to be present and in connection with others...

FOUND KITCHEN & THE BARN

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AMY MORTON

EVANSTONWOMAN.com

PHOTO GALDONES PHOTOGRAPHY

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nnette Patko prides on her ability to make others feel completely at ease in front of the camera, a talent and passion she has honed for the past 20 years.

Inspired by a mission to preserve special moments for others through her craft, Patko reveres her latest project capturing images for an Evanston Women Project, Women of Substance as the project she’s most proud of, so far. That’s just one example of her affinity for community.

“My goal in life is to be a doer of culture, dedication, morals and values—to support and evolve around the community from organizations to civic leadership and fellowship. It is important to me to know and learn from the ones who have paved the path before me, as I can continue to walk behind them to make the place I call home a better place for all,” Patko shares.

“”

My goal in life is to be a doer of culture, dedication, morals and values...

BORDEAUX STUDIO

ANNETTE PATKO

Recognizing Evanston as a welcoming, diverse and supportive community, Patko is proud to give back through her involvement with various organizations and boards.

It’s no surprise she lives by the motto “be the change you want to see.”

PHOTO ANNETTE PATKO

EVANSTONWOMAN.com

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nspired and supported by family and friends showing unconditional love as well as co-workers who strive for greatness, General Manager of Hyatt House, Sarah Kvamme has a pretty solid foundation for upholding the Hyatt mission of caring for every guest so they can feel their best. “I truly care for every guest, every neighbor and every employee,” Kvamme says.

Kvamme and her dedicated staff focus on providing a place of business that stands out for its popularity, integrity and overall community influence, promising uncompromised “Midwest hospitality with world class service.”

“Having been with this Hyatt, literally, from the ground up and instantly feeling welcomed by our neighbors and the entire Evanston community, has reinvigorated me professionally and personally,” Kvamme shares of her beloved team and company.

HYATT HOUSE

SARAH KVAMME I truly care for every guest, every neighbor and every employee...

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PHOTO ANNETTE PATKO

“

I am inspired by the opportunity to give to others, exploring ways for self-improvement and helping others be the best they can be...

”

NORTHSHORE UNIVERSITY HEALTHSYSTEM

GABRIELLE HATLEY

W

hen Gabrielle reflects on her career, she not only prides on doing her best to treat all people equally with respect and kindness, but she also holds the moment she crossed the Chicago Marathon finish line in high regard.

“My colleagues, friends and family supported me through the process and I am forever grateful,” she said. That memory serves as a quaint yet accurate snapshot of what being a part of NorthShore University HealthSystem means to Gabrielle.

“I am inspired by the opportunity to give to others, exploring ways for self-improvement and helping others be the best they can be,” Gabrielle says of her motivation.

She translates that sentiment when it comes to upholding NorthsShore’s mission to improve and preserve human life.

It’s clear Gabrielle is passionate about bringing the community a strong leader who treats others with compassion. Her team should be proud to have someone like her on its side!

PHOTO ANNETTE PATKO

EVANSTONWOMAN.com

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T

here is a creative side seemingly every woman wants to explore and cultivate, without always having the time or inspiration to do so. Amy Boone believes in that space, and is passionate about helping wom-

en optimize it.

Along with the colleagues at her shop Dragonfly in Evanston, Boone prides on encouraging her customers to fortify their inner stylist—from what they wear to how they decorate their homes.

“Our customers all seem to have one thing in common—they want to develop their own personal style that’s great looking, versatile, and comfortable. We try to make it easy and fun for them to do that in a creative environment at Dragonfly.”

Beyond their primary focus of woman’s apparel and jewelry, Dragonfly offers a range of interior design pieces and unique gifts which are sourced both locally and from around the world.

A native of Evanston, Amy has over 20 years experience as a style photographer, interior designer and retail entrepreneur. She is married to a commercial photographer, and has two children.

“

We try to make it easy and fun [for our clients] to [develop a personal style] in a creative environment...

DRAGONFLY

”

AMY BOONE

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PHOTO ANNETTE PATKO

GROUNDING & CENTERING

EMBRACING THE JOY OF THE HOLIDAYS

By JANIE MURRAY

T

he holidays should be a time of joy, connection, love and family, but, in actuality, for many of us, they are a time of stress, frenzy and exhaustion. We set unrealistic goals for ourselves, wanting everything to be perfect. In the midst of all the chaos, we lose the true meaning of the season.

So, how can we do it better this year to bring back the joy, love and excitement?

Don’t own any disruptions, and don’t let these rob you of your peace. Realize the only person you can control is YOU, so remain calm, even if something goes awry. Again, how you handle a situation will help determine how others respond, so stay centered, calm and at peace.

Let’s begin with a different approach. Set an intention to maintain balance, and experience a joyous season—one that you truly enjoy. Then, through the season, hold yourself accountable to that commitment. Note that you may need to remind yourself of this daily, until it becomes your new habit.

RECHARGE... Carve out time to nurture and recharge yourself. Put time on your calendar weekly for you, keeping those appointments as you would keep appointments to others. You cannot give to your family if you are depleted. Self-care is not selfish. It is smart and necessary, especially with the pace of life today.

Next, decide what parts of the holidays are most important to you and make those your priority.

Let everything else go. Accept that the holidays do not have to be perfect. Take a deep breath, plan, and pace yourself. Realize that you are the model for your family and the energy you bring to each day will help set the energy the family will hold. So, if you are calm, centered, and living in the moment, your family will feel that and mirror it back to you.

Lastly, remember to live from a perspective of gratitude. Be grateful for all your blessings every day. Coming from a place of gratitude and peace will help you not only survive the holidays—you will thrive through the holidays!

Then, set realistic timelines and goals, and most importantly, simplify. Look for easier, smarter ways to shop and prepare, and include your family in the preparation process. The preparations themselves can be fun, and soon may become part of the tradition your family remembers most.

Consider hiring extra help for certain chores that aren’t your favorite, so that you can focus on the enjoyable areas.

CONNECT... Pause, reach out and connect with family and close friends. Make it a season of precious moments. Life is short, so making the most of the best times is so very important.

Janie Murray is a Life Coach and owner of Sage Life Solutions. Janie holds events and works with individuals/groups to create the life you love.

Contact Janie at www.sagelifesolutions.com 847-942-2924

EVANSTONWOMAN.com

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WEALTH MANAGEMENT

U

nderstanding the FACTS of your investment is important. In this scenario, FACTS refer to Fees, Accessibility, Complexity and Taxes. The facts are simple: everyone should know what they’re paying for when it comes to an investment, know how to access their money, understand how funds are invested and how taxes are paid.

1 to 1.5 percent less than a typical firm.

John Eiduk, founder of Elite Asset Management (EAM) outlines a series of factors each client should be aware of when it comes to their investments. EAM is different than most firms because there are no minimums, no hidden fees and no trading charges. In addition to the FACTS, investors should be aware how hidden fees and emotions affect your investments.

The Elite investment approach relies on a core, a passive strategic investment style that sets longterm goals and assembles a portfolio based on these goals. They also implement satellite, a tactical investment strategy using active allocation methodology, which will hold more concentrated portfolios.

Increased concentration can lead to a wider range of performance over time. The Elite Asset Management approach looks at bonds, the US Market, global and US sectors, and basic asset classes to identify trends in the market to help you further identify the next smartest move.

First, understand if the third party firm you are hiring to handle your investments is an asset manager or asset gatherer. Asset managers focus on performance by maximizing client investment returns while minimizing risk, while asset gatherers typically focus on maximizing assets under management.

After you choose the type of firm, understand that portfolios are eroded by hidden fees. The efficient frontier is the set of portfolios each with the feature that no other portfolio exists with a higher expected return but with the same standard deviation of return. Canned portfolios on the ‘efficient frontier’ use mutual funds with high expenses, which only erode investment gains. In short, this means that your percentage of hidden feeds can seriously affect how much money you get in return. EAM ensures lower fees, therefore potentially better returns. EAM has no higher than one percent annual fees, almost 28

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Lastly, emotions and fear often drive investments—not a smart move! Throughout the period of an investment, it is inevitable that some fluctuation will happen. When you’re high, you’re high; but when you’re low, you’re really low. To prevent these mood swings and potentially severe loss, EAM can help you through each stage.

Elite Asset Management’s cutting-edge and no-fuss approach to investing helps the consumer get the most from their own money while being completely transparent.

John Eiduk, CPA, CPTTM eliteassetmgmt.com

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