It’s Meet a Mom Monday! This week’s Meet a Mom feature is Jeannine Benoit Adams, Oak Park mom of 3 and founder of The Stylish Co. and Ready Pretty. Keep reading our interview below, where Jeannine shares all about how her journey to launch both of her businesses, what makes The Stylish Co. the perfect solution for busy moms, and her ideas for the perfect day in Oak Park. Thanks so much for sharing with us, Jeannine!
If you are a local mom that would like to be featured in our “Meet a Mom” series, please send an email to [email protected]
Where are you from originally, and what brought you to the Chicago area?
I’m originally from Ohio, lived in North Carolina, then back to Ohio for undergrad and eventually moved to Chicago for graduate school. My big brother was here, so I decided on Chicago versus Boston all those years back.
How many kids do you have, and what are their ages?
I’ve got 3 little ones – Ethan, 7, Bennett 3 and Kendall 2.
What is your favorite part about being a mom?
Ha! That’s a hard one! I don’t think there is one single thing, but a few of my favorites are getting hugs and kisses from those three, seeing them develop and grow and watching how much they all love and look out for each other.
You live in Oak Park, but you have also lived in the city with your kids! What have you loved most about the transition, and what do you miss the most about the city?
Pre-pandemic anyone who knows me would have thought I’d stay in the city forever. But my daughter was born about 2 weeks before the world shut down and as much as we loved our home – which thankfully had a rooftop – we just needed more space. My boys needed to run around outside, and while we had a park close by, it just wasn’t enough. What I’ve loved most about the transition for sure has been having a backyard and being more connected to my community and neighbors than I felt in our last home.
Our offices are still downtown so if I’m being honest, I don’t really miss much about the city because I’m still here quite often each week.
If I were planning a day with my family in Oak Park, where would you send me?
I’m still getting used to Oak Park myself! I’d start off at Oak Park’s Farmer’s Market and grab the donuts (so good!) Then I’d take the kids to the Oak Park Library and then a walk through the Forest Preserve. We’d pop in for lunch at Little Gem and then I’d round things out with playtime in Priory Park – it’s an incredible outdoor play space that my kids love.
Can you tell us a little about your career journey, and how it led you to found both Ready Pretty & The Stylish Co.?
I’ve worked at digital marketing agencies for the bulk of my career, working on both consumer and B2B brands like Levis, Victoria’s Secret, Crocs, Jim Beam and more. While at those agencies, I’d freelanced as a fashion writer for various publications and then as a style correspondent for NBC-5, WCIU and WGN-TV here in Chicago. Those experiences led me to start my own web design and digital marketing agency, Ready Pretty, which supports women-owned, fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands.
Because of that work, I had made so many connections with incredible stylists, designers and fashion lovers throughout the years – leading me to this idea of a personal styling service for women.
The idea had been swirling in my for years – in fact I’d launched a different version of it while I was still working at a marketing agency here in Chicago prior to launching my own business. But now, as a mom of three, squarely in my 30s, I felt that so many of my friends and the women in my network, were struggling with this idea of finding their style in this next phase of life. I wanted to create something that made it simple, took the guesswork out of shopping and ultimately helped women feel confident in their style. I like to think of it as a little self care – just in the same way that we get our hair and nails done, go for massages and make time for working out. When you look good, you feel good. It can make such a difference in how we all go about our days.
Tell us more about both of your businesses! What makes The Stylish Co. the perfect solution for busy moms?
The Stylish Co. provides on demand personal, virtual styling for busy women. Our Full Membership is so simple – get access to a personal stylist, and each month, you’ll tap her when you need her. Looking for a Spring Capsule wardrobe? She’ll take your style, sizing and budget into account and pull together complete looks. Have a special event coming up? She’ll pull a few great ideas for you. Wondering how to pair certain pieces in your wardrobe together? We’ll set up a call to do that. It’s extremely custom and each of our clients has access to a shoppable, virtual closet of incredible style picks, tips and tricks from their stylist just for her.
Ready Pretty is a web design and digital marketing agency that supports female led, fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands. We help brands to grow and thrive online. From web design, content creation and photoshoots, to strategic email marketing, events and partnerships we help independent emerging brands succeed.
What is something everyone would be surprised to know about you?
I’m a big sports fan and was an athlete all through school. People always assume that I’m this huge girly girl. Sure, I love fashion and style, but my first love was and always will be sports. My boys both play soccer and I’ve officially moved into soccer mom status. I can’t wait for my daughter to start playing soon.
As an entrepreneur, I’m sure that you have a ton on your plate at all times! Any favorite mom-hacks or organization tips that you swear by?
I thrive on organization. I like to think of myself as a minimalist (most of the time) which helps me to keep the clutter clear of my home and my brain. And with that, I’m a list maker. Lists on lists on list. If I don’t write it down, it’s not going to happen. Both from a work perspective and a life perspective. So every Sunday night I’m pretty diligent about getting it all out and into a list.
Rapid Fire Round!
Favorite Oak Park restaurant? Little Gem
Best vacation destination (with kids)? Aruba. My parents are from the island and now live there so we get to see and stay with family and enjoy a beach vacation. It’s a win win.
Undergrad college/major? The Ohio State University/ Strategic Communications
Accessory you can’t live without? There’s no accessory I can’t live without, but I rarely take off my necklace that has my kids initials on it.
Favorite way to start the day? A workout / 5 minute meditation.
Current favorite fashion trend? A neon accessory – think bright pink mini bag or neon green strappy sandal.
Favorite TV show? Insecure.
Want to get started with The Stylish Co.? Lincoln Park Area Moms can get access to a special discount! Use code VIPFULL for 15% off our Full Membership or MINIVIP for your first Monthly Mini Free.
