Meet a Mom: Meet Sharon Bosco! | Chicago Moms Network

Hi Everyone! It’s time for Lincoln Park Moms Meet a Mom Monday! This week’s Meet a Mom feature is Sharon Bosco, founder of Stitch Monograms! Stitch Monograms offers custom monograms & embroidery with a modern touch. From the sweetest custom denim jackets, baseball hats, embroidered sweaters, and SO much more – everything that Stitch offers is absolutely swoon-worthy. Her custom handwriting ornaments (which have our kid’s actual handwriting embroidered) are by far our favorite ornaments on our Christmas tree.

Lucky for us, Sharon is a Chicago mom (residing in the Southport Corridor) of 2 sweet kiddos, and we are so excited to share her interview with you today!

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]



 

Hi Sharon! Thanks for speaking with us today. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Hi Kelly! Thanks for taking the time to interview me. I live here in Chicago with my husband and 2 kids. We moved here 10 years ago from NYC. I’ve been running my custom embroidery business for the past 3 years.

Where are you from originally, and what brought you to Chicago?

I was born and raised a small town girl from a rural town near Erie, Pennsylvania. After college I moved to NYC for a career in the fashion industry. I met my now husband there (at a dive bar!) and his job ultimately brought us to Chicago.

How many kids do you have, and what are their ages? 

2 kids, Dean (7) & Rose (4)

What is your favorite part about being a mom? 

Evidently in Kindergarten, when asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I proudly said ‘a mom’. It’s the toughest job of all but also the most rewarding. I love seeing the kids experience new things for the first time – new foods, places, sports, etc.

Which neighborhood do you call home? 

Southport Corridor

Do you have any favorite local businesses that you like to frequent? 

Crosbys Kitchen, Building Blocks Toys,Midtown, Jeni’s

What are your favorite things to do in the city with your kids? 

Explore! We love taking them to new restaurants, the museums (especially MSI), and visiting new parks/playgrounds.

Can you tell us a little about your career journey, and how it led you to found Stitch Monograms? 

Creating has always been in my blood. I learned to sew when I was 7 and have been stitching things up ever since.I always preferred sewing camp over softball. I went on to study Fashion Merchandising in college. After graduating, I moved to NYC and started my fashion career in corporate retail. I worked at several large fashion houses as a wholesale account manager, such as BCBG Max Azria and LVMH – Fendi. After spending most of my 20’s in NY, my husband’s job brought us to the Midwest and we soon started our family. The travel and long hours of the corporate world was not in the cards with our new life in Chicago, and I regularly found myself sewing and doing embroidery at night as a creative outlet. I wanted monogrammed items for my own kids but wasn’t finding exactly what I was looking for, so I made it myself. I began monogramming gifts for friends and family. Before I knew it, custom requests started coming through. Stitch Monograms was born!

What do you love most about running your own business?

I’m my own boss, so I personally deal with everything that comes along. I’m a bit of a perfectionist and slightly neurotic, so handling everything on my own has worked out great for my personality type.

Have there been any big surprises along the way? 

Of course! If I could do without all of the tax filings and paperwork that are involved with a running a business, that would be great. It can be very complex.

I’m sure it’s hard to pick, but what has been your favorite product launch to date? 

Kids jean jackets. They’re playful and fun and capture exactly what I had in mind when launching my business.

What is something everyone would be surprised to know about you? 

I’m a one woman show. From the actual embroidery to packaging orders, it’s just me. Although sometimes my kids lend an extra hand in my showroom!

What is on the horizon for Stitch Monograms? 

Currently finalizing the spring/summer offerings. I also love collaborations 🙂

Tell us more about your collaboration with Rey to Z! Anything else coming up for you in the future? 

I’ve worked with Jennifer from Rey to Z for several years now! We partnered to launch the embroidery for Rey to Z hats a few years ago. While I no longer do the embroidery for their hats, I’m very excited to partner with them again!!

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? 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It truly takes a village.Also, this sounds so silly, but making my bed every morning always make me feel like I’ve accomplished something each day.

Rapid Fire Round! 

Best Chicago neighborhood? Southport Corridor

Favorite place to travel (without kids)? NYC

Favorite place to travel (with kids)? Our lake house in Michigan

Undergrad college/major? Mercyhurst University & The Fashion Institute of Technology (degree: Fashion Merchandising)

Coffee or Tea? Coffee

Favorite way to start the day? A few good yoga stretches and if time allows, a bubble bath.

Last book you read? Untamed by Glennon Doyle

Best way to start the morning? Waking up before everyone else and enjoying a cup of coffee (while it’s still hot) and catching up celebrity gossip.

Favorite movie? Father of the Bride

Join The Chicago Moms Community

Stay up-to-date with what is happening in-and-around our community with local events, community highlights, and exclusive deals.