BALANCING ACT

Texas native Carly Stephens reflects on the journey that brought her to Lake Bluff and what it’s like to juggle two loves—her young boys and a full-time job that impacts lives through early cancer detection.

A proud native of East Texas and self-described “small town girl,” Carly Stephens never imagined she’d ever leave the place she called home for so many years. “It was a place that built me into who I am, but God called us to take a chance,” explains Stephens, Associate Director of Screening Sales at Exact Sciences and mother of two boys, ages 3 and 1. “And my goodness how that decision has shaped me!”

The path, however, was anything but linear. Stephens and her husband landed in Lake Forest over eight years ago—getting married, buying a house, and starting new jobs all within a month. Texas called them back again but in 2021, the family returned to find their forever community in Lake Bluff. “This town has stolen our hearts in the most beautiful ways,” she says. “One thing I truly love about Lake Bluff is the people. As a full-time working mother, I could not do it without the help of the wonderful people we have in our lives here.”

She divides her time between two passions—her family and her work at Exact Sciences. “Our mission around eradicating cancer has such a meaningful impact on people’s lives through screening and early detection. I love my career and the growth, experiences, people, and places it has taken me,” says Stephens. “But being a full-time working mother of young children is hard and that’s a narrative that is crucial to discuss openly and find support in other moms—both those who work outside the home and those who care for their children full time. Both are hard and yet so beautiful. I’ve never been so happy and so exhausted at the same time!”

Stephens took time from her busy schedule to share a few of her favorite things, reminding everyone that March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month “so be sure to get your screening!”

Best hack for balancing work and family life? One thing I’ve truly had to step out of my comfort zone with is asking for help. That doesn’t come natural for me but it’s been my biggest lesson as a mom of two littles. Favorite local event to take the kids? One of my favorite days in Lake Bluff last year was Rib Fest and the event the firefighters do for the kiddos. My older son had the biggest smile on his face spraying the firehose! Advice you would give your younger self about parenting? Give your parents more grace. Parenting is hard. We all make mistakes. Most rewarding part about being a working mom? I enjoy having something that is “for me” but when 5 o’clock hits and I get to see my boys, the smiles on their faces are always the best part of my day.

Best book you’ve read lately? American Buffalo by Steven Rinella. Wildly fascinating story of a buffalo hunt and deep history of the Buffalo in the Americas. Favorite Lake Forest restaurant? Hard tie between Deer Path Inn (French Onion Soup and a drink from The Bar menu) or Sophia’s Chimichurri Steak with truffle fries and a martini. Drink of choice? I’m a sucker for a cosmopolitan. Must have watched too much Sex and the City! Favorite thing to binge in your spare time? What spare time? Currently binging the ER series after watching The Pitt, season 1. Favorite destination to escape with the family? A spring getaway to Texas breathes life into me. The bluebonnets, the warm air … the sunsets, and of course seeing family. Next stamp on your passport will be? Bahamas! We can’t wait. Taking the kids and the in-laws go a whole week. Thank you North Shore Travel & Amy.

Favorite sports team? Dallas Mavericks, until they traded Luka! Fun Fact: my husband was a ball boy for the Mavs! And both of my kids can dunk. It was Samuel’s (1 year old) third word— “dunk.” Favorite North Shore family outing? Walking to the lake, whether it’s just grabbing a breakfast sandwich at Bluffingtons or Apple Fritter at Hansa, or a full on beach day with both kids and the paddle boards in tow. Favorite snack? Chips and queso. Duh. There’s no better choice. Beauty product or fashion brand you can’t live without? OGEE primer sunscreen or Purlisse CC Cream. What’s next on your bucket list? Running again, post-babies. I miss it so much. Signing up for the Shamrock Shuffle in March!