BONNE SANTÉ

Those who grew up on the North Shore know there is a universal code to do good in the world and help others as much as possible. For many families, it’s an unwritten rule and a way of life. Alison Browne Graf, one of three girls raised in Lake Forest by Anne and Jeff Browne, says gratitude and giving back is a shared family value. “It doesn’t have to be in a major way. Little things count and everything matters,” she says. “We live in a community where that’s so common. That’s what makes this town so special.” While her parents now divide their time between Lake Forest and Georgia, Graf and her sisters Brooke Davis and Amy Marsch all live in Lake Bluff. You could say it’s a real family affair. “Between us, we have 10 kids,” explains Graf, who works as a wellness coach and fitness instructor at Bird Barre & Cycle in Lake Forest. “I like to say that we’ve helped raise each other’s kids.” She and her sisters also volunteer together for local causes, including Reading Power, Fill a Heart 4 Kids, and PADS. “It’s really important to be grateful for what you have,” adds Graf. “To me, it’s a privilege.” Among the things she is most grateful for are her children—22-year-old Emma (a senior at Boulder), 18-year-old Sheppard (a senior at Lake Forest High School), and 11-yearold Ryder (a 6th grader and Lake Bluff Middle School)—and husband Tyler Graf, a high school classmate who she reconnected with and married right after college. While she is looking forward to a big family vacation in France’s Cote d’Azur region this summer (with her sisters and their families, along with her parents) she’s also excited about expanding her wellness business and helping more people improve their lives. “I love helping people create simple, practical habits to improve their health from the inside out,” adds Graf, who sells and markets Arbonne products in addition to her work as a fitness instructor. “I’m also totally passionate about showing others how to leverage their time and earning power utilizing tools they already have. Being able to make an impact on others while making an income is a gift that I never take for granted!”