COUNTRY VS. TOWN: ALISON KOZLOW

ALISON KOZLOW grew up in the south suburbs and, after graduating from Homewood-Flossmoor, headed to Indiana University, where she majored in Communications and minored in Sociology. She spent her 20s in Chicago, living in Lakeview and Lincoln Park, where she met her husband, Jimmy. A few years later, the couple moved to Durham, North Carolina, so Jimmy could attend business school. Along the way, they made lifelong friends from around the world.

As they were packing up to move back to Chicago, Alison discovered she was pregnant with their first child. They raised their daughter, Claire, in the city, but during her second pregnancy with their son, James, she found herself longing for a little more space. Fortunately, a new chapter was waiting for them in Hinsdale. The family settled in town, where they quickly made wonderful friends and have been thrilled with their decision to call Hinsdale home ever since.

Her career began in recruitment advertising, where she wrote and edited CareerBuilder job postings during the hiring boom, before the crash brought that chapter to an end. From there, she joined JPMorgan and eventually made her way to LinkedIn, beginning in an analyst role before moving into Sales and Account Management. After many years at LinkedIn, she continued her career in Sales with several EdTech companies, focusing on adult training and learning.

But as she spent her days encouraging adults to care about learning, she began to think more deeply about where she could make a meaningful difference. “Having two children at The Lane offered a new perspective. Through their eyes, I was reminded that reading and learning are gifts, and that a love of both should be nurtured from an early age,” Alison says.

Then her mom suggested something that immediately clicked: “Why not open a children’s bookshop?”

Nothing had ever made more sense. That very week, she began bringing her dream of The Book Nook of Hinsdale to life.

Do you have a mantra? Everything happens for a reason. Simple, but when you believe in your soul’s path, it helps during the hard times. On your reading stack? I was just on a memoir kick with Famesick and Strangers. Currently reading Before We Were Innocent, which was gifted by a friend in my Book Club. Favorite travel spots? Anywhere in Italy, and we’ve recently been introduced to the gem that is Jamaica.

Product you’ve been loving lately? La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra Light Face Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50. Favorite fall tradition or activity? I’d love to say apple picking but as someone with a bee allergy, it’s more anxiety-inducing than joyful. So, I’ll say the inevitable fall brewery afterwards…sitting outside in the brisk air while the kids run around.

WHEN IN COUNTRY

What’s your go-to outfit? Jenni Kayne sweater and jeans with loafers. Is there anything you can’t leave the house without? Sunglasses and a lip tint. Where do they know you by name? Salt Creek Club. We were there every day this summer. Describe your perfect day? A slow morning then a walk to Fuller House for lunch, make our way home for a BBQ and football watching with friends. I love to host and my husband loves to smoke meats, so we have a couple BBQs a month with our favorite families.

WHEN IN TOWN

What’s in your bag? Sunglasses, portable phone charger, lip tint, and driver’s license just in case I get carded. Describe your perfect day? A recent day we had as a family included brunch at RL, followed by walking down the street to show our kids where we got married at The Newberry Library and popping into their bookshop to grab a few items. Afterwards, dropping our kids with family and heading to a show at The Salt Shed. Best quick bite or hidden gem? Dark Matter Coffee. We stock up anytime we’re near a shop. Do you have a favorite bookstore? The Jolly Giraffe in Frankfort is the inspiration for The Book Nook. I want TBN to have the same feel….cozy, flooded with books and imagination.