COUNTRY VS. TOWN: COURTNEY ISHAQ

COURTNEY ISHAQ grew up in Holland, Michigan, a beautiful small town with immaculate vibes along the coast of Lake Michigan. She and her brother experienced an ideal childhood, especially during the summer months, when she played tennis in the morning and spent afternoons at the beach. Courtney took up cheerleading in high school to complement her competitive tennis and soccer. She studied advertising at Michigan State University, where she was an active member and social chair of Alpha Chi Omega.

After college graduation, Courtney moved to Chicago where she began a sales career at Careerbuilder in their heyday. She says, “I look back and laugh at these times because it was definitely more of a job to get by and have a good time with my friends rather than a career choice. I had an hour commute from the city out to the burbs where my office was. I had to take a bus and a train to get there. You live and you learn!”

The monthly quota grind grew grim after a couple of years and she transitioned into a great new specialty, visiting college campuses all over the United States to recruit new hires. These great experiences led her to Salesforce, where she is now a Senior Talent Advisor hiring Enterprise Account Directors and Regional Vice Presidents. “I have been there for 12 years and absolutely love it. We have a beautiful office on the Chicago River where I work from a few times a week. The hybrid work environment is perfect for a busy mom that loves to be at school for pick-up and drop-off when schedules allow.”

She lived in Chicago for 13 years before moving to Hinsdale. “I lived all over the city but ended up in River North where we had our daughter Laila. When Laila turned one, it was time to move to the suburbs. We chose Hinsdale due to the proximity to the city, charming downtown, fun community events and beautiful homes.”

Aidan came along just 18 months after Laila, and these precious kids are now (almost) 5 and 3. Courtney says, “Being a mom is the most important job to me, I absolutely love being able to volunteer in their classrooms. Host friend playdates and take them on fun adventures. I am very busy but I love it that way. I am a co-chair for the Hinsdale Kitchen Walk this year. I love hosting parties with friends and family.”

Do you have a mantra? Not a mantra, but I try to frame things with a “Get To” mindset. It helps me move from a “burden” mindset to a “gratitude” mindset. On your reading stack? I’m an audiobook girl. Next in the queue are Strangers and Good People. Favorite travel spots? It’s a toss-up between Seville and Turks & Caicos, depending on the mood. I love Seville for the incredible architecture and the vibrant city life, but if I’m looking for total relaxation and the world’s best beaches, nothing beats Turks.

Products you’ve been loving lately? Lately, I’ve been obsessed with the Rhode Glazing Milk. It’s this super lightweight, milky essence that just saves my skin barrier—it gives that immediate dewy, hydrated look without feeling heavy. I follow it up with the Patrick Ta Double Take Blush. I love using his signature ‘cream over powder’ technique; it gives the most natural flush that actually lasts all day. Favorite summer tradition or activity? For me, summer is all about being near the water with the people I love. I always spend a week back home in Holland and Saugatuck with my family, which is such a grounding tradition. But I also live for our friends’ annual lake weekend—getting my best college girlfriends and all our families together in one place is chaotic, heart-filling, and easily the highlight of my year.

WHEN IN COUNTRY

What’s your go-to outfit? My go-to outfit really depends on the season. During the cooler months, you’ll usually find me in denim, booties, and a leather jacket over a fun top. But once the sun comes out, I’m in dresses all summer long. During the week, I keep it functional but cute with a tennis dress or a coordinated matching set—it’s the easiest way to feel put-together while staying on the move. Is there anything you can’t leave the house without? My Owala water bottle. Where do they know you by name? Shred 415 – although it’s been a while so they might have forgotten. Describe your perfect day? A crisp fall morning walk to downtown Hinsdale with my family, breakfast at Page’s, an afternoon football get together with friends and ending the day in the kitchen making homemade pizzas followed by a cozy movie night with the kids.

WHEN IN TOWN

What’s in your bag? Just the essentials – phone, keys, wallet, sunglasses, lipstick or lipgloss, and usually some kind of sour gummy candy. Describe your perfect day? My perfect Chicago day is all about being on the water. It starts with a summertime boat ride on the lake, followed by a long stroll along the Riverwalk to soak in the energy of the city. To top it off, I’d head to one of my absolute favorites—like RPM Seafood, Bavette’s, or Monteverde for an incredible dinner. There’s just nothing like the city’s energy during those warmer months. Best quick bite or hidden gem? My husband and I love Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. We make it a point to scout out the best spots wherever we travel. But when in the city, nothing beats our favorite hidden gems: Kabobi and Noon O Kabab. Do you have a favorite museum? The Field Museum and The Shedd Aquarium.