COUNTRY VS. TOWN: JANIS MVK

JANIS MVK is a first-generation, Filipino-American with a rich Filipino heritage. Her father was the son of a police officer, her mother was the daughter of the mayor, and her ancestor, Jose Rizal, is the national hero of the Philippines.

Janis was born in Chicago and grew up in the Western Suburbs. She spent five days a week in Hinsdale training in professional dance at Hinsdale Dance Academy, under Yvonne Brown Collodi (not affiliated with the current HDA). Through the studio’s Chestnut Street Dancers, Janis and other company members traveled to London and Paris to train and perform. Her childhood summers were spent at a family a cabin in the country where Janis and her sister swam, attended corn festivals, and roasted marshmallows around campfires.

Janis modeled professionally from her early teenage years through her mid-20s—but can still be spotted on the runway occasionally.

Today, Janis is a professional journalist and the founder of a content creation and marketing agency. She has carved out an illustrious career that spans across different channels, from producing a health-focused radio talk show to spearheading marketing and sales initiatives for a prestigious international luxury Italian fashion house. Janis works with area businesses including Sweet William, where she leads marketing efforts and manages social media. She says, “Through Sweet William’s involvement, I support Scoreboard Charities where I have the privilege to assist in producing fashion shows for a good cause—most recently, Scoreboard’s Uncorked event. I also assisted in producing Sweet William’s 35th-anniversary celebration where we shut down a street to turn it into a runway!”

When she’s not writing, she’s Supermom juggling the joys and challenges of raising her two little ones, Ophelia and Matilda. “It’s just my daughters and I living a very girly life. We try to frequent local restaurants and shops regularly. My daughter, Matilda, is with Premier Martial Arts in Gateway Square where we have built an amazing group of local friends; and my other daughter Ophelia makes jewelry and has had the opportunity to sell it at Kelsey Resale. We regularly visit Oak Brook Park District’s splash pad and pool.”

Do you have a mantra? My mantra changes depending on what stage of life I’m in or how I’m feeling, but recently, one quote really resonated with me. “The girl became a soldier, the soldier became a leader, and the leader became a legend.” This may or may not have come from Disney’s live-action Mulan movie that I recently re-watched with my daughters! It spoke to me that some of life’s plans can make you tough, but what you make of it shows your true strength and character.

On your reading stack? I couldn’t put any of Colleen Hoover’s books down—Verity being my favorite. But after I finish up The Lost Girls of Willowbrook by Ellen Marie Wiseman, A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas is up next. I like a little bit of thriller and a little bit of romance. What organizations do you support? I support and advocate for women-owned, local businesses. It’s so empowering to get women together and see the incredible impact we can make. In addition, I wanted to equip myself to support my kids, my family, and my friends in their times of emotional and mental distress, so I became a trained volunteer crisis counselor for Crisis Text Line. It’s amazing how a little bit of empathy can go a long way. I also support Scoreboard Charities. I have family and friends who have been affected by cancer, and if there is any way people can come together to fight against this disease is a cause that’s close to my heart. What’s your signature entertaining style? I love to laugh and there’s nothing better than getting family and friends together for good times, storytelling, and some serious bonding. I love creating a great food spread, setting the mood with decor and scents, and dressing up for the occasion! Don’t count on me to be cooking in the kitchen though. I’m known to cater from somewhere local. But I’ll have the wine and bubbles ready! Any daily rituals that make you feel centered? I make it a priority to meditate in the morning before the kids get up, taking deep breaths while reciting 11 mantras to get me through the day. When I look back and account for all that I’m grateful for, I realize what I’ve manifested through meditation. Music you love? Right now, it’s whatever my kids are listening to. That’s Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, and Billie Eilish. But on early Sunday mornings, my playlist is all over the place—from 80s freestyle and punk to 90s R&B and 2000s hits, and The National and even French singer Édith Piaf. Favorite autumn traditions? Until the kids won’t allow me to take them, we go to a pumpkin patch with the family for some rides, games, and corn mazes. We come home with a wagon full of pumpkins to paint and carve, along with apple cider donuts to eat!

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

What’s your go-to outfit? My go-to outfits are mostly quiet luxury with a touch of vintage. For daytime, I’m usually in jeans and a collared button-down, paired with pointed-toe shoes or elevated sneakers. I love finishing the look with a blazer, scarf, and some jewelry for that classic yet modern vibe. For evenings out, I’m not big on prints, so you’ll usually find me in black or solid colors for a sleek, monochromatic look. I always keep it simple but give it an edge—just like my personality! Is there anything you can’t leave the house without? I can’t leave the house without my cuticle oil, Byredo’s Hair Perfume—particularly the Rose of No Man’s Land scent, and my readers from Glimpse! I can’t see the menus anymore without my readers and a flashlight! Where do they know you by name? This might say too much about me, but I’m known by name at Sweet William, Virgil Catherine Gallery, and Kelsey Resale in Hinsdale. They also know me at The Rooftop Restaurant at RH, Breitling, and Chanel beauty store in Oak Brook. Do you have a favorite memory of living in the area? One of my favorite memories growing up in Hinsdale was spending Saturdays at the dance studio. My friends and I would walk to Kramer Foods between rehearsals, grab snacks, and eat them in the studio’s parking lot laughing and dancing the whole way through. It was such a great time, and those childhood friendships have stuck with us into adulthood. I love that most of us are still in the area and stay connected, too. Favorite festival or special event? I love going to Virgil Catherine Gallery’s artist receptions. Meeting the artists behind the art and seeing the community come together in the name of art always inspires me.

WHEN IN TOWN

How do you approach city dressing? Nothing is ever too much! I believe in dressing up—when you look good, you feel good and if you’re comfortable and confident, nothing is ever over the top. And honestly, I’d rather be overdressed than underdressed any day! What’s in your bag? My bag ends up being my kids’ trash can, so I try not to carry one! But when I do, I keep it simple with my phone, keys, wallet, lip gloss, and readers! View that never gets old? The view of the skyline from Maggie Daley Park never ceases to amaze me. Even in the chaos of #momlife when I take the kids there, just looking at the skyline feels so peaceful. It’s wild to me how serene that park is set against a city backdrop. Best quick bite or hidden gem? My favorite city spots are all over the West Loop and Gold Coast. I’m all about Cecconi’s at Soho House, Sunda in Fulton Market, RL, NoMi, and Le Colonial. The food’s always top-notch, and each place has its own vibe that makes dining a total experience—full of things to see and talk about! Do you have a favorite museum? The Museum of Contemporary Art and the Art Institute of Chicago are both incredible, plus having these gems right in the city just adds to its rich cultural vibe. But Chicago’s architecture is amazing too—the whole city feels like a museum! What is your favorite movie filmed or set in Chicago? “This is my one chance at happiness. I have to be ruthless!”—Julianne Porter. How can you not love My Best Friend’s Wedding?