COUNTRY VS. TOWN: MELANIE WOKWICZ

Since her childhood, South Barrington’s Melanie Wokwicz has felt most content and useful when helping others. This guiding force led her to a career as a physical therapist, which merged her need to help others with her love of physical activity. After several years of staying home to care for her kids, she started her business, Juniper Efect, which provides physical therapy to clients in their homes instead of going to a medical clinic. When not fanatically pursuing her newfound hobby of playing tennis,

Wokwicz is busy heading her family’s nonprofit organization that aims to begin educating youth about finance and financial literacy in 2025. Her love of seeing the world through experiences has led Wokwicz to travel all over the world with her adventurous husband, Peter, and their two kids, Parker and Gracie.

Mantra? No one is responsible for your own happiness except you Best grooming tip? The best way to feel beautiful is from the inside out. A good night’s rest helps bring a healthy glow to my skin—much more beneficial than a 19-step facial routine Guilty pleasure? Champagne. A beautiful bottle of bubbly makes the world a sweeter place Favorite foods? I love a good homemade pizza; it brings back wonderful kitchen memories. I am also known to be unable to resist a good artisanal cheese plate with an aged gritty cheddar, veiny blue Roquefort, herb chevre, truffle gouda, etc. Music you love? I imagine music as the soundtrack of my life, so my preferences sway with my mood. When I’m feeling energetic, I go for grunge rock like Pearl Jam; when nostalgic, moody Norah Jones is my pick. Lately, I have been liking a bit of “feel good” country music, especially Lainey Wilson Best advice ever given to you? Find your purpose. The key to happiness isn’t an accumulation of material possessions, it comes from finding joy and purpose in your daily activities Best advice you’ve given? Strive for progress, not perfection Earliest memory? During spring break road trips down to Florida with the family, my sister and I shared the long bench backseat and filled the hours with singing and giggling Before bed, you? Turn on my BedJet. I can’t imagine living without this now. (It is a cleverly designed device that warms or cools your bed to the perfect temperature) What’s on your bookshelf ? Currently re-reading 12 Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson You can’t live without? My family and my morning coffee Love to escape to? Arizona is my happy

place, closely followed by exploring the atolls of French Polynesia Advice you would give to your younger self? Always wear sunscreen

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WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? Carefree and practical. Jeans, designer tee, and blazer Can’t leave the house without? My sunglasses, I am endlessly optimistic that the sun will shine Transportation? You’ll find me in my Tesla Driving music? My daughter’s latest Spotify playlist on Shuffle, love to hear what she’s listening to Place to eat? Now that spring is bringing warmer weather, I love eating al fresco at Mockingbird or enjoying a fabulous pre-dinner cocktail in the open air at LAGO Shop? I’m guilty of being a late-night online shopper! But when I need a quick gift, Angelina’s in the Village can’t be beat Best thing about the country? Community and nature. The supportive, generous, and family-centric people I have met in this area create a special community I am happy to be a part of. And finding time to breathe in some fresh air and take a walk is essential. Spending time in nature gives me a boost and improves my mood Worst thing about the country? Lack of diverse choices The perfect day is? Gradually waking up while sipping a cup of coffee in my favorite comfy chair, then meeting up with friends and playing tennis on the outdoor courts at the South Barrington Club. Family time would be next: we’d take advantage of getting outside at a local forest preserve like Deer Grove or Crabtree. Then my perfect, easy day would wrap up with a lively family dinner at The Arboretum

WHEN IN TOWN

Your style is? Classic LBD, personalized with jewelry, and a fun clutch Can’t leave the house without? Eye drops and lip gloss Transportation? On a sunny day, I always prefer walking, otherwise my choice is Uber— until Waymo bursts onto the Chicago scene Driving music? I find the time flies when listening to a podcast. The History Chicks, Armchair Expert, or SmartLess keep me smiling through endless construction on the Kennedy Expressway Place to eat? Date nights are built around trying out  new places. Best celebratory experience is at Ever. Also, can’t wait to get back to Maxwells Trading and Ciccio Mio Shop? Recently discovered Ramy Brook in NYC, but my go-to is Nordstrom online Best thing about town? Endless experiences—sights, sounds, tastes Worst thing about town? Construction on the Kennedy Expressway The perfect day is? Brunch at Maple & Ash, stroll through the Lincoln Park Conservatory, enjoy a rooftop glass of champagne and sushi, catch the latest well-reviewed theater performance, late-night live music at Lazy Bird, and retire to a posh hotel to avoid a second round of construction traffic