COUNTRY VS. TOWN: MELISSA KINAST

Since 2013, Melissa Kinast has called the Barrington communities home, and in 2021, embraced the role of Executive Director at the Barrington Area Conservation Trust (BACT). Her career path encompasses diverse and impactful roles in commercial real estate, event planning, and advocacy for HIV-positive orphans, showcasing her commitment to positive change. This commitment, merged with her roles as a devoted mother and former foster parent, reflects a harmonious balance of bold creativity, compassion, and dedication. At BACT, her leadership and passion for preserving open space and natural beauty for current and future generations align, embodying a balanced and purposeful approach in all areas of her life.

Mantra? “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou Best grooming tip? Begin preventative care as early as possible; as for products, keep it simple with natural formulas Guilty pleasure? Anderson’s chocolates Favorite foods? Local, in-season foods. I love planning menus around the freshest ingredients Music you love? The Beatles Best advice ever given to you? Fall down seven times, stand up eight Best advice you’ve given? This day is a gift Earliest memory? Flying a kite with my dad in a big field at my great-grandmother’s farm, before age 3. I guess that’s when my love of the outdoors and open space began Before bed, you? I take a moment to reflect on the day, identify the opportunities, people, and interactions I was grateful for What’s on your bookshelf? Children’s books, books on architecture, and vintage cookbooks You can’t live without? My family Love to escape to? Places with natural beauty; I tend to gravitate to the beach and shore Advice you would give to your younger self? Little girl, go boldly and live authentically. You’re in for a wild ride, but it’s going to turn out all right

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? Classic, comfortable, elegant. I gravitate toward Ralph Lauren Can’t leave the house without? Several pairs of shoes: my schedule could require heels in the morning, duck boots in the afternoon Transportation? Mercedes SUV Driving music? Disney on Sirius, since I’m probably driving my kiddos places Place to eat? During the day I’m always on the go and will grab a salad at Heinen’s; in the evening, it’s nice to get drinks and small plates at Region Shop? I love Catchpenny for unique treasures & lovely volunteer staff; Restyle Designers for authentic, investment-worthy pieces Best thing about the country? It’s a toss up between the scenic Heritage Corridor roads and lovely people Worst thing about the country? The freight trains The perfect day is? Al fresco brunch with family followed by an outdoor tailgate event or concert supporting one of the organizations doing great work in our community

WHEN IN TOWN

Your style is? Chic with a touch of edginess. Athleisure, casual: Carbon38, Blanc Noir. Cocktail, black tie: Mandalay Can’t leave the house without? Goyardine Saint Louis, to carry everything I need for the day—everything from sunglasses and wallet, to snacks and kids’ toys Transportation? Metra or private car Driving music? I’m probably showing my age, but I like 93.9 light FM Place to eat? I love checking out the neighborhood restaurants that are the heart of the amazing Chicago food scene Shop? If I’m shopping in Chicago, it’s probably for something special on Michigan Avenue Best thing about town? The juxtaposition of the stunning architecture and the lakeshore Worst thing about town? The traffic The perfect day? It’s hard to pin down just one. Exploring the city with visiting friends, discovering new neighborhood restaurants, and walking. My children and I adore taking the train, visiting museums and parks, perhaps indulging in some shopping. Last, but not least, it’s always fun preparing for and attending galas or private events at Chicago’s stunning venues