After returning home from Southern Methodist University and a short stint of living with her girlfriends in the city of Chicago, Britini Wilkens moved back to her hometown. While working for The Plexus Groupe, her family’s business, she met her husband Matthew Wilkens— ironically her very first match on eHarmony. After suffering the loss of their first child, Hope Michelle, in 2014 due to preeclampsia, the Wilkens’ found their cause in raising funds and awareness for Infant Loss. Together they have raised over $175,000 and were awarded the inaugural Hope of Chicago Award by the Preeclampsia Foundation. The Wilkens now live in Inverness with their three beautiful children ages 7, 4, and 2. They enjoy the chaos of a young, active family and giving back to their church and the local community.

Mantra? Count your blessings Best grooming tip? Moisturize Guilty pleasure? Binge-watching Netflix while online shopping Favorite foods? My mom’s spaghetti or a good filet mignon Music you love? Country all the way Best advice ever given to you? My papa always says, “If you’re not 10 minutes early, you are late.” And . . . be present for your kids Best advice you’ve given? Give yourself grace Earliest memory? Playing at my grandparents’ family farm down in Southern Illinois When you wake up, you? Jump straight into mom mode Before bed, you? Thank the Lord for another day and all the blessings in my life What’s on your bookshelf? Atomic Habits by James Clear You can’t live without? My husband, family, and friends. They truly are my rocks and are my biggest support system and continue to be especially after the loss of our daughter Love to escape to? Naples, FL Advice you would give to your younger self? You are stronger than you think

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? Workout leggings, tank top, and denim jacket Can’t leave the house without? iPhone, sunglasses, and ChapStick Transportation? Chrysler Pacifica. Never thought I would drive a minivan but it’s perfect for hauling all the kiddos and all their things Driving music? A Disney movie playing in the background Place to eat? Barrington Hills Country Club, Shakou, and Egg Harbor Cafe Shop? Amazing Gracie’s and Angelina. They always have the perfect gifts Best thing about the country? The hometown feeling and sense of community Worst thing about the country? The constant driving The perfect day is? Enjoying an iced coffee from Cook Street Coffee, followed by a long walk with my girlfriends, then cheering on my kids at their activities, ending the day with a backyard barbecue with friends and family

WHEN IN TOWN

Your style is? Leather leggings, blouse, blazer—and ALWAYS a great handbag Can’t leave the house without? iPhone and lipstick Transportation? Uber Driving music? Country and pop—anything that gets me dancing Place to eat? Sunda, Prime & Provisions, Blue Door Farm Stand Shop? A must stop is Bliss & Belle Boutique in Lincoln Park and everything on Oak Street Best thing about town? All the delicious restaurants and the city views Worst thing about town? Traffic and the constant honking horns The perfect day is? Brunching at a fabulous restaurant, followed by shopping, cocktails on a rooftop, and a Cubs game