CURATED & COLLECTED

Meet Lake Forest resident Vianni Lubus, a media veteran and entrepreneur who balances motherhood and two businesses with a passion for interiors that tell a story.

After 13 years living in Chicago, Vianni Lubus traded the fast pace of media for the slower rhythms of the North Shore, ultimately landing in Lake Forest. Her years producing high-profile executive events, celebrity shoots, and even trips aboard Air Force 2 taught her how to tell stories and create experiences. Today, she’s channeling those skills into building two businesses—V3 Agency, where she helps brands and leaders shape their narrative through marketing, media, and curated experiences, and Collected Home by Vianni, a curated vintage home shop and lifestyle brand born from a lifelong love of design, styling interiors, and uncovering secondhand treasures that tell a story. “Becoming a mother of two changed my entire perspective on how I wanted to continue climbing the professional ladder,” says Lubus. “I wanted to lead with more intention, make time for family, and build for myself and our future. I have an incredibly supportive husband who gives me the space and encouragement to pursue my bold ideas and ambition. He’s a true partner in making it all work.” Balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with motherhood, Lubus shapes her work and life around projects that bring her joy and allow her to explore creativity in every corner of her world. A few viral moments on Instagram have propelled Collected Home (@collectedbyvianni) forward, bringing her work to a wider audience—and ultimately led us to discover her here at Forest & Bluff. She took time out of her busy schedule to share a few of her favorite things:

Best kept secret on the North Shore? The estate sales, hands down! Inside tip for estate sales? Always ask, “Is this the final price?” Most often, they’ll work with you—especially on the last day when items often go 50 percent off. Favorite local boutique or shop? M on the Square and The Lake Forest Bookstore for textiles and gifts, but I pop into Forest & Found weekly. Pro-tip for bringing antiques back to life? Beeswax for wood, Bar Keepers Friend for tarnished metal, and new screws or hinges when needed. Small fixes can make a piece functional without erasing its history.

Go-to hostess gift? A linen tea towel paired with high-quality olive oil or flaky sea salt. Favorite designer or style icon? Ralph Lauren, always. I also love Josh Young Design House and Heidi Caillier. Who do you follow on Instagram? Independent antique dealers, like @logan_taylor_antiques, and all the interior design accounts you can imagine. I also love following independent designers and enthusiasts like @camillealexandrainteriors or @samanthajo.interiors. Favorite spot for a morning coffee? Hometown in Lake Forest. Favorite walk or outdoor spot? By far, the lake. Having Lake Michigan in our backyard is a daily reminder of why we love living in Lake Forest. Perfect North Shore Sunday? Pancakes with my girls, my husband’s specialty latte, an estate sale stop (or two), then a relaxing day styling my new finds.

Most inspiring travel? Europe, where history is layered into every corner. France holds a special place for me after studying abroad in Caen, a historic city in Normandy. Favorite book/podcast/music? I love music that makes me move! Upbeat, playful, with a little Spanish flair to honor my roots. Shakira is a personal favorite. What’s on your bucket list for 2026? Would love to host an in-person pop-up in Lake Forest or even get my treasured finds into a local store!