SHORE VS. CITY: AIMEÉ REYNOLDS  

Louisiana-born AIMEÉ REYNOLDS is celebrating 10 years as both a Northfield resident and small business owner. After falling in love with a boy from Winnetka while living in Dallas post-college, Reynolds made her way to Illinois. With a love of storytelling, she thrived in her PR career, ensuring clients such as the U.S. Army and General Motors made the right headlines. After welcoming her firstborn, she paused her corporate career to soak up time at home. Still craving a creative outlet, she leaned into her southern roots and set out into the world of personalization by founding an embroidery business in the kitchen of their Lincoln Park condo. That business, Yes Ma’am, is now the creative engine that allows her to curate the perfect gift by bringing her customers’ visions to life. Using two embroidery machines in her home studio, Reynolds quite literally helps customers wear hearts on their sleeves. Seeing the personality and sentiment she brings to any item, retailers across the North Shore—from Winnetka’s Bunny & Babe to Lillie Alexander Boutique in Lake Forest—are regularly partnering with her for in-store events and promotions. Reynolds balances her focus between her craft and time with her husband and three children. Now, this easy-going embroiderer, who always seems to know just what to say and how to say it, takes a minute to share her city and shore favorites with Sheridan Road.

What’s on the horizon? I enjoy collaborating with others because it inspires new ideas and perspectives, often pushing me out of my comfort zone. Embracing the year of the Fire Horse, I’m leaning into continued partnerships with some of my favorite leading ladies and exploring new brand partnerships Mantra? Bloom where you are planted Best grooming tip? Don’t underestimate the power of a good eyebrow arch Guilty pleasure? Antiquing.

Favorite foods? Anything made from a potato Music you love? Ella Langley, Morgan Wallen, and Lainey Wilson Best advice ever given to you? It’s not worth a wrinkle Best advice you’ve given? “Two things can be true.” Earliest memory? Weekend sleepovers with my cousins When you wake up, you? Sneak downstairs for five minutes of peace before the house begins to stir Before bed, you? Pillow talk, a prayer of thanks, then dive into my book What’s on your bookshelf? The Eights by Joanna Miller and Neon Gods by Katee Robert. You can’t live without? Lancôme Définicils mascara and my Soleil straightener Love to escape to? Home! We’re always hopping on a plane to New Orleans Advice you would give to your younger self? Live in the moment

ON THE SHORE

Your style is? Simple staples. I love a poplin with a pop of color (usually green), embroidery, or pretty little details Can’t leave the house without? Trident Bubblegum Transportation? Minivan Driving music? Country Place to eat? Deer Path Inn, Blu!sh, Guildhall, Hometown Coffee & Juice Shop Shop? Heritage Trail Mercantile, Lillie Alexander, Nordstrom Best thing about the Shore? My kids walking to school Worst thing about the Shore? My family doesn’t live here The perfect day is? Pour-over coffee, yoga, and infrared sauna. Then, I’m barefoot in the backyard with something yummy on the grill. Friends trickle over, kids in tow, and there are bubbles in my drink

IN THE CITY

Your style is? I love any excuse to wear a dress Can’t leave the house without? Google Maps Transportation? The Metra with roadies Driving music? An audiobook Place to eat? Au Cheval, The Monkey’s Paw (for Bloody Marys), Galit Shop? Bloomingdale’s, Salvage One, Jayson Home Best thing about the City? The memories it brings back as a newlywed and new mom Worst thing about the City? The time of traveling to and from The perfect day is? Warm! And probably including an escape for one-on-one with my hubby. We drop our bags at The St. Regis, then enjoy a schedule-free afternoon—pop into an art exhibit and window shop. After that, cocktails at Swift & Sons before a dinner that involves either great sushi or burgers, catching the main stage at Second City, and ending with an espresso martini nightcap