It’s Meet a Mom Monday! This week’s Meet a Mom feature is Bhumi Patel, River West mom of an adorable little girl and local entrepreneur. Keep reading our interview below, where Bhumi shares all about her different ventures (from being a realtor with Dreamtown Realty to opening facial bars!) and life raising her daughter in the city. Thank you Bhumi for sharing with us today!
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Hi Bhumi! Thank you for speaking with us today! Where are you from originally, and what brought you to Chicago?
I grew up in the Chicago suburbs when I was very young. My family moved to Champaign, Illinois which is where I went to high school, college and I moved back to Chicago in 2013 into the city.
How many kids do you have and what ages are they?
I have one daughter, she is almost 18 months old! Her name is Leilani.
You live in River West! What are your favorite things to do as a family around the city?
We love going to Eckhart Park as a family and we love park hopping in Wicker Park, West Loop, and Lincoln Park. We also enjoy walking to dinner and trying new restaurants in River North, West Loop, and Wicker Park. We take advantage of all the museums and let our daughter go wild there. Her favorites are the Shedd Aquarium and the Museum of Science and Industry.
How about without the kids? What are your favorite places for “me-time”?
I love to go out in town to grab drinks with my husband and friends at all the speak easy’s and cocktail bars we have around town. I also love working out at Train with Ron and with my trainer Kay.
What do you love most about raising your daughter in the city?
I love the diversity and the different people we always meet in the classes we go to with our daughter as well as meeting other moms and parents at local parks and local events. There is always something to do to keep us entertained as well as our daughter no matter what season it is.
Do you have any favorite local businesses in your neighborhood?
Train With Ron – @trainwithron
Bubbles Academy
Foss Swim School
All About Dance
My Gym
Narmin Photography
Mila Mae Photography
Tell us more about your career journey, and all of your different ventures!
I went to grad school to get my Masters of Health Administration. I was in healthcare consulting for about 12-13 years. I left last year to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities and pursue a better work life balance. Currently I am building two facial bars in the Indianapolis area. I will go there about once a week to manage my businesses and will manage them mostly remotely. In Chicago, I am a realtor working at Dreamtown helping individuals and families find their homes.
How did you get your start in Real Estate? What do you love most about selling homes in Chicago?
I’ve always been interested in Real Estate. My dad was an agent in the 90’s and I would ride along with him all the time for open houses, meeting with clients, etc. I wanted a change in career and with my facial bars being in Indianapolis I wanted to be able to do something in Chicago as well. I got my license and went to work! I love the different neighborhoods in Chicago and the suburbs, the different types of architecture, and honestly just helping people find their first homes or their forever homes. It’s so rewarding to see people move on to their next chapter in life in their new homes!
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I love traveling (not surprising). I’ve been to over 30 different countries.
As an entrepreneur I’m sure your days are jam packed! What is a “mom hack” or piece of advice that helps you get through your busy days?
Through work and life experiences, I’ve just realized not to take anything too seriously. Of course life happens, and work happens and everything is busy. But slowing down and resetting your mindset is extremely helpful. Really sitting back and prioritizing your to do lists for the day. At the end of the day you have to just do the best that you can and be in the moment of whatever it is that you are working towards.
Rapid Fire Round:
When are you most productive?
I’m most productive between 11 AM – 2:30 PM (nap time).
Favorite cake flavor?
Oreo – no competition
How do you start your day?
Roll out of bed when my daughter wakes up and grab a protein shake. Start out with a lot of snuggles and hugs from baby girl.
Favorite beauty product?
I’m a lover of skincare. I am actually opening two facial bars in Indianapolis. Must have daily items include: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, moisturizer and sunscreen
Summer or Fall?
Fall
Favorite Chicago neighborhood?
River West – very accessible to the places we love to go to as a family and as a couple. Family friendly neighborhood with a suburb feel, but extremely close to downtown.
