ABOUT KRISTEN KUCHARSKI
Kristen's days are never dull, her kids are never bored! Over the years #MomsLittleBlackBook has explored hundreds of kid friendly things to do in our surrounding community and on the road. As her girls have grown and gone away to college, she continues to enjoy unique activities, excursions, day trips, weekend get-a-aways, and road trips while rediscovering her own passion for adventure with friends, girls' nights out, and date nights. In her words: “Life is a journey–might as well have fun along the way. Go, fly, roam, travel, voyage, explore, discover!” In addition to chasing adventure, Kristen is the magazine's Associate Editor overseeing a variety of editorial features while writing and contributing unique stories about community residents, area businesses and so much more.
1.What's your go-to girl power song, and why?
Don't Stop Believin' by Journey because it speaks to my overall mission - She Believed She Could So She Did!! “Workin' hard to get my fill; Everybody wants a thrill; Hold on to that Feelin’”!
2. If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be, and why?
The power to heal pain so people can move on more easily to a happier time of life
3. Share a memorable moment from a community event or photo shoot that you've been a part of.
My favorite memory was working with the Glancer Magazine Junior Reporters and guiding them as they interviewed various Disney Stars that came to town each summer during the Last Fling - the most memorable was the Last Fling of 2011 when the girls got to meet Zendaya and Bella Thorne who starred in Disney Channel’s “Shake it Up”. Interviewing Dan Akyroyd in 2014 was a personal career highlight for me as it was my first on-stage interview in front of a live audience at Hollywood Palms in Naperville.
4. What's your favorite local hangout spot, and what do you love about it?
Oh there are so many! I love going to Chop’D in the summertime because their patio is so big and there is usually someone playing acoustic guitar. The ambience is relaxed and the music is at the perfect sound level to allow for conversation while appreciating the song. We go there a lot after tubing on the DuPage River, so whenever I pass by, it makes me think of Sunday Fundays and River Tubing and nice relaxing afternoons.
5. If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be, and why?
Eleanor Roosevelt. I find her so incredibly inspirational. She was a problem solver and tackled tough matters with kindness, compassion, and sensitivity, yet strength, wisdom, and passion. She aligns with my mission - She Believed She Could So She Did. Her most famous quote is the foundation of that - “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Moms Little Black Book aligns with another one of her famous quotes, ““The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”
6. Describe your perfect staycation location in just three words.
Adventurous, Unique, and Beautiful
7. Share a funny or interesting anecdote about your experience in the community living or digital marketing industry.
When my personal and professional life merge due to a Glancer interview are probably some of my most exciting and memorable and interesting stories. For example, I had interviewed Diveheart many years ago and learned about their organization and their mission to To build confidence, independence and self-esteem in the lives of children, adults and veterans with disabilities through scuba diving, scuba therapy and related activities. In another job outside of Glancer, I work with a young lady to enhance life skills and introduced her to Diveheart. She is now a Certified Adaptive Scuba Diver and also the 2023 Sharecare Award Winner. Through my professional experiences with Glancer, I am able to enhance my personal life through #MomsLittleBlackBook adventures and provide connections and encounters for those I love and care for as well.
8. What's a quirky talent or hobby that most people don't know you have?
I can dance with a cup on my head. I can also still do the splits!
9. If you were to create a signature cocktail representing your role in the company, what would it be called and what ingredients would it have?
The Wild Wodka Wanderer because it represents travel since the V sounds like a W in some countries and it represents my sense of adventure as I am always wandering to new wild adventures. The cocktail would be a mix of Vodka and something sweet to highlight the sweet memories of each journey I have taken!
10. What's a piece of advice or mantra that resonates with you and guides your work in the community living or digital marketing field?
It’s the oldest saying in the book - Work Hard. Play Hard. I work so incredibly hard every single day so that I can appreciate and enjoy everything life has to offer while considering all the F’s of life! Faith, Family, Friends, Finances, Fitness, Fun!
