Hello friendly faces! It’s a new Chicago North Shore Moms spotlight brought to you in part by Mary Gifford of Gifford Law. This week we are so excited to introduce you to the marvelous Northbrook mom behind a thriving boutique fitness studio in Wheeling, Laura Strykowski!
At Chicago North Shore Moms, we love a good mid-life career change story, and this one resonates within our souls! Laura Strykowski, founder of Marvelous Sanctuary Studio in Wheeling, IL, brings a wealth of experience from her 20+ years in corporate communications, where she specialized in crisis and reputation management for a Fortune 100 company. In 2018, she made the bold decision to shift gears. While still working in corporate communications, she decided to follow her passion for health and fitness, opening a boutique studio that offers an inspiring range of classes, including boxing, yoga, and self-defense for all ages. A Northbrook resident and mother of two active boys, Laura’s studio fosters an inclusive environment where clients can build confidence and strength, both physically and mentally. Get to know more about Laura’s journey and what Marvelous Sanctuary Studio represents for the community. Welcome, Laura Strykowski!
Hi Laura! Please introduce yourself.
Hi! I’m Laura Strykowski, a mom of two boys. I was born and raised in the Chicagoland area, and moved to Lincolnwood from the city when I was in middle school. Currently I reside in Northbrook with my husband and two boys. We moved to Northbrook 14 years ago for a few reasons – we were looking for really good schools for our son (we only had one child at the time but planned to grow our family) as well as a community feeling with activities as well as being close to family and friends.
I’m a mom of 2 teenage boys – 16 and 13. Both boys are athletes, and they have been playing travel hockey since six years old and my oldest now plays at his high school. They also both have played lacrosse and boxed, and my youngest competed as a boxer in the National Junior Olympics at 10 years old!
What are one or two things to know about you?
Couple random facts about me – I have over 25 years of experience in corporate communications, working in crisis management, reputation management and external communications. And while I continue to enjoy helping companies protect their reputation, I also have a true passion for health and fitness which led me to open Marvelous Sanctuary Studio in 2018. In terms of other hobbies, I discovered a love for running after having kids and ran numerous half-marathons and the Chicago Marathon 3 times. One more thing, I love boating with my family; spending free time during the summer on the lake on our boat or waverunner!
Favorite places….
I love to spend my free time on the lake with my family – we enjoy boating and wave running, and relaxing by the water. We spend quite a bit of time on the Chain of Lakes.
In terms of food, my local favorites include Blufish, Grill House, salads from Dengeos and Fat Rosie’s if I’m going to have a cheat meal (I LOVE chips and salsa).
The rest of my free time is mostly spent ice rinks – both of my sons play hockey and I love watching them both play!
I also love the dessert – Scottsdale, AZ specifically is a favorite. I’ve been travelling there frequently since I was a kid and have shared that tradition with my boys as well. We try to go every year or so depending on schedules and have our list of favorite restaurants and places to visit there as well!
What is your mantra?
You never know what life will surprise you with so NEVER GIVE UP and CHOOSE COURAGE!
If you could choose a soundtrack to your life what would it be?
The Lion King soundtrack – specifically the song Hakuna Matata. I’ve learned over the past few years that as much as you can try and predict what tomorrow will bring – you can’t. And Hakuna Matata means “no worries” and that’s helped get me through quite a lot the past almost 2 years.
Any family friendly dinner ideas you’d like to share?
Given that our schedules between teaching at the gym and my boys’ sports schedules are pretty hectic in the evenings I try and meal prep in advance so we have healthy food prepared in advance most nights.
A few favorites are: Chicken tacos on low carb flour tortillas, baked chicken breasts with sweet potatoes and fresh vegetables (my kids love cut up fresh veggies) and a family favorite is homemade spaghetti sauce that I make with ground turkey.
Please introduce your business, Marvelous Sanctuary Studio. When did you start this business?
We opened the doors to Marvelous Sanctuary Studio August, 2018. Our classes include: Boxing, kickboxing, yoga, wrestling, self-defense and strength & conditioning classes as well as 1:1 personal training.
Our workouts challenge the body in an atmosphere that nurtures the soul. We do that by promoting inclusion and create programs that embrace positivity, self-confidence, self-worth and inner strength. Kids and adults of all walks of life can rise above feelings of anxiety, stress, social uneasiness and improve self-esteem through group classes and one-on-one sessions that are always challenging!
Marvelous Sanctuary Studio is a safe haven; a place where people can escape their daily struggles, and embrace their spirituality while keeping competition and violence completely out. Everyone is encouraged to learn and freely embrace their personal passions integrating them into the training being offered so everyone reaches their personal fitness and life goals We’re flexible and nimble and adapt various perspectives and methods into our classes.
Whatever you’re fight we’re here to train you!
What is your why?
Love! Love for my family, for my friends, for life and striving to challenge myself to always be a better version of myself.
What else would you like us to know about yourself or Marvelous Sanctuary Studio?
At Marvelous Sanctuary Studio, we truly have an energy and vibe at Marvelous that’s unique and inviting – people don’t want to leave once they walk in!
Give us your dets!
Marvelous Sanctuary Studio is located at 638 S. Wheeling Rd, Wheeling, IL 60090. You can learn more by visiting our website at https://www.marveloussanctuarystudio.com/ or call or email us at 224.676.0637 and [email protected]. You can also find us on
Facebook and Instagram.
About our Meet of Mom Sponsor
A very heartfelt thank you to CNSMoms’ Meet a Mom sponsor, Lake Forest mom of three and owner of Gifford Law, a solo Estate Planning Firm (wills and trusts). Mary, we appreciate your support of local moms in our North Shore communities! Learn more about Mary by visiting her Meet a Mom spotlight here! Contact Mary directly here: [email protected].
