Hello friendly faces! It’s that time of the week! We’re back with a new Chicago North Shore Moms spotlight brought to you in part by Mary Gifford of Gifford Law.
Elena Victoria has had her boots on the ground since 2010, and 14 years later her tenacity shows. The brand new mom to sweet baby Blair and couture designer is the founder of not one, but two businesses, has a payroll of 20 employees and is expanding her high quality sewing classes to more states. If your child has been curious about expressing their creativity with clothing and accessory design, this article is for you. And if you just love learning about local #mombesses in your communities, this one’s for you, too! Welcome, Elena!
Hi Elena! Please introduce yourself. Where are you from originally? What city do you live in now? What brought you here?
Hi! My name is Elena & I was born and raised in Winnetka, Illinois. I now live downtown Chicago with my husband and 11 month old son, Blair! In 2016 I left my job as a technical designer and decided to move back to Chicago to start my business EV Fine Arts. A year later, I moved to metro Detroit where I expanded the business. We enjoyed 6 years in Royal Oak, Michigan before moving back to Chicago. The business now runs in both states and has over 20 employees!
You’re a new mama! Tell us about your sweet Blair.
My son is our greatest joy. He has a HUGE personality, loves running around the condo with his walker, loves all different kinds of foods, and sleeps 13 hours a night! He is a dream baby! We are so blessed to have him in our lives.
What are one or two fun facts to know about you?
Two fun facts would be, I designed denim for Abercrombie Kids after college. I also designed and created my own wedding gown!
What are your favorite North Shore places, spaces and eats to frequent?
We love to grab subs at Capt’n Nemo’s Winnetka! Sometimes we will take them to Elder St Beach and eat them there with an ice-cold bottle of coca cola. I treat myself to a facial from One Magnificent Med Spa in Wilmette every few months. It’s a total treat for a busy mom like myself! And, we love going to church on Sundays where we got married, First Pres of Evanston.
What gets you through a tough day?
Some days can be hard, especially when your anxiety gets the best of you! On these days, I try to savor moments with my family. Laughing with my husband helps me keep perspective.
Your mantra?
My mantra would be, when in doubt, pray and trust God!
You are the founder of EV Fine Arts, which offers exceptional sewing classes for kids. Tell us everything about this wonderful sewing studio.
Yes! My fashion design and sewing classes for kids are unique from other offerings as they are taught by real, aspiring fashion designers from local design schools. The classes have fast fashion projects, where every student will not only learn the fundamentals of using a sewing machine, but walks away wearing a hand made creation! You don’t need any experience to join one of our classes. The instructor tailors each students experience according to their skill level. We provide all machinery, fabrics and any other items needed for the projects, too!
Classes are typically structured as a workshop where a student will complete a project in one day, rather than a series of weeks. But during the summer months I offer sewing camps! For summer 2024 I am running a camp in Wilmette, Highland Park and Glencoe. The locations are held in that city’s park district facilities. You can learn more about these sewing camps here!
Are any of your past students working for you now?
Actually, yes! I started this business my senior year of high school in my parent’s basement. In 2010, I hosted my first summer camp. Fast forward to today, two students of mine who are 18 and 22 now, help run our classes at the Wilmette location! It really came full circle for me.
How have you grown your business from 2010 to today?
My business has professionalized greatly, while the product has remained true to its original values. I now have camps running in 12 different suburbs between Chicago and Detroit, with a staff of 20 instructors and multiple Teacher Assistants. It is very important to me that the class experience remained the same despite the growth. I am proud to say it has!
You are also a couture evening gown designer. Tell us about your clothing brand and how we can learn more about ordering a custom gown from you.
Elena Victoria is a custom couture clothing line. Everything is designed and made by hand right here in Chicago. My clientele consists of women of all ages who are looking for a perfect gown for their special event, and who often times have trouble finding something in stores. You can inquire about a gown on our website, www.elenavictoria.co!
What’s next for EV Fine Arts?
New locations! We are expanding into three more suburbs this year, as well as a new state! Here we come, Denver Colorado!
Is there anything else you’d like us to know about yourself or EV Fine Arts?
Once you experience an EV Fine Arts class with one of our instructors, you will understand what the hype is all about ☺ As far as myself, I will be here designing gowns and running the business while raising my son at home. I am very blessed to be able to do both.
Now the contact dets:
You can visit my EV Fine Arts by going to https://www.evfinearts.co/ and Elena Victoria is https://www.evcouture.co/. Follow along with me on Instagram at @evfinearts and @elenavictoria_co.
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].
