Welcome to Chicago North Shore Moms Meet a Mom series where we feature our local mamas – what they’re up to personally and professionally. To date, we’ve feature over 100 local moms! This week’s Meet a Mom feature is the lovely Diana Peters of DP Designs. The Highland Park mama of three children absolutely shines so bright! When she’s not running her company (nope not the jewelry), she’s taking care of the kids and making women sparkle with her beautifully crafted jewelry pieces. Welcome, Diana!
Hi Diana! Please introduce yourself. Where are you from originally? What city do you live in now? What brought you here?
Hi friends! My parents immigrated from the former Soviet Republic in Ukraine and I grew up in Skokie, IL. I currently live in Highland Park, where my husband grew up. We moved up to Highland Park for the community and the great kid friendly neighborhoods.
You’re a mama! How many kiddos do you have and how old are they?
I have 3 kids ages 11 (boy), 8 (girl), and 5 (girl) and our dog, Wells, who is our “first child” age 13.
What’s your absolute most favorite thing about being a mom?
My favorite thing about being a mom is a powerful sense of knowing that I created these humans and having the responsibility of teaching and raising them as well as watching them grow and flourish.
Any mom tips you can share that make your everyday life a little easier these days?
Embrace the change and also try and enjoy this rare moment while the pause button is pressed. Your kids are probably happier than ever with you home these days for such an extended period of time. Having said that, coffee is key, I make myself a fresh cup of coffee daily with frothed oat milk as well as getting in a quick workout with the numerous free online e-training videos.
100%, yes! If you have any podcasts or apps that help inspire you, calm you, help you run your business or organize your life, what are your faves?
I like to listen to the Dax Sheppard podcast purely for entertainment, the Mike Dillard Podcast which is great for business and the Dave Ramsey podcast which is very motivating for personal finance. I also utilize the Hoopla and Libby apps for audio books.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I was a figure skater growing up which taught me a lot about dedication and commitment. It also provided me with a great sense of confidence which laid a great foundation in terms of how I approach my life and any challenges that come up.
Favorite local places to spend with the family?
We love to spend time in our backyard and take scooter rides/walks around our neighborhood as well as go for bike rides to downtown Highland Park and trips around the Skokie Lagoons.
Favorite local date night ideas?
My husband and I love cook recipes from the NYT and have been putting our air fryer in overdriver these days. We also try and support our local restaurants, Abigail’s is a favorite go to.
You are a mompreneur! Please introduce your business.
I run two businesses, one where I am the co-founder and Executive Director of Symbol Training Institute, which is Chicagoland’s leading hands on advanced manufacturing training center which started back in 2005.
My other business that I started a few years ago which is my true passion, is Diana Peters Designs, which is a fashionable and trendy jewelry design business for women, men and children.
How long have you been making jewelry? Is this something you’ve always loved doing, even as a kid?
I have always been making jewelry since I was a kid. I love to create and come up with pieces that I love to wear and know my customers will love to wear too.
As a full-time working mother, especially during COVID 19, how do you make time to make your beautiful pieces?
Most of my creative juices come out at night, when the kids are in bed and I can quietly work in my studio. It’s very therapeutic for me. It also allows me to catch up on tv shows while I work!
What inspires your creations?
I have always been one to follow new trends, runway looks and gain my inspiration from fashion bloggers. I also love to create my own spin on things by taking a trend and re-creating a look to make it unique and my own.
How can people order your designs?
Customers can order directly through DM and messaging us on Facebook, Instagram, or email us directly at [email protected]. Local customers can contact us directly for an in person appointment to shop. Diana Peters Designs is also available for purchase at Salon Lofts in Highland Park and BFriends in Deerfield.
Who are your influencers and/or mentors?
My mom and dad are both of my mentors and biggest influences. They were so brave and selfless to immigrate to the US (with no previous English or knowledge of the US) with the sole purpose of providing a better and more prosperous life for my brother and I. They were the ones that taught me about hard work and dedication and provided me with the confidence to take on and overcome any challenges that I’ve had in life. For that, I am very grateful for the opportunities they provided for me.
What advice can you give other mamas out there who are looking to re-enter the workforce?
Just do it! It won’t be easy juggling family life with a career, however, it will be so rewarding and if you really love what you do it will be a great sense of pride and fulfillment.
How important is it for you to have a career & a passiona outside of being a mother?
I feel its very important to having a career outside of being a mother as that provides you with a sense of purpose (outside of just your kids and family) and some financial sustainability. It’s always a great way to stay motivated as the kids phase out of preschool/daycare stages.
What’s on the horizon for your business? Future aspirations, plans….
The sky is the limit! The plan would be grow from an e-commerce standpoint and build more meaningful and interactive connections and experiences for my loyal and future customers, while expanding my jewelry line offerings.