We’re bringing sassy back this fall by spotlighting our favorite moms in the city. If you live in Chicago and haven’t met my friend and super mompreneur Katherine McHenry, grab yourself a cocktail and have a seat. I could go on and on why Katherine exudes sassisness but I’ll let her share her story with you. What I love most about Katherine is her ability to be “on” when times are tough, she’s a great friend and loves supporting other mom business owners.
Name: Katherine McHenry
Kids: Tai & Linh
Occupation: Owner & operator of Building Blocks Toy Store
About Katherine: Originally from NYC. For 16 years, Chicago has been cleaning up my East-coast sassiness or should we really call it edginess? I am a recovering perfectionist & enjoy a good debate, especially over food & wine.
SMITC Interview with Katherine McHenry:
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
I’m just a little kid. Oh wait, maybe that’s obvious since I have a toy store.
What or who inspired you to open Building Blocks?
I started my first retail business at age 9, buying candy by the bulk and selling it out of my Tupperware “store”. I had other retail businesses in high school & college (electronics, clothing, gifts). Retail has always been my knack. After college, I discovered that the corporate world was not going to be a life-changing experience for me. I chose to go back to what I truly enjoyed doing. When I chose retail toys, it seemed perfect since I love being around families and kids. Building Blocks opened in 1996 and we are celebrating 16 years in October.
What should moms know about your store and the toys you offer and how are you different?
Play is the very important work of children. It’s not what the toy can do; it’s what the child can. Our toys build confidence, imagination, and help develop all the skills that children need to be successful & fulfilled in life.
What’s has been the biggest challenge balancing a business and motherhood?
I love my children and my family immensely, but I am also passionate about my business. I’m constantly scrutinizing which of the two needs my time and attention. It’s a constant “recalibrating” process.
What do you love most about being an entrepreneur?
Having the responsibility is very empowering for me. I get to say how things go. That’s really cool!
What’s your “secret” to being Sassy?
Glitter. Add glitter to anything and you get a little sass!
What is your guilty pleasure when you get a little coveted ‘me’ time?
I’m addicted to Bejeweled Blitz on my iPhone.
Sassy Facts about Katherine…
I never leave home without….. my lucky lipstick. I was wearing it when I met Mel Gibson
My biggest fashion influence is…. Elie Tahari. Everything fits me like it was made for me!
My favorite place to shop in Chicago is…before or after kids? After kids, I love shopping at Vfish. Not only is it locally mom-owned, it’s affordable. Styles are current and if my kids spit up all over the dress, I’m ok with it. I wouldn’t feel that way about it if it were my Gucci wrap dress!
My guilty pleasure is…… wine, lots of it.
My Must-Have beauty product is…. Guerlain pressed powder foundation. It works miracles.
Connect with Katherine and Building Blocks Toy Store on Twitter.
Great post! Thanks for sharing – so many of us are constantly “recalibrating”!