Whether or not you are a wine lover, Ilona House is an interesting woman to know!
Please tell us about yourself and your family. How long you have been in the area, and where you are originally from?
I was born and raised in Chicago. My husband, Jeff, and I have lived in Scarsdale and Arlington Heights since 1989. We have one married daughter, Nicolette, and a lovely 2 ½ year old granddaughter, Morgan. I was a figure skater and coach for most of my life. I met my husband at the Wilmette Ice Arena as he was also a skater before becoming a veterinarian. My daughter competed internationally as an ice dancer before becoming a speech pathologist. Figure skating is a family affair!
Tell us about your business, and what prompted you to join Boisset?
JCB (Jean-Charles Boisset) prompted me to join. I have a deep respect for this man as a winemaker, his desire to preserve history, his innovation and his creativity. His willingness to provide opportunity to people and live a life of luxury as it means to you, is inspiring. This is who I hope to be, and bringing fine wine, gifts and luxury experiences to you is what my business is all about.
I’ve participated in a couple of your wine tastings for MBA, how can others participate?
Readers can let me know they are interested via email, and I will let them know when I have a tasting available. We can also schedule one just for them! Housewine@ilonancompany.com
Which of your products is your favorite?
Clearly, the wines speak for themselves, and I love our jewelry. Each piece is unique and has a story to tell.
What do you like best about being an entrepreneur, and what is the most challenging aspect of it?
I love being able to create the environment and experiences that are fulfilling. The most challenging part is bringing those ideas and thoughts to life on my own.
How do you divide your time between work, family, and self-care? How do you unwind?
This is the hardest of these questions to answer because work -life balance is an ongoing challenge for most of us. I make a lot of lists! I divide them into each of these categories. I try to accomplish something in each one every day. I also try to focus on and enjoy the one thing I am doing at that moment to avoid becoming overwhelmed. I unwind with a short power nap and then a glass of wine!!
When not drinking the wine you sell, where do you like to go out for a glass?
Anywhere in France! Seriously, anywhere with friends. Wine is meant to bring us together to share our stories, our lives, the good times and the not so good times. I do need a real glass though! I recently participated in a training on glassware and the result was that it is not the airplane wine that is bad, it is the plastic cups they serve it in!
What is a hobby you tried but could just not get into?
I love music of all kinds. During my teen years, as I was perfecting my skills as a figure skater, I thought taking guitar lessons would be fun and relaxing. Turns out I thought I needed to perfect at that as well. Just more pressure. - My husband plays guitar today and records with a band. Guess my hobby paid off?
What is a little-known fact or talent about yourself?
I am very good at nurturing friendships. My dearest friends are those that I have known for a very long time. Some of them don’t even live near me. When my best friend moved away in 2000, we made a deal that we would see each other a few times a year, and we still hold to it! We pick up right where we left off and check in with each other almost daily.
What was the best advice that you were ever given?
Before our wedding someone told us to stop several times during the night and watch your guests. Take in the moment and hold on to the pictures in your mind. I think in life you need to stop and look at what you have and really keep those memories close to your heart.
What advice can you offer to the graduating class of 2024?
The road to success is not a straight path. Be open to opportunities and realize that what you want today may very well be where you end up but not without a lot of experience and challenges that bring you to that place. Enjoy the journey!
You can learn more about the Jean-Charles Boisset collection by contacting Ilona at 847.736.6297, or visit her website.
my.boissetcollection.com/
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