Meet-a-Mom, Nichole Veihman
What’s your favorite family activity in the Hinsdale, Western Springs, La Grange, Clarendon Hills Area ?
In the summer, I like to hit all of the farmers markets, each town has one on different days and so if I can hit a few in a week that makes me happy. We also like to get outside in the forest preserve for Go Ape or riding bikes or hiking.
I love to support local too, so hitting local play places like Waterlemon or the library, and eating out make for a fun day.
But our favorite thing – is being with friends. We have so many neighbors and friends we love spending time with. We get together at someone’s house and let the kids run wild – we miss this so much in quarantine now.
How many children do you have and what are their age(s)?
I have three girls, 7, 5 and 3 years old. I love seeing how they play as sisters. I never had a sister, only one brother (who I love) but very excited they have each other.
How long have you lived in the Hinsdale/WS/La Grange/CH Area? What made you decide to live here?
We have been here about three years. We live near downtown La Grange and love the walkability. We walk to school, town, Trader Joe’s, church, and the library.
Where’s your favorite place to eat and/or shop in the Hinsdale/WS/La Grange/CH Area?
Oh gosh, can’t name them all. We use so many neighboring towns for different reasons. I workout in Clarendon Hills at Barre3. One of our favorite restaurants is Jade Dragon in Hinsdale. we love Casey’s Market in Western Springs and Kama Bistro, Olivaceto, Fair Game and Bloom3 in La Grange…just to name a few favorites.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I have a degree from Indiana University in costume design. I had to work in the Opera and Ballet every semester, sewing and designing costumes, and working on quick changes for the shows. I still sew today, but more casual, like cloth napkins for home and Halloween costumes.
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
My husband. He is a great partner and father. He is good about meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking and taking the kids to do fun activities. I work from home and work evenings and weekends and he is a great support system for me.
Also, my girlfriends. I have amazing sets of different friends, girls from high school, college, city friends and suburbs friends. Each of them has influenced me in different ways over the years. And now as a parent, I still lean on these folks to help answer questions, listen to my day, have play dates, share wine and coffee, laughter and tears. So grateful for each of them.
My mom always said, to have a friend, you have to be a friend. I always remember that. So I take pride in maintaining and fostering relationships.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
I am a local real estate agent with @properties, who I have been with for three years. I pride myself on knowing the ins and outs of the western suburbs. I host a tour to help folks from the city understand the different areas and help them understand what suburbs might be best for them. I love where we live and showing it off. I also am very in tune with my local market, keeping a sharp eye trends and new listings so I can best serve my clients.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
The community we have found in La Grange is more amazing than I could have imagined. Our immediate community (a few blocks from our house) the La Grange community at large, and the La Grange Business Community have all provided different resources and support for my family, as well as for my business. I am on the board of La Grange Neighbors and Newcomers and love the work we do to help connect people, at all stages of life. I am also on the membership committee of the La Grange Business Association. This group is instrumental in keeping the town of La Grange vibrant and I love personally knowing business owners and giving back to the community in this way.