The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce and Women in Business are excited to honor Stephanie Wojcik, a Naperville resident and owner of Budget Blinds of Naperville, as our 2019 Woman of the Quarter.
Q: Describe your business and what you do.
A: At Budget Blinds of Naperville, we help customers design custom window treatments to best fit the needs of their home and work space. While we do have a showroom on Washington Street, we are primarily a shop-at-home business. We bring the showroom to you to help you select the right product, color and design that best fits your home and your needs. The best way to do that is in your home where we can see the lighting and design of your space.
Q: What do you love most about coming to work?
A: I love meeting new people everyday and helping customers reach outside their comfort zone in their selections with inspiring designs, textures and smart home convenience. I also enjoy educating customers on what works well in their space and meets their needs.
Q: What led you down the path of becoming a franchise entrepreneur?
A: When I had my son, almost 15 years ago, I realized I wanted more flexibility than I had in my corporate marketing job. I was introduced to Budget Blinds and thought it would be a great fit for my creative side and business skills. Coordinating all of the different facets of the business keeps me on my toes and my mind busy.
Q: What advice do you have for other women entrepreneurs?
A: Depends on what time of day you ask me. In all seriousness, being an entrepreneur is challenging. It is hard work. Always keep in mind why you started. For me it’s the flexibility, the creative outlet, and the satisfaction of growing a business that serves our community.
Q: Name someone in your life who inspires you and tell me why.
A: My former boss taught me to think outside the box, to question the status quo, to look for a deeper meaning or answer, and to enjoy some of the finer things of life. He passed away last year from pancreatic cancer way too young. I frequently think of him and his passions, and remind myself to enjoy the moment. You never know what is going to be around the next corner.
Q: What other passions or hobbies do you have?
A: I love art and antiques. While I am not good at getting dirty and repurposing items, I am good at shopping and buying from retailers who share the same passion. And I love promoting great ones I find! I love a good flea market, antique shop or vendor showcase. I love color and texture, and finding ways to pull old and new items together. I have many heirlooms I could never part with, so finding ways to incorporate them in new and modern spaces keeps me inspired and motivated.
Q: Aside from the Chamber, how do you stay connected within the Naperville community?
A: I live here in Naperville with my husband and three kids who attend Naperville Central, Madison Junior High and River Woods Elementary. My kids are active in sports, theater, and dance, so I am regularly running around in the Naperville area. A football or baseball game one day, a theatre event the next day. I am constantly bumping into customers at a variety of venues throughout the city. I participate in National Charity League with my oldest daughter and Young Men’s Service League with my son. Through these groups, we volunteer at numerous organizations in the community: DuPage Pads, Hesed House, Feed My Starving Children, Almost Home Kids, to name a few. We enjoy meeting new people and helping where we can. I also support KidsMatter and serve on one of their committees and attend as many Naperville Moms Network events as possible. As a family, we attend St. Elizabeth Seton Church.