Leave it to Facebook to connect two southern girls from a small town in Mississippi, living, working and raising kids in the Windy City. Terri’s profile caught my attention while connecting with grade school friends over a year ago. I noticed she lived in Chicago, was from Louisville (my original hometown) and was a mom! After connecting online, we met for coffee immediately bonding over all the friends we had in common.
Name: Terri Hickey
Kids: Liam, 4
Occupation: Director of Public Relations for Four Seasons Hotel Chicago and The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, a Four Seasons Hotel.
About Terri: Born and raised in the small town of Louisville, MS, I am now learning to call The Windy City home. A Communications graduate from Mississippi State University, I came to Chicago as a journalist for The Daily Herald, in search of that big news story as well as big city experiences. Little did I know I would find my husband, Matt, and a career path that would lead me to overseeing public relations for two of Chicago’s best luxury hotels. In between, I enjoyed a brief career working in Illinois politics and became a mom to my now four-year-old son Liam and our dogs, Sherman, 13 and Lucy, 10.
SMITC Interview with Terri:
What is one thing most people don’t know about you? I used to sing in pageants and love to sing Crazy in karaoke bars. I also know a lot about sports!
What’s your “secret” to being Sassy? An amazing husband who loves to cook, shop for groceries and is really a hands-on father. He makes it possible for me to truly balance work and family.
What’s your favorite place in the city for a date night and why? It’s so hard to choose, but I love just wearing jeans and going to a great sports bar with good food and big flat screens. My favorites are Crossroads in the West Loop and Square Bar on Belmont. I also love the energy and close atmosphere of La Scarola on West Grand.
What’s has been the biggest challenge balancing a full time job outside the home and motherhood? The biggest challenge is making time for everyone and everything. I’ve come to realize it’s OK to miss a workout or an event. It’s all about prioritizing and putting family first.
What is your guilty pleasure when you get a little coveted ‘me’ time? I love getting a mani/pedi or a relaxing massage.
What type of activities do you like to do with your family? Play board games, travel, visit my family in Mississippi and play in the snow or at the beach with our two dogs.
SASSY FACTS….
I never leave home without….. My MAC lipstick. Even without a stick of makeup, a little lipstick can really go a long way.
My biggest influence is…. My parents. They have always encouraged me to go after my dreams. I truly credit them for having the courage to move to a big city and for my professional and personal successes.
My favorite restaurant in Chicago is …… La Scarola and de Cero – I love those taco flights and pineapple margaritas!
My guilty pleasure is…… Sprinkles cupcakes
My Must-Have product is…. Moroccan Oil – I never thought I would put oil on my hair but I love the shine and texture it gives!
