Get to know: Lori Elo, Mrs. Illinois contestant

Deer Park mother Lori Elo competed to be Mrs. Illinois April 19 at the Hemmen’s Auditorium in Elgin. Although Elo did not win, she said she met some great people.

Elo shared her life story with Barrington Suburban Life Reporter Tarah Thorne before the pageant. Elo said she has been most busy owning an area business and parenting her twin daughters.

Thorne: What drew you to Deer Park to live? How do you spend your time in the area?

Elo: We moved from Palatine to Deer Park 21 years ago. Why we chose this area is because we wanted land, and when my husband found the property we chose to build.

We hired the Amish to build our home. My time is spent driving my daughters to and from school, activities and the mall.

Thorne: As a parent of two twin daughters, what has been most rewarding? Challenging?

Elo: Having twins is truly a double blessing. They have very different personalities with different interests, so being actively involved in their lives is very rewarding. The challenges are managing schedules.  It requires a lot of multitasking.

Thorne: You’re so busy. What inspired you to compete to be Mrs. Illinois/America? Have you done pageants before?

Elo: I participated in a Bridal Show for Christina Currie Events and a connection from her network asked me to compete for Mrs. Illinois.

Area resident Karen Lea Cline was a previous winner and encouraged me to participate. I was in the Miss Illinois pageant when I was in my senior year in college.

Thorne: Where did you attend college? What was your Miss Illinois competition experience like? How did you place and what did you take away mentally from that pageant?

Elo: I attended the University of Illinois in Champaign Urbana. The Miss Illinois pageant was very competitive, with enormous talent. Some of the contestants had already competed five or six times. I did not win that pageant, but I learned a lot about women and a lot about competition.

Thorne: What do you expect the Mrs. Illinois/America competition to be like? How have you rehearsed?

Elo: There are so many talented, beautiful and qualified women competing in the pageant, so I expect the competition to be tough. I want to enjoy the day and get to know these amazing women. It all takes place on one day, so that is when we first rehearse.

Thorne: Do you have to perform a talent?

Elo: I sing but you do not have to perform a talent.  Mrs Illinois bases 50 percent of the total points on your interview. We also have to compete in a state costume, swimsuit and evening gown.

Thorne: Do you have your attire ready? Where did you shop?

Elo: I have all of my attire ready. I am having my evening gown donated by A’L’Amour, and I purchased my costume at Victoria Secret and swimsuit at Everything But Water. I already owned my suit for the interview.

Thorne: Has anyone given you advice for the interview? What did they tell you?

Elo: I have had a great mentor in Karen Lea Cline. She is a former Mrs Illinois in 1998. Also wonderful friends like Christina Currie of Christina Currie Events.

Thorne: If you win the title of being Mrs. Illinois or America, what would you like to do in this role?

Elo: I would like to represent women in business. I received my woman-owned business certification this past November and hope to be a voice and inspiration to all women that is acceptable to take risks and see the challenges and rewards life has to offer. I would like to give back and mentor other women in their pursuits.

Thorne: What led you to go for your woman-owned business certification this past year? What business do you own? What’s most rewarding for you being a woman in business?

Elo: I wanted to obtain my certification because I feel that it is important to be recognized as a woman in business. Also, when certified, you get to bid on set aside opportunities.

My business is Print By Numbers, which is a printing and packaging company. Female entrepreneurship has skyrocketed.

Thorne: Who has been most supportive of your competing thus far? How?

Elo: I have wonderful family and friends. I would not be participating in the pageant if it weren't for Christina Currie at Christina Currie Events, Denise Rouse at Northwest Suburban Physicians (sponsor), Nancy Prince at Electro Insulation Corp. (sponsor), Deedee Gallagher at Bataille Academie of the Danse (costume), A'L'Amour (evening gown), Julie Drover (fitness trainer) and Karen Lea Cline at Lea Image Studio (pageant consultant).

Thorne: What’s something most people wouldn’t know about you?

Elo: I would have to say, it’s that I sing. I also love to cook and bake.

Thorne: What are some of your favorite things to cook and bake? What do your daughters enjoy most?

Elo: I love to cook big meals and am most known for my breakfasts. Sunday brunch is a special time for our family. The girls love my cornmeal crisp waffles.

Thorne: What would be your advice to other busy mothers who would like to pursue something they’re passionate about?

Elo: Even if it seems daunting or scary, take a leap of faith and believe in yourself. You cannot grow as a person if you don’t try.

Thorne: What’s some of the best advice you’ve received thus far?

Elo: "Enjoy the journey" … and I will.