Willowbrook alumna to host Boutique Bash featuring local businesses run by Willowbrook graduates

It has been 10 years since Amy (Stigner) Stachowiak graduated from Willowbrook in 2006, but the lessons she learned during her four years at the school are still helping her today.

While at Willowbrook, Stachowiak was involved with Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) – she participated in fashion competitions; theatre; and band. She said those experiences gave her the skills to earn her associate degree in fashion design from College of DuPage (COD) and to pursue a career in event planning. She also received a certificate of entrepreneurship from COD and earned her bachelor’s degree in arts and entertainment media management from Columbia College.

Stachowiak is now the owner of Stacks of Bags with Thirty-One Gifts and is using her knowledge and experience to host a Boutique Bash on April 9 that will feature 11 local businesses – 10 of which are represented by Willowbrook alumni. And six of those graduates still live in Villa Park.

“I wanted to host an event to give small, women-owned businesses more exposure,” Stachowiak said. “You don’t see that very often, and I wanted to provide this opportunity.”

Stachowiak said highlights of the event include:

Raffle proceeds will benefit Villa Bark, a Villa Park-based animal rescue that saves animals from euthanasia and helps them find their forever homes
Customizable gifts that are perfect for Mother’s Day
A fun and educational experience

Stachowiak said the Boutique Bash also is a great way to meet the community and promote the local companies, and her goal is to host the event on a semi-annual basis moving forward.

Boutique Bash
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 9

Where: 64 East Dr. in Northlake

For more information: Contact Amy (Stigner) Stachowiak at 630-901-4857 or stacksofbags@gmail.com, go to www.facebook.com/boutiquebash or see the flyer at https://www.dupage88.net/site/public/files/?item=2785 (which includes a description of the participating businesses)