Virginia works as a news-writer and producer for a major TV network in Chicago. She says that she has “the best job in the world” because she learns something new everyday. Virginia describes her work environment as “constantly moving and changing” which makes her feel like she “never stopped going to school”. This months Novemette knows that she is one of few people that can honestly say… “I LOVE my job”.

Virginia Matos

How and when did you start?

“I got involved in a TV show at my high school. Then I went to Columbia College and studied under the best professors in the biz. At first I wanted to head down the reporter route. But during four internships I found a mentor. This strong beautiful Latina who took charge making magic behind the camera. I wanted be just like her. I still do. So I went the behind-the-scenes route and here I am. My grandmother still wants me to be a reporter. But I just love being warm and toasty wearing a ponytail in the newsroom. I can’t do big hair, suits and high heels everyday.”

Favorite Chicago landmark or museum?

“There are too many to name. When people think landmarks — there are the obvious — The Bean –Wrigley Field etc etc. But I love the Chinese Zodiac statues in Chinatown…the Puerto Rican flags in Humboldt Park…the symbols that highlight Chicago’s diverse communities.”

Name 3 of your favorite musicians and/ bands?

“BT, Marilyn Manson and Ella Fitzgerald”

If you could buy a plane ticket and fly anywhere tomorrow where would you go and why?

“I’ve been dying to go to Japan. I’ve read so many books on the culture and traditions there. You have to love a country that gave birth to icons like Hello Kitty and Totoro. Its the home of bento boxes, harajuku girls and love hotels. When I saw Lost in Translation and I said ‘I have to do this by the time I’m 30′.”

What is your favorite flower?

“Rose is my middle name. So I’d have to say pink roses.”

Let’s say you are going out after work Friday for a drink. What would you order?

“A Champagne Cocktail at Violet Hour.
An Amaretto Stone Sour at Bocce’s. (make it a double)
French Martinis everywhere else!”

Submit entries for the next NOVEMETTE to CREATE@NOVEMSTUDIOS.COM
Please include: Name, email address and picture of the candidate wearing their favorite article of Novem gear.
Thank you,
-The Novem Team

Owned by Jenny Stadler and Shirley Novak, two designers that operate their respective clothing lines from the Logan Square shop, Wolfbait serves up original Chicago goods from over 80 other local clothing and jewelry artisans as well. I spoke with Shirley on Halloween, her favorite holiday, and asked a few questions about Wolfbait and B-Girls’ origins.

So, how did this all begin? What spawned the idea to open a boutique?
Jenny and I met about 5 years ago, doing other craft and fashion shows. We opened our store almost 2 years ago.

When was that?
We actually opened on April Fool’s Day, 2006.  So if we weren’t ready yet we could say ‘Just kidding!’

What steps did you take to make that a reality?
We spent a year and a half on our business plan, looking at different locations, and raising money.  Our business plan had to be full-proof, and keep in mind every possible detail.  It took lots of preparation.

How’d you choose your location?
Jenny found it- Actually the building wasn’t even built yet. We reserved our space with the condo developer when it was still an empty lot. We liked Logan Square because it wasn’t already saturated with boutiques, like Wicker Park or Lincoln Park. We wanted to be different, and create a new audience in a new neighborhood.

Is there a central theme here?
Well, we are totally local- carrying exclusively local designers.  But I’d say quality and originality are our two main traits.

What can we expect to see next?

Expect? Our best quality is that we’re unpredictable!

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- R.Pepin

“The new men’s boutique will open this fall and be about 4 times larger than our current one. We’ll have a lot more room for independent brands; we’ve got apparel coming in from Italy and from right here in Chicago. There’ll be a huge new denim section, lots of designer tees, even sport coats and nice button-ups. It’s more of a destination than a store, for men of any age.”  -Jon Cotay, owner

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– R.Pepin