“I’m formally a corporate Chicago-type and worked for a very large corporation, working behind the desk on a headset internationally and working with people of different walks of life and timelines, and I just never personally connected with them; it just wasn’t there. I was communicating remotely with 100% of the people I was working with. I was detached from society and from being creative.
Before we moved, we did a test run. We drove down to see what it would be like after my husband was offered a position. He kind of put it up to me. We are driving and our car breaks down. We get it to a repair shop near 22nd Street (barely) and from there we were like, ‘What do we do?’ We just got on foot and turned the corner to head south on Main Street from Eldorado Street to go to the Lincoln Lounge to have a Bloody Mary. The first recognizable business that I absorbed was the hair school. I never would have noticed it if I was driving down the street, or if I wasn’t dealing with the broken car situation having to literally walk past the school. It was transformational for me. I was like, ‘If that isn’t a sign, I don’t know what is.’ I was on the fence about changing careers before that point.
We went to the Lincoln Lounge, we solidified the fact that we were going to move, and that I was changing my career. We moved down here. I closed my former life, started school and got it done as fast as I could.
You’re just sort of meant to cross paths. There’s something in our spirits that somehow finds a way to connect us all. I can tell you a million times over it’s because of the coincidences and the things that have come about that I am where I’m at. It was just meant to be.” - Maggie P.
#LimitlessDecatur #UnfilteredDecatur
I love stories like this. So many people want to leave Decatur. It's refreshing to read stories from people who appreciate what we have here.
Aww Maggie, You deserve this recognition because you are a value to decatur! So glad to call you my friend 😘
I know things totally unrelated to me at the time have changed my life and the direction I took. I know what you mean and making big changes is so refreshing.
I lived up north too I lived in Chicago for 5 yrs and then Sterling all my childhood I have lived here for 27yrs now I love it. Of course I would love to live were there is no winter but other than that I like it here people are nicer than up north
Welcome to Decatur!!!
To all my tech friends at Accenture and Kenway and beyond...just wanted to say I enjoyed being able to connect with you and make friends locally in Chicago and with those visiting from abroad (some of you are life long friends!!)...but there was just something more from a career calling me that wasn’t part of the corporate environment (we all know our social events, happy hours and international colleague visits were always super fun!!!!!). Hope you’re all doing wonderful and that our paths cross again one day!! 😍
So glad to have crossed your path Maggie Zdarsky Potempa! You are the best stylist and person, and you are also a dear friend 🙂
Life leads us where we need to be! So thankful that you were a piece of my life! You Rock
All roads lead to Decatur!
Welcome to Decatur. We have some excellent Designers stylist and Spa Professionals. Look us up when you need CEU hours.
Maggie - I’m thrilled that everything has worked out for you. Everything has worked out better than I could have imagined for me as well.
I am so glad you changed careers and that you are my hairstylist! ❤ love what you do and it shows. You have helped me and my hair change so much for the better because you know and care about your clients.
So glad you followed your heart and passion!
I love me some Maggie Zdarsky Potempa
And you moved next door to us for awhile!! So glad our paths crossed and we got to know you!!!
Yay, Maggie!!!
LOVE this!!! Way to follow your heart AND your passion!!!
Your a classie lady Maggie!
Love Maggie Zdarsky Potempa! I love that I found a fellow Chicagoan who loves this town!
Chi Love Maria!!!!!!!
Maggie Zdarsky Potempa, love your story! I miss you!
Grab your tickets now! #LimitlessDecatur
Tickets for Take A Walk on the Wild Side are on sale now!! Enjoy an adult-only night of entertainment & art at the Scovill Zoo! Tickets are $75 and include all food & drinks from your favorite restaurants in town (Beach House, University Dogs, TapRoot, Bizou, TKG's Wing Heaven, Door 4 Brewery, Lincoln Lounge, & more), animal interactions, live & silent auctions, raffle drawing, music, and the unveiling of 10 new sculptures in the Sculpture Park! All proceeds will go towards Scovill Zoo!
(must be 21+)
