Channahon Mom Balances New Business and Family

Niki Josephsen-Georgopoulos is a mother and an entrepreneur who has been living in with her family for three years.  

“We wanted to be in a nice, quiet neighborhood with good schools that was family-oriented” said Georgopoulos, “I enjoy a quiet, low-crime area where you know your neighbors (the small town feel), yet still being close enough to the highways where you have access to larger metro areas."

Georgopoulos, who likes her current town, does have a couple of ideas about what might make it better.

“I do wish we had were more things coming in to strengthen the community, for example, another or a instead of a convenience store like the one they are building on Route 6,” Georgopoulos said.

She feels that businesses within an area should give something tangible back to communities.

“We need more places that have constructive activities for our children, where they can relate to each other in a safe environment,” she said.

A veteran of the mortgage industry, Georgopoulos decided that she needed a change of pace and recently started her own business, G & M Quick Print, where she is a print broker who finds the best options for her clients’ printing needs. 

“I wanted to work in a stable field and people are always going to have printing needs,” she said.

Niki’s clients will tell you that she is a godsend.

“People don’t have the time to handle these details on their own and I have found that they love not having to do the research and the legwork that is typically involved," she said. "I pride myself on getting my clients the best possible combination of price and quality."

Georgopoulos has grown her business primarily through word of mouth and referrals which has allowed it to grow organically.

“This works for me because it allows me the freedom to be home with my kids, which is very important to me,” Georgopoulos said.

Georgopoulos lists her parents and her family as the people who keep her going.

“My mom does great work through the she operates in Joliet and she cares so much about the community; she always makes people feel warm and welcome in any setting” said Georgopoulos.

Georgopoulos will be working side by side with her mom at this year’s , where she will be coordinating the children’s pumpkin decorating activities.

At the end of the day, I know my family will always be there for me no matter what. I find that to be inspiring.

Being a full time mom and working from home can sometimes be overwhelming and balancing it all is a challenge.

“I maximize the use of my alone time and then I focus on work when I have that time," she said. "It has been a challenge, but I truly believe that success can be achieved in all areas of your life if you work hard at it."

“I enjoy the challenge of building a new business and I like seeing the progress from all of the hard work that I put into it.”

Admittedly, she has little time for hobbies but she enjoys fashion and interior design as outlets for creativity.

“90% of the time, I do things with my kids," she said. "We enjoy the outdoors, parks and hiking… It’s hard sometimes to focus on myself but at the same time I really enjoy the time I spend with my family.”