October 27, 2014 2:26 pm Meet Heather Mitchell CAO of Capri Capital Partners, Chicago
Carter Isabella Mitchell (turning 8 next week!)
What do you love to do with your children? How old are they? And what is your greatest wish for them?
I have one child, Carter Isabella, and she is 7 going on 8 (November 2nd is her birthday). My greatest wish(es) for her is to be healthy, happy, fearless and compassionate.
When and where are you the happiest?
I am the happiest in close proximity to or submerged in water: I love the stillness of floating on my back in a pool, swimming lazy laps and taking luxurious baths; reading a book while lying on a raft; gazing upon the ocean with the sun on my skin. I spend a great deal of time looking out my window – I have gorgeous views of Lake Michigan from my office and from my home in Chicago. Whether in some of my favorite places like Costa Rica, Miami, Hilton Head or walking along the lake in Chicago, water is the constant that keeps me sane. Carter is a “water baby” as well!
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Bora Bora. I want to stay at one of those bungalows on stilts, that hovers over the turquoise water below.
Who has had the biggest influence upon you? And what quality do you most admire in a mother?
My family. My mother’s side for their deep and unyielding faith, acceptance of difference, love of the arts, music and literature, entrepreneurial leanings and great sense of humor. My father’s side is loud, gregarious and passionate; he is one of 16 and our family is zany, creative, unpredictable, competitive, intellectual with a tremendous love of nature. They are also entrepreneurial. I am a product of both sides and I wouldn’t have it any different!
My mother is smart, funny, irreverent, thoughtful, observant, has a tremendous amount of energy and generally does not face a challenge that she cannot overcome. As I grow older I realize how much I am like her! As I raise a daughter with my husband, I am always struck at how (as a single mother) resilient and strong a mother she was and is. As a mother with a career and family, I find that I have increasing admiration for my mother each day.
What do you like to do for fun?
I love to swim, and frankly, play almost any sport. I love to read, watch movies and travel. But my ideal fun day is spending a quiet afternoon with my family.
What is one of your favorite books? Movies?
I was an English major in college so to identify a favorite book is a daunting task. My all-time favorites include Their Eyes Were Watching God, Beloved and Gorilla My Love. Give me a glass of wine, a bubble bath, surrounded by the works of Zora Neale Hurston, Toni Morrison and Toni Cade Bambara, and I am in heaven.
What do you feel is one of your strongest qualities?
I believe one of my strongest qualities is my instinct. Instinct, in my opinion, is not only trusting your gut but truly observing those around you, to “feel” what others are saying to you when perhaps they are not “talking.” I find within a work or interpersonal setting, the ability to follow my instinct, which has been sharpened via many experiences over time, has allowed me to dive into fruitful projects and relationships and avoid those people or situations that are not in my best interest.
What is your favorite type of food and what do you love to cook?
I am a foodie: I love mostly any ethnic food and seafood. Since I was a child growing up in New England, I have always loved lobster. At home, I love to roast a simple chicken, piece of fish or lamb chops on a Sunday afternoon. It’s all about fresh ingredients. My love of food is a result of my father’s influence; he is a terrific amateur chef. Similar to my father, I equate preparing or sharing a wonderful meal with others as an expression of my love for them.
What is your favorite time of the day and why?
I have become a morning person. I love getting up before my daughter and husband, brewing my first cup of coffee and sitting for a moment on my balcony and gazing at the lake. I crave the solitude and sense of peace before the emailing, texting, meetings and overall craziness of the day begins!
Where is your favorite place to Party with Moms and what’s your favorite drink?
I love good red wine and rarely deviate from it. I enjoy going to a new foodie restaurant with my favorite moms. A few hours of great food, conversation and bonding with my girlfriends is a beautiful and required thing.
Heather Mitchell is the Chief Administrative Officer of Capri Capital Partners LLC, a real estate investment firm headquartered in Chicago, IL.