Spotlight on Loving Local: An Interview with Andrea Winkler, Founder of The Wink House
Get to know Andrea Winkler the local-business loving owner behind The Wink House.
Andrea Winkler, picture provided
Tell me a little about yourself.
I was born and raised in Bloomington, Illinois. I met my husband of nine years on Match.com and have an eight-year-old daughter, Aleena, and nearly five-year-old twins, Davis and Audra. I am passionate about educating people on living a healthier lifestyle and enjoy baking, cooking, and being outside with my kiddos.
What is your background (education, previous jobs and/or experiences) that led you to where you are today?
I graduated with a BA in Marketing from University of Phoenix while working full time nights at Country Financial. I worked there for 5 years. In 2010 I started working at Humana selling insurance. In 2012, I went to work with my dad selling Medicare Insurance to Seniors.
The Wink House Stickers by Lettering Works
What led you to start your business, The Wink House?
Working in the senior industry, I saw how important it is to take care of your body and mind. Suffering from infertility before the twins also taught me about the importance of health. I continue to sell insurance and work with senior clients, but I felt my passion was leading me towards helping people learn to live a healthier lifestyle. A love for my community lead me into wanting to open a store based on living healthier, all while helping small businesses thrive.
Why do you think shopping locally is so important?
When we shop locally, we are supporting our local community of entrepreneurs. It directly impacts a family in our community. We want to keep the economy in Peoria booming. By shopping our fabulous small businesses, we can do that. We support those around us rather than the larger companies.
The Wink House Brand Pattern by Lettering Works
What are some of your short and long term goals?
I want The Wink House to be a place of community for people. I believe any kind of community is important to our growth and survival as humans. We search to be a part of like-minded people who all want to achieve the same goal. Whether that's in a gym, a book club, a crafting group, a sports league, a woman's group, we find value in being with others who bring out the best in ourselves.
Our vendors can be part of a community of vendors who are all wanting to showcase their products and brand. I value a community over competition approach. Our residents can have a community of other shoppers who enjoy shopping, supporting local, and learning, growing to live a healthier, happier lifestyle.
What are some of your favorite businesses that you plan to carry at The Wink House?
We have a lot of favorite small business vendors that we would love to join The Wink House family. We have confirmed a non-toxic product refill bar from Succulent Skin Care, formally in the Sunbeam building. We are talking to businesses who offer reduce-waste products, several boutiques including kid's fashion, jewelry markers, and all things for the home and beyond.
Initial Three Logo Concepts by Lettering Works
How would you describe the process of working with Lettering Works to establish your branding? What did you enjoy most?
Easy peasy! Chelsie was amazing. The whole process was organized and efficient. She completed each draft in a timely manner and took our suggestions into consideration. When we were torn with 2 logo styles, Chelsie helped give her perspective of each. While we went rogue and picked one, she wasn't 100% sold on she still was professional and went above and beyond to make sure what we wanted in a logo came through. She took extra time to ensure our vision of a logo came to life.
Logo Design Evolution
What value do you anticipate receiving from your logo?
I hope our logo shows the excitement we have with The W!nk House! Our excitement, as well as the excitement we hope it brings to the community. The logo embodies our vision for this fun place where small businesses can showcase their businesses as well as the home for customers to shop locally.
Why do you think small business owners should invest in quality branding?
A logo and branding is normally the first thing a consumer will see when they see your product or brand. If the logo is hard to read, small, too elaborate or too generic and your branding lacks character, it's hard as a consumer to get the feeling of the brand or company. Consumers tend to buy off feelings, so you want your brand and logo to shout what you do and who your company is. Our logo and brand represents our exciting, bright, live-out-loud feeling we are going for with The Wink House.
Find The WINK HOUSE at:
thewinkhouse.com, on Instagram @THE.WINK.HOUSe, & On Facebook @TheWinkHouse.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
On June 22nd, 2023, Chelsie presented The Wink House’s new branding work and a sample flyer created at Adobe’s Create Now Chicago event at the Chicago History Museum.
