Michigan Avenue - Niche Media - Michigan Avenue magazine is a luxury lifestyle magazine centered around Chicago’s finest people, events, fashion, health & beauty, fine dining & more!
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/123336
JUSTINE FEDAK JAN No challenge is too daunting for AND CINDY MELK Love for the arts fuels this motherthis business powerhouse. daughter pair. When philanthropist Jan Melk, a longtime supporter of the Steppenwolf Theatre and the Joffrey Ballet, read Eckhart Tolle's The Power of Now, it changed her life. "I realized you shouldn't spend time thinking about what happened yesterday or tomorrow," she says. "Live in the now." That's exactly what Jan—who says she's been "65 for a quite a few years"—is doing. "I get accused of being overscheduled," she says, "but I just want to get the most out of every day." Jan's philosophy inspires her daughter, Cindy. After selling her mega-successful skincare company H20 Plus five years ago, Cindy—who recently turned 50—is focusing on her artistic passions, among them designing her family's homes in Chicago and Miami Beach. "I have lots of things I want to pursue in the future," she says. "I feel youthful and on top of my game." Beauty philosophy (Jan): What makes a woman beautiful is something inside her that radiates. You feel her inner contentment, quiet confidence, and thoughtfulness. (Cindy): Beauty without substance is fleeting and boring. If there's nothing inside, it's not interesting. Hero (Cindy): I have profound respect for my mom and her positive attitude. She's also a knockout. That's encouraged me to go above and beyond and take care of myself. Signature look (Jan): I call my style "elegant simplicity." I travel a lot, so I like clothes that you can wear during the day then dress up at night with a scarf or jewelry. (Cindy): I love to mix different elements, like couture with denim, vintage, and leather. My friends call me a mix-master. Favorite travel spots (Cindy): London, Paris, Bali, and Germany, where my husband is from. Also, Tuscany. It's a respite for your soul. Major business success (Jan): The first Broadway play I invested in was August: Osage County, and that was a blazing success. Then Dolly Parton came along with 9 to 5. I invested in it, and it closed in two weeks. On aging gracefully (Jan): Having a good attitude is the most important thing. Also, it's important to keep active, both physically and in terms of engaging in your community. If money were no object (Cindy): I'd be doing exactly what I'm doing now— and I'd probably have a larger closet. AmazingCosmetics Velvet Mineral Liquid Custom Finish Foundation ($36). Sephora, 520 N. Michigan Ave., 312-494-9598; sephora.com. Dolce & Gabbana Smooth Eye Colour Duo in Cinammon ($42). Saks Fifth Avenue, 700 N. Michigan Ave., 312-799-5211; saks.com. Clinique Long Last Lipstick in All Heart ($15). Macy's, 835 N. Michigan Ave., 312-335-7700; macys.com. Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Strong ($22). Colette Salon & Spa, 100 E. Walton St., 312-944-1409; colettesalonspa.com. FASHION: Navy blazer and pants, Janet's own. Scarf, Prova ($500). Ikram, 15 E. Huron St., 312-587-1000; ikram.com. Hoop earrings, Jan's own ON JAN—BEAUTY: Dior Capture Totale Foundation in Cameo ($80). Saks Fifth Avenue, SEE ABOVE. Laura Mercier Creme Cheek Colour in Rosebud ($24). Neiman Marcus, 737 N. Michigan Ave., 312-642-5900; neimanmarcus.com. Bobbi Brown Kohl Cake Liner ($22). Saks Fifth Avenue, SEE ABOVE. Sumowax, Bumble and bumble ($27). Sephora, SEE ABOVE. FASHION: Turtleneck dress, belt, and boots, Cindy's own ON CINDY—BEAUTY: 112 MICHIGANAVEMAG.COM 110-117_MA_FEAT_BeautiesR2_MayJune13.indd 112 4/18/13 2:51 PM