Barrington resident Erin Shechtman's hat making talent was first discovered on the Steve Harvey show.

"I happened to be part of the 'Ask Steve' segment, where you surprise Steve with silly questions," said Shechtman. "I mentioned I've made some hats and asked him what kind of hat he would make."

The next thing Erin knew, she was being asked to come back for another show to make hats for a runway debut on his show.

"The Chicago church ladies were brought in to model my hats on a returning show," said Shechtman. "They received makeovers and clothes and it was just so gratifying to see this crazy experience touch so many people."

Erin launched eleganthattery.com and continues to make hats for all occasions as well as different charities.

"I love making custom hats that exemplify each client's unique personality," said Shechtman.

Shechtman is also very involved locally. The former Barrington Junior Women's Club president has worked with the Barrington Area Council on Aging by delivering meals to older adults who are unable to prepare meals for themselves. Shechtman is most proud of the BJWC's partnership with the community which helped raised $400,000 for the Barrington Park District Splash Pad in honor of long-time philanthropist Frederica "Freddie" Pederson. She's also very involved in the Hough Street School PTO.

"There is such an incredible sense of community in Barrington," said Shechtman, who has lived here for more than 10 years. "If there is ever a need, this community just pulls together like none I've ever seen."

Erin is married to Sherman Shechtman and together they have three children, 13, 9 and 6.

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