Terri Taylor, a well-known Shorewood business owner and proprietor of the boutique salon Persona Grata, has been named the 2024 Woman of the Year by the Zonta Club of the Joliet Area. Known for her warm personality and creative flair, Taylor’s dedication to both her business and her community has earned her this prestigious honor.
“Terri’s personal touch shines throughout Persona Grata, from its inviting ambiance to its unique décor,” stated a press release from the Zonta Club. Her salon has become more than just a place for beauty, it reflects her spirit of giving and creativity.
The Zonta Club of the Joliet Area annually recognizes women who go beyond their professional roles to make a positive impact on their communities. Taylor exemplifies this mission through her charitable contributions and leadership in community projects.
Creative Jewelry Project Brings Joy to Families
One of Taylor’s standout contributions to the community was her involvement in a creative jewelry donation initiative. She organized the collection of thousands of pieces of costume jewelry, much of it tarnished or forgotten. Many items were donated silver pieces that had lost their shine over time.
“People would donate silver jewelry that had turned black, and they didn’t want to deal with it,” Taylor said in a previous interview. “But it’s pretty amazing how beautiful it becomes once it’s cleaned up.”
Terri Taylor didn’t stop at restoration. She added artistic elements to the jewelry and coordinated with local schools and community organizations to set up gift stations. These displays allowed students and clients to select pieces of cleaned and revitalized jewelry to gift to important women in their lives, mothers, aunts, and grandmothers, just in time for special occasions.
The initiative not only promoted sustainability and creativity but also gave children a meaningful way to express love and appreciation, turning what was once discarded into something treasured.
Continued Commitment to Service and Advocacy
Beyond her business and the jewelry project, Terri Taylor has been a committed member of the Zonta Club, contributing actively to its various programs. She previously served as co-chair of the club’s fundraising committee, playing a pivotal role in organizing events to support the organization’s mission of empowering women and girls.
Terri Taylor also participates in the Service & Advocacy Committee, where she recently contributed to the club’s involvement in Project Linus, a nationwide initiative that provides handmade blankets to children in need. Under her leadership, the group successfully gathered a large number of blankets, offering comfort and warmth to vulnerable children.
Terri Taylor’s recognition as Zonta Woman of the Year is a testament to her creative spirit, leadership, and compassion. Whether through revitalizing jewelry, running her welcoming salon, or helping children through blanket donations, she continues to lead by example, turning small efforts into meaningful change.
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