Tina Weller Graduate of University of Illinois Chicago • She and her husband are self-described 'foodies' • Grew up working in her parents' restaurant • Once had a job selling commercial trucks
From the first time she visited Hinsdale, Tina Weller liked what she saw. She's spent the last two decades making it, and the world around it, even better.
"It just seemed like a really amazing community where people were happy," Weller said of Hinsdale, the village she and husband Jeff chose as their home 20 years ago while expecting their first son.
Since then, Weller has taken nearly every opportunity to give back to her adopted hometown. From volunteering at her two sons' schools to opening a business that donates a portion of its profits and serving on multiple nonprofit boards, Weller said she rarely says no when it comes to helping a philanthropic endeavor.
"Our whole goal is to give back more than receive," Weller said.
She founded her company, Fumée Claire, with the intention of giving back. A portion of profit from every clean-burning candle or plant-based body product sold is donated, bringing the grand total to more than $35,000 in the company's first three years. The company website states that Fumée Claire products are made in the USA. What it doesn't say is that they're created in Hinsdale
"I make them all in my home. Everything is handmade by me," Weller said.
Among the organizations to benefit from Fumée Claire is the Hinsdale Historical Society. Weller said that as the owner of a nearly century-old home in Hinsdale, preserving the history and character of the village and its homes is important to her. For several years Weller organized the annual trolley VIP experience for the society's Kitchen Walk fundraiser.
She also is an active member and former board executive for Service Club of Chicago, Hinsdale Junior Woman's Club and the Infant Welfare Society, all of which share Weller's vision of a better world and better lives for those in it.
Other than her position as treasurer on the Hinsdale Central hockey team board, Weller has stepped down from her many board positions to allow more time with her youngest son in his final year of high school. She said she'll spend the next year focusing on family while also making time for the causes close to her heart.
She and Jeff also will continue to support nonprofits and local sports teams through sponsorships and gifts.
"There's really not much we say no to," said Weller, who is preparing for several runway appearances as area nonprofits prepare for fundraising fashion shows.
When she's not walking the runway, planning a fundraising event, attending her son's hockey game or creating products for Fumée Claire, Weller can be found at Weller Dental, where she coordinates treatment plans and guides patients through their experience. Weller said she was highly fearful of dentists before she married one, so she understands the emotions that often accompany a visit to her husband's practice.
"Now, I talk people through their fears and anxieties," she said.
Through her gifts of time, talent and treasure, Weller said she has met many neighbors and gained a knowledge and appreciation for the town she has chosen to call home.
"That's another reward of giving back," she said.
