Community Spirit is alive and well in Glen Ellyn and even more so now that Kathy Van Ek started her business, Fan-Tastic Straps.  This local mom saw a need and found a solution.  And now we can easily cheer on our favorite athlete and team and show them our support just by the straps on our bag.  

 

I grew up in Connecticut, Florida, and mostly Glen Ellyn including being a student at Ben Franklin, Hadley and Glenbard West.  I graduated from Hope College in Holland, MI, where I met my husband Jeremy.  We have been married for 27 years and have 3 boys, ages 21, 19 and 17.  Jeremy and I moved to Glen Ellyn in 1998 and have loved raising our family here.  My background is in education, I have taught all ages from Preschool through 8th grade.  I currently teach preschool in town, which I love!  I have enjoyed being involved in the community through Newcomers, Infant Welfare, Juniors, St. Pet’s, the Food Pantry, and my boys’ schools (Ben Franklin, Hadley, and Glenbard West).  

 

 

I love cheering for my boys, family members, and friends.  Each of my 3 boys have played on many teams and participated in clubs and activities (like marching band, boy scouts, and theater) throughout their school years.  I loved being a part of their experiences and cheering them on!  Through all these activities and particularly while traveling for sports tournaments, I really enjoyed seeing all the different fan gear people were wearing from teams across the country.  This planted a seed and in Nov. 2023, I started the company Fan-Tastic Straps.

 

 

 Fan-Tastic Straps began as an on-line store.  We now have bag straps that you can shop for in person at Stacy’s Corner in Glen Ellyn, Glenbard West High School Gear Store in Glen Ellyn, and at Holy Family High School in Minnesota.  We are excited to be growing on-line and in person to reach more people.  

 

 

The most rewarding part of the business is meeting people and making connections.  As I was developing the business, I sought guidance from many people and continue to learn from other entrepreneurs.  I have also loved seeing how much people enjoy the straps and bags. It’s

awesome to see pictures of Fan-Tastic Straps products at games and stadiums across the

country. Being a part of someone’s event has been an exciting experience.

 

 Glen Ellyn has been my home since 1983.  My family moved from Connecticut to Glen Ellyn when I was in 4th grade and I went to Ben Franklin Elementary School, Hadley Junior High and Glenbard West High School, with one year of high school in Florida.  After college, and a few more moves, my husband and I chose to settle back in Glen Ellyn to raise our family here.  My parents and sister’s family live in Glen Ellyn as well, I am grateful to be so close to each other.  We get together often and I love that the cousins are growing up together.  We love the small town feel of Glen Ellyn, with the convenience of being close to the city.  Fourth of July in Glen Ellyn is a family favorite that we look forward to each year.  The community of Glen Ellyn cares about each other, rallying in difficult times, and cheering on the successes.  I feel fortunate to call Glen Ellyn my hometown.   

 

 

 Fan-Tastic Straps is a local business that creates custom bag straps for schools, clubs, teams, organizations, and businesses.  Our mission is to spread joy and support others.  Creating custom bag straps is a small way we can bring joy to others and show support of people, teams and businesses that are important to our customers.  Supporting our community is also important to us.  We have donated straps and bags to organizations to help them raise money to support their missions.  We would love to be a part of your game day, business or organization!

 

I hope you loved learning about this local mom and her brand new business.  I am a customer and personally love the quality. Plus, Fan-Tastic Straps are the perfect gift for all of the cheerleaders in our life.  You can connect with Kathy Van Ek at www.fantasticstraps.com or find her on Instagram at @fantasticstraps and Facebook at Fantastic Straps.