Dupage Policy Journal

Hannah Billingsley, a candidate for Illinois State House District 49, recently expressed her enthusiasm for the new businesses opening in West Chicago. Billingsley, who is set to challenge incumbent Democrat Maura Hirschauer in the forthcoming general election, stated she was "excited about Cocoa Notes Bakeshop being here."

"Woohoo! New businesses here in West Chicago," said Billingsley, according to Facebook. "Still so excited about Cocoa Notes Bakeshop being here. Thankful to live in a diverse city."

Billingsley posted a link on her Facebook page to a post from the City of West Chicago Government page that spotlighted new small businesses within the West Chicago community. These included Creative Feeling, a craft shop for personalized gifts located at 128 Main Street; Junction Dental Care, a clinic situated in the newly renovated premises at 1000 N. Neltnor Blvd.; and Muy Cool Party Balloon Boutique, a balloon boutique retailing party and gift supplies at 137 Turner Court.

Screenshot of Vote Hannah for Illinois May 1 Facebook post | Vote Hannah for Illinois Facebook page

In her own Facebook post, Billingsley highlighted Cocoa Notes Bakeshop. This patisserie is housed in Wiant House, a historic home near West Chicago Community High School that dates back 150 years. According to information on Cocoa Notes' website, the original concept for this project was to establish a bakery near Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. Co-owner Neha meticulously planned every aspect of the bakery as part of her Restaurant Design class. The business showcases local artists and businesses and supports local charities through cookie jar sales while also contributing to the food pantry.

Cocoa Notes offers an array of baked goods including raspberry and blueberry white chocolate bundt cakes, M&M cookies, lemon bars, classic French Madeleines, chocolate and butter croissants; chocolate chip and butterscotch chip cookies; banana bread made from their secret recipe; various quiches, brownies; a cranberry orange scone with orange glaze; and an Earl Grey sugar cookie. Customers can place orders either in-store or online. The bakery operates from Tuesday through Thursday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and remains closed from Saturday through Monday.

Apart from her political aspirations, Billingsley is a business owner in West Chicago with a background in teaching. She runs a niche clothing company and owns nine short-term rental units that maintain an 82% occupancy rate, as per her biography on her campaign website. Her political career includes serving as a zoning commissioner, and in 2021, she worked on the Jesse Sullivan campaign as Voter Engagement Coordinator in District 49.