In the Spotlight: Some inspiring women entrepreneurs from Illinois
#IllinoisWomenLead #InspiringEntrepreneurs #WomenInBusiness #IllinoisInnovation #IllinoisTrailblazers #EmpowermentInAction #IllinoisSuccessStories
Illinois, with its business-friendly environment and commitment to equality, has become a fertile ground for women entrepreneurs, who are transforming the state’s economic landscape. Women-owned businesses in Illinois are not just surviving, they are thriving – contributing significantly to the state’s economy with innovation, creativity, and resilience. From bustling urban centres like Chicago to smaller towns across the state, women are indeed redefining what it means to be a successful entrepreneur.
Empowering Illinois: Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs Leading the Way
The journey of these trailblazing women is shaped by a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Illinois’s diverse economic environment, characterized by a strong presence in manufacturing, technology, and healthcare, offers a wide array of sectors for women to explore. The state’s vibrant startup ecosystem, particularly in cities like Chicago and Aurora, provides access to critical resources such as – incubators, accelerators & coworking spaces, which are instrumental in nurturing new ventures.
What sets Illinois apart is its ability to cater to the different market demands, presented by its urban-rural divide. Women entrepreneurs here, have demonstrated exceptional adaptability, tailoring their businesses to meet the varied needs of their customers, whether in the heart of a bustling city or a quieter rural community. This blend of opportunity and challenge has created a distinct entrepreneurial landscape, where women in Illinois not only thrive, but also lead by example.
Let us now explore stories of some inspiring women entrepreneurs from Illinois.
> Ali Reff, Founder, Alice & Wonder
The shop – Alice & Wonder’s owner, Ali Reff, is a woman entrepreneur who quit her PR-agency job to chase her dream of owning a store of her own. Prior to this role, Ali held positions such as Digital Manager at Golin, Senior Account Executive at Discovery Chicago, and Marketing Intern at rEvolution. She also has experience as a Reserved Speaker Specialist/Meeting Specialist at Scientific Voice and as an Event Coordinator Intern at Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
In 2015, Ali Reff took a leap ahead – quit her job and began running an online store out of the second floor of her apartment. The word spread quickly, and later she became the owner of the widely popular Chicago fashion boutiques – Alice + Wonder and Mini Wonder, a children’s concept.
Originally launched as an online shop, Alice & Wonder now has successful brick- and-mortar locations in Lincoln Park and Lakeview. Alice & Wonder sells a curated selection of hard-to-find items and classic brands, and even has its own Chicago apparel collection. Besides, the company ships throughout the U.S.
Today, Alice & Wonder has grown to be one of Chicago’s most-loved boutiques. And, it’s filled with the most adorable items, and is a favourite among locals there. The branding is always on point!
> Auriel Banister, Founder, Bani’s Beets
Founded by Auriel Banister, Bani’s Beets began as a kitchen start-up and transformed into a well-known local vendor in Beverly.
She actually champions the positive impact that healthy, organic juice and food can have on one’s health and overall being. So, Bani’s Beets works to provide you with fresh, quality juice and food to support a healthy lifestyle.
It was her passion for educating and inspiring members of her community to lead healthier lives that motivated her to create Bani’s Beets in 2012.
Bani’s Beets is an organic cold pressed juicery that, according to Auriel, is “redefining the beet experience in every way.” Beets are a superfood found in all of Bani’s Beets fresh juices. High in fiber, Vitamin C, and other nutrients like magnesium and potassium, beets are known to aid in cleansing the liver. They believe that by having an optimal working liver, we increase our chance of achieving optimal health. In addition to fresh juice, Bani’s Beets also serves smoothies, salads, avocado toast, and a variety of other foods.
She opened Bani’s Beets brick-and-mortar shop in 2018. Along her entrepreneurial journey, she learned more about her own health and her need for the nourishment she serves to others. When the pandemic hit in March 2020, Bani’s Beets’ cost of operation increased significantly, but she has worked diligently to keep doors open.
Today, the shop promotes healthy living through organic cold pressed juices and foods, including smoothies, bowls, salads, and toasts. In addition to its shop, Bani’s Beets’ products can be found throughout vegan restaurants and coffee shops around Chicago’s South Side.
So, Bani’s Beets is totally committed to supporting health and wellness in the community.
> Chef Kristen Ashley, Founder, Cleo’s Southern Cuisine
Chef Kristen Ashley’s Cleo Southern Cuisine is a contemporary Chicago-based restaurant and catering company founded by her.
The restaurant was founded by her, in honour of her late grandmother, Cleodell, and pays homage through delicious and soulful recipes. The mouth-watering fried chicken, cornbread dressing, and baked macaroni and cheese are some of the dishes that keep Cleo’s Southern Cuisine customers coming back for more.
Cleo’s Southern Cuisine established roots in the Historic Bronzeville neighbourhood on the south side of Chicago on May 4, 2019. By launching this in the neighbourhood Chef Kristen had raised something that is very dear to her heart. And seeing that this flagship location is staffed completely by her family, it is her sincere hope – to continue bring a welcoming family vibe to her customers.
> Michelle Foik & Katy Pizza, Co-founders, Eris Brewery and Ciderhouse
Founded by dynamic duo Michelle Foik and Katy Pizza in Old Irving Park, Eris Brewery and Ciderhouse serves up craft beer, hard cider, and a food menu that satisfies every craving. Favorite menu items include the home-made Van Van Mojo blueberry cider, Shrimp & Grits, and Sea Salt Fries with a Trio of Sauces.
Interestingly, ERIS Brewery and Cider House was founded by two people with completely different backgrounds. But, as fate would have it, an encounter led them to opening one of Chicago’s premiere Cider Houses.
Michelle Foik is a tried-and-tested true craft veteran. Starting out at Goose Island, she made her way to Virtue Cider and Revolution Brewing, and through some encouragement through their current chief strategy officer that she met at Revolution, she decided to open her own place. Katy Pizza’s road to ERIS is quite different. As someone with Celiac disease, she strayed away from beers, but ciders were something she always enjoyed. In addition to that, Katy’s origins were far away from the beer and craft industries.
After Michele met Katy, they sat down and made the business plan, and from there they looked at each other and said – it might be kind of nice to work together in a company which is woman-owned!!
> Sarah Leitten & Kate Prince, Co-owners, Flora Chicago
Flora is co-owned by Sarah Leitten and Kate Prince, who met while working at the shop and later bought the business in 2018.
Sarah was born and raised in Buffalo, NY and graduated from the Cleveland Institute of Art with a BFA in sculpture in 2009. Sarah had worked in the floral industry for 9 years and spent her free time drawing comics and working on art projects. Kate was born and raised in Sydney, Australia and had 15+ years of horticultural and landscaping experience. Kate has lived and travelled all over the world. Together, they both gave Flora a unique artistic touch!
The shop’s style is organic and natural with a touch of wild, highlighting the owners’ appreciation for nature and beautiful, sustainable pieces.
With a combined horticulture experience of over 20 years, they operate with honesty, collaboration & an attention to detail. They are innovative and creative problem solvers with a great team, great resources, an incredible eye and a can-do attitude.
Plus, they thrive on a challenge, it’s how they got here and of course, their work speaks for itself!
> Bobbi and Kiona, Co-founders, Mitchell & Co.
Established by married hairstylists Bobbi and Kiona Mitchell in 2015, Mitchell & Co. is an upscale salon. What’s special is that it is well-known for its welcoming spirit and high-quality services. Located in a quaint Lincoln Park locale, the salon offers everything – from colouring to men’s grooming, and sells local products from the community.
They wanted to sell products that they believed in, while staying true to what inspires them. Besides, Mitchell & Co. supports local community – from the art on the wall to the furniture that clients sit in. Dedicated to maintaining the highest quality of services, as well as products, Mitchell & Co. strives to bring upscale “downtown” services back to the neighbourhood corner shop.
Serving in Chicago, Illinois, the company offers – hair colour, haircuts, facials, waxing services, spa services, hair extension, hairstyle and other related services to its client.
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