Empowering Excellence: Women-Owned Wonders of West Suburban Chicago
This month we shine a spotlight on 7 Spectacular Women-Owned and Fabulous businesses. From empowering fitness studios to chic home decor boutiques, craft cocktail havens, and delightful gift emporiums, these visionary companies are making a difference locally. Join us on a journey through creativity, innovation, and passion as we showcase female entrepreneurship.
1. The Babe Bodega
WHEATON–Joanna Jacobs, the proud owner of The Babe Bodega is the driving force behind this distinctive establishment, taking on multiple roles and showcasing her creativity.. From event planning and decoration to jewelry crafting, lip gloss formulation, bartending, and even being a new best friend to many, Joanna does it all with flair. Her forward-thinking approach and extensive knowledge have earned her recognition throughout the industry. Notably, she was the sole representative from Chicago to be invited as an educator at the Permanent Jewelry Expo in Las Vegas. Joanna is constantly brainstorming new ideas and radiating positivity with her infectious smile.
2. Amante
WHEATON–At a young age, Samantha Raftery discovered her calling to serve others. In response to this she founded Amante Marketplace, a lifestyle brand that aims to infuse purpose, passion, and love into everything she does. Her carefully chosen artisans are dedicated to social causes, fair-trade principles, and ethical standards. Together, they strive to create a unique retail experience that leaves customers feeling cherished, appreciated, and acknowledged whether they are shopping online or in person. Samantha is a wife and mother of four, and enjoys spending time with friends, curating her home and wardrobe, and
envisioning her next exciting journey.
3. Shyft Naperville
NAPERVILLE–Karen Blecke and Maura Clifford are the owners of Shyft in Downtown Naperville. They guide clients to lean into their strengths, unload their weaknesses, and spring into promises while balancing between stretch, strength, energetic release and calm. Karen and Maura bring over 25 years of experience and are certified through the PhysicalMind Institute in New York. They help a wide range of clients from marathoners and triathletes, to individuals recovering from injuries, to those just beginning their journey. They are extremely passionate about teaching the benefits of low impact mind-body exercise to everyone.
4. Rooted Outdoor Living
OSWEGO–Dawn Barr used her Landscape Design Certificate from Northwestern University to open Rooted Outdoor Living, a residential landscape design/build firm focused on creating and installing beautiful outdoor living spaces that provide comfort and beauty for you and your family. Dawn has been in the landscape industry for over 17 years and strives to create current, elegant, and sustainable landscapes, encouraging people to get outdoors! Her passions include gardening, homesteading, backpacking, and making home-made organic soap. She is a mom to five children and countless farm animals.
5. Evolet Eve
WARRENVILLE–As a mom and business owner, Monika Lefever, owner of Evolet Eve, understands how hard it can be to find a space where you can unwind and connect, so she created an environment that is a warm, inviting, everyone-friendly hangout where you can reconnect with your people. Just like her space, her menu accommodates everyone. She encourages community members to take a break from the “to-do” list and come experience a home away from home and enjoy a glass of artisanal wine, a handcrafted cocktail, or a local craft brew. Choose from the cozy indoor lounge, the bustling bar tops, or the sprawling outdoor patio for an amazing time.
6. Make Up First School of Makeup Artistry
NAPERVILLE–Jade Labriola and Michelle Natywa are the owners of Make Up First and opened their doors to makeup artists and the public, offering training and makeup services. Between their trendy “Instagramable” space and functional photography studio, there’s something for everyone! Their Certificate Program is a comprehensive program in all avenues of the industry, including editorial, bridal, theatrical, media, clinical and more. The instructors include artists from Broadway productions, Ravinia, the Goodman Theater, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Joffrey Ballet, the School of the Art Institute, board-certified dermatologists, photographers, and highly successful media makeup artists. Jade works in all aspects of the industry, ranging from beauty to special effects, but specialize in fashion/editorial makeup. Michelle has worked on music videos and has created an award-winning bridal team at Elle Artistry.
7. Urban Artisan
GENEVA– Courtney Kinzler is the owner of Black Angel Companies, LLC which includes Urban Artisan, Black Angel Designs, Black Angel Saucery and Street Fests Chicago. She brings over 22 years experience in the gaming and coin-operated amusement industry in sales and marketing roles for game manufacturers and distributors. Urban Artisan is an award-winning retail experience showcasing artisan-created home decor, gifts, apparel, and more curated by Black Angel Designs. From fine art to fun pop culture gifts, they truly have something for everyone, and don’t miss their Chicago Fire Wall of Flame with over 200 gourmet and small-batch hot sauces.
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