Entrepreneurs are an interesting breed. I always appreciate the ones that are humble and admit to how far they've come but also, how much they have to learn. Such was the case when I met Niku. She attended our first Oak Street Social social media seminar and I was struck with her presence. She quietly observed and took notes. Her questions were smart...she was a student of her own brand and better yet, the social media world which plays a giant role in getting the word out about her eponymous brand, Paris312. She was soft spoken but warm...the kind of lady boss that you want to sit down and have coffee with, because I am sure I could learn quite a bit from her, too. She's built a cohesive, feminine brand that marries two great cities - Chicago + Paris - in the form of fun, flirty party goods. Do I have your attention? Good...read on because Niku is a really cool woman!
Read MoreCorri has been an unstoppable force in the fashion community for years. Her story has inspired young women and fellow entrepreneurs for years including myself. Not only has her brand, eDrop-off, withstood multiple economy shifts but it continues to thrive. She's a knock-out, a rocker, a momma, a #bossbabe, a fashionista and more. Check out what makes Corri such a fan favorite in the Chicago community!
Read MoreElaina is a petite but mighty boss babe. I met her several years ago at local events and then I really got to know her at a special dinner hosted by a friend. She is lovely. Always a smile on her face but what's really fascinating is to watch her in action. She glides through her events with an infallible grace. I've never seen her break a sweat or furrow a brow. (two things I do on the regular)
Read MoreIt's always nice when you meet a fellow color lover like Lindzi. She is unapologetically vibrant and girlie to the core. I often think to myself...if you're gonna be a girl...go big! That Lindzi does. With two FT businesses, I don't know how she comes up for air but such is the life of a #girlboss. From sassy tees to a well curated collection of whimsical paper goods and coffee mugs, you can find a gift for just about every lady on your list. Perfect timing for the holidays!
Read MoreWhen you meet Liz, her warm smile will undoubtedly be the first thing you notice. She puts everyone at ease. There is a twinkle in her eye that never dulls and, in fact, gets brighter when she talks about her husband or her kids...and now her newest baby, Coat Check.
Having lived in Chicago followed by a short stint to New York only to find herself back in Chicago once more...Liz is the perfect addition to the emerging fashion scene in Chicago.
Read MoreI feel like a complete failure. Also, it's safe to say this is not another fashion post. If you're not up for a healthy dose of cerebral this Tuesday morning...stop right here. <you've been warned>
Truth is, start ups are not easy. Unlike motherhood or marriage, I generally don't find a warm hug waiting for me at the end of every rejection email. Anyone who says becoming an entrepreneur is glamorous is very mistaken. While the rewards are oh-so-sweet, the dry spells feel like deserts.
Read MoreIt's no secret that much of how we consume information is through strong visuals. As they say, "a picture can speak a thousand words" and never were those words truer in a culture of Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat and the like. And thank goodness for this trend or I'd be outta a job!
Read MoreWhether you're a freelancer, a budding entrepreneur or an employee...there are two things that will help you achieve happiness and satisfaction in your job. In my opinion, those two things are:
- Confidence
- Asking for what you deserve AND actually getting it!
After 19 years of knowing my husband, I'm still learning. That's the wonder of marriage. Long story short, I've had a bit of a black cloud over my head in the work arena. Just a lot of weird situations. Anyhooo...I was telling my husband about two precarious situations - one at work and one via blogging - the other day and he just shut down.
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