March is the month to honor the fantastic women entrepreneurs around us, too! Chicagoland is a prosperous hub for ambitious women, and we all know that. There are plenty of women-owned restaurants, bars, and cafes, but there are also some women-owned businesses in Chicago that are unlike any other. Are you ready to find the women thriving in industries outside hospitality?
Escape Artistry
1579 N Milwaukee Ave #350, Chicago, IL 60622
Escape Artistry is Chicago’s only woman-owned-and-operated escape room dedicated to producing immersive, imaginative, and innovative story-driven puzzles. Guests are given 60 minutes to work together and find the clues, solve riddles, get the key, and escape one of six different challenges. Beyond the game, Escape Artistry is dedicated to working with local artists and organizations, working with local charitable organizations to create unique fundraising events, and fostering a community that values education, curiosity, creative problem solving, tolerance, and empathy.
Semicolon
515 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60642
Semicolon Bookstore is committed to nurturing the connection between literature, art, and the pursuit of knowledge; while also using the power of words to better our community. In honor of Women’s History Month, Semicolon is also running a pop-up concept at The Kimpton Gray Hotel called Narrative – A Semicolon Concept. The curated collection features all BIPOC and women authors to celebrate their stories this month and beyond. The activation supports The Gray’s commitment to being a safe, “gray” space available for all people no matter their race, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.
Volumes Bookcafe
1373 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Many witnessed Volumes’ reopening journey last year, and cannot be happier that one of our favorite book cafes is back and better than ever. Volumes Bookcafe is an independently owned bookstore run by two sisters that features heavily curated shelves of books, alongside a tasty menu of baked goods, quality espresso drinks and an array of local beer and wine. Whether dropping in to pick up a new read for home or curling up and staying a while, the shop aims to create a warm and inviting community space for book lovers of all ages.
Shot Bar MedSpa
Cyprus Cosmetic Collective
2342 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Cyprus Cosmetic Studio studio offers a full menu of permanent brow and lip tattoo services without the highbrow feel. Their ethos focuses on tattooing as an enhancement of clients’ natural beauty, a way of instilling confidence, and leaving them feeling like an elevated version of themselves.
BFF Bikes
2056 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Located on Damen & Dickens, this women-owned full-service bike shop offers not only an amazing selection of bikes and apparel, but also a stacked calendar of organized group rides, winter cycling training, and helpful clinics. We love BFF Bikes for its knowledgeable staff and friendly atmosphere. May you are a beginner seeking your first hybrid bike or a veteran looking for an upgrade, the team at BFF Bikes will ensure you find your new favorite ride.
Eb and Flow Yoga
2125 W North Ave 2nd floor, Chicago, IL 60622
Founded by mother-daughter duo Eboni & Peggy Howard, the studio was a way to express their passion for exploring the transformative power of yoga through a healthier physical and mental state of being. The experienced teachers at Eb & flow Yoga Studio welcome students of all ages and fitness levels, and the studio is committed to supporting community partners including One Tail at a Time, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Africa Yoga Project and much more.
The SHUDIO
1152 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608
Did you think the SHUDIO is just another plant shop in Chicago? Think again. Owned by the wonderful jewelry designer Merl Kinzie, the SHUDIO focuses on encouraging conscious consumerism and making eco-friendly shopping more approachable. Offering various ways to go green, it is a plant shop, a studio, a boutique, and a gallery all in one. From easy-to-keep plants (for black fingers like myself) to candles, organic skincare, makeup, and work created by local artist, the SHUDIO is a treasure grove waiting to be explored.
Bon Femmes
4917 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Owned by writer and entrepreneur Omotola, Bon Femmes is a women-owned gallery and shop featuring art, home decor, beauty, and everything else made and designed by women. Furthermore, a percentage of sales is donated to women led charities dedicated to helping our community.
Little Broken Things
Little Broken Things is a boutique-style hair salon offering versatile hair care and styling, as well as educational programming for the community. Additionally, the location operates an art consignment shop focused on showcasing local creators. As you can imagine, Little Broken Things is a friendly, safe environment for all humans. There honestly is no better place in Chicago for a hairdo!
Featured Image: the SHUDIO
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