Posted 23 days ago in Trending, Women's History Month
4 MIN READ – March is all about celebrating the incredible women shaping our world. Join us in honoring their legacy by supporting women-led businesses in and around the Chicago Loop this Women’s History Month.
Woman-owned Businesses in the Loop:
From tasty treats to theater shows and all in between, these are some of the Loop's leading ladies in business. Show them some love the next time you're in the Loop!
Kilwins Chocolate was first founded by Katy and Don Kilwin in Petoskey, Michigan, but franchise owner Jackie Jackson is the reason why we can enjoy Kilwins' handcrafted treats, mouthwatering fudge, and delightful ice cream flavors here in the Chicago Loop. Visit their storefront at 310 S. Michigan Avenue to savor the magic of Kilwins Chicago, where every chocolate is a masterpiece, and every visit is a celebration of the sweet life.
THE DEARBORN
Sisters Amy Lawless and Clodagh Lawless combine their 40+ years of hospitality experience—both here in Chicago and in their native Ireland—at The Dearborn to create a restaurant that unites their passion for heart-felt service, a welcoming ambiance and classically rooted food that isn’t afraid to take culinary risks. Inspiration for the cuisine starts with traditional American taverns and from there Executive Chef Aaron Cuschieri taps into his passion for seasonal ingredients, farmers markets and contemporary culinary techniques to create dishes that lean towards the Midwest as well as those with a more global influence.
Market 96
Discover Market 96, a Black and women-owned dispensary dedicated to community empowerment and inclusion. Experience quality products and a welcoming space for all.
Market 96 was born out of a desire to create a cannabis shopping experience like visiting your neighborhood market. It was founded by the Blounts & Moore team, a collaboration of nine highly accomplished women partnering with other like-minded, socially conscious entrepreneurs. Their Market 96 name pays tribute to the first state-level cannabis legalization in the United States in 1996 and honors the cannabis experience of today.
At Market 96 their unwavering commitment is to make everyone who steps into their neighborhood dispensary feel welcome, comfortable, and valued in their cannabis journey. Visit their store located at 529 S. Wells and get more information about their offerings here.
HERO COFFEE BAR
In a city with an ever-growing number of new roasters and coffee shops, Hero Coffee Bar wants to stand out as a Chicago staple committed to making a positive impact with not only the way they locally roast and source their beans, but also within the charity projects they choose to partner with and their commitment to staff wellbeing. They are a women-owned business that prides itself on producing great breakfast bagel sandwiches and an amazing cup of coffee.
Ballet 5:8
Ballet 5:8 is a female and minority-led premiere ballet company performing innovative, original and breathtaking ballets by Mexican American Artistic Director, Julianna Rubio Slager. Ballet 5:8 has presented more than 45 critically acclaimed ballets forging a robust repertoire, engaging and captivating communities in Chicago, the Midwest and across the nation. You can often catch many of their performances at Harris Theater for Music & Dance. Learn about their upcoming programming here.
Women doing business in the Loop community:
The following businesses may not have a physical location in the Loop, but these boss women are often conducting business within the downtown community. Get to know them!
Heron AGency
Heron is a women-owned, award-winning lifestyle communications agency founded by Noreen Heron. Recently named the #1 Influencer Relations Agency by Influencer Marketing Hub, Heron Agency's comprehensive results-driven campaigns are ROI-proven and help garner attention that leads to real bottom line results. Learn more about their amazing work here.
Bannerville
Bannerville is a woman–owned business that provides organizations with custom signage including design, production, and installation services that make a lasting impact. Striving to continually grow with the same hard work, honesty and integrity they have used since 1973.
Michelle Kaffko started Organic Headshots in 2005 to provide affordable, professional, and customized portraits and lifestyle marketing photos. In need of a photo sesh? Organic Headshot has you covered! Each headshot photography session is a personalized experience in creating the best possible photo for your needs, and their photographers will even coach you through all the right poses and smiles. Browse their website and book a session here.
Carol Fox & Associates
Carol Fox & Associates is an award-winning and woman-owned PR, digital marketing, advertising and events agency, specializing in arts, entertainment, lifestyle and hospitality. Founded by Carol Fox more than 25 years ago, Carol Fox & Associates is dedicated to delivering impactful messages that bridge the gap between audience and experience. By being true to delivering on their objectives, they aim to make a name for themselves by making a name for their clients.
Fashion Mod was founded by Chicagoan Michelle Barksdale, as a fashion destination for beautiful and stylish women everywhere. Their collections feature a variety of sensational designs and fashionable staples, where you can find a range of luxurious ensembles to staple wardrobe basics. Check out Fashion Mod's online store here to indulge in a shopping spree.
