Here on our blog, we love to highlight businesses from the neighborhood. As a part of our Local Business Spotlight series, we’re excited to introduce you to Stacey Hurst and the team Mind Body Connections. Located just off of Ravenswood Ave on Berteau, Mind Body Connections is an out-patient psychotherapy practice specializing in body-based, holisitic healing.
Please tell us about your business and what you do.
Stacy: Mind Body Connections is an out-patient psychotherapy practice specializing in body-based, holisitic and expressive arts therapy approaches to counseling services.
My business has grown from a sole proprietorship when I began 21 years ago to a group practice with 8 clinicians and two locations- Naperville and Ravenswood. I’m inspired by the actual work I do and want to share it with as many people as possible. We are able to offer a unique approach to counseling that brings the body into the storytelling as well as the healing.
21 years is a long time! Can you share with us something you consider a “big win” for your business over that period?
Stacy: The biggest win was when I decided to look for a location in the city that could accommodate both my private practice and also another company I am co-founder of, Embodied Education Institute of Chicago, There, we educate and train clinicians to become dance/movement therapists and offer CE opportunities to counselors. When I found the space on Berteau that was able to accommodate both companies needs – two offices and a studio space – my mind was blown! It was a dream come true and something I’d been visioning for years.
What have you enjoyed about opening the new space in Ravenswood?
Stacy: I love this area so much! The longer we have been in this location the more community I see around us. This is huge for me as a person and for MBC, community is where it’s at. I think the Greater Ravenswood Chamber has a big part in the development of community, which is one reason were excited to join. I also think this location is ideal for people coming from all over the city. It’s easily accessible.
Aside from opening, are you busy this time of year?
Stacy: We naturally see an influx of new clients at the new year when everyone wants to make resolutions and better themselves. There is often a lull in the summer when people are typically vacationing and then a surge when the kids go back to school.
Do you have any favorite neighboring businesses you’d like to shout out?
Stacy: I will highlight two spots that I think are both amazing! One is a restaurant called Rojo Gusano and I can’t wait to have margaritas on the patio this summer. The other spot is a furniture store called Nadeau. I love walking around this place and getting great ideas. Of course buying is even better.
Speaking of the neighborhood, have you got any favorite local events?
Katy: Ravenswood ArtWalk!
Ara: The Cornelia Arts Building. They have open studios twice a year when the public can see what the artists are doing and they have work for sale.
Does anyone in this group have a go-to karaoke song?
Stacey: Bohemian Rhapsody. Complete with air guitar.
Katy: “Burnin’ Up” by the Jonas Brothers.
Shannon: “Two Princes” by Spin Doctors.
If you could throw a parade for anything, what kind of parade would it be?
Ara: A hat parade! I saw one walking down a sidewalk in Minneapolis once and I pulled over and took pictures. It was one of the best surprise events I ever experienced.
Stephanie: I love animals, so a dog parade, maybe.
What is your favorite thing about living in Chicago?
Stephanie: There’s always something to do and some new place to check out! It’s impossible to be bored here. I love Chicago summer street festivals.
Stacey: The food. The Lake. The people.
Mind Body Connections
1802 W Berteau Ave, Suite 205
Chicago, IL 60613
www.mbconnections.net
