- May 22, 2025
- 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
- Member: $25
- Non-member: $32
- GRCC
- KOVAL Distillery
Expand your network of leaders, entrepreneurs and artisans!
The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to invite you to a special edition of our Women Leaders in Business event on Thursday, May 22 at KOVAL Distillery. This year marks the 10th anniversary of both our organization and this impactful program—and we’re celebrating in style!
Did you know that more than 55% of GRCC member businesses are women-owned? This event offers a great opportunity to strengthen your ties to this dynamic, diverse, and powerful segment of the Ravenswood community.
Attendees will enjoy small bites from Anna’s Thai Kitchen, treat samples from Barry Sweets, a creative mini vision board station provided by Jenny G’s Art Supply, a curated selection of pieces for purchase from GARMS, and a fragrant and fun mini bouquet bar from Vivant Gardens.
Join us for an evening of connection, inspiration, and celebration with local women leaders, entrepreneurs, and artisans who make Ravenswood thrive.
Tickets include admission, your first drink, savory and sweet small bites, and plenty of opportunities to get creative. Registration closes at noon on Wednesday, May 21st. A limited number of tickets are available.
About KOVAL Distillery
Prior to opening KOVAL Distillery, one of the largest independent and female-owned craft distilleries in the US, Dr. Sonat Birnecker Hart spent over a decade as a full professor in both the United States and Germany. In 2008, she gave up tenure in hopes of a different quality of life; one that would afford an opportunity for her to work with her husband, give up commuting, and return to the city she loved: Chicago.
As President of KOVAL, she has spearheaded product development, distribution, and marketing, turning her family business into an international presence with availability in over 55 export markets. In addition to her leadership at KOVAL, Sonat is also involved in a number of philanthropic and public service organizations, and serves on the board of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) of Chicago.
She was recently named Illinois Business Person of the Year by the National Small Business Association, is a federally appointed member of the Illinois Export Council (DEC), and has been inducted into the prestigious Disciples d’Escoffier.
To learn more, visit koval-distillery.com.
About Anna’s Thai Kitchen
Nearly two decades past, Anna Ong unveiled her inaugural dining haven, “Thai Planet,” upon America’s welcoming shores. Though diminutive, its essence was grand, woven with flavors that danced on the palate. Yet, after a passage of time, she chose to close its doors, setting sail towards new horizons.
Today, we unveil Anna’s Thai Kitchen, a tribute to the cherished memories of Thai Planet, now reborn with a fresh culinary narrative. An invitation is extended to partake in the symphony of Thailand’s essence, captured within our delectable offerings. Our establishment stands as a testament to the alchemy of dreams, where tradition meets innovation in a harmonious embrace.
We eagerly beckon you to join us on this enchanting odyssey, to relish the poetry of flavor, and embark anew on this journey with us.
To learn more, visit annasthaikitchen.com.
About Jenny G’s Art Supply
The in-person store is finally open! I sell general art supplies, with a sustainable focus when I can, & the art kits you see here.
I have supplies for artists at every stage of their journey – supplies for littles, beginner artists through professional artists. I have a place to test those supplies & space for the community to meet. Over 40 Make $%* Night anyone? Or perhaps a BYOC (Bring Your Own Craft) night? Sketchbook night?
You can ask any question you have (if I don’t know I have access to the interwebs) & suggest supplies to order &/or place your own order.
Workshops for adults & teens happen most weekends!
To learn more, visit jennygsartsupply.com.
About GARMS
Our clothing shop helps women grow confident through personalized wardrobe styling. We offer unique pre-loved finds that can easily zhuzh up our boutique inventory which offers staple closet pieces.
My inspiration for Garms was my background as a Stylist for a large corporation. I saw the gap between women and their confidence far too often. Through a good outfit and styling I have found that it can help women exude confidence. I wanted to create a brand that offers staple pieces with an emphasis on styling elements and supports women.
Garms curates small batch collections that provide a multitude of styling opportunities and constructs confidence through new and pre-loved clothing selections.
To learn more, visit garm.shop.
About Barry Sweets
Barry Sweets was established in April of 2020. After graduating from Kendall College and working in a handful of bakeries in the Chicagoland area, I dreamed I could have my own business. The creativity, the challenge, and the enjoyment brought to others is what motivated me to step into this industry. I have also felt incredibly inspired by the craft beer scene and the community it fosters.
After discovering a way to help complete the brewing process and repurpose left over spent grains into flour, I found a way to create sweet & savory treats all while eliminating waste. I hope to build relationships among the community, bake goods you’ll love, and focus my efforts on being a sustainable business.
To learn more, visit barrysweets.com.
About Vivant Gardening Services
Vivant Gardens’ founder and head gardener, Kasey Eaves, started growing edibles and her treasured sunflowers at age two on the family farm located in Southern Illinois. She hasn’t sat down since!
Now, as owner of Vivant Gardening Services and leader of Montrose Metra Community Gardens, she spends her days making eco-friendly gardening approachable to area residents, restaurants, schools and more.
Never daunted by the task of growing in the city’s unusual spaces, Kasey loves finding creative solutions for city dwellers who are trying to do their best with their patch of earth.
To learn more, visit vivantgardens.com.
About the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce
GRCC is a 501c6 non-profit organization that provides resources for entrepreneurs in Ravenswood and its surrounding communities. Our partnerships with the City of Chicago include; operating a Neighborhood Business Development Center with support from the Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protections; participating in the Department of Planning & Development’s Local Industrial Retention Initiative; and managing SSA#31, which provides additional services to business and property owners along Ravenswood’s commercial corridors.
We are guided by the belief that creativity, sustainable living, and diverse industry position Ravenswood as a destination neighborhood. We create programs and provide services that connect the dots between businesses, residents, non-profit organizations, local government and area schools. Click here to learn more about who we are.
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