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 and Lucila’s Alfajores, 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.

This event is generously sponsored by Erwin Law, Centered Therapy Chicago, Lucila’s Alfajores, Laner Muchin, Smooth House Laser, and Right at Home Chicago.

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.

Special Thanks To Our Sponsors

Lucila of Lucila’s Alfajores grew up in the Argentine countryside, in a small town a few hours outside of Buenos Aires. Like nearly every Argentine child, Lucila loved eating alfajores, and couldn’t get enough of these delicious treats. Once she moved to Chicago, Lucila’s fond memories of the mouth-watering aroma of alfajores swirling through her childhood home, inspired her to start baking for her children. And their friends. And neighbors. And neighbors’ friends. And neighbors’ friends’ friends. The word spread; the love grew; and a pastry business blossomed. After several years of hard work and dedication, Lucila is delighted to share her artisanal, hand-crafted alfajores with you, so that you can create your own sweet memories. Taste the love that goes into every bite. It’s a hug in cookie form straight from Lucila to you! Click here to learn more about Lucila’s Alfajores.

Centered Therapy Chicago (CTC) is a woman-owned a group psychotherapy practice situated in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood. At CTC, we firmly believe in the transformative influence of relationships and interconnectedness. Our dedicated therapists are passionately driven to support positive shifts in individuals’ lives, our local community, and broader society. Embracing principles of equality, social justice, anti-racism, and inclusivity, we offer a range of services including individual, couple, and family therapy, alongside consultations and professional presentations tailored for community settings, workplaces, and professionals. Click here to learn more about Centered Therapy Chicago.

Laner Muchin Lawyers don’t just advise business- they grow alongside them. From one-person startups to Fortune 500 employers, they’ve supported clients through every phase of business and employment, helping them stay compliant, manage risk, and thrive. They’re proud to support the Women in Business Networking event and celebrate the women leaders reshaping the future of work.

Meet Eileen Lysaught, the driving force behind Laner Muchin’s Corporate and Commercial Services practice. With three decades of experience counseling companies on everything from employment terminations, employee handbooks, shareholder agreements and leases, Eileen understands the legal challenges women business owners face — because she’s lived them. She’s been a founder, a managing partner, a trusted outside general counsel, and now serves as a mentor, speaker, and leader in national women’s business and legal organizations and non-profits. Whether you need guidance on HR policies, are growing your company, or just want to know what you don’t know, Eileen is the kind of lawyer who listens first — and then gets things done. Laner Muchin is honored to stand behind the women driving change in business — and proud to have Eileen at the table. Click here to learn more about Laner Muchin.

Smooth House Laser is a boutique laser and aesthetic spa dedicated to delivering results-driven, advanced skincare and body treatments tailored to all skin tones. Founded with the mission of making high-quality aesthetics more inclusive and accessible, we specialize in individualized service that supports your personal beauty and wellness goals—without the luxury price tag. Our offerings include laser hair removal, body contouring, microneedling, chemical peels, hydrafacials, and skin tightening, all performed with cutting-edge technology and expert care. Whether you’re looking to improve skin texture, target stubborn fat, or simply feel more confident in your skin, Smooth House Laser provides affordable, effective solutions in a welcoming, professional environment—where you are seen, supported, and always welcome. Click here to learn more about Smooth House Laser.

Erwin Law does business differently. And we think you’re going to like it. Unlike large law firms, with organizational charts that place founders at the forefront, followed by layers and layers of lawyers, associates, and clerks underneath, Erwin Law is client-centric. We reserve the top rung of our ladder for the most important person in our company; our client. Erwin Law practices in transactional law and litigation. And our lawyers bring a powerful set of experiences, skills and strengths to the table when representing individual and commercial clients in business, real estate, estate planning and probate matters. Click here to learn more about Erwin Law.

Right At Home North Shore/Chicago Metro is dedicated to being much more than a simple home care company. We are a navigator of what comes next for seniors and adults with disabilities. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those we serve. That means it’s always about the people we support, and our dedicated professional teams working tirelessly to provide compassionate, highly-trained care for our clients. Living and breathing our mission each and every day is the passion driving our daily work, and the dedication to provide the highest caliber of in‑home care. Click here to learn more about Right At Home Chicago.

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.