She Did It Her Way

Nicole Regan is the Editor and Creative Director behind Cedar & Rush – a girl’s handbook and guide to Chicago. In addition to blogging, Nicole is a Social Media & PR Consultant; Founder of the women’s network, Garnish & Glam; and Contributor to the popular online magazine, CheekyChicago.

Following Nicole’s college degree in business finance, she began her 7-year career in Corporate America. She did well, climbed the ladder, expanded her network, but she was unhappy…

“I think my soul hurt”

She began her blog as a passion project, on the side, as a creative outlet – something she undoubtedly kept suppressed during the workday.

“There are different compartments of your life and I was very depressed in my career department”

Enter: Cedar and Rush (formerly known as “Great Dates in The City”)

Through her blog, networking, meeting people in PR, within companies and business owners, Nicole became exposed to the need for a Social Media consultant. She started getting experience with collaborating with other companies and getting her name out there. She leveraged her job to pay the bills while she became social media and networking savvy.

Michelle Blue – Cofounder of Bené Scarves

Bené is an online collection of scarves, inspired by the culture where it all began and committed to providing an education to girls in Ghana by sponsoring tuition, books, supplies, and the uniforms for the girls to continue their education and fulfill their dreams. Michelle and her cofounder, Sasha, began building the business while in college and have moved ahead, full-force, after graduating to make their dream a reality. Bené partners with Sista Works to provide and support 5 girls through secondary school.

Hillary is the founder of A Drink With, a publication of weekly feature interviews with top celebrities, actors, artists, and other influencers. Hillary created A Drink With as a ‘side hustle’ to her full-time job after moving to Chicago and knowing she needed to figure out how to stay while doing something that she loved. “Put yourself where you want to be. Maybe you’re not there in the capacity you want to be at yet, but just get there somehow.” In our interview we dig into the evolution of A Drink With, current partnerships with exciting big names and Hillary’s vision for the company looking forward. We learn how the company came to fruition, how they get the big names to say yes to an interview, and Hillary’s most star struck moments. Hillary shares her interview prep routine, a day in her life, and quality advice for ladies, like us, looking to leave their mark on the world. “I do love talking to those big celebrities, musicians, and actors, but I never want to lose getting to know the local influencers and people in your town.” Find Hillary @: Instagram and Twitter (@HillarySawchuk) Find A Drink With @: Instagram, and Twitter (@ADrinkWith) and ADrinkWith.Com subscribe to get emails when pieces are posted!

Today we're interviewing Susanna Kalnes, a PR business owner, fitness trainer, TV host, life coach, and motivational speaker. Susanna is the creator of Chisel fo' Shizzel, a choreographed strength workout which she describes as "karaoke meets weightlifting".

Today on the podcast we had the opportunity to interview the lovely Kathryn Snellen, owner of Kathryn Elise Studio, a boutique agency and blog offering creative perspective for brands. Kathryn is also the co-founder of Go Blog Social, a Midwest blogger conference designed to educate, inform, and inspire.

Living with Routine

Corri McFadden is the founder and owner of the premiere luxury consignment service, eDrop-Off.  Celebrating its 10th year in business this past October, eDrop-Off is one of the largest luxury consignors in the country and a Titanium seller on eBay!

Sidonia Swarm is the founder and CEO of REAL Dietitian, a #healthtech startup focused on empowering better health through better nutrition. REAL Dietitian is an online platform, accessible through your computer, tablet or smartphone, which provides simplified access to a dietitian via phone or video appointments.

Natalie is an author, speaker, blogger and life coach. She has been coaching on the side while working in her and her husband’s landscaping business for the past 9 years. She has lived in 6 different countries throughout her life and has recently sold the landscaping business and relocated with her family to sunny California. Their newest business endeavor is full-time business and life coaching via the website and future blog, LifeLetLoose.com. Natalie's coaching info is at NatalieAlexia.com and hop on over to Love's The New Black to learn about her newest photographic project!

Farissa Knox, the founder of WhatRUWearing, the interactive source of fashion feedback and daily inspiration. Farissa also owns RLM Media an advertising agency that does media planning and buying.