Sweet success: Business advising provides perfect recipe for growth of Molly’s Cupcakes
Launching a new venture can feel overwhelming, even for an experienced entrepreneur like Doriana “Dori” Isufi. Despite her success operating eight Molly’s Cupcakes locations across Chicagoland and more than 20 years of expertise in the hospitality industry, Dori was facing hurdles while trying to bring her newest project to life. That’s when she turned to The […]
Uplifting seniors, uplifting entrepreneurs: The power of business advising
By Elena Jaffe Yvette Lyles is an advocate for seniors—determined to ensure that they have someone fighting in their corner. After years of working in senior health care, she witnessed how many seniors did not have an advocate to hear their concerns and support them with transitioning to a new stage of life. Her Chicago-based […]
Better together: How two Source clients teamed up for success
Juan Carlos Hernandez is a meticulous, creative business owner. He had run his fine-art printing business, Print Innovation Lab, out of his home in west suburban Oak Park for about seven years. His business had outgrown his space, but did he really need to open a brick-and-mortar location? Would it be cost efficient? The questions […]
Rebuilding after tragedy: How a party shop is thriving thanks to the Rogers Park Business Alliance
Reyna Gonzalez made a life-changing decision five years ago. She left her desk job in the corporate world, and she bought a store, Dulceria La Fiesta Inc., in the Rogers Park neighborhood on the North Side of Chicago. Then, disaster struck. “When we bought the business, the store burned 20 days into the business,” Reyna […]
Little Munchkins: A small corner store with big plans
Little Munchkins Produce, a small, family-owned grocery store in the Back of the Yards neighborhood on Chicago’s Southwest Side, is a classic neighborhood corner store. Teresa Flores, the owner of this bustling shop, runs her small business with the support of her husband, Gilberto, and children, Christopher and Mayte. Little Munchkins has been in operation […]
A glow-up from the ground up: How one entrepreneur opened ‘the glam headquarters of Berwyn’
Laura Santoyo likes to call her colorful cosmetics shop, Date Nite Beaute, “the glam headquarters of Berwyn.” She built the business from the ground up four years ago and is eyeing even more growth in the coming years. Her warm, inviting storefront represents her dreams becoming reality after she came to a crossroads while working […]
‘It takes a village’: How no-cost business advising is helping one business grow locally and abroad
Mohammad Salehi opened his business, Heray Spice, approximately seven years ago. Since then, he has navigated a pandemic, made changes to his targeted customer base, and supported his employees in the U.S. and his home country—all while raising two young sons with his wife. Thanks to support from Allies for Community Business and the Cook County Small Business […]
Riveting Wellness Cosmetic Solutions: Bolstering a beauty business from within
Rebecca (Becky) Wilson is a beauty vet. She’s been in the cosmetology industry for over 16 years as a stylist, instructor, and, most recently, a hair loss specialist. However, her journey to find her niche and build her business, Riveting Wellness Cosmetic Solutions, was not easy. Becky has always loved to work with clients, starting […]
Empowering women on the go: Ms. Jetsetter
This July, we connected with local Chicago entrepreneur Tracey McGhee, founder of Ms. Jetsetter, a travel accessories company for busy women on the go. Read ahead to learn about Tracey’s journey opening her business and receiving support from the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (CMSDC) to ensure its success!
Beautiful Beginnings: A dream aided by business advising through The Source
Meet Louise Williams, owner of Beautiful Beginnings Daycare, an at-home daycare that’s been operating in the Chicagoland area for 10 years. A skilled caretaker who often goes above and beyond for her clients and their children, Louise offers 24-hour daycare, food for children facing food insecurity, transportation for parents who can’t afford it, and more.
