Happy National Women’s Month!

To celebrate, I’ve created a one-day itinerary for visiting Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood featuring exclusively women-owned businesses. 

When you visit Chicago, be sure to get out of downtown and check out our vibrant neighborhoods.

Light Breakfast & Coffee: Doppio Coffee House 

Location: 3054 N Greenview Ave

Doppio Coffee House opened in the summer of 2019 and is owned and operated by Sandra and Murat, a husband and wife duo.

Sandra shared their experience operating a small business during the pandemic:

“We are blessed with our neighbors, since day one they became strong followers. We kept all the products high quality but simple. So far everyone has enjoyed our offerings. We work with an independent roaster, so our beans are a little different selection than the rest of the market. We are famous for our open-faced sandwiches which became a hit in a short period of time.”

Start your Lakeview morning off right with their signature roast and popular open-faced sandwiches!

Shopping: The Guild

Location: 3726 N Southport

 The Guild is a socially conscious shopping experience. When researching businesses for this feature, I noticed The Guild has a whole tab on their website dedicated to “Shop Your Values”. You can find everything from Indigenous creators, vegan materials, upcycled, and more!

Co-owner Laura shared her experience with me:

“As a young business, (co-owner) Emily and I were very excited to bring The Guild to the heart of Lakeview, a vibrant, close-knit community to which we have close ties.

As the pandemic took over, we were forced to close for months, which in term affected over 50 small businesses, artists, artisans, and creators, who we represent. In normal circumstances, it is very difficult for these very talented creators to bring their products to the public while making a dignified living. With the pandemic, their resources have been exponentially limited and it is up to us to step up and support them now more than ever.”

Whatever your shopping needs and preferences – The Guild has options for you to support local creators!

Lunch: Brown Bag Seafood

Location: 3400 N Lincoln Ave

My boyfriend introduced me to this business because I am usually as anti-seafood as they come. However, Brown Bag offers vegetarian and chicken options as well. According to my incredibly picky boy, the seafood here is one of his favorites in the city. I absolutely love grabbing dinner here with the casual and nautical theme. 

Area Manager Chrissie reflected on the pandemic with these words:

“While we've had to overcome many obstacles and pivot our processes in ways we never imagined, it has been encouraging to see the community support. All the notes wishing us well, saying thanks, and stay safe on online orders from our neighbors bring a smile to our faces and motivates us every day. We know to order from restaurants is a choice that every person makes, and we can't thank the community enough for their support and understanding as our business has changed from seeing our guests face-to-face to now perfectly packing a bag for them to open at home. Keep ordering from restaurants and understand we are doing our best to adjust to new standards, business, and safety practices, in a world where everything is to-go or delivery.”

Stop by for a bite and a pint!

Owned by Donna Lee

Dessert: Candyality 

Location: 3737 N Southport Ave

Candyality isn’t your average sweets shop. Owner Terese has made it her mission “to uncover the universal connection to confections!”. Their unique array of yummy treats, of all textures and flavors is well worth a visit.

Terese credits the Lakeview community for keeping up their hopes:

“We are trying to hang in there as a good part of our corporate business and events are on hiatus due to the pandemic. Having the neighborhood theaters temporarily shut was very depressing because they make a huge contribution to the personality of the neighborhood. We so appreciate those in the community that has made a special effort to support us and we always hope we will be top of mind when they want to satisfy their sweet tooths!”

Support local biz while getting your dessert on! 

Get Moving: Arthur Murray Dance Studio Lakeview

Ever since I saw the 2004 romance Shall We Dance? I’ve romanticized that is what is happening in dance classes around the country. I’ve walked past Arthur Murray Dance Studio Lakeview for years, and have always admired the space from through the window. Natural light pouring in, and people of all ages and body types moving and challenging themselves.

Arthur Murray Dance Studio Lakeview is operated by the delightful Amy Novotny.

"I would hike to the top of any mountain top and stand on my soapbox proudly exclaiming "I LOVE ARTHUR MURRAY!" until the day I die,” says Novotny.

The studio offers dance lessons for movers of all abilities and interests. If you’re interested in perfecting that wedding dance, burning some calories, or wanting to master a Waltz – there is an instructor for you.

From the above photos, you can see that Arthur Murray is working hard to keep students safe.

If you’re itching to get moving – give a local business like Arthur Murray Dance Studio to meet your fitness goals, make new connections and have a great time.

As the saying goes since last March: now more than ever small businesses need us. Treat yourself, support your community, and continue to build each other up with our spending choices.

Thank you to the Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce for their assistance in this article.

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