Trailblazers: South Loop

The editorial team has a special attachment to our new series, The Trailblazers: Rewriting the Narrative, because so many of us feel that media portrayals of women have been too one dimensional. Today, women are doing incredible things in all fields – from science and technology to finance, law, business, athletics and more.  With the Trailblazers series, we hope to highlight and celebrate female role models, encourage more equal and just representation in the media, and help foster a more tight-knit community locally helping women find mentors, business partners, friends and more.

Below, you’ll find some incredible trailblazers from in and around South Loop that we hope you will check out, follow and support.

Denisse Mone

I was devoted to succeeding. I did my work and tried to excel at everything; and for the most part, I did. I attended church with my parents religiously every service Sunday & Wednesday and Tuesday prayer meetings. I considered myself knowledgeable of the famous Bible stories, and the all too known religious expectations. Read more>>

Sara Taylor

I realized there was an outlet for me to build a business while doing something I really loved! I officially started my business in 2013 and it has steadily grown to a full-time endeavor. I am able to fit it into my busy life as a mom of three by being creative with my hours and working primarily when my kids are at school or early in the morning. Read more>>

Briana Robinson

I met a woman who was in a volatile relationship with the father of her child. He physically assaulted her in front of a group of people, including myself, and his eight-year-old daughter. With tears in my eyes, I pulled her to the side and offered to escort her and her daughter to safety. As I gripped both of her hands, she looked at me with tear-filled eyes and said “but he takes care of me and I don’t have anywhere else to go. They left with him. Read more>>

Janessa Villatoro

My advice to other women is to just be yourself. There is no one in the world like you. Reach out to people and share your dreams and visions and you’d honestly be surprised at how much support you can get from the people closest to you and even from complete strangers. It’s a magical thing. Read more>>

Tonia Wells

You have to be ready to walk your journey alone at times and know that your purpose, is YOUR purpose. You must be ready for long nights, no sleep, and no recognition. Your fuel must be knowing that you are good at what you do and that you have something to offer to the world. Read more>>

Brittany Walker

I wasn’t worried about my time being consumed or nothing I have to worry about now because I was in high school, it was fun for me and I got some pocket money out of it. I continued throughout high school and even after with the same clientele and gained new ones along the way. Read more>>

Eleanor Prado

I found myself unable to find my voice during labor to express my questions and concerns. After I gave birth to my daughter, the lack of support that continued, propelled me into postpartum depression. I began to realize more and more that all people need support when entering into parenthood. Read more>>

Susana Vega

Susana began her formal Industrial Design studies at the University de Los Andes, in Mérida- Venezuela; where she could enhance her passion for art, and so she complemented her knowledge with great handmade skills. In 2015, began her business formally in the United States. Read more>>

Taylor Williams

From Fashion to products, positivity, and motivation my post over time have become more and more like the version of me I strive to be. I would like to answer the question the best way I know how and say I’m still writing my story as we speak & I look forward to going through the journey with my followers and gaining new ones with the same aspersions I have. Read more>>

Cammeo Murray

After a year of consistently blogging and creating content, I knew it was something that was a true passion of mine. After I became a mom, I started wanting to write more about my experience as a first-time mom and the struggles that came with it. Read more>>

Kelsey Young

I started off as a cashier and over the years, worked my way to the position I hold now as the head baker. Sometimes, that’s what you have to do, work your way up through the business. The best advice I could give to someone else starting out is to not be afraid to take a risk. It’s okay to take a chance and fail, everybody does at some point, you just have to learn from it. Read more>>

Jaimie Adams

Working two jobs when I could get hours and doing hair on the side. Many sleepless nights!!! I survived! I wanted to quit but I was fighting to become a better person. I have definitely had some hardships with business taking lessons the hard way. Such as moving faster than my resources allowed. Read more>>