The Scout Guide ( TSG ) is a collection of city guides that highlights premier artists, artisans, and entrepreneurs nationwide.
A COMMUNITY
TSG is about people. We celebrate the faces behind the places and products that we love; value craftsmanship; and seek out the authentic, unique, and genuine. We connect people with makers, experts, and one other.
A LIFESTYLE
For locals and travelers alike, TSG provides inspiration and information for living beautifully, living well, and living like an insider–wherever you are.
CHICAGO vol. 2
HALEY DALTON HALEY Editor Owner
(en)Courage Coaching i@encouragecoachchicago
After School Matters i@afterschoolmatters
Aging Together i@agingtogetherpodcast
BBV Wealth Management Group
Birch Design i@birch_design
Brazilian Lymph Spa i@brazilianlymphspa
Coco Challa i@cocochalla
Common Language i@commonlanguagechi
DCM Communications i@dcmcommunications
Digs with Dignity i@digswithdignity
LUSH Flower Bar i@lushflowerbar
Merz Apothecary i@merzapothecary
Molly E. Fallon Art & Design i@mollyefallon
Old North i@oldnorthfilmco
Ova i@ovaeggfreezing PAWS i@pawschicago
Facets Home i@facetsofchicago
Gene & Georgetti i@gene_georgetti
Genevieve i@genevieveboutiquechi
Jasmin Reese Interiors i@jasminreeseinteriors
Joy Residential i@joyresidential
KM Beauty i@nichebeauty.bykaedi & i@marissas_makeuplan
Lisa's Boutique Catering i@cheflisashaw
Lovehearted Kiddos i@loveheartedkiddos
Pyar and Co i@pyarandco
Rach B Jewelry i@rachbjewelry
(Re)Form Pilates i@reformpilateschicago
River North Design District i@rndesigndistrict
Rosemary J Photography i@rosemaryjphotography
Sandra Jessica Interiors i@sandrajessicainteriors
Sarah's Circle i@sarahscirclechi
Season 2 Consign i@season2consign_northchicago
Shades by Shosh i@shadesby_shosh
Urbanity Dance i@urbanitydancechicago
Vacay by MJ i@vacaybymj
Vendador i@vendadorchicago
Vian Aesthetics i@vian_aesthetics
Women's Business Development Center i@thewbdc
YRK Chicago Salon i@yrkchicagosalon
SCAN TO VIEW LISTINGS
Joy Larkin
Stacy Klimkowski
Left to Right: Anays Munoz, Nell Vandeveld, Gabriel Torres, Molly Vandeveld, Ann Freeman, Helen Balch, Susan Zeeb, Lindsey Clark
At ( en ) Courage Coaching, we’re on a mission to elevate employee wellbeing in the workplace not only by supporting the development of individual contributors and people - leaders through evidence - based coaching, but also by enabling teams and organizations to architect cultures that attract and retain top talent. We make good on this mission by leveraging practices from the fi elds of organizational psychology, counseling, and leadership education to meet the unique needs of every individual, team, and company we work alongside.
encouragecoaching.org . katie@encouragecoaching.org i @encouragecoachchicago . l @kateomalley
Katie O’Malley, M.Ed., BCC Founder & Principal Coach
WE’RE NOT TRADITIONAL, WE’RE OVA.
OVA is a first-of-its-kind, laboratory-powered fertility-preservation specialty center that empowers women to take control of their reproductive future by helping them Freeze Intelligently—with clarity, confidence, and expert care every step of the way. Founded by award-winning embryologist Colleen Wagner Coughlin, in close collaboration with renowned fertility experts, OVA has established a nationwide reputation for outstanding success rates, medical excellence, and an elevated experience.
Our mission is to create something both timeless and deeply personal; a re ection of your love, captured with authenticity and care. We don’t follow trends or impose a style; instead, we focus on the emotions, moments, and connections that make your day uniquely yours. Every decision we make is with you in mind, so that years from now, your lm and photos still feel as true and beautiful as on the day they were taken.
SCOUTING
Since its founding in 1991as a summer arts program, After School Matters has served and supported more than 400,000 Chicago teens up to 19,000 each year in the arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM. Our programs and paid opportunities introduce young people to new ideas, places, and people; teach them critical skills for work, college, and beyond; and encourage them to explore their interests and develop their talents as they learn about who they are and who they want to become. ASM's instructors are professionals in their respective fields, offering teens hands-on learning experiences and important mentorship. afterschoolmatters.org
Founded in 1986, The Women's Business Development Center (WBDC) is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering women and supporting all business owners through business development and growth. The WBDC's mission is to boost economic impact and participation and to create a marketplace where every entrepreneur can thrive. Led by a knowledgeable and diverse team, the WBDC values a supportive and results-driven culture, innovation, responsiveness, and strong advocacy for small-business-friendly policies always with accountability to its stakeholders in mind.
wbdc.org/en
for a CAUSE
Sarah's Circle's primary goal is to end homelessness for women in Chicago by providing a full continuum of resources and care including housing, life necessities, and supportive services to individuals who identify as female and are 18 years of age or older. Our programs use the Housing First model, have no barriers to entry, and adopt a traumainformed approach. Sarah's Circle staff use best practices to provide case management and supportive services to help women achieve their goals.
sarahs-circle.org
PAWS Chicago, one of the largest comprehensive No Kill animal welfare organizations in the nations, builds and implements programs to end the killing of homeless pets. More than 24,000 homeless and at-risk cats and dogs pass through PAWS Chicago’s Medical Center each year. PAWS is known for healing and rehabilitating around 4,500 sick, injured, and homeless cats and dogs annually, and finding them loving families through its adoption program. PAWS Chicago also operates the city’s only high-volume spay/neuter clinic, providing more than 17,000 low- or no-cost spay/neuter surgeries each year to reduce pet overpopulation at its source. Since its founding in 1997, when more than 42,000 pets were killed in Chicago, PAWS Chicago has helped reduce homeless pet euthanasia in Chicago by 89%. PAWS Chicago has earned the highest 4-star ranking by Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest independent charity evaluator, since 2003.
pawschicago.org
Located in the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood, Genevieve promises to surprise and delight each visitor with a luxe, personalized shopping experience. Our curated assortment of women’s apparel, accessories, and gifts aims to blend timeless classics with contemporary trends and includes such well-known names as Pistola, Rails, and perfectwhitetee.
GENNY KONZ Owner
Bretagne Lenox Owner & Floral Designer
LUSH Flower Bar is a boutique floral-design studio that transforms everyday moments into extraordinary experiences. Specializing in custom floral arrangements, workshops, and interactive flower bars, we bring creativity, elegance, and joy to every event. Whether you’re celebrating life’s milestones or indulging in a moment of self-care, our blooms are designed to inspire and uplift. 312.772.3729 | lushflowerbar.com | i f P @ lushflowerbar
Dawn Antonow Owner
At (Re)Form Pilates, we invite you to reconnect with your body and embrace movement in a way that feels right for you today and every day. No matter your experience, age, or fitness level, this is a space where you meet your body exactly where it is, honoring the present moment and feeling supported through movement.
Yasmine Kitanovski Owner & Hair Stylist
Photo by: Kat Kitan Photo
Pyar + Co. brings together current looks, vintage finds, home decor, and gifts for all—plus styling, florals, and more. A shop made to be felt.
PAULA QUEEN Owner
Full-service catering business with liquor license We cater weddings, corporate events, private events, and small dinner parties. We specialize in food allergies and have gluten-free desserts.
WBE Certified
312.881.0694 . lisasboutiquecatering.com . i fl @ cheflisashaw
Named one of the Best Beauty Stores in the world by The New York Times Style Magazine, Merz Apothecary has been a Chicago institution since 1875. Generations of shoppers have relied on Merz for natural health and wellness solutions. Over the last decade, this independent and family-owned retail establishment has become a destination for high-end skincare, luxury home fragrance, and niche perfume. Merz Apothecary operates with the belief that true health involves feeling good mentally, physically, and emotionally.
North Lincoln
| Chicago | 773.989.0900 merzapothecary.com | if@merzapothecary
Sophie Dimitroff Fragrance Expert
Hannah Black Fragrance Expert
Dine With WE LOVE TO Women
Chicago’s food scene is as dynamic as the city itself thanks in large part to the powerhouse women redefining leadership in the restaurant world. From soulful comfort food to cuttingedge fine dining, these women-owned spots serve up more than great meals: they’re building community and setting new standards. Here’s our roundup of must-visit restaurants where fierce female talent is the secret ingredient.
ALPANA
Gold Coast i@ alpanasrestaurant
ANDROS TAVERNA
Logan Square i@ eatatandros
BAR PARISETTE
Logan Square i@ barparisette
BAR ROMA
Andersonville i@ barromachicago
BROWN SUGAR BAKERY
Chatham i@ brownsugarbakeryusa
CODA DI VOLPE
Southport i@ cdvolpe_chi
EDEN
Avondale i@ edeninchicago
FIYA
Andersonville i@ fiyachicago
KASAMA
West Town i@ kasamachicago
LE SUD
Roscoe Village i@ lesudchicago
MI TOCAYA ANTOJERÍA
Logan Square i@ mitocaya
MINDY’S BAKERY
Wicker Park i@ mindysbakery
MONTEVERDE
West Loop i@ monteverdechi
MOTT ST West Town i@ eatmottst
POMPETTE
Bucktown i@ pompettechicago
PRETTY COOL ICE CREAM
Logan Square i@ prettycoolicecream
SAIGON SISTERS
River West i@ saigonsisters
SOUL PRIME
Lincoln Park i@ soulprimechicago
SOUTHPORT GROCERY AND CAFE
Southport i@ southportgrocery
THE OLIANG
Lincoln Park i@ the_oliang
UVAE KITCHEN AND WINE BAR
Andersonville i@ uvaechicago
KMBeauty’s vision is simple: to create a seamless, high-end experience by o ering professional hair and makeup at the same time in the same space. With years of bridal and event styling expertise, they’ve set a new standard for luxury beauty services. eir newly opened storefront in Elmhurst, IL, is a serene, elevated space where clients experience their signature side-by-side glam an approach that’s rede ning the beauty scene in Chicago.
Kaedi Leamon Hair Stylist
Marissa Flood Makeup Artist
Color specialist in the heart of Chicago mastering in blonding and custom color.
FULTON MARKET
SHADESBYSHOSH.GLOSSGENIUS.COM i @SHADESBY_SHOSH
Melanie Julison Schimmele, Owner
Organizing
with Style
Designing
with Harmony
HOME ORGANIZING
DECLUTTERING & EDITING
SPACE PLANNING
CLOSET, KITCHEN, & PANTRY STYLING
UNPACKING AFTER A MOVE
PRODUCT SOURCING & LABELING
MAINTENANCE SESSIONS
Birch Design brings style and calm to every space and elevates the everyday through thoughtful organization and refined design. We simplify your surroundings with intention, allowing beauty, function, and personal style to come forward. With a warm, professional touch, we create spaces that feel lighter, more harmonious, and distinctly yours.
773.807.3844 | birch.design | i @birch_design | f Birch Design | l Birch Design LLC
Cari Pyka Founder
SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS DOING
BIG THINGS
The Scout Guide—helping you discover and connect with local businesses from coast to coast since 2010. Visit our website to learn more.
Molly Fallon Artist
SAMANTHA MOSTACCIO Founder
ELLIE The Drip The Mix
LAURA The Rhythm The Tempo
Using furniture and home goods donated by the community, Digs with Dignity custom furnishes homes for Chicagoans exiting homelessness. Since 2019, DIGS has furnished homes for 200+ families and in the process has kept 235,000+ pounds of furniture and waste out of landfills. Make a difference with DIGS! Visit our website to learn how you can join us in breaking the cycle of homelessness one family at a time.
digswithdignity.org ifl@digswithdignity
Main character energy? We’ve got you covered!
Handmade bows for your little one’s BIG moments
loveheartedkiddos.com i@loveheartedkiddos
Our lifestyle brand is a celebration of two passions—the love of travel and the appreciation of design. We curate collections of Indian block-print textiles that bring timeless charm into your home.
cocochalla.com i@cocochalla
As the founder of Brazilian Lymph Spa, my mission is to help you feel lighter, more energized, and truly at ease in your body through powerful, results-driven lymphatic treatments. is is about more than relaxation it’s about real renewal that leaves you glowing from the inside out. I’m honored to support your wellness journey with care, intention, and proven techniques that restore balance and vitality.
Season 2® offers the highest quality preowned luxury designer handbags and accessories to clients around the world. As a leader in luxury consignment and resale, we provide a trusted way both to shop and to consign. All items are guaranteed 100% authentic for your protection. 872.371.4313 | season2consign.com | i@season2consign_northchicago
Jill Eckardt Owner
LIGHTOLOGY
215 West Chicago Avenue
MOBILI MOBEL
300 West Superior Street
LUMINAIRE
301 West Superior Street
BULTHAUP CHICAGO
313 West Superior Street
ALTALIA FURNITURE
410 West Grand Avenue
O’BRIEN HARRIS
501 West Wells Street
TOTO
500 North Wells Street
210 DESIGN HOUSE
210 West Illinois Street
COSENTINO CITY
CHICAGO
217 West Illinois Street
ROCA TILE
215 West Illinois Street
DUXIANA
445 North Wells Street
ARTISTS FRAME SERVICE
433 North Wells Street
HERITAGE AUCTIONS
225 West Hubbard Street
DALTILE
316 West Hubbard Street
KOHLER SIGNATURE
STORE BY STUDIO41
322 West Hubbard Street
STUDIO41
225 West Hubbard Street
MATERIAL BESPOKE STONE + TILE
221 West Kinzie Street
OSCAR ISBERIAN
120 West Kinzie Street
INSPIRED CLOSETS
222 West Merchandise
Mart Plaza . Suite 163A
MONOGRAM APPLIANCES
222 West Merchandise
Mart Plaza . Suite 124
DESIG DIST ICT
The River North Design District, founded in 2013, is a pocket design community outside of the Merchandise Mart of more than 90 members that boasts interior-design offerings that are accessible to both designers and consumers.
Our showrooms carry everything—lighting, tile, plumbing, rugs, kitchens, furnishings— one needs to create a one-of-a-kind haven, providing a shopping experience that is both unique and personalized. The showrooms pride themselves on providing a shopping experience that is both unique and personalized. Each showroom is located on street level, which allows customers to stroll along and enjoy the neighborhood.
Urbanity Dance Chicago is a studio for adults that strives to cultivate individuality, community, and passion for dance. Along with private and group lessons, we offer wedding-dance lessons and choreography, corporate programming, venue rental, and more!
Sarah Zuccaro Studio Owner, Director, & Instructor
Jasmin Reese Interiors, recently named 2025’s “New Trad Rising Star” by Traditional Home, is a color-loving, Chicago-based residential luxury interior design firm that delivers confident spaces nationwide.
Jasmin Reese
Connecting Marketing & PR Strategies to Sales Through
Effective Communications
“I founded this agency to help event professionals and small-business owners effectively demonstrate their value both online and in person, so they can attract (and close!) their ideal clients. We do this through strategic branding, marketing, and public relations tactics that directly connect to a profitable sales strategy.”
Channing Muller, Principal & Founder
SUPPORTING FAMILY CAREGIVERS AT EVERY STAGE OF THE JOURNEY
Virtual Family Consultations & Proactive Care Planning
The Aging Together Podcast: Professional Insights & Caregiver Stories
The Aging Together Caregiver Hub: Education, Support Groups, & Live Programs/Webinars
Grief Education & Post-Caregiving Support
aging-together.com if y @agingtogetherpodcast l Aging Together
OUR SERVICES ARE TAILORED TO MEET ANY PROJECT SIZE.
Kickstart Design: Ideal for clients seeking smaller design updates, single-room makeovers, or professional direction
Signature Style: Ideal for clients tackling medium-sized renovations, furnishing 2–4 rooms, or completing new build houses
The Luxe Experience: Ideal for clients embarking on large-scale renovations, major remodels, or full-home furnishing projects
The starting point of is at Grant Park on Adams Street in front of T he Art Institute o f Chicago
HISTORIC ROUTE 66
STARTED IN CHICAGO:
Skyscraper
9.5 MILLION
people in Chicagoland
WITH 8,800+ ACRES of green space and 614 parks, the Chicago Park District is the largest municipal park manager in the nation
CHICAGO is known as the RAILROAD CAPITAL of the United States, with more major railroads serving the city than any other place in America CHICAGO’S NICKNAMES INCLUDE:
The Windy City City of Big Shoulders
The Second City
The White City The City That Works
250+ THEATERS,
200 + live - music venues, and 200 professional dance companies
BUSINESSES WORTH SUPPORTING.
PEOPLE WORTH MEETING.
STORIES WORTH HEARING.
HELPING YOU DISCOVER AND CONNECT WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES FROM COAST TO COAST SINCE 2010.
LIVE. LOVE. LOCAL.
The Scout Guide is a locally owned national brand dedicated to supporting small businesses in cities from coast to coast.
