She Makes Chicago

Interdisciplinary artist Cheryl Pope addresses topics such as race, gender, identity and the body through various mediums. Sitting down with She Makes Chicago, Cheryl Pope discusses the beginning of her career as an artist, social justice and gender inequity, and business basics of being an artist.

In this episode, She Makes Chicago gets to know Tahiti Spears, one of Chicago’s most diverse graphic designers. With clients ranging from the American Bar Association to the NAACP Image Awards, Tahiti works to develop iconic branding in line with her clients vision with a larger than life approach to design. Throughout the episode, Tahiti discusses the early stages of her career, her transition into her own practice, and the current works that allow her to expand.

CRUX, a Chicago based fashion magazine focuses on creating a network of designers, artists and makers across the editorials of its pages. Co-editors Isabella Gabriel and Lisa Gaedike explain their process, teamwork, and commitment to inclusion and diversity of perspectives that make Crux the definitive publication in Chicago fashion.

Artist Adrianne Hawthorne of Ponnopozz discusses her departure with corporate America, the development of her painting practice and expansion into owning a studio and boutique in Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood. Addressing conversations such as valuing oneself, elitism surrounding art and advocating for mental health, Adrianne explores the elements that influence the world of Ponnopozz.

Lorna Biljan is a personal chef specializing in home meal planning, workshops and experiences to her clients through her namesake company, Lovely by Lorna. With nearly two decades of experience, Lorna explores her history and experiences working in the restaurant and hospitality industries that helped cultivate her craft and lead her to enter entrepreneurship.

Hosts and co-founders Kylee Alexander and Melody Bilbo introduce She Makes Chicago, a community organization within Chicago developed to promote and support women makers and entrepreneurs. Together they explore the origins of how it began, how it has grown, and what interested them in uniting to redefine the creative landscape in the City of Big Shoulders.