I grew up on the north side of Minneapolis, in a mostly Black neighborhood. Although I was…
Queer Chicago designer finds niche dressing drag performers
In Chicago’s nightlife scene, where performance and identity blur into one, Mats Dahlberg is carving…
‘Hanoi is the city where the past and present sit next to each other’
I’m an international student, and I didn’t grow up here in the States. My hometown is Hanoi, Vietnam, and…
Culturally rich Little Village is home to vibrant business and close-knit neighbors
I grew up in Little Village for the first nine years of my life, but…
Marie Parie Boutique owner puts a whimsical spin on fashion and vintage treasures
Heidi Giammarese’s passion for French boutique clothing was sparked when she traveled to France with her grandmother as a child. Her interest grew when she visited France again in her early 20s and explored independent shops that specialized in vibrant fabrics and various designs. “I had visited beautiful shops that I loved and was inspired to change the direction of my store,” said Giammarese, now the owner…
When everyone in your tiny hometown knows your business, it’s time to go
I grew up in northern Minnesota, in a suburb of Duluth called Esko. It sits…
From dorm room to mainstage, Phat Dragon built a comedy cult following
Before they were packing houses or booking professional stages, the members of Phat Dragon were squeezing nine people into a dorm room and…
Great Ideas of Humanity exhibit showcases famous quotes made visual
The “Great Ideas of Humanity: One of a Series” exhibit, a collaboration between the Chicago Cultural Center and the Chicago Design Museum, is…