Visit 360 CHICAGO then go out and explore the city yourself!
We've put together a list of local women owned/women managed businesses for you to enjoy.
March out the door, (slap on your mask!) and celebrate Women’s History Month with us!
Keep Reading To Check Out These Local Businesses Below!
The highlight of this month will not let you down. Women & Children First is a locally renowned and well deserved Chicago staple. First opening in the 1970s, this trans inclusive feminist book store offered not only resources and tools for transformative literature but also the safe space for LGBTQIA readers and visitors alike. It is one of the largest feminist bookstores in the United States with over 20,000 books by and about women.
Visitors can purchase not just books but buttons, journals, cards, and posters; and they can participate in discussions, readings and events as well. Women & Children First continues to champion local and independent business by curating inclusive feminist works and fostering dialogue about the power of literature.
Visit us at 360 CHICAGO to witness all of the beauty of the city from above, then be sure to check out Women & Children's First, a true Chicago favorite.
Something new on our list is a digital storefront. Founder Omtola Akinbiyi took her inspiration for Bon Femmes from both a lifelong excitement for the creative arts and witnessing an underrepresentation of women as creatives.
The collections at Bon Femme are not only all curated by women, but also, a percentage of the proceeds from the sales will be donated to women led charities. (This month is Sarah's Circle). Guests can purchase apparel, beauty products, art prints and stationary and the packaging is 95% recyclable! After visiting 360 CHICAGO this month, check out Bon Femmes--help women lead businesses and communities thrive.
As spring time nears, you'll want to get outside and go just about anywhere...why not bike there? Uptown bikes is women owned and managed and has been an independent bike shop for over 20 years! Winning best bicycle shop in 2019 was no small feat, and Chicagoans who voted know it.
In addition to selling bikes, Uptown Bikes services all models of non-motorized bicycles with updating and replacing parts. They have also begun to announce a series of bike maintenance classes for new and interested bikers; and they sell lights, parts, and helmets-- everything you may need. Consider your next purchase or solid upgrade at Uptown Bikes, and maybe you too can cruise around Chicago in the wake of spring
Located in the Pilsen neighborhood, The Shudio specializes in eco friendly goods and handmade crafts of all varieties, including jewelry and home goods. Founder, Merl Kinzie, is a sustainability enthusiast, as is the inspiration for her shop.
Shoppers can enjoy ceramic craft pieces, vegan items and even art events while in the space. There's even an in house metalsmith studio and workshop space. After you come to 360 CHICAGO, be sure to check out the Shudio and the beauty of the Pilsen neighborhood.
Chicago French Press founder Kris Christian brings healthier options and richer taste to the table with her incredibly popular and delicious blends. Coffee lovers can enjoy both accessible and gourmet flavored coffee, with flavors like chocolate blueberry and maple pecan. Christian also teaches others how to create their own special blends, mixing and making for immersive learning experience.
If that wasn't amazing enough, the blends are also non-GMO and premium fair trade. Chicago French Press also supports charitable programs annually by donating 5% of its coffee proceeds to charitable programs and locally owned organizations. Start your day right with a wonderful cup of coffee to-go at Chicago French Press in the South Loop, then head over to us at 360 CHICAGO!
Surf's Up is more than just a seafood restaurant, it is a staple of growth and change in food and business in Chicago. Founder Vanetta D. Roy is dedicated to serving the community, breaking barriers and bringing diversity to the forefront as one of the only black owned restaurants in Old Town since its change from Cabrini Green Roots. Determined to bring some south side flavor to the North Side area, Surf's Up offers more than just delicious seafood. Hungry guests can also enjoy South Side classics such as rib tips and sweet steak sandwiches. Surf's up maintains it's messaging by catering to nostalgia of all kinds and serving audiences of all types. Visit Surf's Up in Uptown or Bronzeville location in Chicago, take it from the regulars, you won't be disappointed!
Founders Danyelle & Dionna Gray created the Womanish Experience. Womanish is an intersectional and culturally inclusive safe space curated to showcasing the perspectives and conversations about womxn and a womxns perspective in life (spelling with x with respect to gender neutral pronouns). This 5 story multi sensory space includes installations from around the world, all of which not only by womxn but catering to and touching on issues that affect all womxn globally. These issues include the gender pay gap, the pink tax, and censorship. Womanish is an immersive experience and a perfect balance of the lightheartedness but also the seriousness and intensity within its' themes. It focusses on remaining most of all a space for women to feel connected, empowered and celebrated. Be sure to visit Womanish on 114 State St for a limited time only! Then head over to 360 CHICAGO to enjoy the view!
Experience the stunning views of Chicago by purchasing your tickets today. Witness the breathtaking panoramic vistas of the city from this iconic landmark.