Life + Culture

The Power of Good

How Priya Is Inspiring a Global Movement Rooted in Joy Article by Deanna Kuempel | Photography by The Simple Good In a world often dominated by negativity, Chicago-based founder Priya Shah is quietly shifting the narrative—one act of “good” at a time. As the visionary behind  The Simple Good , Priya has created more than a nonprofit. She’s built a global movement rooted in self-worth, human connection, and the belief that joy can exist—even in life’s most difficult moments. Her journey...

Home Services

Cleaning with Care

How Val Is Redefining Clean Living in Chicago Article by Deanna Kuempel | Photography by Provided In a city that never slows down, finding time to maintain a clean, organized home can feel like a luxury. For Val, founder of Val’s Cleaning Service, that realization became the foundation of a business built not just on spotless spaces—but on care, intention, and empowerment. With roots in Brazilian culture and a passion for helping others, Val has transformed what it means to hire a cleaning...

Life + Culture

Living Label Free

Living Label Free: How Deanna Kuempel Is Empowering Women Through Voice, Vision, and Community Article by Laurie Lutch | Photography by Annette Patko In a world where labels often define—and limit—who we are, Deanna Kuempel has made it her mission to break them. As the founder and host of the  Label Free Podcast  and a dynamic media personality, Deanna has built a platform rooted in authenticity, resilience, and empowerment. But beyond the mic and camera, she has become a powerful community...

Finance + Legal Services

The Art of Intelligent Wealth

Tax Strategy, Preservation & Sophisticated Planning with Fabiola Núñez, MBA Article by Deanna Radulescu | Photography by Annette Patko In the world of affluence, wealth is not built by income alone — it is structured, protected, and optimized with intention. For  Fabiola Núñez, MBA , strategic wealth management begins where advanced tax planning and disciplined investment strategy intersect. With more than 21 years of experience in accounting and tax optimization, she advises high-income...

Fitness

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: The Power Move

Redefining Power, Poise, and Performance in Chicago’s Most Prestigious Neighborhood Article by Deanna Rădulescu | Photography by Stock In a city where excellence is a lifestyle and standards are unapologetically high, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has emerged as the ultimate power move for women who expect more — from their workouts, their circles, and themselves. From lakefront high-rises to Chicago’s most exclusive studios, stepping onto the mat is becoming the smartest addition to a curated life. ...

Finance + Legal Services

The Other Side of Wealth

Why Protection Is the Foundation of True Financial Strategy Article by Deanna Rădulescu | Photography by Annette Patko In conversations about wealth, growth often commands the spotlight — portfolio returns, real estate acquisitions, business expansion, and capital appreciation. Yet sophisticated financial strategy extends well beyond accumulation. Protection is what ultimately sustains wealth. According to Ethan Jaeger, Founder of Six Corners Insurance Agency, and lead advisor Gus Raith...

Finance + Legal Services

Empowering Homeownership

A Conversation with Mortgage Expert Alexis Varga Article by Deanna Radulescu | Photography by Annette Patko Homeownership has long been considered one of the most powerful vehicles for building wealth — yet for many, the mortgage process can feel overwhelming, intimidating, and filled with misconceptions. For Alexis Varga, mortgage lending isn’t just a profession — it’s a mission rooted in access, education, and empowerment. With years of experience and hundreds of five-star reviews, Alexis...

Life + Culture

Investing in Community

The Heartbeat of the Gold Coast Article by Deanna Rădulescu | Photography by Gold Coast Neighbors Association In Chicago’s iconic Gold Coast, investment means more than real estate appreciation or financial growth. It means stewardship. It means preservation. And above all, it means people. In a recent conversation with  Melissa Rickey, President , and  Sandy Benen, First Vice President , of the  Gold Coast Neighbors Association (GCNA) , one message became clear: a thriving neighborhood is...

Home + Design

The Art of Living Well

A Conversation with Graunk Enzenberger, Partner, Minotti Chicago Article by Deanna Radulescu | Photography by Annette Patko In the world of high design, true luxury is never loud—it’s intentional, enduring, and deeply considered. Few brands embody this philosophy as effortlessly as Minotti. Founded in Milan in 1948, the family-owned Italian brand has become a global symbol of refined modern living, elevating furniture to the same echelon as haute couture, fine automobiles, and luxury...

Home Services

Inside Anthony Michael’s Timeless Design

Crafting Timeless Elegance: Inside the Visionary World of Anthony Michael Article by Deanna Radulescu | Photography by pulled from website In the world of high-end interior design, where style trends ebb and flow, few names command as much respect and admiration as Anthony Michael. For more than three decades, Michael has been transforming spaces into refined expressions of individuality and sophistication—earning his place as one of Chicago’s most distinguished design talents and a trusted...