In July we are excited about being a part of their potlucks and hosting at the studio. If you want to get on the mailing list, simply email info@vinejoy.net with “Potluck” in the subject line.  To keep up with their upcoming events you can follow them on Vinejoy Facebook Page or Twitter @vinejoychicago

Meet Ian and Steve from Vinejoy.

Who are you? What do you do?  How long have you been doing this?

We are a two man wine company..  We wholesale small production, super unique, craft-made wines from the Central Coast of CA to wineshops and restaurants around Chicagoland.  Right now we only work with essentially 5 winemakers because the wines we bring in need to be incredibly different or they get lost in a sea of wine.

We also do private wine events, from bachellorette parties to corporate events as well as our own events.  We just started a series of monthly potlucks.  $10 for lots of wine, you bring a dish to pass based on the wines we bring to the event.  We make every effort to build our community of people that enjoy our wines and events outside of the traditional high-priced wine and restaurant centered world where the wine trade mostly spends time.

We’ve both been in the wine biz in various roles (retail, restaurant, sales, marketing, drinking. . .) for 7 years or so.

Walk us through a typical work day.  Your 9am-5pm.

Essentially we spend most of our time hustling.  By this I mean the wine biz is very likely one of the most competitive around so we spend most of our time either working to get our wines in front of new people (more actual consumers of wine than buyers) through tastings, social media, videos and eating tacos around town.  We also deliver all of our wine so we see our customers a lot, but it also requires a massive logistics plan everyday.

Selling a physical product that people associate with a good time just requires a lot of checking in on customers and keeping up on whats happening and well as knowing every little piece of the story about each wine.  We also do around 2 or 3 consumer tastings per week at wine shops around Chicagoland.

What is the thing you most enjoy about your job?

Owning a business provides a lot of freedom to call your own shots all the time.  I guess this is what I’d say I enjoy most. The fact that we have successfully brought wine to the market that people really enjoy and find interesting is also quite satisfying.  It’s a good feeling to know that the suppliers we work with are happy to be working with us.

We also enjoy the fact that always being out there, seeing what’s new and what people are interested in has given us a pretty massive knowledge base which we’re always glad to share with wine drinkers, even if it’s not our wine, which is often the case.

Who if anyone, encouraged you to pursue your dream?

We are naturally self starter sand we both have a knack for watching other people do things either the right or wrong way and either improving on that or not making the same mistakes.  I just knew we could do it better.  .  . so I guess we encouraged ourselves.

Was there a moment when you guys knew you were going to start your own small business?  Tell us about it.

I think when we first saw the label for a wine we sell called Sans Liege The Offering, then tasted it,  we knew we had to bring it to Chicago for others to enjoy, but most of all, for ourselves.

Besides paperwork, deliveries and wine tasting… what other hobbies/loves do you have?

I, Ian pretty much spend time outside of Vinejoy digging around for great music, listening to music etc.  I also like to read lots of non-fiction and try to talk people into tossing a frisbee around.

I, Stephen enjoy the long suffering of being a Cubs fan and trying to forget about it by taking really long bike rides.

We are collectively, and welcome any one to join us, always on the hunt for a great taco. Currently, Azetca in Pilsen is our joint, but we’re always on the prowl.

Where to find their wines locally : Printers Row Wine Shop, The Noble Grape, Both Provenance locations, City Provisions

Website: http://www.vinejoy.net/

Twitter: @vinejoychicgao

Interested in being a part of our Profile Series?  Email jessie@simplyjessie.com for more information.

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Hilary stands out among her peers with her smart eye for design. She is bringing eight years of interior design experience into the world of weddings with chic, fresh stylish events. I have attended several of her events both as a guest and fellow industry partner and leave each time so impressed. She is so easy to talk to and bubbling with creative ideas. If you are looking for a well designed event, Hilary is your gal! Click here to peek at her website and make sure to follow her blog! ( fabulous drink recipes including her latest Pear Rosemary Martini!)

Who are you? What do you do? How long have you been doing this?

I am the owner of Estera Events, which provides full service design and styling, production and coordination for Weddings, Social and Corporate events. I launched Estera in March of 2010. Before that, I was an Interior Designer at a high-end boutique firm for 8 years and Floral Designer for 1 year.

Walk us through one of your typical work days. Your 9am-5pm .

My day normally starts around 7 or 8am, at which point I start responding to emails or post to my blog (if I didn’t prepare it the night before). These days, it is rare for me to have a full day in the office, as I’m usually meeting with clients and vendors, at the flower market or networking. I don’t often wrap things up until 9 or 10pm, depending on whether I’m catching up on more correspondence or at an industry event

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Who, if anyone encouraged you to pursue your dream?

My parents did not object when I ‘told’ them I was moving to Chicago during college to study design and they have always been behind every decision I’ve made. My husband is also a great supporter, particularly during my transition from interiors to floral design to launching Estera Events. I would have to say though, the most influential person in my life was my grandmother Vena, a true inspiration. She was raised during the depression, but some how found a way to go to college, become one of the most treasured teachers in the community and was an incredibly gracious person to all who knew her. Not to mention, she had great style!  I was fortunate to travel with her and my grandfather when I was quite young and as a result was introduced to fine hotels, urban environments (I was raised on a farm), learned how to handle myself in a business environment and treat everyone with respect.

Enjoy the photos from a bridal shower Hilary designed from top to bottom. Endless thoughtful details, coordinated colors and unique party ideas.

Was there a moment when you know you were going to begin your own small business? Tell us about it.

After I left the Interiors world, I was working as a floral designer and wanted more. I felt like I had so much to offer in terms of my design skills, planning and project management background and business sense. I also finally felt I found my passion in event design and was confident in my abilities. Then I took a leap of faith and hoped it would work out!

Where do you glean your inspiration?

Everywhere! I read a variety of design, food, travel and wedding magazines (still love print!). Oh, and I love to visit great hotels, swanky cocktail lounges and well designed restaurants.  I also troll blogs for ideas and am often inspired by nature. On that note, I’m rejuvenated by going back home to Missouri, where my parents have a Bed & Breakfast and still run the family farm (www.innatcloverhill.com).

Besides great design, lovely florals and organization… what does your heart ache for?

Travel! Great wine, good friends and more time:)

Anything else you’d like to tell us?

As of December 1, Estera Events will be moving to a new studio! I’m sharing a space with the lovely Sarah Drake Design, which will allow me to offer more floral design and event production services to my clients. Call me to schedule a visit!

Website: www.esteraevents.com

Blog: www.esteraevents.blogspot.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/esteraevents

Twitter:@esteraevents

Office Location:

3717 N. Ravenswood Avenue, Suite 239A , Chicago

Know someone perfect for this blog series? Drop me a line @simplyphoto on Twitter!

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Let’s meet Natalie!

Who are you? What do you do? How long have you been doing this?

I own Hello Darling, a floral and event styling company located in Chicago. I work really hard to create picture perfect events that highlight the couple in celebration as well as compliment the venue where the celebration is being held.  I love to get to know my clients so that my designs are customized to reflect their personal style.  I also coordinate lighting, linens, and rental items to make the look complete!  I’ve been working with flowers for about twenty years and in Chicago’s event industry for about fifteen.  I opened Hello Darling in 2005 and I’m so excited to have a small boutique company that has continually grown and evolved because of our amazing customers, creative design team, and all of our loyal fans who’ve continued to spread the word about our work to other couples planning their weddings.

Walk us through one of your typical work days. Your 9am-5pm .

I spend a lot of my time meeting with clients and communicating with them as their plans unfold and blossom into the end product.  During that I research products to use for their events, place orders for flowers and other design elements, create sample designs for their centerpiece ideas, and all the planning paperwork that goes into it.

Where do you glean your inspiration?

I’m truly in love with anything pretty and I will never ever grow tired of staring at flowers.  I am always the one who says, “hey, you guys have to come look at this flower! It’s sssssssoooooooooooooooooopretty!”  I love them.  Other than flowers being their own inspiration I am really into vintage romance, interior design and wedding mags and blogs, fashion, fine art… and making just about anything.  Creativity grows more creativity.

Besides lovely arrangements, client consultations and your time at Hello Darling… what does your heart ache for?

Long drives through open spaces where I can just sing really loud and feel the breeze blow, free time cuddling with my doggie babies, listening to great music, trips to France, or anywhere really… oh, and ALWAYS good food and wine talking and laughing with my husband, family, and friends.  That’s pretty much my life blood.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?

I love, love, love what I do.  I have had a lot of different creative jobs, but none keep my interest like this.  There are so many aspects to floral and event styling and I hope to never ever repeat the same event.  Creativity and new ideas are what I live for, even more so when they’re shared with others.

Want to see the wedding she was prepping for? Click here to see the full scoop on her blog!

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Check out their website to sign up for their weekly brew tour. You can tour the facilities, sample delicious brews and get to see how it all works. The blog will update you on the newest beers and where Matt and Gabriel are up to. Keep track of them on twitter and facebook as well.

Who are you? What do you do? How long have you been doing this?

I started Half Acre in 2006 and began selling beer in 2007. I was, am still am, a young young guy that wanted to start a brewing company. Craft breweries, in my experience up to that point and still, are places to be excited about your work and have some fun in the meantime

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Walk us through one of your typical work days. Your 9a.m.-5p.m.

I don’t have a typical work day. My time is split up between brewery work of some kind and “running the company,” which can mean virtually anything. Everyone’s role at Half Acre are is a continual evolution as the company morphs.

What is the thing you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy the atmosphere the most. We all have a really good time with each other while we work extremely hard. It’s a legitimate “whistle while you work,” scene………… most of the time

Who, if anyone, encouraged you to pursue your dream?

I’m not sure who pushed me to pursue specifically this, maybe no one. I think my saving grace was being really young, naive and full of piss and vinegar.

Was there a moment when you knew you were going to begin your own small business? Tell us about it.

I was always working for myself in some form. It’s always seemed most natural to me.

Besides beer brewing, deliveries, and paperwork… what other hobbies/loves do you have?

At this point my life is pretty well consumed by the brewery, but when not here I try to get outside and away from things as much possible. I love being outdoors, in the water, in the woods, anywhere there’s some quiet.

Know someone that would be interested in our Profile series? Let us know via twitter or leave us a comment!

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Who are you? What do you do? How long have you been doing this?

My name is Tara and I run The Grind.  I’ve been at it for about three years.

Walk us through your typical work day. Your 9a.m.-5p.m.

If I’m not there by 6:30a.m, I’m late.  So, by 9am, I’m already thinking about lunch!  I try to get in by 6:15 to enjoy an americano in peace and quiet.  We open the door at 6:45 and at that point, we’re working on a dozen different tasks.  The scones are in the oven, the scrambled eggs are cooking, and either myself or another barista is callibrating the espresso grinders, setting out the newspaper, watering the garden in back, and setting up the pastry case.   The best part of my job, and it’s very important to me, is being present on the café floor, working alongside other baristas and getting to know neighbors.  Deliveries come in daily, dishes are never ending, and since we serve breakfast, lunch & dinner, there’s a constant list of food prep.  After an eight hour shift on the floor comes the part of the job that feels like work:  the paperwork, daily banking & bookkeeping, ordering, scheduling…  All that stuff that keeps the business running.  On an efficient day, this is wrapped up by 6:30.   Then back to the café each night to ensure all is set for the next morning. Whew!

What is the thing you enjoy most about your job?

People.  Never have I ever worked in an environment that is carved by such amazingly kind people.  Lincoln Square is home to such a beautiful community.  I could not be doing what I’m doing without them.  It’s a blessing to be a part of their lives.

Was there a moment when you knew you were going to begin your own small business? Tell us about it.

I did always think it would be something I’d like to have a go at.  But never did I ever think I’d go it alone.   My older sister and I daydreamed about it growing up–having a cafe of our own.

I never really gave up the daydream, it just shifted shapes.  To help pay off college loans, I picked up hours in coffee shops, restaurants, and catering.  Surprisingly, I started enjoying these part-time jobs more than my full-time touring gig.  After eight years based out of Chicago, but never really knowing Chicago, I just wanted to root myself.  I will say if you are looking for an anchor in life, life as a sole proprietor will definitely keep you in one place.

Besides early mornings, delicious food and amazing coffee… what other hobbies/loves do you have?

My biggest love and most favorite thing about Chicago is the music and theatre scene.  One day I imagine I’ll move away from here, so until then, I’ve made it a point to not let a weekend go by without going to a show. Also, I’m just starting swing dancing lessons at Old Town School of Folk Music.  It’s my first class over there and I’m alternately terrified and thrilled.   The other six nights a week, I’m pretty content so long as I get in a nice long walk by the water’s edge.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?

I’d like to give thanks to the folks who started The Grind—Jenny, Christian, Bobby, Susan, and also to Mama Sue.  They are beautiful loving neighbors who built such a special place for all of us.  It’s been a real honor to try to keep a good thing going.

The Grind is located at 4613 North Lincoln Avenue . Stop in for some coffee and say hello to Tara!

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While I was there, Kelly selected, prepped, and put together an amazing bridal bouquet. Her style has an easy going feel with a touch of whimsey and love of vintage detail. I couldn’t stop gushing over her bloom selection and final bouquet. ( Kelly, I toned it down a bit while there but made an immediate phone call to my hubby trying to convey what I was bringing home!) Take a look for yourself!

Here is more from Kelly!

Was there a moment when you knew you were going to begin your own small business? Tell us about it.

Honestly? No! It was never anything planned, and it truly “just happened.” The decision was made and a few months later Fleur’s doors opened. I was 22 and it was an incredibly scary, exciting and amazing time. I would absolutely do everything differently now, had I known what I was in for! The progression of the shop and our weddings/parties is a testament to a lot of heart, hard work, incredible staff, and amazing friends and family. For that I am infinitely thankful.

Because I am a cat lover as well, you have to see the shop kitty…. she roams the shop and hides in the nooks and cranny’s… ah.. the life…

Fleur is located on 3149 W. Logan Blvd, Chicago and has a wonderful blog of their own! Click here to check out their portfolio.  You can also find them on Twitter here!

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Kelly is wonderful. You know I have an obsession with all things natural, green, and blooming and well, her boutique has all of that and more! Needless to say Kelly and I had lots and lots to chat about. We enjoyed a delicious brunch, shared our journeys, and compared favorite Midwest getaways. We are both in the wedding industry and eager to hear and learn from one another. Kelly has been working her magic for eight years in her Logan Square boutique. It is ridiculously adorable and filled to the brim with accessories, vintage details, and blooms available by the stem.

We not only talked of work and exchanged accountant’s numbers, but shared about the ups and downs of what we do. I watched her select and put together a B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L. bridal bouquet that she gave to me!! And yes I squealed with delight when she handed it over. ( you’ll be seeing all of that tomorrow!) Needless to say, I hope we get to work many wonderful weddings together as well as share a few good glasses of wine.

Meet Kelly.

Who are you? What do you do? How long have you been doing this?

Hi! My name is Kelly Marie Uss and I own Fleur, a floral and special event boutique. The storefront has been open for eight years, although I’ve worked with flowers for the past 12 years. It actually feels incredibly weird to admit to that amount of time, because it doesn’t seem as if has actually been that long!

Walk us through one of your typical work days. Your 9a.m.-5p.m.

Early weekday mornings are incredibly pleasant and possibly my favorite time of the day. Around 8:30am I arrive at the flower market to select blooms and blossoms for the storefront. I’ve noticed that I unconsciously work in color palettes each week. Some days I am feeling blush and sage, other days are ruby and lavender, and there is always so much inspiration flowing at this time of day because the selection sometimes feels endless. These flowers are available for our walk-in guests and delivery orders. I arrive to the shop around 9:30am where staff and I process all the blooms, de-thorning roses, plumping peonies and cleaning extra foliage around wildflower stems. From there the day is really a peppering of all things at once!

My “to-do” list includes ordering handmade soaps and cards, inventory, emailing and updating proposals, assisting walk-in customers, clerical work, designing centerpieces and more. Somedays I am on the computer for 8 hours without stopping. Fridays are even more busy because we work on the wedding flowers for that weekend. The phone is always ringing, the emails are always coming through and we’re always creating! Weekends are filled with the last details of a wedding.., the final boutonniere, wrapping the bridal bouquet and packing up all the centerpieces for delivery. Then I’m off to arrange the wedding on site. It is a very long day, but the end result is always very worth it.

Fleur is located on 3149 W. Logan Blvd, Chicago and has a wonderful blog of their own! Click here to check out their portfolio.  You can also find them on Twitter here!

Know someone that would be interested in our Profile series? Let us know via twitter or leave us a comment!

Stay tuned for more of Kelly from Fleur Inc. tomorrow!

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More on Joan with Five Grain Events! Missed Part 1? Click here to catch up! And yes , she’s as friendly as she looks!!

What is the thing you enjoy most about your job?

I think the fact that when I’m doing a wedding, I get to be an integral part of one of the best days of that couple’s life…and knowing that I helped them lose all concern about everything except having an incredible time.  It’s a really cool feeling.

Who, if anyone, encouraged you to pursue your dream?

Well when I was considering leaving my full-time job, I thought about it a lot, but when I actually said it out loud I was surprised that my husband was on board!  Then I talked it over with my parents and my in-laws and they were all really supportive.  I think if I hadn’t gotten such positive feedback from my family it would not have been such an easy decision.

Besides weddings, planning and events… what does your heart ache for?

Well, my degree from college is in vocal performance, so I LOVE singing.  I wouldn’t say my heart aches for it, though, because I have lots of outlets for singing:  I sing with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as well as the Wicker Park Choral Singers (and brides and grooms can hire me to sing at their weddings if they have me as a planner!).

If I had to pick an ache I guess it’d be travel.  I adore travel and wish I had more time to do it!

Anything else you’d love to tell us about??

Hmm…well I guess I’d just encourage all brides and grooms to look into getting a planner or day-of coordinator.  Of course it’s my job, but I really believe that having someone acting as a stage manager for the day will be worth your investment and then some.    Oh, and also that Jessie’s awesome!

Joan and Maureen from Bon Moment and hosting a Tweet Up downtown Chicago July 15 for Wedding Industry peeps. Eric and I will be there and would love to meet, greet and be merry with you! The location is still TBD, but stay tuned via Simply Jessie Twitter or through Joan’s Twitter. You can also find Five Grain Events on Facebook !

Know someone perfect for this series? Click here to let us know via twitter!!

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Meet Joan.

Who are you? What do you do?

Oooh, deep question!  Well, I’m Joan.  I personally believe that any event that’s well-organized will be less stressful, more fun, and MUCH more fun!  That’s why I do what I do–I help event hosts (whether it’s a wedding, or other type of event) by taking on all the details and various responsibilities so that all they have to do on event day is enjoy themselves!

Describe your work.

Well, I work on all kinds of events:  corporate conferences, non-profit galas, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, anniversary parties and more!  I do mostly weddings, though, so I’ll elaborate on those here.

In full plans I’m there from the very beginning.  After meeting with the couple I give advice to the bride and groom about the vendors who match their personalities and style the best.  I attend all the vendor meetings, negotiate contracts,  and help them stay on budget.  At the end of the process I run the rehearsal, create timelines for all the vendors and the bridal party, and basically just make sure the wedding day runs smoothly and ON TIME (which is a huge deal for me!).

For day-of coordination I come in a couple months in advance and get as much information as I can from the bride and groom–their event style, who their vendors are, timing of everything, etc.  I introduce myself to all their vendors ahead of time so that as the wedding day approaches they start contacting me instead of bothering the bride and groom.  Day of I do all the same things that I do for a full plan.

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