Celebrating Women's History Month
You Can Help Women-Owned Businesses Thrive
Women-Owned Vendors
Danie's Natural Juices
Essie Marie's Salad Dressing
Every Body Eat Thins
Fronen Ice Cream
Lexington Betty
Lil Bucks
Love Cork Screw
Muchacha Salsa
Old Havana Foods
Pasta Pappone
Pennie's Tea
Petal Botanical Sparkling Water
Phoenix Bean Tofu
Prevail Jerky
Slim Kim Popcorn
Soul and Smoke
This Little Goat
Two Fish
Victory Foods
Ying's Sauces
Yishi Oatmeal
Zelda's Catering
Danie's Natural Juices
Essie Marie's Salad Dressing
Every Body Eat Thins
Fronen Ice Cream
Lexington Betty
Lil Bucks
Love Cork Screw
Muchacha Salsa
Old Havana Foods
Pasta Pappone
Pennie's Tea
Petal Botanical Sparkling Water
Phoenix Bean Tofu
Prevail Jerky
Slim Kim Popcorn
Soul and Smoke
This Little Goat
Two Fish
Victory Foods
Ying's Sauces
Yishi Oatmeal
Zelda's Catering
Get to Know Mariano's Women Tastemakers
Heather Bublick
Heather, CEO of Soul & Smoke, transitioned from a degree in non-fiction and creative writing to a culinary career. Starting with an internship at Moto, she found fulfillment in hospitality and met D'Andre. Their partnership evolved into Soul & Smoke in 2012. Heather's diverse role spans operations, business development, and guest experience, honed through experiences at Michelin-starred Tru. She orchestrates daily operations, ensuring exceptional service and delivering Chicago's finest barbecue. Passionate about guest satisfaction, Heather's leadership drives business growth and fosters partnerships, shaping Soul & Smoke into a culinary destination known for its quality and hospitality.
Carrie Nahabedian
Chef and co-owner of Brindille, Carrie is a James Beard winner renowned for her innovative culinary style blending Armenian heritage with new American cuisine. With a career spanning top establishments like Le Perroquet and Four Seasons Hotels, she's earned accolades including Michelin stars and the Jean Banchet Lifetime Achievement Award. Brindille, launched in 2013, showcases her love for French culinary traditions, earning praise from the Chicago Tribune and James Beard Foundation. Recognized by Chicago's Mayor and inducted into the Chefs Hall of Fame, Carrie continues to shape the hospitality landscape with her dedication to excellence and innovation.
Cassie Sakai
Corporate Director of Beverage Operations for Gibson’s Restaurant Group, Cassie discovered her passion for wine growing up in the Bay Area. After moving to Chicago, she became a certified sommelier at 22 and honed her skills at notable establishments like Girl & the Goat. With a focus on making wine approachable, she curated award-winning programs for Boka Restaurant Group before joining Gibson’s in 2021. Now overseeing beverage operations for 14+ properties across three states, Cassie embodies hospitality and education, blending her expertise with Gibson's core values.
Yasmin Curtis
Yasmin, chef and founder of Two Fish Crab Shack, embarked on entrepreneurship to bring high-quality dining to Chicago's Southside. Focusing on fried seafood and innovative seafood boils, the restaurant quickly gained a loyal following. When COVID-19 hit, Yasmin adapted, introducing frozen seafood packs for home cooking. The success led to partnerships with Mariano's, expanding their reach. Yasmin's commitment to community and mentorship reflects her love for Chicago, driving her to support local businesses and create opportunities. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? Embrace hustle, positivity, and learn from others' experiences, fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit in Chicago's dynamic landscape.
Dominique Leach
A renowned Chicago BBQ pitmaster, Chef Dominique is also owner of Lexington Betty Smokehouse. Trained in prestigious kitchens under culinary icons like Tony Mantuano and Sarah Grueneberg, Dominique’s journey led her to create her own catering company and food truck inspired by childhood memories of her grandmother's cooking. Her expertise earned her spots on The Food Network's CHOPPED and Food Network Canada's FIRE MASTERS, along with accolades like "Best Barbecue in Chicago" by Good Morning America. With her wife, Tanisha, Dominique has persevered in a male-dominated industry, establishing a brick-and-mortar home for Lexington Betty, showcasing soulful flavors and culinary innovation.
Sarah Stegner
Sarah is co-owner and chef of Prairie Grass Cafe in Northbrook and boasts a remarkable culinary career. Formerly with The Dining Room at the Ritz Carlton Chicago for 21 years, she's a two-time James Beard Award winner and Restaurateur of the Year by the Illinois Restaurant Association. Sarah champions organic, sustainable food through her involvement with Green City Market and The Abundance Setting. She co-founded Chicago Chefs Cook, raising over $1 million for causes like World Central Kitchen. Committed to community support, she advises initiatives like Chef Sebastian White's The Evolved Network, promoting wellness and empowerment through food.
Sarah Grueneberg
Owner of Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio, Sarah discovered her culinary passion as a child cooking on her grandparents' Texas ranch. After rising through the ranks at Spiaggia, earning a Michelin Star, she opened Monteverde in 2015. Known for her innovative approach, she's received accolades including a James Beard Foundation Award and recognition on shows like "Top Chef: Texas." Sarah’s culinary journey is marked by a dedication to understanding cultures and creating unforgettable dining experiences.
Chrishon Lampley
Chrishon Lampley is a negociant, wine enthusiast and founder of Love Cork Screw. Love Cork Screw is a Chicago-based wine company combining a unique selection of wines with a mission to make a change in the wine industry. Bold, determined and unapologetically herself, Lampley’s leadership by example continues to shift the narrative for black women in wine. As an advocate, public speaker, educator, mentor and disruptor, Lampley is committed to shattering glass ceilings one bottle of wine at a time and building a legacy that will leave a lasting imprint on the industry for years to come.
Tigist Reda
Tigist, the culinary force behind Demera, hails from Ethiopia but has called Chicago home for over two decades. Raised amidst the rich culinary traditions of her homeland, Tigist absorbed the intricacies of Ethiopian cuisine from the matriarchs of her family. Her journey from assisting in family feasts to realizing her passion for hospitality led her to establish Demera Ethiopian Restaurant. With the support of her former husband, Tigist's dream became a reality, offering the public an authentic taste of Ethiopia. At Demera, Tigist's dedication to preserving her cultural heritage shines through every dish, inviting guests on a flavorful journey.
Belinda Chang
Belinda is a pioneering sommelier, James Beard award winner, and esteemed lifestyle expert. She's acclaimed for democratizing luxury experiences, welcoming all into her world of approachable elegance. With a storied career spanning prestigious restaurants like Charlie Trotter's and The Modern, Belinda now heads 8H Productions, crafting unforgettable in-person and virtual events. Notable creations include empowering initiatives like the James Beard Awards Pre-Prom and Virtual Boozy Brunch supporting service workers during the pandemic. Belinda’s innovative studio has produced 300+ virtual experiences globally. A respected voice in media, she's featured in top publications and broadcasts, sharing her expertise in wine and lifestyle.
Heather Bublick
Heather, CEO of Soul & Smoke, transitioned from a degree in non-fiction and creative writing to a culinary career. Starting with an internship at Moto, she found fulfillment in hospitality and met D'Andre. Their partnership evolved into Soul & Smoke in 2012. Heather's diverse role spans operations, business development, and guest experience, honed through experiences at Michelin-starred Tru. She orchestrates daily operations, ensuring exceptional service and delivering Chicago's finest barbecue. Passionate about guest satisfaction, Heather's leadership drives business growth and fosters partnerships, shaping Soul & Smoke into a culinary destination known for its quality and hospitality.
Carrie Nahabedian
Chef and co-owner of Brindille, Carrie is a James Beard winner renowned for her innovative culinary style blending Armenian heritage with new American cuisine. With a career spanning top establishments like Le Perroquet and Four Seasons Hotels, she's earned accolades including Michelin stars and the Jean Banchet Lifetime Achievement Award. Brindille, launched in 2013, showcases her love for French culinary traditions, earning praise from the Chicago Tribune and James Beard Foundation. Recognized by Chicago's Mayor and inducted into the Chefs Hall of Fame, Carrie continues to shape the hospitality landscape with her dedication to excellence and innovation.
Become Your Own At-Home Tastemaker
Cheers to the Women Behind Your Favorite Wines
Marie Charlemagne
Marie was born into a Champagne-growing family, cultivated her passion amidst the vineyards from a young age. Armed with a degree in Agronomy Engineering and a National Diploma of Oenology from Montpellier SupAgro University, she embarked on a global wine odyssey. Over two years, Marie honed her craft in diverse climates, from Oregon to Burgundy, mastering the art of winemaking. Today, her expertise and heritage converge as she crafts exceptional wines, a testament to her journey and dedication.
Nicole Hitchcock
Nicole is the driving force behind J Vineyards & Winery's exceptional wines. As Head Winemaker, she meticulously guides every step of the winemaking process, blending expertise with a profound passion for her craft. Specializing in sparkling and varietal wines sourced from the esteemed Russian River Valley and Sonoma County, Nicole's dedication shines through in each bottle, showcasing the region's cool-climate fruit with world-class finesse and flavor.
Sue White
Sue, the Owner/Proprietor of Whitehaven Winery, has steered the company's course since its inception two decades ago alongside her late husband, Greg. In the heart of Marlborough's wine country, they laid the groundwork for excellence. Following Greg's passing in 2007, Sue courageously assumed leadership, propelling the family legacy forward. Her global vision and unwavering commitment have cemented Whitehaven's reputation as a benchmark in the industry, ensuring its continued prominence under her guidance.
Debbie Juergenson
Debbie's journey from analytical technician to esteemed winemaker is a testament to her unwavering dedication and expertise. Beginning her career at E. & J. Gallo Winery in 1995, she honed her skills in wine chemistry and barrel interaction during her tenure as a researcher. Transitioning to Gallo's Coastal Winemaking Team, Debbie played a pivotal role in blending for eight years before assuming her current role as the mastermind behind the acclaimed Apothic blends, captivating palates worldwide with her innovative creations.
Jessica Tomei
Jessica, a third-generation Californian, blends her heritage with a passion for winemaking. Armed with a bachelor's degree in Viticulture & Enology from UC Davis, she embarked on a hands-on adventure through the world's premier wine regions, spanning over a decade and nearly 20 harvests. Jessica's approach starts in the vineyard, collaborating with growers to achieve optimal grape ripeness. As the winemaker for Cupcake wines, she artfully crafts each varietal, allowing the vineyard's essence to shine, resulting in rich, creamy, and irresistible wines.
Marie Charlemagne
Marie was born into a Champagne-growing family, cultivated her passion amidst the vineyards from a young age. Armed with a degree in Agronomy Engineering and a National Diploma of Oenology from Montpellier SupAgro University, she embarked on a global wine odyssey. Over two years, Marie honed her craft in diverse climates, from Oregon to Burgundy, mastering the art of winemaking. Today, her expertise and heritage converge as she crafts exceptional wines, a testament to her journey and dedication.
Nicole Hitchcock
Nicole is the driving force behind J Vineyards & Winery's exceptional wines. As Head Winemaker, she meticulously guides every step of the winemaking process, blending expertise with a profound passion for her craft. Specializing in sparkling and varietal wines sourced from the esteemed Russian River Valley and Sonoma County, Nicole's dedication shines through in each bottle, showcasing the region's cool-climate fruit with world-class finesse and flavor.