Join us as we honor the Women in Business Divas – Bizy Bees! They are busy bees running companies, being leaders and entrepreneurs…in other words, making things happen! They work hard for the money!

Thursday, June 2nd | 6-9pm

Jbar | 610 North Rush

*Adriana Llames – Internationally Acclaimed Career Coach and Author –www.adrianallames.com

*Amy Hesser – CEO of Hesser Communications Group

*Asha Spacek- Founder/Artistic Director at UR SUPERMODELS and High Profile Image/Brand Consultant and Stylist at UR Artists – www.ursupermodels.com

*Ashley O’Dell – Co-Founder and Master of Marketing of Polka Dot Consulting

*Bevin Lynch – President/Certified Transformative Coach at Bevin Lynch, Inc. Coaching

*Brittany Heidtke – Co-Founder and Marketing Maven of Polka Dot Consulting

*Christin Luckman – Vice-President of Mortgage Lending at Guaranteed Rate

*Erin Marie Gavin, J.D. – Financial Representative – Northwestern Mutual Financial Network and The McTigue Financial Group

*Jeannine Prombo – Partner at Avid Solutions, LLC

*Jessica Edgerton – Corporate Counsel for US Appraisal Group

*Jessica Mammen – CEO/Owner for Diamond Personal Assistants

*Katie Bommarito – Founder and Co-Owner of Chicago Rentals Direct

*Kelly Saindon – Partner at Belongia, Shapiro & Franklin and Legal Analyst

*Kendal Brown – Kendal Brown Design

*Lindsay Saewitz – Founder of CitySwarmChicago.com

*Laura Schwartz – Principal of White House Strategies, Author of “Eat, Drink and Succeed! Climb Your Way to the Top Using the Networking Power of Social Events”www.EatDrinkandSucceed.com and Commentator for The CBS Early Show, BBC World News, GMTV London and Frost Over the World

*Lilia Corral – Regional Director of New Business at Avid Solutions, LLC

*Maggie Antillon-Mathews – Partner at Avid Solutions, LLC

*Michele Lomax Clauss – Vice-President and Counsel at James H Lowry & Associates

*PJ McGuire – Founder of Modet, Inc. and Shy to Social Butterfly, Certified Etiquette & Protocol Consultant

*Rachel Anne – CEO, Chief Enlightenment Officer of Yes You Can With Rachel Anne

*Sami Schmidt – Regional Director of New Business at Avid Solutions, LLC

*Stephanie Andre-Ouellette – Partner at Avid Solutions, LLC

*Stephanie Konow – Founder and Co-Owner of Chicago Rentals Direct

*Victoria Garcia – Home Mortgage Consultant at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Specialty cocktail and Half off food menu!

SPONSORS -Today’s Chicago Woman – http://www.tcwmag.com/, WebRev Marketing – http://www.webrevmarketing.com/ and Rodan + Fields

FACEBOOK LINK 

RSVP to sarah@maven-chicago.com

Everyone loves a good ole CARNIVAL! And two of our recent Artista Divas Lora Michael and Rayme Silverberg are bringing one to Chicago tomorrow night! After playing dress up with Lora for hours in her costume studio, I have no doubt this will be spectacular! Don’t miss this!

DETAILS:

Friday, May 13th – 8PM-midnight

Maxim’s | 24 E. Goethe

Ladies and Gentlemen,

STEP RIGHT UP –

Grab a drink, some cotton candy, and shake hands with a bearded lady…

Come see the otherworldly exhibition of wonders, created by Lora Michael of Lora Michael Cosmetic Artistry.

Co-produced with Coriolis Theater Company, and hosted by Rayme Silverberg and Lora Michael.

Featuring live entertainment, and food by Omar Martinez, chef and owner of Dessert Concepts, LLC.

Presented by American Debt Counseling.

No Cover

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Everyone loves to have a Valentine, right!? Well Diva Nikki Valentine may have a bigger heart than the holiday itself and is truly considered her very own type of Valentine. She just launched her blog called SeeTheChangeBetheChange.com. Even before she announced this wonderful project, I found Nikki incredibly  wise and grounded for her 24 years. I am thrilled she’s decided to put her positive influence out there a step further and change the world by inspiring others with her words!   Nikki really motivates the average person to get involved and help others  – she simply calls society to action and reminds us that giving is a gift in itself. She points out that every little thing helps – even the smallest gesture can make the world of difference. And i am certain it takes cheerleaders like Nikki to really motivate us to prioritize volunteerism in our daily lives. I really can’t say enough positive things about this Diva – she truly warms my heart and I know she will inspire so many people with this blog.

I first met her when we were both featured in  Live To Support’s Charity Date Singles Auction for Valentine’s Day. Before I even met her I was wondering who this adorable Valentine girl was.  And how cool would it be to be in a date auction and have that last name! Priceless! I loved her spirit instantly and we danced the night away.  We’ve become great friends the past couple of months and are even known to some as V2 (squared). Mark my words – this is a girl to watch out for world!  Her positive and worldly energy and vision is fierce. Join Nikki and change the world! You must go to her blog entry about why she is doing this. Her writing is honest , witty and beautiful! Get ready to read inspiring stories – Nikki truly brings out the good Samaritan or Angel Diva in all of us. Thank you Nikki for reminding me why I help people and how important it truly is to keep the faith and LOVE. You inspire me.

Maven, Today’s Chicago Woman and Jbar present the DIVA SERIES: Honoring influential and successful women in Business, PR, Media, Fashion, Fitness, Beauty, Lifestyle and much more!

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2011 | 6-9PM

JBAR  | 610 NORTH RUSH

Join us as we honor the ARTISTA Divas! Art, Photography, Writers, Creators, Designers, Makeup Artistry, Performing Arts and more!

di·va – [dee-vuh, -vah] noun, distinguished female singer; prima donna. Goddess, fine lady.

DIVAS:

*AlekSandra Karach – CEO & Founder of AK Lifestyle/AK Interior Design & Lifestyle Solutions Inc. + Managing Partner of BCD – Behind Closed Doors, a luxury brand for Bachelor Pads & Lifestyle for Successful Men http://www.aklifestyle.com/

*Alexandra Kamischke – Creative Director for Today’s Chicago Woman

Amie Hana Photography – Owner/ Photographer/Graphic Designer for Amie Photography http://www.amiephotography.com/

*Athir Mahmud – Independent Artist, Asssoiate Professor and Founder of Athir Arthttps://www.facebook.com/Athir.Art

*Brenda Arelano – Make up Artist for NBC 5, Freelance conventional/airbrush artist for HD, Film, Print, Video, Special Events

*Catherine Bradley – Manager of Corporate Relations – Musueum of Contemporary Art

*Chrishon Yvette Lampley Co-Owner and Director of Operations, Three Peas Art Lounge

*Delphine Pontvieux – Author “ETA-Estimated Time of Arrest” and Owner of Miss Nyet Publishing, LLC and Actress

*Fayshell Fajardo – Host of the Fayshell Fajardo Show – covering Fashion, Entertainment and Hottest Spots and Parties in Chicago

*Jennifer Jackson – Owner/Photographer of Jennifer Jackson Photography (Jennography) and Art Instructor at New Trier High School –http://www.jennography.net/

*Jillian Knox – Co-owner at TBA Space 1039 and Owner/Buyer of Joules Jewels Vintage

*Kimberly Anderson – Freelance makeup artist in LA/NYC/Miami

Kristine Campbell – Owner and Designer for StrangeBird www.livestrangebird.com

*Laura Tabachnick Executive Project Manager at AK Lifestyle/AK Interior Design & Lifestyle Solutions Inc. + Managing Partner of BCD – Behind Closed Doors, a luxury brand for Bachelor Pads & Lifestyle for Successful Men http://www.aklifestyle.com/

*Lora Michael – Owner and Artist – Lora Michael Cosmetic Artistry

*Marissa Govedarica – National Account Executive at Her Campus Media and Makeup Artist at POP BEAUTY and Founder of Her Campus UIC –http://www.twitter.com/MarissaGov

*Maya-Camille Broussard, Co-Owner and Gallery Curator, Three Peas Art Lounge

*Melissa Loutus – Owner and Designer of Bella Muri – http://www.bellamuri.com/

*Rayme Silverberg –.Actress and Vice President of Nothing Without a Company, Managing Director of Coriolis Theater

*Sarah Raskey – Founder and Owner of the Giving Gallery and Artist/Art Therapist/Psychotherapist – www.SarahRaskey.com

*Zee Gustafson – Owner of Zee Artistry and Freelance Makeup Artist

Specialty cocktail and Half off food menu!

SPONSORS -Today’s Chicago Woman – http://www.tcwmag.com/, WebRev Marketing – http://www.webrevmarketing.com/ and Rodan + Fields

RSVP to sarah@maven-chicago.com

LINK TO FACEBOOK INVITE

Next month we will honor ARTISTAS – Artists, Photographers, Performers, Designers, Makeup Artists and more!

Child Abuse is a very dear issue to my heart and everyone should come out in support of Child Abuse Prevention Month! One Hope United is hosting “Pictures of Hope” at the chic Black Cloud Gallery located at 1909 South Halsted on Saturday, April 23rd 6-10PM.

“Pictures of Hope” is designed to highlight the importance of child abuse prevention and to raise awareness about the work that One Hope United is doing in our communities to answer this pressing need. Child abuse prevention plays a critical role in realizing our vision of ensuring that every child has a safe place to call home.

During this evening, guests will have the opportunity to meet One Hope United staff and fellow supporters and to learn how they can support our mission of protecting children and strengthening families.

Artwork created by foster children in One Hope United programs will be exhibited and available for purchase via silent auction. All proceeds from the auction will benefit One Hope United’s child abuse prevention work.

The event is free to attend, and guests will enjoy complimentary beverages provided by The Noble Grape and hors d’oeuvres from 6—10 PM. Join us for this amazing event for such a great cause! I can’t wait to see the wonderful artwork and mingle with the other socially-conscious guests who realize we must protect our children. RSVP to Jenaeth Markaj at 312-949-4001 or jmarkaj@onehopeunited.org.

LINK TO FACEBOOK INVITE

Media Contact: Sarah Vargo, Maven Publicity and Promotions, 224-622-1759, sarah@maven-chicago.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“The Diva Series” Celebrates Local Fashionistas

di·va – [dee-vuh, -vah] noun, distinguished female singer; prima donna. Goddess, fine lady.

Chicago, Ill. – March 23, 2011 – Maven, the ‘connection company’ behind various luxury lifestyle networking events will host the monthly installment of “The Diva Series” on Thursday, April 7, 6-9PM at Jbar in the contemporary James Hotel at 610 North Rush. The Diva Series honors successful and influential women in Media, PR, Fashion, Fitness, Beauty, Business, Philanthropy and is also hosted by Today’s Chicago Woman and The Aparecio Foundation. This Diva Series will honor local Fashionistas  – designers, boutique owners, fashion journalists and bloggers stylists and remarkable women of style.

“Not only do these women have wonderful personal style, they set the trends in Chicago, ”says Maven Founder and President Sarah Vargo. “If we aren’t catching these women in the style pages of the newspaper, they are certainly the ones writing about new fashion trends and making crucial merchandising decisions for high-end department stores or eclectic boutiques. In our society, the modern-day Fashionista has a lot of power and some killer shoes.”

This monthly cocktail series launched in June 2008 and has recognized over a hundred Chicago women in various lifestyle industries. Past themes have includes Angels (Female Philanthropists), Social Butterflies (Marketing), Media Mavens (Journalists, Publicists and TV personalities) Players (Female Athletes and Sports Figures), Female Foodies (Culinary Arts), Women in Business (Bizy Bees), Beautiful Gems (Beauty and Jewelry), Party Girls (Event Planners), and Social Butterflies (Socialites, Social Media and Marketing).

“I love the Diva Series because I get to meet the crème de la crème in each industry and inspire the emerging Divas by making these women accessible,” remarks Vargo. “I also love putting women on a platform to shine and create an outlet for them to showcase their talent and accomplishments. I want these women to cheer for each other and expand their professional and social networks.”

Maven also hosts the male-version of the Diva Series (appropriately titled the Divo Series) at the House of Blues Foundation Room the second Wednesday of each month. According to Vargo, the word Divo means ‘male superstar’ in Italian. The Diva Series is male-friendly and many men come out to support the successful ladies they know and love. The group of Divas and Divos consistently grows each month and many attendees walk away with new Facebook friends, business cards, dinner plans and business connections.

The event is an intimate yet relaxed networking opportunity. While there is no formal ceremony, Vargo greets the guests with a short thank you speech and champagne toast to the Divas. Vargo explains that most of the recognition actually happens over social media channels and traditional media before and after the event.  There is no cost to attend and specialty cocktails are available. Each Diva has the opportunity to contribute their company logo, press and pictures for a looping slideshow during the event and is encouraged to invite their contracts to celebrate this honor. Event sponsors this month include Rodan + Fields, Stella and Dot, Salon Duo and Ortanic. Guests will have a chance to purchase jewelry and get the latest information on skin and haircare. The Diva Series is the first Thursday of each month and is at Jbar in the James Hotel. To RSVP for the guest list please email sarah@maven-chicago.com.

HONORARY DIVAS

*Candace Jordan – Model/Actress, CandidCandace.com Author

*Tamika Maria Martell – Founder of A-line Style Services http://www.a-linestyleservices.com/ Wardrobe Coach
/ Personal Shopper -As seen on “The Rachael Ray Show”, NBC 5 News, WCIU “The U” & More

*Ashley Zygmunt – Owner and Designer of Zamrie

*Melissa Maynard De Kerch – http://www.Factio-Magazine.com and http://www.RunwaytoRetail.com

*Carol Calacci – Second City Style Managing Editor – www.secondcitystyle.com

*Nicki Brashear – Proprietor of Fashionista Chicago

*Michelle Elfvin – President of Shop Mag Style

*Kristen Pizzolato – Shop Mag Style

*Corri Mcfadden – Owner of Edrop-Off Express

*Anna Fong – Owner and Fashion Designer – www.anna-fong.com

*Jessica Lindsay – Freelance Fashion Test Stylist for Ford & Factor Models, Owner of Double-Edged Couture accessories www.JessicaLindsay.com

*Julie Blake – Fashion Consultant at Mark Shale and Founder of Julie Blake Enterprises

*Katie Cahnmann – www.nowYOUknowevents.wordpress.com

*Nikia Jefferson – Creator of ChiTownFashionista.com

*Jessi Sheehan – Bridal and Marketing Director at Belle Vie Bridal Couture and Vera Wang Chicago – www.BelleVieBridalCouture.com, www.VeraWangChicago.com

*Maria Noll – Senior mgr/ Sequin brand Ambassador

*Erica Strama | Senior Manager, Marketing for The Shops at North Bridge

*Lissa Shipley – Owner and Buyer for Lissa

*Catherine Dean – CEO/Designer of Catherine Dean Collection and Founder of Alpha Women Empowerment Group

Vargo hopes someday to put the Diva and Divo Series on a national and even global map. “I feel that everyone needs encouragement and recognition. I love how excited people get about this. It keeps people motivated, driven and is an inspiration to the next generation of Diva and Divos. I will toast the Divas with some bubbly and drink scotch with the Divos and throw them the best party to celebrate their success, But before I do all that, I should probably figure out what I am going to wear,” she says with a smile.

Maven is a “connection” agency. Our strength lies in who we know, and how we connect our clients with the right people to achieve their objectives. Maven – ma·ven [mey-vuh n] noun, an expert or connoisseur. A person who has special knowledge or dazzling experience. From Yiddish meyvn, from Heb. mebhin, lit. ‘one who understands.”We are mavens in the areas of Publicity, Promotions and Perception. For more information please contact Sarah Vargo at 224-622-1759 or sarah@maven-chicago.com