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Profiles: May Tsupros of Gardeneers

Every month on our Profiles blog series, Coffee & Conversation showcases some of our most outstanding projects from our community members. This month we're talking to Victor from The Remote Lifestyle and May from Gardeneers! Victor has been infusing the C&C community with his knowledge and passion for making the side hustle a viable business. May has been a part of the C&C community from the beginning and it has been amazing to watch her nonprofit not only grow, but flourish. 

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May: Instagram

Gardeneers: Website - Facebook - Instagram - YouTube

What is one major accomplishment you have had with your business recently?

I feel infinitely fortunate for so many things that have happened in the last three years. Most recently, we had our first big fundraising gala at the end of October and we raised nearly $200K. WOWZERS! Really though, I always feel the proudest and most successful when I see kids loving healthy food and growing it themselves.

What is coming up for you and your business that we should be on the lookout for? 

During the growing season we are a staff of 17, but only 6 people stay on full time through the winter, next year though, we are going to be hiring two more full time positions in development and community building (YAY!) I AM SOOOO PUMPED (like brings me to tears to think about) for the community building position. We are also moving forward with a strategic plan to bring more diversity to our staff; which is something non-profits generally struggle with, and we're going to be serving five NEW schools next growing season. Increasing the total number of schools and students who receive experiential, garden-based nutrition education every week to 25 and nearly 2000 respectively. 

What does collaboration and abundance mean to you?

To me, collaboration means building a network of support. The more you spread the conversation, your ideas, and joy around the more it comes back. You listen to others, you learn from others, you get each other's back and visa-versa. Collaboration means not having an ego, but being open to realizing there are always more ideas out there and ways to approach situations. Being an island is lonely and sharing success with the people who helped you along the way is always more gratifying.

What is one tip you have for aspiring entrepreneurs? 

Be humble and listen to really hear, not just to respond. OH, I have another one. FIND YOUR PASSION!

What is one person, place, or thing in Chicago you have your eye on right now? 

I always got my ear to what's happening in the food movement in Chicago, but there are two big things I am particularly interested in: 1. food waste-- we have GOT to figure this out and 2. Leslie Fowler, CPS Director of Student Nutrition Service-- I want to see where she goes with school lunches and making them better for our kiddos.

Anything else you'd like to add? 

If anyone wants to barter for garden produce or honey, let me know-- I am trying to start an alternative economy. Also, C&C is an incredible resource so if you are even slightly considering it, GO! You will not regret it!

Profiles: Victor Kung of The Remote Lifestyle

Every month on our Profiles blog series, Coffee & Conversation showcases some of our most outstanding projects from our community members. This month we're talking to Victor from The Remote Lifestyle and May from Gardeneers! Victor has been infusing the C&C community with his knowledge and passion for making the side hustle a viable business. May has been a part of the C&C community from the beginning and it has been amazing to watch her nonprofit not only grow, but flourish. 

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Victor: website

The Remote Lifestyle: website

What is one major accomplishment you have had with your business recently?

I recently started recording online videos for my business and that's been a big challenge for me. It's not natural for me to think about recording myself, whether it's real-time (Snapchat, Instagram) or recorded (Facebook Video, YouTube). But as an online entrepreneur, you can't succeed without moving into video. Compared to written and audio content, video is by far the most engaging and with the most viral potential.

Video is also a beast of it's own. Different platforms have their own unique characteristics so it's a lot to take in. I'm proud of moving in that direction even though it's still not natural yet. For everyone out there, I've learned a ton about online videos from a course called Jumpcut Academy and I recommend checking that out if you're interested in diving into the world of video.

What is coming up for you and your business that we should be on the lookout for? 

I'm releasing my podcast The Remote Podcast on November 7th! I'm very excited because the podcast series features one-on-one interviews with people living and working remotely.

To preface, my blog is all about location-independence and how you can break free of the conventional nine-to-five and to live as a digital nomad. The podcast will add to that by bringing together stories of people all over the world who are living this type of lifestyle.

What does collaboration and abundance mean to you?

We have all heard of the phrase, "you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with". Unfortunately for many of us, the people we spend the most time with aren't the people who share our values, who push us out of our comfort zone and who challenge our assumptions. C&C members all share an entrepreneurial mindset and a can-do attitude. Being around these types of people give you that extra boost and motivation to follow through with your goals. Never underestimate the power of communities and networks. C&C is a wonderful way for you to meet new people and to get inspired so I always try and make it to the meetups when I can.

What is one tip you have for aspiring entrepreneurs? 

Many people want to be entrepreneurs because it sounds sexy and trendy to want to live an unconventional lifestyle. But I would urge people to ask themselves the difficult questions. Not the generic, "what are you passionate about?" I'm talking about questions like: "what type of life do you want to live?" or "in 10 years, what kind of life do you want to have?" Asking these personal lifestyle questions can go a long way in helping you work backwards and figure out what you want to be doing now to live the lifestyle you want.

Entrepreneurship can mean a lot of things. It can be tech startups, blogging, freelancing, you name it. Entrepreneurship is an opportunity for you to carve out the lifestyle you want and that's what people often forget. It's not a get-rich quick scheme.

What is one person, place, or thing in Chicago you have your eye on right now? 

The Crawlspace is a new non-profit in Chicago that is trying to create coworking spaces inside of high schools. I think it's an awesome concept that could create entrepreneurial hubs within youth communities.

 

Profiles: Ryanne Maldonado of Set Fire To It

Each month C&C Profiles pulls the curtain back on the world of entrepreneurship to see the behind the scenes stories of some of our community members. This month we're checking in with Ryanne Maldonado, Founder of Set Fire To It, and David Blakeman, Founder of Field Days Dog Walking (check out his interview here!)

Ryanne/Set Fire To It: Twitter - Instagram - Facebook - Website

What is one major accomplishment you have had with your business recently?

Right now I'm really proud of how cohesive my work and my branding is looking as I gear up for the holiday season, which is a really busy time for makers and artists. I am lucky to work out of an amazing studio in Logan Square called Penguin Foot Pottery where I act as studio monitor and instructor. Having a mentor, fellow teachers, as well as a bunch of other ceramists at every level of experience means I get to be both challenged and supported on a daily basis. I feel like my work has grown exponentially in the last year.

What is coming up for you and your business that we should be on the lookout for? 

I have SO many shows coming up - my first is the Handmade Market at the Empty Bottle from 12-4 on October 8 (https://www.facebook.com/events/1771138093130988/) and every 2nd Saturday of the month from now until April. Also really excited for Show Of Hands, November 18th-20th (showofhandschicago.com) at Architectural Artifacts. And the Holiday Revolution Craft Show on December 11 from 12-6 (https://www.facebook.com/events/306252106403743/). That show was so much fun last year, and I can't wait to do it again!

What does collaboration and abundance mean to you?

Collaboration is paramount in my work. Like I mentioned above, at Penguin Foot I am constantly energized by the creativity of the other makers around me - there is always someone there to talk through a concept, troubleshoot the execution of an idea, or simply empathize with how tired my hands are. We all get to explore together, and we are all better artists for it. I get that same energy from Coffee and Conversation - I actually got my first lead on a pop-up market at a C&C meeting, which led to another craft show, then another, and the momentum from that first little tidbit arguably started my career! It has been my sanity to be around this many people who are forging their own path.

What is one tip you have for aspiring entrepreneurs? 

Surround yourself with good people who will push you forward, and never let anyone tell you that you don't have a "real" job. Being a working artist, a small business owner, or really any lifestyle that isn't structured the way "traditional" jobs are can feel really isolating sometimes, so have people around who understand the work and sacrifices that it takes and who will bring positivity and proactivity into your life.

What is one person, place, or thing in Chicago you have your eye on right now? 

Verdant Matter is a fantastic plant shop in Pilsen that stocks all sorts of local artists (including Set Fire To It) as well as hosting really amazing events like a monthly dinner and yoga series called Breathe/Eat. Definitely worth checking out!

Anything else you'd like to add? 

Just a general thank you to the C&C community for being so supportive and wonderful! I've seen a lot of members at shows I've done and it means the world to me to get to belong to this crew!

Profiles: Nicole Vasquez of The Shift

In this episode of C&C Profiles we're hearing from Nicole Vasquez who has grown her coworking space The Shift into a bustling and engaged community in less than two years from first opening the doors. In addition to hosting a C&C meetup at her space, Nicole is active in supporting and leading the startup and coworking community in Chicago. 

Photo courtesy of Nicole Vasquez. 

Nicole: Twitter - Business BlogTravel Blog

The Shift:  Website - Twitter - Instagram - Facebook Page

 

What is one major accomplishment you have had with your business recently?

Starting The Shift (a coworking space) from scratch just 1.5 years ago, and now having a full roster of members and a thriving, collaborative, connected, coworking community!

 

What is coming up for you and your business that we should be on the lookout for? 

I'm so stoked about partnering with Levi Baer to launch Second Shift in Logan Square (anticipated launch date: December 2016).

 

What does collaboration and abundance mean to you?

Collaboration to me is being open to learning from other people, understanding that their knowledge and experience may be different from yours but will provide you with a wider perspective, and most importantly, providing your listening ear and/or support to those people in return. Abundance to me means family, friends, love, and kindness, and things like wealth, status, success, and material things are trivial.

 

What is one tip you have for aspiring entrepreneurs? 

Never stop learning. Be a sponge and soak up as much information as you can through books, podcasts, industry news, attending events, and of course: conversations with other people!

 

What is one person, place, or thing in Chicago you have your eye on right now? 

Deskpass!!! Its one membership that provides you access to 35+ coworking spaces and shared work spaces around Chicago! www.Deskpass.com

 

Anything else you'd like to add? 

C&C IS THE FREAKIN' BEST!!!!!!! :)