How's Business?

Leah says she feels "conflicted" about doing business in the city of Chicago. What started as a vision for one retail shop has grown into a go-to hub for Chicago pet supplies, grooming services and dog daycare. With three locations, and a move and expansion on the horizon, Leah certainly has her hands full. And she loves it!  But sometimes the red tape, regulations, and seemingly exorbitant cost of doing business makes it difficult to spend the money where it matters most -- her staff.  Despite the growing pains, what's next for the Aeslin pet family? Learn more at aeslin.com Follow @AeslinPupHub on Facebook and Instagram.   *** How’s Business? is created by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School (IJ Clinic) and is hosted by Stacy Massey. Podcast editing services by Andrea Klunder and Edwin Ruiz at The Creative Impostor Studios. Follow us on Instagram @howsbusiness_chi Chicago-based business owners who are interested in being featured on How’s Business? are especially invited to connect with us at http://www.howsbusinesschi.com!

Previously, Alex described doing business in Chicago as "frustrating". Running the sign company his father started has been a challenge, to say the least, especially with all of the layers of approval and red tape it takes for clients to get their signs and awnings approved. The permit process is currently slow and complicated, but it might be getting a little easier. As we release this episode, a new ordinance has been introduced in City Council to change the process for signs that hang over the public way, like awnings and thick lettering.  To learn how to help advocate for this change and others like it in support of Chicago small business, email us: clinic@ijclinic.org or call 773-834-3129.  You can learn more about Right Way Signs at www.rightwaysigns.com or on Facebook @RightWaySigns. *** How’s Business? is created by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School (IJ Clinic) and is hosted by Stacy Massey. Podcast editing services by Andrea Klunder and Edwin Ruiz at The Creative Impostor Studios. Follow us on Instagram @howsbusiness_chi Chicago-based business owners who are interested in being featured on How’s Business? are especially invited to connect with us at http://www.howsbusinesschi.com!

Sylvia and Augie's business grew out of a personal need for an effective laundry detergent that wouldn't irritate their family's sensitive skin. From diaper rash to eczema to sweaty workout clothes, Sylvia couldn't find an "all in one" product that worked for everyone, so she engaged an organic chemist to create one. Dinobi Detergent is designed to be an affordable, plant-based laundry detergent that is powerful in the wash, yet gentle on skin and the environment. From changing consumers' buying habits, to navigating the city's contract and procurement process, to keeping their product in stock for wholesalers, doing business isn't always easy. What is the vision for Dinobi over the next five years?   Learn more at https://www.dinobidetergent.com Follow @Dinobi_Detergent on Instagram and @DinobiDetergent on Facebook. Fun fact: "dinobi" means "precious." *** How’s Business? is created by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School (IJ Clinic) and is hosted by Stacy Massey. Podcast editing services by Andrea Klunder and Edwin Ruiz at The Creative Impostor Studios. Follow us on Instagram @howsbusiness_chi Chicago-based business owners who are interested in being featured on How’s Business? are especially invited to connect with us at http://www.howsbusinesschi.com!

Liz says doing business in Chicago is "uncertain" because she's trying something outside of the box in the grocery market. Forty Acres Fresh Market is a pop-up grocer specializing in selling high quality fresh produce at an everyday low price. Founded in response to the dearth of fresh food options on Chicago's West Side, Liz is doubling down on community partnerships, grants, and building credibility in her neighborhood. Can this business model thrive in the long term? Learn more at https://www.fortyacresfreshmarket.com/ Follow @FortyAcresFreshMarket on Facebook and Instagram and @40acresfresh on Twitter. *** How’s Business? is created by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School (IJ Clinic) and is hosted by Stacy Massey. Podcast editing services by Andrea Klunder and Edwin Ruiz at The Creative Impostor Studios. Follow us on Instagram @howsbusiness_chi Chicago-based business owners who are interested in being featured on How’s Business? are especially invited to connect with us at http://www.howsbusinesschi.com!

Shelby describes doing business in Chicago as a "microcosm." Learn more about his journey through Chicago's food world on this week's episode! *** How’s Business? is created by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School (IJ Clinic) and is hosted by Stacy Massey. Podcast editing services by Andrea Klunder and Edwin Ruiz at The Creative Impostor Studios. Follow us on Instagram @howsbusiness_chi Chicago-based business owners who are interested in being featured on How’s Business? are especially invited to connect with us at howsbusinesschi.com!

Robbie says doing business in Chicago is "full circle" because of how far she's come, from college professor to learning how to grow and manage her Chatham based pest control company to bidding on accounts with universities and other large companies and organizations. And it hasn't been easy. From licensing to human resources to managing your online reputation, running a business can sometimes feel like you're working twice as hard as having a job. So how exactly does she do it? Learn more at http://rbpestsolutions.com Follow @rbpestsolution on Facebook and @r.b.pestsolutions on Instagram.  *** How’s Business? is created by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School (IJ Clinic) and is hosted by Stacy Massey. Podcast editing services by Andrea Klunder and Edwin Ruiz at The Creative Impostor Studios. Follow us on Instagram @howsbusiness_chi Chicago-based business owners who are interested in being featured on How’s Business? are especially invited to connect with us at http://www.howsbusinesschi.com!

Eva says doing business in Chicago is "challenging." That's putting it lightly! This founder of Catalyst Ranch, a creative meeting and event space in historic downtown Chicago, has run around in circles and jumped through hoops many times for everything from expanding their physical location, to getting the proper licensing to offer catering at their events, to getting a sign that people can actually see from the street. Find out why, despite these obstacles, Eva has no plans to leave Chicago and how she made the leap from corporate employee to thriving entrepreneur. Learn more at https://www.catalystranch.com Follow @catalyst.ranch on Instagram, @catalystranch on Facebook, @catalystranch on Pinterest and @CatalystWedding on Twitter. *** How’s Business? is created by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School (IJ Clinic) and is hosted by Stacy Massey. Podcast editing services by Andrea Klunder and Edwin Ruiz at The Creative Impostor Studios. Follow us on Instagram @howsbusiness_chi Chicago-based business owners who are interested in being featured on How’s Business? are especially invited to connect with us at http://www.howsbusinesschi.com!

Eric describes doing business in Chicago as "exhilarating." Despite being a natural entrepreneur who loves his city and his community, it isn't always easy to navigate the city's codes and licenses. How exactly did Eric go from peddling Bart Simpson t-shirts on the street, to a lifestyle retail space in Wicker Park and a move to Hyde Park, to starting a block party in Hyde Park that attracts thousands of people, to pop-up shops around Chicago? Learn more at http://www.thesilverroom.com Follow @thesilverroom... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesilverroom/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesilverroom Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesilverroom *** How’s Business? is created by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School (IJ Clinic) and is hosted by Stacy Massey. Podcast editing services by Andrea Klunder and Edwin Ruiz at The Creative Impostor Studios. Follow us on Instagram @howsbusiness_chi Chicago-based business owners who are interested in being featured on How’s Business? are especially invited to connect with us at howsbusinesschi.com!

Juana describes doing business in Chicago as "frustrating." She spent much of her life savings outfitting a truck for mobile retail, but how's it going? Learn more at StellaLily.com. *** How’s Business? is created by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School (IJ Clinic) and is hosted by Stacy Massey. Podcast editing services by Andrea Klunder and Edwin Ruiz at The Creative Impostor Studios. Follow us on Instagram @howsbusiness_chi Chicago-based business owners who are interested in being featured on How’s Business? are especially invited to connect with us at howsbusinesschi.com!

Maria describes doing business in Chicago as "amazing." Her business was recently formalized with the passing a street vending ordinance. Learn more about what street food legalization means for her. *** How’s Business? is created by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School (IJ Clinic) and is hosted by Stacy Massey. Podcast editing services by Andrea Klunder and Edwin Ruiz at The Creative Impostor Studios. Follow us on Instagram @howsbusiness_chi Chicago-based business owners who are interested in being featured on How’s Business? are especially invited to connect with us at howsbusinesschi.com!

Jake describes doing business in Chicago as full of "opportunity". He decided to open a coffee shop when the markets crashed and he needed to find a new source of income. Ten years later, what does it mean to Jake to own his own business? You can learn more about Robust Coffee Lounge at robustcoffeelounge.com or on Facebook @RobustCoffeeLounge. *** How’s Business? is created by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School (IJ Clinic) and is hosted by Stacy Massey. Podcast editing services by Andrea Klunder and Edwin Ruiz at The Creative Impostor Studios. Follow us on Instagram @howsbusiness_chi Chicago-based business owners who are interested in being featured on How’s Business? are especially invited to connect with us at howsbusinesschi.com!

Rezna describes doing business in Chicago as "determination." She's determined to help Chicagoans understand their power to heal themselves. But how does she do it?    Connect with Revolutionary Care on Instagram @_revolutionarycare *** How’s Business? is created by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School (IJ Clinic) and is hosted by Stacy Massey. Podcast editing services by Andrea Klunder and Edwin Ruiz at The Creative Impostor Studios. Follow us on Instagram @howsbusiness_chi Chicago-based business owners who are interested in being featured on How’s Business? are especially invited to connect with us at howsbusinesschi.com!

Dan describes doing business in Chicago as "entrepreneurial". He built a market for shipping seafood from the trunk of his car. How has he handled the challenges of maintaining a potentially hazardous food business? You can learn more about Lobster Gram at lobstergram.com or on Facebook @lobstergram. *** How’s Business? is created by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School (IJ Clinic) and is hosted by Stacy Massey. Podcast editing services by Andrea Klunder and Edwin Ruiz at The Creative Impostor Studios. Follow us on Instagram @howsbusiness_chi Chicago-based business owners who are interested in being featured on How’s Business? are especially invited to connect with us at howsbusinesschi.com!

Kamilah describes doing business in Chicago as a "learning experience". She began by experimenting with boozy cupcakes in her kitchen. What inspired her to transition into a full-fledged business? You can learn more about Intoxicakes at intoxicakeschicago.com or on Facebook @IntoxiCakesChicago. *** How’s Business? is created by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School (IJ Clinic) and is hosted by Stacy Massey. Podcast editing services by Andrea Klunder and Edwin Ruiz at The Creative Impostor Studios. Follow us on Instagram @howsbusiness_chi Chicago-based business owners who are interested in being featured on How’s Business? are especially invited to connect with us at howsbusinesschi.com!

LaForce describes doing business in Chicago as "interesting." LaForce says you have to be patient when you're getting all the correct licenses and permits. How much time does he suggest you allot? You can learn more about Moon Meals at www.moonmeals.com or on Facebook @moonmeals. *** How’s Business? is created by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School (IJ Clinic) and is hosted by Stacy Massey. Podcast editing services by Andrea Klunder and Edwin Ruiz at The Creative Impostor Studios. Follow us on Instagram @howsbusiness_chi Chicago-based business owners who are interested in being featured on How’s Business? are especially invited to connect with us at howsbusinesschi.com!

Tony describes doing business in Chicago as "great". He worked as a real estate broker before opening a laundromat business. How did he choose the locations that would support the kind of business he was seeking to launch? You can learn more about Friendly Wash at thefriendlywash.com or on Facebook @friendlywashkimball. *** How’s Business? is created by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School (IJ Clinic) and is hosted by Stacy Massey. Podcast editing services by Andrea Klunder and Edwin Ruiz at The Creative Impostor Studios. Follow us on Instagram @howsbusiness_chi Chicago-based business owners who are interested in being featured on How’s Business? are especially invited to connect with us at howsbusinesschi.com!

Rosanna describes doing business in Chicago as "a new thing every day". When she opened her craft ice business she had no competitors in Chicago. How did Rosanna go about navigating a new industry? You can learn more about Just Ice at icecoldjustice.com or on Facebook @icecoldjustice. *** How’s Business? is created by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School (IJ Clinic) and is hosted by Stacy Massey. Podcast editing services by Andrea Klunder and Edwin Ruiz at The Creative Impostor Studios. Follow us on Instagram @howsbusiness_chi Chicago-based business owners who are interested in being featured on How’s Business? are especially invited to connect with us at howsbusinesschi.com!

Euler describes doing business in Chicago as "extremely collaborative". As a lawyer, he focused on transactional work. How has his legal background informed the way he approaches the promotion of economic development in underserved areas? You can learn more about Vested World at vestedworld.com or on Twitter @VestedWorld. *** How’s Business? is created by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School (IJ Clinic) and is hosted by Stacy Massey. Podcast editing services by Andrea Klunder and Edwin Ruiz at The Creative Impostor Studios. Follow us on Instagram @howsbusiness_chi Chicago-based business owners who are interested in being featured on How’s Business? are especially invited to connect with us at howsbusinesschi.com!

Jesse describes doing business in Chicago as "daunting." His neighborhood views him as a huge asset and his business is profitable - so what's in the way of his business' growth? To learn more about Jesse's Back of the Yards-based coffee shop, check out the business at backoftheyardscoffee.com and on Facebook at @Backoftheyardscoffee. *** How’s Business? is created by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School (IJ Clinic) and is hosted by Stacy Massey. Podcast editing services by Andrea Klunder and Edwin Ruiz at The Creative Impostor Studios. Follow us on Instagram @howsbusiness_chi Chicago-based business owners who are interested in being featured on How’s Business? are especially invited to connect with us at howsbusinesschi.com!

Ed and Dale describe doing business in Chicago as "tough". They have faced skepticism from both their local communities and legislators. What challenges do they face as owners of a composting business in Chicago? *** How’s Business? is created by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School (IJ Clinic) and is hosted by Stacy Massey. Podcast editing services by Andrea Klunder and Edwin Ruiz at The Creative Impostor Studios. Follow us on Instagram @howsbusiness_chi Chicago-based business owners who are interested in being featured on How’s Business? are especially invited to connect with us at howsbusinesschi.com!

Amy describes doing business in Chicago as "rewarding but frustrating". When she began operating her food truck business, Amy had no idea she would end up launching the Food Truck Association and advocating for new legislation. What advice would she now give to small business owners looking to engage with City Hall and influence policy? You can learn more about Saucy Porka at saucyporka.com or on Facebook @SaucyPorka. *** How’s Business? is created by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School (IJ Clinic) and is hosted by Stacy Massey. Podcast editing services by Andrea Klunder and Edwin Ruiz at The Creative Impostor Studios. Follow us on Instagram @howsbusiness_chi Chicago-based business owners who are interested in being featured on How’s Business? are especially invited to connect with us at howsbusinesschi.com!

Robert describes doing business in Chicago as full of "good people". He says Chicago is one of the best places in America to launch an apparel manufacturing business. What about the city makes it a hospitable place for skilled workers in this industry? You can learn more about Dearborn Denim at dearborndenim.us or on Facebook @dearborndenim. *** How’s Business? is created by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School (IJ Clinic) and is hosted by Stacy Massey. Podcast editing services by Andrea Klunder and Edwin Ruiz at The Creative Impostor Studios. Follow us on Instagram @howsbusiness_chi Chicago-based business owners who are interested in being featured on How’s Business? are especially invited to connect with us at howsbusinesschi.com!

Katherine describes doing business in Chicago as "hilarious". When she first had the idea to support micro-retail, it was illegal. In what ways has Katherine worked with City Hall to create processes that support microbusiness owners? You can learn more about Boombox at boomboxchicago.com or on Facebook @boomboxchicago. *** How’s Business? is created by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School (IJ Clinic) and is hosted by Stacy Massey. Podcast editing services by Andrea Klunder and Edwin Ruiz at The Creative Impostor Studios. Follow us on Instagram @howsbusiness_chi Chicago-based business owners who are interested in being featured on How’s Business? are especially invited to connect with us at howsbusinesschi.com!

Amanda describes doing business in Chicago as "stimulating." She built a market of Chicagoans interested in off-the-beaten-path tourism. Where does she travel to show Chicago's historic side? You can learn more about Chicago Detours at www.chicagodetours.com or on Facebook @chicagodetours. *** How’s Business? is created by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School (IJ Clinic) and is hosted by Stacy Massey. Podcast editing services by Andrea Klunder and Edwin Ruiz at The Creative Impostor Studios. Follow us on Instagram @howsbusiness_chi Chicago-based business owners who are interested in being featured on How’s Business? are especially invited to connect with us at howsbusinesschi.com!

Jordan describes doing business in Chicago as "aspirational". He always wanted his business to benefit the local South Side community. What employment strategy has he chosen to further this mission? You can learn more about Tea Squares at myteasquares.com and on Facebook @myteasquares. *** How’s Business? is created by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School (IJ Clinic) and is hosted by Stacy Massey. Podcast editing services by Andrea Klunder and Edwin Ruiz at The Creative Impostor Studios. Follow us on Instagram @howsbusiness_chi Chicago-based business owners who are interested in being featured on How’s Business? are especially invited to connect with us at howsbusinesschi.com!

Jimmie and Tiffany describe doing business in Chicago as "full of opportunity". As minority owners of a landscaping business, what do they think the city of Chicago is doing right? You can learn more about Urban Roots Inc. at urbanrootsinc.com or on Facebook at @UrbanRootsInc. *** How’s Business? is created by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School (IJ Clinic) and is hosted by Stacy Massey. Podcast editing services by Andrea Klunder and Edwin Ruiz at The Creative Impostor Studios. Follow us on Instagram @howsbusiness_chi Chicago-based business owners who are interested in being featured on How’s Business? are especially invited to connect with us at howsbusinesschi.com!

Jera and Joslyn describe doing business in Chicago as "interesting". This mother-daughter duo decided to open a mobile thrift boutique. What steps did they have to take to ensure they're compliant with the city's requirements? You can learn more about Shop the Thrifty Fashionista at startafashiontruck.com or on Facebook @ShopTTF. *** How’s Business? is created by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School (IJ Clinic) and is hosted by Stacy Massey. Podcast editing services by Andrea Klunder and Edwin Ruiz at The Creative Impostor Studios. Follow us on Instagram @howsbusiness_chi Chicago-based business owners who are interested in being featured on How’s Business? are especially invited to connect with us at howsbusinesschi.com!

Sean and Grant describe doing business in Chicago as "a dream come true". They began their business from Sean's backyard and faced a variety of zoning challenges. What advice would they now give to self-employed gym owners? You can learn more about Chicago Primal Gym at chicagoprimal.com or on Facebook @ChicagoPrimalGym. *** How’s Business? is created by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School (IJ Clinic) and is hosted by Stacy Massey. Podcast editing services by Andrea Klunder and Edwin Ruiz at The Creative Impostor Studios. Follow us on Instagram @howsbusiness_chi Chicago-based business owners who are interested in being featured on How’s Business? are especially invited to connect with us at howsbusinesschi.com!

Alex describes doing business in Chicago as "frustrating". He began growing his father's sign company in Evanston, but relocated to Chicago. What about the Windy City and its workforce drew him there? You can learn more about Right Way Signs at www.rightwaysigns.com or on Facebook @RightWaySigns. *** How’s Business? is created by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School (IJ Clinic) and is hosted by Stacy Massey. Podcast editing services by Andrea Klunder and Edwin Ruiz at The Creative Impostor Studios. Follow us on Instagram @howsbusiness_chi Chicago-based business owners who are interested in being featured on How’s Business? are especially invited to connect with us at howsbusinesschi.com!

Aya-Nikole describes doing business in Chicago as "vibrant and expansive". She once taught yoga is sunny California. What lured her back to Chicago? You can learn more about Haji Healing Salon at https://hajihealingsalon.com or on Facebook @hajihealingsalon. *** How’s Business? is created by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School (IJ Clinic) and is hosted by Stacy Massey. Podcast editing services by Andrea Klunder and Edwin Ruiz at The Creative Impostor Studios. Follow us on Instagram @howsbusiness_chi Chicago-based business owners who are interested in being featured on How’s Business? are especially invited to connect with us at howsbusinesschi.com!

Nicole and Dan describe doing business in Chicago as "resourceful". They saved thousands when bringing their food space up to code. How did they do it? You can learn more about Upton's Naturals at www.uptonsnaturals.com or on Facebook at @UptonsNaturals. *** How’s Business? is created by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School (IJ Clinic) and is hosted by Stacy Massey. Podcast editing services by Andrea Klunder and Edwin Ruiz at The Creative Impostor Studios. Follow us on Instagram @howsbusiness_chi Chicago-based business owners who are interested in being featured on How’s Business? are especially invited to connect with us at howsbusinesschi.com!

Pete Ternes describes doing business in Chicago as "optimistic". He followed a brew pub model, but how did outsourcing the production of his beer make him feel? You can learn more about Middle Brow Beer at www.middlebrowbeer.com or on Facebook at @MiddleBrow *** How’s Business? is created by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School (IJ Clinic) and is hosted by Stacy Massey. Podcast editing services by Andrea Klunder and Edwin Ruiz at The Creative Impostor Studios. Follow us on Instagram @howsbusiness_chi Chicago-based business owners who are interested in being featured on How’s Business? are especially invited to connect with us at howsbusinesschi.com!

Jimmy describes doing business in Chicago as "hard but fair". His initial business model was inspired by a famous Black Institution in Chicago. Which one? You can learn more about Jimmy's Vegan at www.jimmysvegancookies.com or on Facebook @jimmysvegancookies *** How’s Business? is created by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School (IJ Clinic) and is hosted by Stacy Massey. Podcast editing services by Andrea Klunder and Edwin Ruiz at The Creative Impostor Studios. Follow us on Instagram @howsbusiness_chi Chicago-based business owners who are interested in being featured on How’s Business? are especially invited to connect with us at www.howsbusinesschi.com.

Cezar wants to grow his moving business. What's standing in his way? MOOvers is located in the Jefferson Park neighborhood of Chicago. Learn more at https://mooverschicago.com and on Facebook @MOOversChicago. *** How’s Business? is created by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School (IJ Clinic) and is hosted by Stacy Massey. Podcast editing services by Andrea Klunder and Edwin Ruiz at The Creative Impostor Studios. Chicago-based business owners who are interested in being featured on How’s Business? are especially invited to reach out to clinic@ij.org!