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Chicago has become a hot spot for community and creativity. To witness this, look no further than its small businesses and passionate entrepreneurs who are creating positive social change in their own city. This also comes through in the Showtime series The Chi, which sheds light on the passion that breeds within the city and the residents who are bonded by the need for connection and redemption.
To celebrate the new season of The Chi, HYPEBEAST created a digital, interactive map with four storefronts that represent what it means to be a true, change-making Chicagoan, highlighting the work they’re doing and how each is helping to support creativity, education and art in the community.
Silver Room
1506 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615
The Silver Room is a Chicago institution whose mission is to create a global community through art and culture by a thoughtful curation of goods, sounds and events. Founded by Eric Williams in 1997, the idea behind the store and showroom is simple: bring people together. Amongst the city’s circuit of galleries, alternative spaces and performance venues, it’s clear that this one stands the test of time with locations in Hyde Park and Wicker Park.
It’s a testament to the element of discovery that serves both the artist and observer, made possible by Williams’ astute eye for up-and-coming artists, musicians and makers. After many years of providing a platform for these creatives, it’s safe to say that Eric Williams, has struck gold or better yet, silver.
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Providing a platform for many up-and-coming artists, musicians and artisans, it’s safe to say that owner Eric Williams, has struck gold, or better yet, silver.
Semicolon Bookstore
515 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60642
Semicolon Bookstore has long been committed to nurturing the connection between literature, art, and the pursuit of knowledge while also using the power of words to better the community. Opened in July 2019 by entrepreneur Danielle Mullen, she is only the third Black woman to own a bookstore in Chicago (and currently the only one in business).
To initiate her vision for change, the shop invites public school students to the store every month to #ClearTheShelves, free of charge, where they can take home whatever books they’d like. Semicolon also doubles as an art gallery, with an artist-in-residence taking over the downstairs exhibition space, and for which Mullen and her team coordinate books to go along with the work. This meshing of art and books encourages customers to spend more time in the space, developing its own community.
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Semicolon is currently the only Black woman-owned bookstore in Chicago.
Plant Salon
957 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Plant Salon founder Nika Vaughan has almost 20 years of experience in the beauty industry and noticed that clients kept trying to buy the plants from her studio. When the pandemic took hold, her beauty studio stalled and she was faced with a choice: stay closed or apply her business sense to another passion. Plant Salon was born, fueling interest in both flora and beauty rituals amongst its West Town Chicago community.
It was a natural pivot for Vaughan, meshing her passions for health, beauty and greenery into one spot. The shop features tropical houseplants that celebrate form and color, sold amongst indie brands who specialize in natural clay masks, hand soaps, oils and more.
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Plant Salon has fueled an interest in both flora and beauty rituals amongst its West Town Chicago community.
Sip and Savor
78 E 47th St Chicago, IL 60653
It’s common for media personalities, entrepreneurs and elected officials to be seen at Sip and Savor, scattered amongst retirees, college students and other hard working Chicagoans looking for a good cup of coffee and community-focused conversations. Trez V. Pugh, III, the founder and CEO of Sip and Savor Hospitality Group, began his endeavor in search of exactly that.
He has remained steadfast in achieving his goal to spread positivity by creating spaces that capture the positive energy and excitement of different corners of Chicago, contributing to the revitalization of various neighborhoods. With a focus on remaining home grown, Sip and Savor also supports other businesses by carrying pastries and small bites from local bakeries.
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Sip and Savor captures the distinct energy and excitement of each of its location’s neighborhoods.