EVENTS
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Suite Escape offers dynamic and curated events featuring exceptional speakers that spark lifelong connections and fulfill intellectual curiosity.
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Design Unfiltered: A Peek Behind the Curtain of the LFIWS 2025 Showhouse & Gardens
Design Unfiltered: A Peek Behind the Curtain of the LFIWS 2025 Showhouse and Gardens
This month, we are shining a spotlight on women in the creative field, showcasing how they make their mark with innovative design, style, and unique perspectives that shape culture and conversation.
Join us for an inspiring edition of our Morning Brew series, where coffee meets creativity in a spirited celebration of art, design, and the women shaping both. This intimate gathering will spotlight the some of the brilliant minds behind this year’s Lake Forest Infant Welfare Showhouse & Gardens.
This panel discussion will feature several powerhouse interior designers, as they pull back the curtain on their personal design journeys, the creative heartbeat behind their featured spaces in this year’s Showhouse, and the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels their work. Whether you’re a design enthusiast, a creative professional, or simply craving connection with conversation, this event is for you.
The discussion will include:
Behind the Scenes - A look at the inspiration and design process behind the 2025 Showhouse spaces
Insights into the “Why” - The purpose and passion that brought each designer to the Showhouse
Entrepreneurship Lessons from women who are building bold, beautiful businesses
Ready to be inspired? Don’t miss this chance to connect with fellow creatives and community leaders, and leave with fresh fuel for your own creative journey, whether you’re designing spaces or growing a business. At Suite Escape, we believe women supporting women isn’t a trend, it’s a movement. Come sip, connect, and be part of this powerful conversation. Spots are limited so reserve your seat today!
Legacy in Every Piece: Jane’s Story of Growth, Purpose & Paying it Forward
Legacy in Every Piece: Jane’s Story of Growth, Purpose & Paying it Forward
This May, as we explore the theme of Legacy at Suite Escape, we are excited to welcome Jane Winchester Paradis to Morning Brew. Jane is the visionary behind Jane Win Jewelry, a collection of modern coin jewelry with meaning. Each piece is infused with intention, designed for a feeling, a direction, or an emotion. It is the perfect way to help the wearer celebrate her milestone moments. Moments of joy. Of love. Of loss and the search for peace. Of growth. Of strength and empowerment. Every day her customers can put on a symbol of what message they want to evoke most.
Jane’s journey began in design and fashion marketing with renowned brands like Adrienne Vittadini, Calvin Klein, Barneys New York, and Lilly Pulitzer, all while balancing the demands of raising a family. In a bold move, Jane then pivoted to launch her own brand, leading to the creation of Jane Win Jewelry. Jane is proof that legacy isn’t just about what we leave behind, but rather what we are creating right now.
Over coffee, Jane will share,
Career Lessons & Entrepreneurial Insights - Learn how to pivot with confidence, embracing change at any stage, and get an inside look at scaling a business from initial inspiration to long-term growth.
Mentorship & Impact - Understand the power behind sharing knowledge and experience with other women in business and creating opportunities to open doors for them as they forge their own future.
Giving Back with “Share the Love” - Learn how Jane uses her business to reinforce her commitment to community and philanthropy by building partnerships with incredible organizations such as Girl Rising, the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Fund, and Breast Cancer Alliance.
And now this month with the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.
Creativity sparked in a conversation Jane had with the former First Lady’s granddaughter Jenna Bush Hager (who famously wears her Jane Win on the Today Show daily). They discovered a shared passion for literacy and thus was born the idea of a specially designed collection ⸺BLOOM⸺ benefitting the Barbara Bush Foundation. The collection prominently features peonies, the First Lady’s favorite flower, and honors the 100th anniversary of her birth. Barbara Bush believed that literacy was the foundation for opportunity, empowerment, and a better future for all — a mission that resonates deeply with Jane. Through this special collection, Jane is championing the importance of this cause and supporting the Foundation’s nationwide family literacy programming.
You will hear all about Jane’s journey firsthand and walk away with inspiration to build your own legacy one step at a time.
Another perk? A sneak peek at Jane’s latest jewelry designs
Learn MoreRegister Here
An Exclusive Showing & Discussion of the Short Film, “That Old Beautiful Love”
An Exclusive Showing of the Short Film, “That Old Beautiful Love”
Join us for a morning of coffee, creativity, and conversation as we view the short film That Old Beautiful Love with interdisciplinary artist Maggie Meiners, writer Kelly Q. Anderson, and special guest Denise Hamburger, founder of Be Real, an organization dedicated to promoting positive body image in young people.
This gathering features a screening of the film adaptation of Anderson’s award-nominated flash fiction story , first published in Stanchion Zine (2022). Editor Jeff Bogle called it so striking it made him “spit out his morning coffee.” The story earned a Best MicroFiction Award nomination before Meiners adapted it for film.
Meiners, known for exploring identity, consumerism, and media culture, brings her signature visual style to this adaptation. That Old Beautiful Love, first published in Stanchion Zine (2022), earned a Best MicroFiction Award nomination and caught Meiners’ attention, inspiring her to transform Anderson’s electrifying prose into film.
Anderson, a celebrated writer, artist, and President of the Off Campus Writers’ Workshop, is known for her punchy, evocative storytelling. Her work has been anthologized, featured as public art, and now brought to life on film. Meiners and Anderson will discuss bringing the story to the screen, exploring themes of love, nostalgia, and media’s influence on personal narratives.
Denise Hamburger will add depth to the discussion with insights on body image and media influence, offering guidance on fostering confidence in young girls. As the founder of Be Real, she is a leading advocate for teens navigating societal beauty pressures, making this conversation both timely and impactful.
Enjoy coffee, a screening of That Old Beautiful Love, and a live discussion with Meiners, Anderson, and Hamburger, offering fresh insights into their creative process and the intersection of film and literature.
Learn MoreRegister Here
Ripple From the Inside Out: Heal Yourself, Your Family, Your Community & the World
Ripple From the Inside Out: Heal Yourself, Your Family, Your Community & the World
Join us at Suite Escape on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 for insight into how to navigate change and constant stressors with higher consciousness, greater awareness and self-compassion. In doing so, you will have greater impact with the immediate world around you.
Christie Jordan is an intuitive acupuncturist, herbalist, and the Founding Director of Source Healing, an inspired holistic health studio that started in 1999 in the River North neighborhood downtown, expanded to Winnetka, and is now also in Lake Forest.
During coffee, you will learn how to move into the practice of looking at your body, emotions, thoughts and life with a higher lens.
Over coffee, Christie will discuss:
How everything is Qi or Energy and how to use it intentionally to create your health and life.
How the world around you is constantly interacting with your body and health
How your thoughts and emotions chemically affect your body’s stress response, and what you can do about it.
Why it’s critical to prioritize awareness of your own healing process.
How health challenges can be the greatest wake-up call.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to mingle and be inspired to practice greater compassion and self-awareness on behalf of the beautiful body you have that is here working for you.
Learn More Register Now
The Future of Retail: Redefining Style, Confidence & Choice
The Future of Retail: Redefining Style, Confidence & Choice
Join us for a “Field Trip” to Lillie Alexander in Lake Forest for insight on one of the most challenging dilemmas for women - What should I wear? Style, comfort, trends, and cost all go into buying clothes and getting dressed. Why is it always so complicated?
Two women are on a mission of change. Meet MaryLiz Lehman, creator of the online styling app GoodPix and Lauren Peters, new owner of the Lillie Alexander boutique in Lake Forest.
During coffee you will discover how these women are changing the in-store and online retail experience by integrating technology to create a truly personalized experience. This will revolutionize the way you connect, style, and build your wardrobe.
Over coffee, MaryLiz and Lauren will discuss how to:
Create a digital closet and curated lookbooks
Establish a connection with the right stylist according your needs
Create a sustainable, capsule wardrobe
Don’t miss out on this chance to mingle, caffeinate, and get inspired by the latest in fashion and tech!
Learn MoreRegister Here
“Investing 2.0” with Nancy Doyle, CFA CFT™
“Investing 2.0” with Nancy Doyle CFA CFT™
Join financial expert Nancy Doyle for coffee and inspiration to get up to speed on your financial literacy and investing goals. This engaging conversation will motivate you to take charge and ask yourself: "Is my money working for me?" Build your financial confidence to move toward a brighter financial future!
With 30 years of experience, Nancy brings clarity and simplicity to a wide range of financial topics. Her straightforward approach, focusing on organization and behavioral finance, will empower you to overcome obstacles and achieve your financial goals.
Over coffee, Nancy will discuss:
Understanding fundamental investing concepts helps build a strong foundation for making informed financial decisions, reducing risk, and enhancing long-term returns. Nancy will highlight principles to guide you in navigating markets with confidence and foresight.
Engagement and discipline are key to achieving investment success. By staying focused and making sound decisions, you are better equipped to weather market fluctuations and steadily grow your wealth.
Setting clear financial priorities ensures that your investment strategy aligns with both short-term needs and long-term aspirations. This approach helps you allocate resources effectively and stay committed to financial goals amidst life's changing demands.
Nancy holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, is a Certified Financial Therapist Practitioner (CFT™), and is a Professional Member of NAPO. She's a graduate of Georgetown University and the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. She is a sought-after speaker and has been featured in numerous media outlets, including U.S. News, Reader's Digest, and MarketWatch.
During the discussion, Nancy will share practical insight and helpful tools for making informed financial decisions. You will leave this event with increased confidence and knowledge about your financial future!
Registration also includes a copy of Nancy's book, "Manage Your Financial Life: A Thoughtful Organized Approach for Women" (2016).
Success Starts Here: Mindset and Goals for a Bright School Year
Dr. Mia Gregor - “Success Starts Here: Mindset and Goals for a Bright School Year”
Whether you are a parent, educator, or caregiver, this lecture will provide the knowledge, context and tools needed to support children in reaching their full potential. Start the school year off strong with Dr. Gregor's expertise, emphasizing the power of mindset and goal setting in shaping bright futures. Success truly starts here!
Over coffee Dr. Gregor will discuss cognitive and social/emotional development during the critical elementary and middle school years.:
The stages of cognitive development and their impact on learning.
The role of social/emotional growth in fostering resilience and positive mindset.
Practical goal-setting strategies that align with developmental stages.
Techniques to nurture cognitive and social/emotional growth in children.
Dr. Mia Gregor is a board-certified pediatric neuropsychologist and former program lead of the pediatric neuropsychology department at Banner Children’s Hospital in Arizona.
Dr. Gregor has recently returned to the North Shore and is a Mom to high school and middle school aged boys.
Sally Lou Loveman, Author & Founder LoveSpeaks®
Sally Lou Loveman
Sally Lou has spent a lifetime doing what she loves. After a 36-year career in television and having entertained over half a million people from the Oprah stage, Sally Lou has built a practice teaching and inspiring others to tap into the most meaningful parts of their stories in order to speak on any occasion, big or small, with confidence and purpose.
Coffee with Sally Lou will be memorable - her name speaks for itself! You will leave inspired by her passion, humor and truth, along with a new set of skills to bring your speaking delivery to the next level.
This event is exclusively sponsored by Valentina.
Unlocking Potential, Igniting Success
Brooke Skinner Ricketts
Brooke Skinner Ricketts is Co-Founder and President of Beyond Barriers, a unique Career Fitness platform designed to transform professional women into leaders. Over coffee Brooke will share her story about what drives her passion for problem-solving and why she is inspired to create a more equitable workplace.
From educating and empowering employees for advancement, to working with companies to deliver breakthroughs, Brooke is committed to unlocking the leadership potential that lies beneath the surface of many female corporate professionals.
The Importance of Critical Thinking Skills in the Age of AI
Dr. Jill Baren
Dr. Baren will share her personal story of finding her passion and purpose first in medicine and then transitioning to teaching, and discuss her perspective on a liberal arts education and why the human component of students must be prioritized. Dr. Baren will also share her ideas for engagement opportunities with the College for women who share a passion for life-long learning. This event is sponsored by @properties Christie’s International Real Estate.
Ink and Insight: Representation and Diversity in Children’s Books
Clothilde Ewing
Clothilde’s goal is for people to see more children of color in books that are not defined primarily by race or struggle, but rather belonging and joy.
“It is important for all children, regardless of race or ethnicity, to see children of color in books where kids are just being kids and having fun.”
Connection
Unite with women who believe in the power of supporting one another.
Community
Experience the meaningful synergy of women celebrating achievements and navigating challenges.
Education
Make learning a priority through curated content and dynamic events created to educate and motivate members.
Inspiration
Cultivate your passions and enrich your purpose to be a positive force in the world.
Tomorrow Starts Today.
“Suite Escape is a wonderful addition to the North Shore community. I have thoroughly enjoyed the speaker luncheon series and have found the events to be tremendous networking platforms. On several occasions, I have met the most amazing women and have even run into old friends who have become new again.”
-DUSTIN
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