Heels & Handshakes Chicago: Women in Business Empowerment at The Joinery
On a crisp September evening, Heels & Handshakes Chicago gathered at the stunning venue The Joinery for a night designed to fuel both personal and professional growth for women in business. The theme of the evening? Self-care, boundaries, and the power of community.
Our speakers shared deeply personal stories and actionable strategies that resonated with every woman in the room.
Morning Routines & Self-Care: Redefining What’s Possible
The night opened with an honest discussion on morning routines. One speaker reminded us that while Pinterest-perfect mornings may not always be realistic—especially for busy women balancing work and family—it’s still possible to carve out moments of self-care. Whether through setting intentions or asking the universe to “show how amazing today can be,” it’s about creating space for yourself in the middle of life’s chaos.
Learning to Say No: Protecting Energy & Setting Boundaries
Overcommitting is something many women know all too well. As one speaker shared, the transition from online to in-person events made it even easier to say “yes” to everything. But the truth is, saying yes too often drains energy, impacts work-life balance, and fuels people-pleasing habits. The takeaway? Saying “no” is not selfish—it’s necessary.
Intuition Over Perfection: Listening to Your Inner Voice
Another powerful message centered around the struggle of perfectionism and the importance of listening to intuition. Societal pressures can make it difficult for women to trust their gut. One panelist spoke candidly about growing up with emotional manipulation, and how she had to learn to prioritize peace over perfection. Her advice was clear: tune in to your own voice and trust your instincts.
Resilience & Gratitude: Moving Forward with Strength
The evening also touched on resilience. One speaker encouraged the group to “remember the darkness” as a way to stay motivated and grateful for how far you’ve come. She introduced the practice of writing a thank-you letter to yourself—a powerful reminder of strength, growth, and resilience.
Community & Support: The Power of Women Together
No woman succeeds alone, and the Heels & Handshakes community embodies that truth. Our speakers highlighted the importance of leaning on one another, asking for mentorship, and celebrating wins together. The evening closed with the introduction of “strides”—an acronym for share, teach, recognize, uplift, and toot your own horn—reminding everyone to celebrate both big and small victories.
A Sound Bath to Seal the Evening
To end the night, Kristen led a restorative sound bath. Participants left grounded, refreshed, and ready to carry the evening’s lessons into their businesses and lives.
Action Steps for Our Chicago Women in Business Community
To keep the momentum going, attendees were encouraged to:
Write a thank-you letter to themselves.
Practice saying “no” and set clear boundaries.
Implement a daily 60-second ritual to set the tone for the day.
Reach out to a mentor for guidance.
Stay in touch with the incredible women in the room.
The September meeting at The Joinery was more than an event—it was a reminder that growth happens when women support each other, set boundaries, and prioritize their own well-being.
A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors—The Joinery, Avana Cocktails, Reverie & Co., Intud Photography, Glam Luxe Artistry, CHIdrate, and Kristin Svets—for making this event possible.
At Heels & Handshakes Chicago, we’re proud to create spaces where women in business can connect, learn, and leave inspired to keep moving forward—together. If you would like to join us next month, you can view all of our in-person meetings here.