Syncing at Symphony’s

Last week the Network of Entrepreneurial Women enjoyed a delicious meal at Symphony’s Cafe during our progressive networking dinner event.

photo courtesy NetworkHoncho, Daisy Chain Dress from Hello Holiday

Evanston has so many wonderful dining options that I had not yet tried this restaurant, but I was not disappointed. Their goat cheese appetizer was a luxurious way to kick off the evening. I had their risotto twice since I took some of it home (too busy chatting), and their chocolate mousse desserts had already been praised to me by locals.

photo courtesy NetworkHoncho

NEW Co-Founder Karen of McCormack Consulting had prepared ice breaker questions to get our conversations started. Ultimately the conversations flowed easily, but it was wonderful to learn more about each woman.

For the most intriguing question: “What is the most interesting thing you’ve ever done in your business, past or present?” NEW Co-Founder Erica of  reported the following responses.

Marianne Guinee made such a change from what was already a successful (but time intensive) career to a more relaxed, fulfilling position as Marketing Director for Melaleuca.

Lina Angelov, owner of Linita Creations said that making jewelry was the most unusual thing she did: “I never thought I was creative enough,” she said. However, Lina said, “I realized I did have the creativity in me.”

Karen York, Professional Organizer and Owner of Organize Me, recalled a particularly “rewarding situation” when she met the challenge to assist a client that was moving and had several vital events scheduled “all in less than a week”.

We ended the evening gathering all around one table and lingering over dessert. Speaking of bonding, I was thrilled that both Karen and Erica wore my earrings (unplanned)!

photo courtesy NetworkHoncho

Our next event is in Elgin at Blue Violet Body Works (2000 Larkin Ave Suite 301, Elgin , IL). The center is located in a lighthouse building and provides a variety of massages, reiki and reflexology services. Our group will enjoy mini treatments and munchies while networking with local businesswomen and entrepreneurs. We will also tour the center and meet some of the practitioners.

Can’t make this week’s event? RSVP for our upcoming events at Meetup.  You can also like us on Facebook, where the events will be listed as well. We’re super-excited to be part of Crain’s Small Business Week, which I’ll share more about in an upcoming post.

NEW – The Network of Entrepreneurial Women is a group of Chicagoland business women who are upgrading business networking with fun and creative events that inspire attendees to work together, refer each other and most of all cheer each other on as the membership succeeds. Events rotate around various suburbs on a semimonthly basis, usually the 2nd Wednesday and 4th Thursday of the month.