These innovators are leading the change, powering us all forward to level up the North Shore.
Owner and master instructor, The Bar Method Northfield, @thebarmethodnorthfield
Lincoln Park fitness fanatics are brokenhearted with the departure of rock star Bar Method teacher Catherine James (@cathjames11), but downtown Chicago’s loss is the North Shore’s gain: The veteran instructor has taken her game to Northfield to open the company’s latest location. She may be the new kid on the North Shore, but the Winnetka resident is a serious veteran in the barre world, having embraced it nearly 20 years ago and converting countless students ever since. “I love seeing clients transform through our workout and community,” notes James. “They discover their inner power, plus the sheer ability to hold their heads high with proud posture and look in the mirror with grace and self-love.” Here, James gives the scoop on her new adventure and what inspires her.
What have you learned in the past year?
With shutdowns at both my son’s school and my business, I learned to let it go… and that letting go cultivates freedom: to relinquish control, to drop the reins, to surrender. These acts provide gains, not losses.
Who are you inspired by?
My mom is my rock and my central force of inspiration. She has the grit of a cowboy, the poise of a prima ballerina and the horsepower of a Kentucky Derby winner. It’s a tie race because next to my mom is my almost-9-year-old son. He shows me every day that being his momma is the greatest gift I could dream of, and it’s also the toughest job ever.
What drives you to innovate?
Being an expert and a leader in my space. Not simply in the barre fitness industry but as a coach to empower women.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
Seeing the vivid impact I have on the self-esteem of my clients and my team
How do you personally recharge?
To recharge, I love to dance with my son and sing loudly to music. I love to walk my dog without my phone, tune into nature and let my mind wander. Reading novels is my favorite, and I’m incredibly disciplined about getting enough sleep.
What are you most excited about for 2022?
My new studio in Northfield— bring it on!
Founder, Evergreen, eatevergreen.com
Never underestimate a mother’s determination. Case in point: New Trier Township resident, Yale College and Harvard Law grad, and former Alinea Group General Counsel Emily Groden, who turned her frustration at not being able to find a quick and easy (yet healthy and delicious) breakfast for her toddler into a booming business with Evergreen waffles. Now carried in Sprouts Farmers Markets nationwide and Whole Foods across the Midwest and New England, the company is growing fast—and is also a force for good, making regular contributions to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and food donations to the Common Pantry in Lakeview. Here, Groden talks inspirations and why she so enjoys the world of waffles.
What have you learned in the past year?
In the past year, I opened a manufacturing facility, had a baby and grew our business over 400%. I’ve learned that it really does take a village, and I’m so grateful to my family, friends and partners who’ve supported me.
Who are you inspired by?
I feel inspired whenever I see someone chasing their dreams.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
It’s such a privilege to be invited into someone’s home, be a part of their everyday routine and make a positive impact on their lives. Every time I get a message from a happy customer telling me how much they love our waffles or how much easier our waffles have made their mornings, I have to pinch myself.
How do you personally recharge?
Spending time with my daughters, exercising and cooking with my husband. I’ve been a lifelong athlete, and squeezing in a quick run or bike is the best way for me to break up a workday and refocus my energy.
What can we expect from you in 2022?
Significant growth. Our sales in January 2022 are already over 18 times our sales from January 2021, and we’re just getting started.
Managing partner, Hi-Five Sports North Shore, @hifivenorthshore
It’s a family affair for Glenview native and Northbrook resident Danny Tuchman (@danny_tuchman5), managing partner of Hi-Five Sports North Shore, which provides year-round programs to keep kids ages 2 to 13 moving. His father, Marvin, established Hi-Five Sports in 1990, and now under Tuchman (who heads training) and brother Ryan (CEO of Hi-Five Sports Franchising), the fast-growing company is in more than 20 cities across the U.S. On the North Shore, the 15,000-square-foot location in Northbrook Court mall is the first of its kind in the area, and Tuchman has proven himself adept at training franchises and helping them grow. Here, he reflects on how the company has overcome pandemic-era challenges and what’s coming next.
What have you learned in the past year?
To never settle—whether in my personal life or with Hi-Five, I have continued to want to improve. COVID was a big test for my team at Hi-Five; we never gave up on our goal of keeping all our families social, active and safe. It was amazing seeing how hard my team worked to achieve our goals.
Who are you inspired by?
My parents. Starting with my mother, Rana, [who died six years ago after] a 20-year battle with cancer. Her passing drove me to succeed in everything I do to make her proud. Next is my father, Marvin, who started a new career in 1990 and succeeded due to his passion of enriching the lives of children through sports, the Hi-Five way.
What drives you to innovate?
My brother, Ryan. He was hard on me in my early adult life because he expected more from me and was always pushing me to be the best I could be. Watching him transform our business and build a national brand inspired me to be who I am today.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
The relationships and loyalty are what I love most, starting with the kids we get to work with daily. I have had the privilege of watching children grow up from 3 years old through adulthood. When a family tells you how important you were in their lives, it brings a smile to anyone’s face.
What are you most excited about for 2022?
To continue to grow our business not only on the North Shore, but all over the country. I have high expectations for 2022 and feel the last two years have made us all stronger.
Fashion blogger and stylist, Sanford Standard, sanfordstandard.com
Southern transplant to Evanston Mary Sanford Shepherd is making a seriously fashionable first impression on the North Shore. The blogger and stylist moved to the city with husband Henry less than a year ago and is now soaking up the scene and “learning what it’s like to be a Midwesterner.” One thing she already has down pat? A truly sophisticated sense of style, which she flexes in her day job at Winnetka boutique Bunny & Babe and on her buzzy blog. Here, the Memphis native and SMU grad talks style inspirations and her plans for the coming year.
Who are you inspired by?
My dad is a residential architect, so I have always been inspired by classic homes outfitted perfectly with character and coordinating interiors. Nicola Bathie McLaughlin is an influencer I follow closely; she does an excellent job creating a home and wardrobe that is undeniably her.
What drives you to innovate?
I love creating something beautiful, whether that’s a room in a home, a wedding suite or an outfit that makes a woman feel confident. Seeing something develop from start to finish is powerful and inspiring.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
Making people feel happy and confident. Just the other day, I helped style a woman for an upcoming trip; the joy she had after achieving just a few looks ready to pack made my day.
How do you recharge?
I love my time alone, whether that’s on a walk, watching something mindless (really just curious what women are wearing on TV) or thumbing through a beautiful coffee-table book. The ultimate recharge is reading a book on vacation—you can escape the craziness of life and dive into someone else’s.
What can we expect from you in 2022?
I want to be more intentional with my blog and Instagram as I find a rhythm here on the North Shore. I also want to expand my personal-styling business, whether that’s just helping a woman find an outfit for an event or helping her clean out her closet. I see growth in my future!
Photography by: MARIA PONCE BERRE; ZACHARY JAMES JOHNSTON; PETER FURLA; COURTESY OF BUNNY & BABE
