CheekyChicago

dr. debby herbenick

Dr. Debby Herbenick is Associate Director of the Center for Sexual Health Promotion in the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation at Indiana University (IU) where she is a sexuality researcher and educator.

stephanie miller

Simply put: Stephanie is a wine and spirits guru. A Social Media Strategist by day and the Drink Editor of Chicago Scene by night, she has her pulse on the latest liquor trends and could probably teach a course on the difference between Scotch and Whiskey.

debi lilly

Debi Lilly is a nationally renowned event-planning expert based in Chicago. She is the founder and president of A Perfect Event – Chicago’s most successful special event company with a faithful (and famous) following, including Oprah Winfrey.

jen hesser

Born and raised in Chicago, Jennifer has been spreading her charitable wings since she was very little; wearing adult sized t-shirts down to her knees – volunteering at multiple fundraisers, walks and motorcycle rides held by The American Brain Tumor Association.

jerrod melman

Jerrod Melman is a managing partner of Hub51, the dining, nightlife, and social establishment created by him and his brother, R.J., in Chicago’s River North neighborhood.

marilyn moats kennedy

Speaker and Chicago career consultant, Marilyn Moats Kennedy owns MoatsKennedy, Inc. She does keynote speeches and runs corporate workshops on career planning, office politics and workforce diversity.

showbiz shelly

Showbiz Shelly is the entertainment reporter for B96 Radio. You can hear her four times every weekday morning reporting on the latest celebrity gossip.

phyllis kingsland

Phyllis Kingsland is the Rockstar Realtor. Her nickname has little to do with her clients since Phyllis has worked with lots of Cheeky girls just like us!

anne marie schlekeway

In loving memory of Anne Marie Schlekeway, the Cheekiest Chick we’ve ever known, who recently lost her admirably courageous battle with the very disease she fought so hard against, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). In her honor, please support a charity that Anne Marie was extremely passionate about: Augie’s Quest. Augie’s Quest, an ALS research initiative, is an aggressive, cure-driven effort focused on finding treatments and cures for ALS. Anne Marie, thank you for your words of wisdom – it has been a privilege and an honor to publish them. You have affected everyone who has ever had the privilege of reading them. Thank you from the bottom of our heart. We are raising a glass of pink bubbles to you.

August 12, 1966 – December 9, 2010

christine hassler, MA

Christine Hassler is a life coach, professional speaker and author specializing in the twenty-something life phase. Christine coaches individuals, organizations and corporations with the intention of empowering young professionals (Gen Y) and bridging generational gaps in the workplace. As a speaker, Christine delivers engaging and informative keynotes to conferences, colleges and businesses around the country.

the cheeky wine guide

The Wine Guide comes to Cheeky with experience in a variety of journalistic endeavors. An award-winning producer, television anchor and magazine writer, she explores topics of interest with her own unique sense of humor. Now working in the wine industry, she will take you behind the scenes with exclusive interviews with winemakers, on the scene reports from the vineyards in Napa and Sonoma and share with you the latest trends in all things wine.

rea frey

Rea Frey is a lover of food, words and relationships (possibly in that order). Armed with a fiction writing degree in 2004, Rea published her first novel and has been writing ever since.

jennifer boyer

Jennifer’s obsession with music and concerts has turned two of her hobbies into dreams come true. Never attending a concert without her camera since she was a freshman in high school, Jennifer now owns a fancy professional Canon Rebel T1i that is her most valued possession along with her MacBook Pro.

kiki luthringshausen

Cheeky Kiki… where do we start with this Cheeky chick? Kiki is a reformed interior designer who started writing lifestyle pieces years ago only to fall into her dream job recently, as a food writer. Born and raised in the Chicago area, Kiki joins our Cheeky team as a dining and lifestyle expert.

oline eaton

If Jackie O and Elvis ever had a love child, this Cheeky chick would’ve been that kid!
A graduate of the University of Chicago with a Master’s degree in writing biography and a concentration in tabloids, Oline burst onto the literary scene in 1992…

robin clement

Sifting through brilliant silhouettes, romantic palettes and imaginative textures evokes a whimsical curiosity. Fashion has always excited Robin – whether piling on beaded necklaces and hosting makeover birthday parties in her 10’s or interviewing strangers about their undergarment style preferences for her college newspaper in her early 20’s.

sara r. fisher and caitlin murray giles

Sara R. Fisher and Caitlin Murray Giles wear many hats — moms, marketers, most likely to be first in line at the Nordstrom half-yearly sale — and they wear them all proudly!

erin vondra

From as long as Erin can remember, her world has revolved around cooking a meal or enjoying one. She was lucky enough to learn her kitchen and entertaining skills from her classically trained mother, who showed her that some of the simplest recipes are the most delicious…. and best done while sharing a bottle of vino.

jess piet

This Cheeky chick is as free-spirited as she is social media savvy, and (trust us) once you meet her, you won’t soon forget it. The jessundressed.com blogger who is “gettin’ real, NOT NAKED” is always reliably equipped with sparkling spunk and an on-the-dime will to explore.

dr. payal adhikari

Payal likes to believe that good things come in small packages. Born and raised in the suburbs, she moved abroad for high school only to move back to her hometown Chi-city for the rest.

kristen mitchell

Born and raised in a suburb just outside of Chicago, Kristen is no stranger to this city’s Cheekiness. After a four-year retreat to rural Indiana, she graduated from DePauw University with a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and Spanish.

stacy levy

Stacy’s passion for all things wellness started in her teenage years when she chanted her first “Om,” became a vegetarian and read just about every health magazine she could get her hands on. With a freshly minted degree in Journalism and Sociology, Stacy migrated from Indiana University to the West Coast to hone in on her passion for mind and body health.

lisa payne

If this Cheeky girl could write and work out at the same time, she would! A self-proclaimed multi-tasker, Lisa began teaching fitness classes and personal training while getting her MFA in Writing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

katelyn finn

Katelyn has had an interest in fashion ever since the ripe old age of four when her mother gave her a dress up box: consisting mainly of old bridesmaid dresses, eclectic 80’s pumps and some serious costume jewelry.

sacha krasney

Sacha Krasney is the Owner of Squash U and Be U Brides and the Editor-in-Chief of Be U Weddings. Constantly a busy bee (if two companies weren’t enough!), Sacha also runs a sister stationery company, Squash U, an inventive and resourceful brand of wholesale invitations and design-your-own announcements and invitations website.

jenna zaffino

Jenna is Cheeky’s new resident Pilates expert and Core Conditioning Champion! Founder and Director of Helios Center For Movement, Jenna has made it her mission to help Chicago get to the good stuff for posture, exercise and a lifestyle that shines from the inside out.

barbie adler

Barbie Adler is a contributing columnist for Cheeky and president of Chicago’s top matchmaking firm Selective Search, an elite matchmaking firm that acts as a personal recruiter for the city’s most eligible bachelors. Selectively single women are invited to join for free by registering at selectivesearch.com.

christine cikowski

Christine Cikowski is the co-chef/founder of Sunday Dinner Club. She and co-chef Josh will be opening Honey Butter Fried Chicken restaurant in 2012. She spends much of her time fighting the urge to snack on mise en place and convincing herself that bourbon is always a good idea.

karie hill

Karie Hill is a financial freedom coach, speaker and writer who believes financial freedom is one of the greatest gifts a woman can give herself. She teaches smart women how to build healthy, wealthy money habits, remove their financial barriers, and create the kind of life they really desire.

angela lee

Angela is Cheeky’s social media guru who is always tweeting, FB-ing, pinning and Instagramming to give you the 411 on all things Cheeky.

sarah gray

Sarah Gray, Boyfriend Investigator, is a Cheeky geek who lives in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. She builds websites and apps and helps people figure out if they should stay with their boyfriends.

marina lambropoulos

Marina is on a never ending quest to find the best destinations Chicago has to offer. Known for her whatever-it-takes enthusiasm, love for dining, celebrities and attending fun events in her very own hometown, Marina loves all things Chicago. She is naturally in tune with the pulse of the city – following it, finding it and sharing it.

wendy widom

Wendy Widom is the President of Families in the Loop, Chicago’s hippest hub for parents. When she’s not sipping on an iced Intelligentsia decaf latte (yes, even in winter), she is creating a whole new fun and feisty conversation amongst urban moms and dads who remember how cool they were before they had kids.

samantha nelson

A devoted foodie, Sam loves nothing more than recommending restaurants and bars whether in conversation with friends or in writing reviews. She also loves cooking, games, reading, taking in the breeze off Lake Michigan on a hot day and visiting her favorite animals at the Lincoln Park Zoo and Shedd Aquarium.

carlin sack

Carlin is Cheeky’s editorial and social media intern and a Chicago enthusiast. She is in love with learning about the city and all the interesting people that bring it to life. Carlin is a student at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.

karim tonsy

Karim Tonsy is an international choreographer from Cairo, Egypt who is currently choreographing and dancing all over Chicago, along with teaching group fitness classes at Equinox Fitness. He is an avid theatre nerd.

monica murphy-vargas

Monica Murphy-Vargas is the Founder of SportsDivas, Inc., the web-based sports and lifestyle magazine that streamlines the hottest sports news – all with a woman’s style and perspective.

kari radjewski

A Cheeky girl makes a first impression without saying a word. That’s what Kari loves most about fashion; dressing to express the day’s mood and mission. Girly, preppy, hobo or rock ‘n’ roll, her style can’t be defined, always channeling inspiration from the runway and translating looks onto the “real way.” You can see more of Kari’s resourceful sense of style and read her quirky anecdotes on her personal blog, Style at a $teal.

tiffani swalley

Tiffani Swalley watches entirely too much television. When this “Transplanted Southerner” pries herself away for the tube, you’ll find her writing press releases or performing around Chicago…or eating…or eating while doing both.

caitlin morrissey

Caitlin is CheekyChicago’s Editorial and Social Media Assistant. Graduating from Indiana University in May of 2012 (GO HOOSIERS!), Caitlin moved back to her hometown outside of Chicago to pursue a career in writing and editing. With a LOVE for Chicago, writing and reading, Cheeky is the perfect fit for Caitlin to discover and enhance her passions.

stephanie sack

Stephanie can often be found at Bikram Yoga classes in Wicker Park or ingesting copious amounts of caffeine around town. Otherwise, she’s running her store vive la femme in Bucktown.

melissa tydell

Melissa is a freelance writer, blogger and content consultant. She manages her own freelance writing business, Melrose Street Custom Content. Melissa’s a voracious reader and lover of Champagne, purple and all things sparkly.

brad harbach

On January 7, 2013 Brad packed up his Lincoln Park studio and set off on a two-year trip around the globe to visit the Top 100 Places in the World. He is very passionate about travel and inspiring others to get out on the road to discover experiences that change their lives. You can learn more about the Top 100 Places in the World and follow his trip at www.AbsoluteVisit.com.

rachel dickens

When she isn’t too busy planning her next meal, Rachel spends her days working at a PR firm in the West Loop. While Rachel hopes her tastes won’t ever stop evolving, she’s currently obsessed with burrata, poutine, and anything that includes the words “chicken” and “skin.” Did we mention she’s a health freak?

katie aune

Katie has a passion for travel and proved it by quitting her job in 2011 to spend a year traveling around the world. Not content to follow the crowds, this Cheeky chick got way off the beaten path as she traveled through all 15 countries of the former Soviet Union. Now back in Chicago, she continues to write about travel and life at KatieAune.com while dreaming of her next big adventure.

lakesha rose

Lakesha Rose is the founder of the L Design Group, a luxury lifestyle design company based in Chicago. L Rose is focused on creating meaningful environments that invigorate the senses. Whether a client needs entertaining and menu consultation, or a complete home redesign, L Rose brings ease and clarity to the elegant lifestyle.

susan brunstrum

Susan Brunstrum, founder of Sweet Peas Design, Inc., Libertyville, is proud to be Cheeky’s new interior design maven. She believes that “Cheeky” design means living the lifestyle of your dreams. She has been featured on LXTV, CLTV and many other ‘zines and blogs. Visit her at www.sweetpeas-inspired.com.