Grateful Connections

03/10/2026

Good morning, Grateful Friends!

I had such a fun conversation with Sonja, co-owner of the North Shore Distillery here in Libertyville. She and her husband, Derek were the FIRST small batch distillery in IL. The crazy thing is back then there were only 60 in the entire country, and now there are over 5000!!!

I would love for you to check this out! We are going to the distillery for our next Grateful Connections Gathering next Wednesday, March 18th!! I'm excited to hear Sonja share some great stories of the history of women in the alcohol business.

Our gatherings are for all women in business- no exclusions based on business expertise. PLUS- I make sure it's a safe place to connect for those who may find networking intimidating. There will be small group gatherings with conversation starters ready when you get there- no standing around wondering who to talk to and what to say!

Get your tickets here:
https://go.gratefulconnections.com/lush_ladies_northshore_distillery

Click here for the podcast- or you can find it on any of your podcast apps:
https://www.gratefulconnections.com/.../northshoredistillery
https://go.gratefulconnections.com/lush_ladies_northshore_distillery

Join us for Intentional Connections (Networking) with Sonja Kassebaum at Northshore Distillery to Celebrate Women's History Month

03/08/2026

Happy International Women’s Day to you all! I cannot even put into words how grateful I am for the connections, friendships, and collaborations I have been in and have witnessed. Empowering women and seeing you all reach your goals- nothing makes my heart happier!!

I truly believe we are not meant to build our businesses alone- cheering each other on, and supporting each other in a sense of community is how we build success- no matter what your definition is!!

I sure hope to see you at a future event- meeting like-minded women in business is my heart and passion! Let’s build our businesses together with support and collaboration… there is ENOUGH business to go along for all of us!!

Let’s show the world how we can create positivity and joy when women band together on a shared mission!!!

03/04/2026

The best business connections rarely happen while just passing out business cards and moving on.

I’ll be honest… I’ve never loved traditional networking events.
You know the ones: exclusive one-per-category limits, a crowded room, everyone handing out business cards, trying to explain what they do in 30 seconds while scanning the room for the next conversation.

It never felt natural to me.

What I’ve always craved instead is real conversation. The kind where you sit with a small group of women, share stories, ask questions, and leave feeling like you actually met people- not just exchanged information.

That’s exactly why I created Grateful Connections.

Our next gathering is Lush Ladies: The History of Women in the Alcohol Business at North Shore Distillery, and it’s going to be such a fun evening.

We’ll enjoy a custom cocktail (or mocktail), hear the fascinating story of women in the alcohol industry from Sonja, the distillery’s owner, and most importantly… we’ll create space for intentional small-group conversations.

No awkward networking. No pressure.

Just a room full of women supporting each other, sharing ideas, and building connections that actually last.

If that sounds like the kind of community you’ve been looking for, I’d love for you to join us.

✨ Seats are intentionally limited so conversations can stay personal — if you’re thinking about coming, this is a great time to reserve your spot.
Grab your seat RIGHT HERE: https://go.gratefulconnections.com/lush_ladies_northshore_distillery

03/04/2026

Hi Grateful Friends!
Are you free Thursday March 5th from 10am-12PM? Want to make new connections? Want to do some brainstorming and masterminding for your business? We are meeting every other Thursday so if you can't make this one, put March 19th on the calendar!

Join us on Thursday at the Frunchroom Collective for a free gathering to meet amazing women and to talk business or just get to know each other. This place is SO dang cute and such a warm, inviting place to gather! Comment below if you'll there, and I will look for you!!!

1193 S Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville, IL 60048

01/31/2026

My heart is exploding- the word GRATEFULNESS doesn’t even begin to cover how grateful I am for the women who came to this latest event to support and cheer each other on! SO incredibly thankful for my talented friend Jenice Spillman who put together this video for me… THANK YOU!!!

Grateful Connections is built on the premise that we don’t need to build our businesses alone AND true, deep connections is the key to our success.

We changed things up a bit- everyone was given two different seatings with question prompts at the tables- having my introverted friends in mind! Women feeling safe to connect and be genuine to themselves is my mission.

One example of a testimonial that made my heart explode…“As someone who attended the event alone, I really liked the two seatings. I found that once we were finished with introductions and some small talk, it was helpful to have the prepared questions.” 

For someone to come ALONE and feel included and welcomed could not warm my heart more! This is the mission and I am so very excited to see where this journey takes us!!

Check out our website to see future events including a headshot event, a vision board workshop, an AI Marketing partnership with The Collective Journey, and a co-working / mastermind gathering too!

I look forward to meeting YOU in person! EVENTS on my website can be found in the LINKTREE above!

01/24/2026

Ever feel like you’re doing all the things… but still running on empty?

That’s exactly why I’m so excited to have Erin Attere as our speaker for our January 29th Grateful Connections event.

In this clip from our conversation, you’ll hear the heart behind her message- helping high-achieving women pause, reset, and reconnect with what really matters.

But this night is more than just a talk.

It’s a chance to step out of “doing it all alone” and into a room full of women who get it. We’re creating intentional connection- not just handing out business cards, but real conversations, meaningful networking activities, and space to breathe, reflect, and grow.

If you’re building a business, supporting everyone else, and craving a reset that actually fills you back up… this night is for you.

🗓 January 29
📍 The Boardroom, Libertyville
🎟 Tickets are open now- $45 includes appetizers, Erin’s presentation, and connection/conversations with other incredible strong women!

Come reignite your spark- in business, in life, and in community. 💛
Because we were never meant to do this alone.

01/21/2026

What is my favorite parts of every Grateful Connections event?

The energy in the room when women start to reflect, connect, and gain clarity-not just in business, but in life!

This isn’t just another networking night.
On Jan 29th, we’re gathering with intention to align our goals, quiet the noise, and step into 2026 with focus and flow. 

This evening’s networking will be created with the intentional conversations to help those who may find small talk and meeting new people intimidating. We are a safe space, where we will be sure you are connecting with others and not alone!

👯‍♀️ Real conversations
📝 Powerful prompts
💬 Small group reflection
💫 Connection that lasts beyond the event

Seats are limited- save yours now! Ticket Site is in the bio



01/21/2026

So, I TRIED going LIVE in the Grateful Connections Facebook Group, but failed miserably, lol! So here is a recorded version to share with you what we have in store for our event next Thursday January 29th! If you're a woman entrepreneur and not in the private group, click here and join us!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/gratefulconnections

I'd love for you to take a listen to learn more about what is in store for for the event next Thursday! I'd love for you to join us, click here to learn more and get your tickets to an incredible group of inclusive women!
https://go.gratefulconnections.com/reignite_your_spark

01/10/2026

Can I be honest?

So many women tell me they want to network……but they also feel intimidated by it.
They don’t want to walk into a room full of strangers and do awkward small talk.

They don’t want to “sell themselves.”
They don’t want to leave with a stack of business cards but no real connection.
And I GET that. 💛

https://go.gratefulconnections.com/reignite_your_spark

That’s why Grateful Connections events are different.
✨ Reignite Your Spark on Jan 29 is designed to help you step into 2026 with clarity and confidence- AND make genuine connections in a way that actually feels comfortable.

No pressure networking. No wandering around trying to jump into conversations.
Instead:
💛 intentional small group seating
💛 guided conversation prompts
💛 table rotations so you naturally meet new women

If you’ve been craving clarity, community, and a spark of inspiration… I’d love to have you there.

📅 Thursday, January 29
https://go.gratefulconnections.com/reignite_your_spark

11/23/2025

One of my favorite moments from the podcast 💫
In this clip, Kai shares a gem that stopped me in my tracks- so honest, so powerful, and so needed. These are the real conversations that Grateful Connections is all about. When women speak from the heart, we all grow. When you answer the question below in a journal, or even speaking it into your phone you’ll be able to dream BIG withOUT limitations!! This is such incredible advice, thank you Kai!! You will need to listen to hear our entire interview where she gives me a reading with my own spirit team- incredible advice on so many levels!

💬 Drop a comment below with the answer to the journal prompt… I would love to help you dream and cheer you on!!

“IF I WASN’T AFRAID, I WOULD...”

✨ If you’ve ever felt like you’re navigating business or life on your own, this is your reminder: You don’t have to. The right community makes all the difference- join our private Facebook group!

The link to the private Facebook group and all of the Grateful Connections, What Gratitude Built Podcasts are above in the LinkTree! 

And tag a friend who needs to hear this!


11/03/2025

Most women I know are craving more peace, more clarity, and more connection-to themselves and to each other.

That’s why we’re bringing together three powerful practices in one sacred space:�🔔 Sound Bowls�🧘 Gentle Movement�🧠 Guided Meditation

Together, they quiet the noise of everyday life so you can reconnect with your inner wisdom.

✨ Join us for Self, Soul & Sound- a soulful evening to come home to yourself and tap into aligned energy for your business and life.

💫 You’ll leave feeling calm, clear, and inspired.
Save your spot today! Learn more and get your tickets here...
https://go.gratefulconnections.com/self_soul_sound