the she.e.o.s invite you to
SEPTEMBER 9, 2026
6:00 PM- 9:00 PM
THE ELLERY
CRYSTAL LAKE
Let's get honest about business for a minute
FEEL FAMILIAR?
Your business is growing—and you’re grateful—but keeping up is asking more of your time, energy, and capacity than you expected.
Things have slowed down, and you’re trying to stay patient while wondering whether this is a season to wait through or a sign to change direction.
You can feel that the version of your business that brought you here may not be the version that carries you forward.
Or maybe everything looks fine from the outside, but behind the scenes, you’re wondering if anyone else is figuring it out as they go.
A LITTLE SPOILER: THEY ARE.
Come hear the lessons behind the growth, setbacks, pivots, and difficult decisions. Ask the honest questions. Pull up a chair for meaningful conversation. And leave knowing you aren’t the only one navigating the changing seasons of business.
here's something we don't say enough
Being built to last doesn’t mean having everything figured out.
It means knowing when to keep going, when to change course, when to catch your breath—and trusting that a slower season doesn’t mean your story is over.
Your business is allowed to evolve.
And so are you.
introducing
The women behind the conversation
Different industries. Different turning points. Different seasons.
Each woman is bringing the honest lessons, hard-earned wisdom, and real stories that rarely make it into the highlight reel.
meet the Panelists
↓
01
chanla chau
Chanla is the founder and formulator behind Chanla Chau Cosmetics, an award-winning clean skincare brand she has built with intention for more than a decade. A licensed esthetician, speaker, and marketing strategist, Chanla has seen her products featured in British Vogue and Glamour and included in gift bags for the Oscars, Emmys, and Miss USA. Her journey reflects what it means to grow a visible product-based brand without losing sight of your values or community.
02
Nilly Naseer-Farooqui
Nilly is an entrepreneur, two-time TEDx speaker, Certified Canfield Trainer, peak performance speaker, and human trafficking prevention educator. Her work spans entrepreneurship, personal growth, systems, education, and advocacy—all grounded in helping others recognize their potential and create meaningful change. Nilly’s multifaceted journey is a powerful example of building success around both purpose and impact.
03
Jamie Berry
Jamie is a values-driven entrepreneur and community builder with 20 years of management experience and multiple business openings behind her. She currently owns both a cocktail lounge and a community space, creating environments that celebrate, connect, and empower others. Jamie’s journey includes strong revenue, leadership, and growth alongside burnout, closure, personal loss, and failure—giving her an honest understanding of the many seasons a business owner may navigate.
04
Cathy Cooper
Cathy is a community strategist and founder of Beyond Her Vision, a Chicago-based community and consultancy supporting early-stage women founders. She has grown a network of more than 800 women by creating spaces where business owners can connect, learn, and build meaningful relationships without doing it alone. Cathy’s work is rooted in the belief that community isn’t simply a nice addition to entrepreneurship—it can be an essential part of what helps us endure.
this is why we gather
Sometimes the perspective you need is waiting inside another woman’s story.
One honest answer can help you see your own next step a little more clearly.
That’s the magic of being in the room.
Come as you are—with the wins you’re proud of, the questions you can’t stop thinking about, and the parts you haven’t quite figured out yet.
There’s room for all of it here.
You’ll walk away with...
Fresh perspective on the season your business is in right now.
Honest insight from women who have navigated growth, change, setbacks, and reinvention.
New ways to think about what to hold onto—and what it may be time to release.
Encouragement to build in a way that supports both your business and the woman behind it.
Meaningful connections with women who understand the journey.
A little more clarity, confidence, and excitement for whatever comes next.
READY TO JOIN THE CONVERSATION?
Come spend an evening with women who understand the courage, uncertainty, and excitement that come with building something of your own.
Settle in for an honest conversation with four incredible women business owners, ask the questions you really want answered during our live Q+A, and then pull up a chair for guided roundtable discussions, cocktails, and genuine connection.
For the first time ever, we’re opening our doors to non-members. Whether you’ve been part of The She.E.O.s for years or you’re meeting our community for the first time, you’re invited—and we would love to welcome you into the room.
$25
SEPTEMBER 9 • THE ELLERY • CRYSTAL LAKE
visibility with purpose
Want your business to be a part of the experience?
Thougthtfully designed sponsorship opportunities are now open! If you'd love to support the event while introducing your business to the women in this room… opportunity awaits!
Repeat after me
I am allowed to grow.
I am allowed to pause.
I am allowed to pivot.
I can build a business that evolves with me.
I do not have to build it alone.
And I can build it to last.
Longevity is not about constant growth
Being built to last doesn’t mean avoiding difficult seasons. It means learning to recognize what each season requires—when to act, when to wait, when to pivot, and when to begin again.
This conversation will explore the honest decisions, hard-earned lessons, and resilience that help women build businesses capable of evolving without losing themselves along the way.
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
Make the plans, invite your business bestie, and get ready for an evening of real stories, fresh perspective, and the kind of connection you’ve been craving.
FAQ
Do I need to be a She.E.O.s member to attend?
Not this time! For the first time ever, we’re opening our doors to non-members. If you’ve been curious about our community, Built to Last is your invitation to experience it for yourself.
CURRENT SHE.E.O.S MEMBERS
Active She.E.O.s members receive complimentary admission to Built to Last. Check the email address connected to your membership for your discount code.
Complimentary admission is available to members who are active and approved as of 8/21/26. Member registrations may be verified against our current membership roster.
I APPLIED FOR MEMBERSHIP. SHOULD I WAIT TO PURCHASE A TICKET?
We recommend securing a general-admission ticket if you would like to attend.
Membership applications are reviewed separately and do not reserve an event seat or guarantee complimentary admission. Because tickets may become unavailable while an application is pending, please do not wait for a membership decision before registering.
If your membership is approved after you purchase your ticket, the $25 ticket price is nonrefundable—but we’ll happily apply it as a credit toward a future She.E.O.s sponsorship or eligible community opportunity.
Who is this event for?
This evening is created for women business owners at every stage—from those still finding their footing to longtime entrepreneurs navigating growth, change, or reinvention. Whether you own a service-based business, sell products, or are building something entirely your own, there is a seat for you.
Can I come alone?
Absolutely. In fact, many women will! We’ve thoughtfully designed the evening to make connecting feel natural, so you won’t be expected to walk into a room and figure it out by yourself. Come as you are—we’ll be ready to welcome you.
What can I expect during the evening?
The experience will include cocktails and connection, an honest panel conversation with four women business owners, live audience Q+A, and guided roundtable discussions that give you a chance to reflect, share, and connect more meaningfully.
What are the guided roundtable discussions?
Following the panel, you’ll join a small group of women for a relaxed conversation using thoughtful prompts related to the seasons of business. There is nothing to prepare, no formal presentation, and no pressure to have the perfect answer. Simply pull up a chair and join the conversation.
Do I have to speak or introduce my businesS?
You’ll have opportunities to introduce yourself and participate, but no formal elevator pitch or presentation is required. We want the evening to feel comfortable and conversational—not like another room where you have to perform.
What does my ticket include?
Your ticket includes admission to the complete Built to Last experience: the panel conversation, audience Q+A, guided roundtable discussions, networking, as well as cocktails, light refreshments, light bites.
What should I wear?
Elevated business casual is perfect. Choose something that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and ready to enjoy the evening.
Where should I park?
The event will be held at The Ellery in Crystal Lake. The property has its own parking lot with ample parking available.
Are tickets refundable or transferable?
Because event costs are committed in advance, tickets are nonrefundable. However, if you’re unable to attend, you may transfer your ticket to another woman business owner up to 48 hours before the event.
To request a transfer, email [email protected] with the original purchaser’s name and the new attendee’s name and email address.
Tickets cannot be transferred after 9/7/26 and refunds or credits will not be issued for no-shows.
If the event is canceled by The She.E.O.s, ticket holders will receive a refund. If the event is rescheduled, your ticket will automatically be honored for the new date, with additional options communicated at that time.
Will the event be photographed?
Yes. Photographs and short video clips may be captured throughout the evening and used in future She.E.O.s communications and event promotions. If you have any concerns, please speak with our team when you arrive.
What if I have dietary or accessibility needs?
We want you to feel comfortable and included. Please contact us at [email protected] by 9/4/26 with any dietary restrictions, accessibility needs, or other accommodations, and we’ll do our best to support you.
Still have a question?
We’re happy to help! Email us at [email protected] and a member of The She.E.O.s team will be in touch.