In the heart of Chicago, Julio Bañales took a leap of faith that not many would. Opening his dog grooming business, Mouse House, in the South Loop wasn’t just a professional move; it was a deeply personal decision born out of love, loss, and a desire to make a difference. After years of working for big companies like PetSmart and local family-run businesses, Julio realized that his passion went beyond the grooming table. It was about creating a space where animals could feel loved, and owners could trust that their pets were getting the best care possible.

When COVID hit, the world shifted for Julio, like it did for so many. He had been working steadily, but the pandemic made him rethink his priorities. The loss of his beloved dog, Maui, served as a wake-up call. "It made me realize, life is short," Julio says, reflecting on that time. It wasn’t that he disliked his job at Chrysler’s; it just wasn’t fulfilling him in the way he needed. The loss of Maui inspired Julio to open Mouse House in honor of his dog. "If we hadn’t found the location that we did, I don’t know if Mouse House would even be here," he admits. But once the doors opened, there was no turning back.

Julio’s approach to dog grooming goes far beyond the basics. For him, it’s not just about cutting fur or cleaning paws; it’s about love. "We promise to love your animal the way you do," he shares. Julio’s philosophy is centered on comfort over vanity. If a dog’s coat is matted, it’s not about maintaining a specific look; it’s about ensuring the pet’s well-being. This functional approach is what sets Mouse House apart from other groomers in the city. Julio wants each dog to feel like they're in a safe, loving space, and that’s why he’s built an environment where animals can be animals.

Decorating the space has been another labor of love for Julio. Every season, Mouse House is transformed with new themes, bringing warmth and personality into the shop. From festive blankets to seasonal decor, Julio creates an atmosphere that clients—both pets and humans—appreciate. “People love to see the decorations,” he says, and it’s clear that this attention to detail extends to every aspect of his business.

One of the hardest parts of Julio’s work is dealing with senior dogs or pets who are a little more skittish. "I like to do meet and greets," he explains, noting that some dogs come in with nervous energy, especially if they’ve had bad experiences at other groomers. "We try to eliminate every stress factor," he says, describing how he adjusts the environment to make each pet as comfortable as possible. The open, kennel-free setup at Mouse House helps dogs feel less confined and more at ease.

Over the years, Julio has built a team that shares his passion. Working alongside his wife, Lisa, and his growing team of groomers, Mouse House has become more than just a business—it’s a family. "It’s a growing family," Julio says, adding that their camaraderie extends to the dogs they care for. "The dogs feed off the environment," he shares, emphasizing how much the energy in the room affects the animals' experience.

When it comes to running his business, Julio admits he didn’t have all the answers at first. But that didn’t stop him. "There’s no better time than now," he advises anyone considering starting their own venture. Julio dove into entrepreneurship with heart, learning as he went. He didn’t wait for the perfect business plan or website. Instead, he trusted his instincts, leaned into his passion, and let social media do the talking. "Instagram has been a big help," he says, noting that his humorous posts and behind-the-scenes videos have helped build a loyal following.

For anyone thinking about jumping into their passion, Julio offers this advice: "Don’t go into it with a money mindset. Go into it with love, and everything will fall into place." It’s that love that has...

Shauna Young, a woman of resilience and strength, shares her story of growth, healing, and self-discovery after going through a tough divorce. It’s a journey not just about recovering from a broken relationship but rediscovering who she is and what she truly wants. For many, moving on might mean jumping into the next relationship. But for Shauna, it was clear that true healing comes from within.



Shauna's decision to step back and not rush into dating immediately after her divorce wasn’t easy. "I suggest you do not date right away," she says firmly, acknowledging that many people feel the urge to fill the emotional gap by seeking new partners. Instead, Shauna chose to focus on understanding herself first. "You need to heal. You need to figure out really what you want," she emphasizes. This period of introspection helped her avoid repeating old patterns and attracting the same types of partners she’d left behind.

She speaks candidly about the pressure women feel to couple up quickly after a breakup. Society often expects them to bounce back, but Shauna’s perspective challenges that norm. The strength to stand alone, to allow space for emotional and mental recovery, is what sets her apart. "I was attracting the same man I was married to," she admits, revealing that trying to date before fully healing led her back into similar unhealthy dynamics.

Shauna’s turning point came when she decided to pause, take a step back, and focus on self-improvement. "Everything was just a competition," she reflects, describing how she initially approached dating as a way to prove that she could move on faster than her ex. But the reality is, healing doesn’t happen on a schedule, and Shauna realized that trying to rush it only led to more confusion and pain.

For Shauna, it wasn’t just about getting over someone; it was about finding herself again. When she looked at old photos, it wasn’t just her appearance that seemed different. “It was in my eyes,” she shares, recalling how even her smiles back then masked deep sadness and emptiness. It’s a sentiment many people can relate to — that disconnect between the face they show the world and the truth of what they feel inside.

Shauna found solace in her children and her career, areas of her life she could nurture and grow without the complications of a new relationship. It’s a decision that has paid off in unexpected ways. "I see it with other women," she says. "They’re trying so hard to find that partnership, but they end up losing themselves in the process." Instead, Shauna’s experience reminds us that focusing on one’s own growth can lead to a more fulfilling life — partner or not.

Now, Shauna shares her story with other women, particularly those over 40 who feel pressured to settle down again. Her message is clear: take your time, focus on healing, and don’t let anyone — not even yourself — rush the process. “You can’t force it,” she states, with the wisdom of someone who’s lived through it. When the right partner comes along, it won’t be out of desperation or loneliness but out of a place of wholeness and readiness.

Ultimately, Shauna’s story is about the power of choosing yourself. Whether it’s building a business, being present for your children, or simply learning to love your own company, Shauna proves that fulfillment and happiness come from within. The next relationship, if and when it happens, will be an addition — not a solution.

David Herrera embodies the spirit of Chicago, a city known for its grit, resilience, and ambition. Born and raised in West Town, David’s connection to his community runs deep, with roots that stretch back to the 1950s when his family first settled in the area. His story is one of perseverance, a commitment to bettering both himself and the neighborhood he calls home.

Growing up in what was once a tough, working-class neighborhood, David witnessed firsthand the transformation of West Town from a struggling community to one of Chicago's most sought-after neighborhoods. “We stuck it out through the tough times in the eighties and early nineties before the neighborhood started gentrifying,” David recalls. This personal history informs his passion for real estate development, a field in which he has made significant strides over the past several years.

David’s academic journey took him through Loyola University, where he studied economics and finance—subjects that piqued his interest in the mechanisms of wealth creation. “Studying economics and finance and working for Wall Street firms, you really start to understand how money's created, wealth is created,” he explains. This knowledge, combined with a deep understanding of his local community, laid the groundwork for his foray into real estate development.

His first major project, a four-flat in Ukrainian Village, was a resounding success. “I ended up more than doubling the capital on my first deal,” David shares, his voice reflecting both pride and the satisfaction of seeing his hard work pay off. This project was not just about financial gain; it was about creating value and reinvesting in the community that shaped him.

David’s journey wasn’t without challenges. The volatility of the corporate world, particularly during the financial downturn of 2008, led him to reconsider his career path. “I didn’t see too much loyalty in the corporate space for a guy like myself,” he admits. This realization pushed him to leave the corporate world behind in 2016 and pursue his passion for real estate full-time. His ability to pivot and adapt to new circumstances is a testament to his resilience—a quality that has served him well both in business and in life.

Beyond real estate, David’s commitment to his community led him to run for alderman in his neighborhood. It wasn’t an easy decision, nor was it a cheap endeavor, but it was a move motivated by a desire to protect the interests of his fellow residents. “I’m from here, right? I want to make money here too, right? I want a piece of the action because I’m from here,” David says, expressing his frustration with the obstacles he faced from established politicians. His bid for alderman was a bold statement: he wasn’t willing to stand by while outsiders dictated the future of his community.

Though his run for office didn’t result in a victory, David has no regrets. The experience only deepened his commitment to his neighborhood and reinforced his belief in the importance of community-driven development. “My loyalty is to the community where I grew up,” he emphasizes, a sentiment that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt a strong connection to their roots.

David’s story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about financial gain; it’s about making a lasting impact on the community around you. Whether through real estate development, political activism, or simply being a good neighbor, David Herrera exemplifies what it means to give back to the place that gave you so much.

As he continues to invest in both his neighborhood and his own personal growth, David remains focused on the future. His plans include expanding his investments beyond Chicago, with ventures in Mexico and other regions. But no matter where his business takes him, Chicago will always be home—a place where he’s not just building wealth, but also a legacy.