SAVE LOCAL BUSINESSES: Portraits of Chicago Businesses in Lockdown

Save Local Businesses

SAVE LOCAL BUSINESSES: WICKER PARK

I started Save Local Businesses: Wicker Park because our doors are closed, but you can still help us.⁠ ⁠ With the help of the West Town Chamber of Commerce and the Wicker Park Chamber of Commerce, my goal for this project is to photograph (from a distance) local business owners, share their stories and provide the face behind their closed doors and dark windows.⁠ ⁠ We are doing this to showcase the effect the pandemic has on local businesses. This allows you to share with others what can be done to support/save small business.⁠

Want to support this project?  I appreciate your donation!  Like the businesses I photograph, I have a storefront studio under lockdown.  Your donation will allow me to continue this project and pay my staff and expenses.  Don’t have a business in West Town or Wicker Park?  Nominate your neighborhood!  

Diandra Lammens

Matty and Lou 1730 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622

“We’ve been unfortunately forced to close our storefront. I moved here in March 2019, hit my 1-year anniversary and the coronavirus took over that day.

What’s frightening to me at this time is the unknown and uncertainty of when we can reopen. I’ve been in Wicker Park for a year and I love the neighborhood. I love all of the people I’ve become friends with. But I’m frightened of the uncertainty and the when? When do we get to reopen? The dates getting pushed back gets scary. I pray that my doors open so I can get in there and sell inventory. Foot traffic is a huge part of my business. Having a storefront that’s not being utilized is quite expensive.

I love that I’ve formed a neighborly bond in my store. It’s been fun to develop these relationships through a clothing store, it’s a fun experience. I love when customers send me pictures of themselves in their new clothes from my shop. Their package brightens their day, and them sending me pictures of their new clothes brightens mine.

In the time we are in right now, you have to find the positive or the silver linings or else we’re going to go crazy. Matty and Lou also keeps me happy. The names themselves are my grandparent’s names. People always assume I’m Matty and my husband is Lou. I find myself talking about my grandparents on a daily basis which I love. I’m a family driven person, so it makes sense my business has become invested in relationships.”

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    Chicago Pet Photographer

    Yes. He knew.
    And if you`re still wondering, now is the time to ask.
    As a professional animal communicator in Chicago, I help people reconnect with their pets—living or passed—and receive the messages they’re ready to share.
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    Yes. He knew. And if you're still wondering, now is the time to ask. As a professional animal communicator in Chicago, I help people reconnect with their pets—living or passed—and receive the messages they’re ready to share. ✨ Book your session: https://cusicphoto.com/animal-communicator #animalcommunication #petgriefsupport #cusicphoto

    “They’re my boys too… they don’t belong to everyone.” 🐾
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    “They’re my boys too… they don’t belong to everyone.” 🐾 That’s what sweet Maggie shared during her animal communication session with her dads, @maggieandherdads. Our pets have emotions, preferences, and wisdom they’re just waiting to share—if we take the time to listen. As a professional animal communicator based in Chicago, I help pet parents connect more deeply with their animals through intuitive, heart-centered communication. 🗓️ In-person or remote sessions available. 💬 Your pet has something to say—are you ready to hear it? 🔗 Book at www.cusicphoto.com #AnimalCommunication #ChicagoAnimalCommunicator #PetCommunication #TalkingWithPets #PetLove #GoldenRetrieverLove #PetHealing #CandiceCusic #AnimalIntuition #ChicagoPetServices #PetPsychic #MaggieAndHerDads @maggieandherdads

    I started photographing when I was 4 years old.📷
    Being the only professional pet photographer and animal communicator means everything to me. It allows me to help people see, feel, and understand their pets in a deeper, more meaningful way. We’re a #smallbusiness built on love, connection, and capturing the moments that matter most.

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    I started photographing when I was 4 years old.📷 Being the only professional pet photographer and animal communicator means everything to me. It allows me to help people see, feel, and understand their pets in a deeper, more meaningful way. We’re a #smallbusiness built on love, connection, and capturing the moments that matter most. ✨🐾Book your session today, and let’s create something beautiful together #smallbusinessday #smallbusinesssaturday #petphotographer #chicagophotographer

    Yes. I can.
    As a professional animal communicator in Chicago, I help pet parents reconnect with animals who have passed.
    If you’ve been searching for a sign or wondering if it’s possible to hear from your pet again—this is your invitation to listen.
    ✨ Book your animal communication session:
    https://cusicphoto.com/animal-communicator
    #animalcommunication #petgriefsupport #communicatewithpets #chicagoanimalcommunicator #cusicphoto #talktopets #petintuitive

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    Yes. I can. As a professional animal communicator in Chicago, I help pet parents reconnect with animals who have passed. If you’ve been searching for a sign or wondering if it’s possible to hear from your pet again—this is your invitation to listen. ✨ Book your animal communication session: https://cusicphoto.com/animal-communicator #animalcommunication #petgriefsupport #communicatewithpets #chicagoanimalcommunicator #cusicphoto #talktopets #petintuitive

    I’ve been a vegetarian since I was 18—because I’ve always felt a deep connection to animals.
    As a professional pet and family photographer, I’ve spent years capturing the love we share with them.
    And now, as an animal communicator, I help you hear what your pet wants you to know—whether they’re still with you or have passed.
    When I met my first goat, I was so thrilled I had to take a selfie. That joy? That connection? It’s exactly why I do this work.
    If you’ve ever wished you could better understand your pet’s emotions—or simply want to feel closer to them—I’d be honored to help.
    ✨ Book your session: https://cusicphoto.com/animal-communicator
    #animalcommunication #petgriefsupport #chicagoanimalcommunicator #petphotographer #cusicphoto #goatmoment

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    43 0
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    I’ve been a vegetarian since I was 18—because I’ve always felt a deep connection to animals. As a professional pet and family photographer, I’ve spent years capturing the love we share with them. And now, as an animal communicator, I help you hear what your pet wants you to know—whether they’re still with you or have passed. When I met my first goat, I was so thrilled I had to take a selfie. That joy? That connection? It’s exactly why I do this work. If you’ve ever wished you could better understand your pet’s emotions—or simply want to feel closer to them—I’d be honored to help. ✨ Book your session: https://cusicphoto.com/animal-communicator #animalcommunication #petgriefsupport #chicagoanimalcommunicator #petphotographer #cusicphoto #goatmoment

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    1821 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60622

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    Available for travel internationally, for pets & family photography, and education for photographers. Send us a note for details or reach us by phone at 312-248-2939.

     

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