Cashing in on a Passion

I spent several months with DG Sax to understand the multitude of places within Chicago that hold a special place in his heart. However there was one place that eliminated with fondness over the others. Oliver Wendell Holmes Elementary School in Oak Park, IL, is the starting point for what has built his career as a professional saxophone artist. It’s because of this that we went back to the auditorium where it all started to capture the photos you see below. He has had an amazing career so far and has more milestones to reach. Listen to him tell his story in this episode.

DG Sax in Oliver Wendell Holmes Elementary School Auditorium

Efforts for Sustainable Fashion

Over the years, the term fast fashion has stood out in the general public. People are starting to understand that cheap clothing comes at the cost of our environment. It also creates dangerous working environments for laborers. For continued education on the topic and the progress that local Chicago designers are making, I spoke with Jamie Hayes, owner of Production Mode.

Jamie Hayes, owner of Production Mode

Examples of Production Mode’s creativity.

A collection of images that looks inside a safe workspace for handmade garments.

Finding a Third home

The owner and trainers at Tailored Strength have put in years of hard work and dedication to create a community that shows up for each other. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Ryan, the owner, for a few years and have personally seen how the members of his gym create long-lasting bonds. As I photographed the 5th anniversary of the gym having a brick-and-mortar, it felt like a family reunion. Although I’ve seen the comradery within the gym, I was genuinely shocked to see how close everyone was outside of the space. This pushed my curiosity over the edge and I had to interview Ryan to understand more.

Owner Ryan Taylor, former trainer John, current trainer Drew Miles, and Joe Endzel 

Members of Tailored Strength during the 5-year celebration.

Ryan and Haley Taylor