Conversations With The Citizen

Founder and CEO of PHLI Brand clothing, Dave Jeff, was born and raised in Hyde Park where his deep love for fashion began at a young age. Jeff grew up under the watch of his mother who was his sole provider and according to him was “always on her fresh” which inspired him to try and keep up with changing fashion trends.

Citizen sit down one-on-one with LaKeisha Gray-Sewell-of "Girls Like Me" Organization to discuss how the lives of young girls are changed through the services and skills provided through the organization.

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week across the U.S. and at at the Citizen we honored Cynthia Brawner, a third grade at James Wadsworth Elementary in Woodlawn. Brawner grew up on the south side, is a graduate of Chicago Public Schools, and has been teaching for over two decades.

Almost 150 years ago, the Bright Promises Foundation, originally known as the Illinois Humane Society, came into existence with the purpose of providing a voice and assistance to those who needed their protection the most which at the time were children and animals.

Through her work, Tytannie Harris, clinical therapist and the owner of TMH Behavioral Services, P.C., noticed that many black men were lacking an opportunity to address their emotional needs in a safe space. Because this can have a negative effect on their mental health Harris created the Mancave event series which is specifically for black men and give them the chance to come together and talk about their issues and needs.

Cradles to Crayons, a national nonprofit organization with an office in Chicago, created their Earth Day Clothing Drive which will take place on April 27. The clothing drive will not only support their own mission, but will also help to keep textiles out of our landfills.

For years, Tracy Allen, founder and chief executive officer of Freedom Naturally Beautiful Cosmetics, struggled with her sensitive skin and was unable to find a makeup line that didn't cause breakouts and inflammation on her face.

Preparing for college is a difficult task for both parents and students. Tom Lewis, chief executive officer and founder of the Oink Group, said he knew from the young age of 13 that he wanted to be an entrepreneur and focus on helping parents prepare themselves to send their children to college.

A local nonprofit arts enrichment organization, Praize Productions, Inc., is currently preparing for their 8th annual theatrical performance. This years program, Smells Like Freedom, will take viewers on a spiritual journey to both explore and refine their definition of freedom through dance, music, visual arts, and spoken word.

Kim and Time Lewis are high school sweethearts, parents and co-founders of CurlMix, a clean beauty brand for curly hair. The pair recently had an opportunity to pitch CurlMix to a panel of big-name investors on the mid-season premiere of ABC's Shark Tank.