Share

In the vibrant heart of Chicago, a groundbreaking reality series is set to premiere, spotlighting the resilience and ambition of Black female entrepreneurs. “She Hustle – Chicago,” debuting on Monday, March 3rd at 7 p.m. on the IHQ Network, offers an unfiltered glimpse into the lives of five dynamic businesswomen navigating the challenges and triumphs of the city’s competitive landscape.

At the forefront is Sade “Dae” Jones, the show’s creator, executive producer, and one of its stars. A serial entrepreneur and brand strategist, Jones conceived the series from a deeply personal place. “I came up with the concept because, one, I can’t stop creating if I wanted to,” she shares with a laugh. “But I knew I wanted to create a bigger platform for women doing amazing things here in Chicago. So many of us are doing great things, and we don’t get the recognition we deserve that will help us reach new levels.”

The series features an all-Black, all-female cast, including Shatara Connor, owner of Pretty Hair Boss Salon & Suites and the Pony Tail Girl Hair-Line; Mz. Ronneisha, proprietor of Lavish Furs and Pretty Hair Weave & Salon Suites; Mona Skye, a credit repair specialist, real estate developer, and owner of Skye Plaza & Suites; and recording artist Glizzy Glow. Each episode delves into their entrepreneurial journeys, offering a mix of interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and real-time events that showcase the realities of building and sustaining businesses in Chicago.

Jones’s experiences as a businesswoman have profoundly influenced the show’s direction and storytelling. “As a serial entrepreneur and brand strategist, everything I’ve learned on my journey has given me the ability to create and beautifully tell the story of a female entrepreneur in Chicago,” she explains. “I am ‘SHE’; the majority of my clients are ‘SHE’. I represent the struggle, the hustle and bustle of most female entrepreneurs in Chicago, and what better way to tell your story than by being the narrator behind it.”

Ensuring authenticity was paramount for Jones. “I think there’s no way possible to mask the rawness of Chicago,” she asserts. “Regardless of how successful one may be, you know a Chicago girl when you see her. So I just tried to keep it as raw as I could while still maintaining a certain level of professionalism.”

Bringing “She Hustle – Chicago” to life was not without its challenges. Jones candidly recounts the hurdles she faced: “The biggest challenge was getting people to see the vision. I struggled to get a production team. Building the cast was also a task; we even had someone drop out the day of filming.” Balancing her dual roles as producer and cast member added another layer of complexity. “There were so many days that I forgot I needed to be camera-ready. I was a mess on most days,” she admits with a chuckle. “Some cast members didn’t know that it was my show, so keeping that secret was really tough. This article will actually be the way that some of them find out.”

Through “She Hustle – Chicago,” Jones aims to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs, especially young Black women eager to break into business. “The creation of the show itself is designed to show aspiring entrepreneurs that you literally can do whatever you put your mind to,” she emphasizes. “Life is all about creating the life you want, creating where there lacks. I’m the type of woman who creates whatever I want. If there’s a will, there’s a way; you just have to create it!”

“She Hustle – Chicago” is slated for six 24-minute episodes, each available for free on the IHQ Network’s Radiant TV app. As the premiere approaches, anticipation builds for a series that not only entertains but also empowers, shedding light on the indomitable spirit of Chicago’s Black female entrepreneurs.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of She Hustle