We talk with Logan Square neighbors who founded Women Working in Mixed Media.
Occupation?
Kate Battle is an attorney and band manager; Nikki Hartel is Integrated Marketing Specialist with WXRT. Together with writer and former Loganite Carly Fisher, we formed Women Working in Mixed Media (WWIMM) one night after a few drinks.
All three of us work in very different jobs, but those jobs all have a creative focus. We realized that we had different perspectives and different networks, and that it would be great if we could pull all of that together. And then we thought, “What if we could expand that and bring every kickass, creative woman together?” And so WWIMM is all about showcasing women who are making an impact in creative industries and bringing those women (and the people they work with) together to share ideas.
Kate Battle
WWIMM hosts events that connect people (men are welcome too!) professionally and personally. Our goal is to make sure when people leave a WWIMM event they feel like they got something out of it — new contact, learned something, professional headshot, etc. We are continuing to expand — we want to help people find jobs, highlight successful women and change the world for the better.
Nikki Hartel
How long have you lived in Logan Square?
Two Years
Kate Battle
A little more than a year
Nikki Hartel
Why’d you choose Logan Square?
I have lived in Chicago for eight years, and I’ve always been somewhere along the Blue Line. Before I moved to Logan Square, I was living in River West on a very industrial block. I moved to Logan Square because I wanted to be somewhere with trees, good neighbors and great hangouts within walking distance.
Kate Battle
Living among creative people keeps you inspired, plus it can be great for people watching.
Nikki Hartel
Favorite neighborhood hangouts?
I love going to Palmer Square Park with a blanket, a book and my dog. It’s a great little park, and I have met so many of my neighbors there.
Kate Battle
I love great snacks, and I can always count on Logan Square to deliver on tasty treats. You are likely to catch me at Bang Bang Pie Shop (@bangbangpie, 2051 N. California Ave.), even though the line gets pretty long on the weekends, but it is worth the wait not only for the pie and biscuits but the friendly staff. Oh let’s not forget the Tastee Freez (2815 W. Armitage Ave.). I go there almost every day and get either a twist cone or banana split. Osteria Langhe (@OsteriaLanghe, 2824 W. Armitage Ave.) just opened near me and the service was just delightful!
Nikki Hartel
Is there a place outside of Logan that you wish would relocate so it’d be closer?
I wish Cozy Corner had not decided to expand and that the little grocery store that was next to it would come back! It was a great community grocery store, and I really miss the weekly conversations I had with the cashiers there. Since that probably won’t happen, I would love to get another grocery store just like it nearby.
Kate Battle
The Lake! Not possible, but a doggy beach would be the best!
Nikki Hartel
Did you see the recent article accusing Logan Square of being the most hipster place in the Midwest? Thoughts/feelings?
I guess if they are talking about an area filled with musicians and artists, then we do have a lot of that going on here. Of course, with rising rent prices, I have a feeling our hipster days are numbered.
Kate Battle
Logan is certainly home to what many refer to as hipsters. However, I think the neighborhood is quite diverse and is home to a number of households with children. Also, I feel that the neighborhood is attracting more of a West Loop crowd because of the prospering restaurant scene. Is it really the worst thing if black-framed glass and skinny jean wearing boys and girls are riding around on their bikes?
Nikki Hartel
How do you feel the neighborhood contributes to/balances/enhances your life, both personally and professionally?
So many ways! My favorite part about the neighborhood is that the community is really open, and willingness to open your heart and share different perspectives goes a long way in helping both personally and professionally. I find myself chatting with my neighbors on a regular basis. I live alone and at least nine hours away from everyone in my family. When I’ve had a stressful day or when I have great news to share, I know that there is a friendly neighbor nearby. That’s a great thing to have.
Kate Battle
Lately, I have come to the realization that I view my professional and personal life as one in the same (I don’t know if that is good or bad). Working at WXRT has been a great experience for me. I love working with local businesses and back in May, I had the opportunity to work with the Logan Square Chamber of Commerce on a restaurant walk, Crawl Around the Square, that was sponsored by Bell’s Beer. I grew up in Kalamazoo, home of Bell’s Beer, so it was a great experience to combine my old and new homes. It was great to meet individuals from the ‘hood and introduce others to what Logan has to offer.
Nikki Hartel
If you could only use one word, how would you describe Logan Square?
Home
Kate Battle
Anomalous
Nikki Hartel
Is there a “secret” favorite place in Logan you’d be willing to share with readers?
The Bloodline. It’s a house on Sacramento that hosts really cool live, recorded performances in the basement. Every single time I go to one of their recording sessions or events, I leave with at least five new friends and happily ringing ears. I won’t tell you the exact location, but they do host events at the Whistler (@WhistlerChicago, 2421 N. Milwaukee Ave.) sometimes…They have their finger on the pulse of every great local band in the city, most of which live in this neighborhood.
Kate Battle
I’ll tell you what’s not a secret: Slippery Slope (@SlipperySloped 2357 N. Milwaukee Ave.). That line on the weekend is killer but those jams could keep me dancing for days.
Nikki Hartel
Photo: Donna Neddo
“Socializing the neighborhood” is at the core of the LoganSquarist mission, so we introduce readers to interesting and unique residents throughout Logan Square in our Know Your Neighbor column. If you know someone who would be ideal for to feature, let us know.
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