Worth A Shot: Photo op celebrates the dozens of women business owners in downtown Highland Park

An idea to gather the women business owners of downtown Highland Park was supported right away.

But could they find a large enough location?

The steps inside Wayfarer Theater proved a suitable site for the 60 or so women to celebrate their careers and successes on Wednesday, May 3.

Susan Lurie, who founded Highland Park’s Enaz Boutique in 1993, called the gathering “sensational.”

“This is what it’s all about,” Lurie said. “We didn’t go out to get a job. We all are people who started our own business.”

The photo op was the brainchild of the Downtown Highland Park Alliance, representatives from local businesses who work to promote and improve the success of the district.

Ilyse Strongin, founder of Ripple Public Relations, another downtown Highland Park business, helped mobilize the women to Wayfarer Theater. She said while about 60 women appear in the photo, more than double that number own businesses in downtown Highland Park.

Kate Wiswald, chairperson for the alliance, said it was a great opportunity to recognize a special group.

“Whether they are just starting or have been in business for decades, these women are all an integral part of our community,” Wiswald said in a press release. “I am in awe of their accomplishments and honored to have their amazing businesses in our downtown.”

The women business leaders gathered seven rows high on the theater stairs for the photograph. Afterward, each one stepped forward to announce their name, business and tenure in Highland Park. They represented wellness centers, beauty services, dining establishments and everything in between, and after each woman finished, she received a round of applause.

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