Made For Mothers x Central Illinois October Meet-Up
An IRL community for ambitious and entrepreneurial moms in Central Illinois.
The purpose of this gathering is to feel less alone and better equipped to do work we care about and do life with families we care for.
Each month, we’re coming together for the real conversations you can’t have anywhere else, heartfelt breakout groups, and space to share challenges and solutions we’re (probably) all facing.
It's "networking," but way better. Because it's a group specifically for us—ambitious moms who run businesses and raise families.
And our second-ever meet-up has a theme of Elevator Pitches. Whether you're an introverted overthinker or an extroverted social butterfly, we can all fine-tune and actively practice how we introduce ourselves and the work we care so much about.
Come as you are in terms of what you wear, whether your kids are in tow, and the state of your business.
Who This Is For
Made For Mothers is for you if you identify as an ambitious mom in any way, shape, or phase of life/business. Maybe you’re planning for your first baby, maybe your 3rd kid just graduated from law school. Maybe you have a side hustle you want to take full-time, maybe you’ve been around the entrepreneurial block.
Motherhood never leaves you. Your entrepreneurial spirit never leaves you. This community holds space for both those parts of you.
And we all have so much to learn from each other, and so many ways we can support each other along the way.
The vision is for our group to feel intimate and well-curated, but not overly exclusive. Different backgrounds, industries, and family dynamics make our community richer. The people in the room matter more than anything else because it’s all about deep connections and meaningful conversations.
***Babies and kids (aka the next generation of entrepreneurs and changemakers) are always welcome. Childcare is never provided.
What To Expect
We're here to get to know and learn from each other, not swap business cards and call it a day. Introverts, you'll be able to connect 1:1. Extroverts, you'll be able to work the room.
For the mamas, we'll have sparkling water and coffee available. Bring your own snacks if you'd like! You're welcome to bring a laptop or notepad to capture any great ideas, but the magic is in our conversations and breakout sessions.
For any kiddos who attend, there's a calm corner to nurse in or take a breather, plenty of bathrooms and sinks, and a handful of activities for kids of many ages to do.
Community Creed
We commit to the process.
That means showing up as yourself, for yourself, and with an open mind to others. It also means being part of the community as often and as fully present as possible.
We listen to our intuition.
This space is meant to open the door to new ideas and possibilities, but ultimately, you know your capacity, your vision, and your values best. Take what you need, leave or adapt the rest.
We share generously.
By pouring into others, giving advice, and revealing resources, we’re not only elevating everyone else’s experience, we're also synthesizing our best ideas at the same time.
We hold each other’s truths in confidence.
We’re coming to this space with our vulnerable business ideas and life situations, so anything shared here stays here. Other people’s thoughts, experiences, and big visions are not ours to spread (or judge) without their consent.
Shoutout To Our Partners
📍Our venue partner is Illinois Art Station. This means we can meet in a place that feels as warm and intentional as the people in the room. (And it's run by working mamas just like us.)
📸 Caitlin Alese Photography, a fellow entrepreneurial mom, will be taking candid photos to capture the magic of our meet-ups.
About Your Host
Hi, I'm Ashlee Sang. I translate big ideas into everyday actions, all while being a mom of 2 littles.
Even as an introvert, I’ve always sought out community. And nothing has been more essential in my motherhood AND entrepreneurial journeys than having women around me who get it. Being in conversation, feeling validated and encouraged, getting feedback—these are the things that all of us need to keep going. (Even when the roles we take on feel like they’re too much to handle.)
With Made For Mothers x Central Illinois, I want ambitious moms in the area to feel like they made the right choice to have a business they care about AND a family they care for. I want our gatherings to feel warm and inclusive and something they look forward to every single month. (And carry with them in between.)
MFM feels like a perfect culmination of the community engagement, marketing, culture-shaping, and facilitation I’ve done over the past 15+ years with 150+ clients.
I’m genuinely excited to see who joins this community and what we can build together, on our own terms.
I can't wait to get to know you better. Hit reply to the confirmation email or share a fun fact of your own when we meet IRL!