Sarah Fraggis doesn’t just run a skincare brand; she embodies resilience and reinvention. As the CEO of Filterless Era, Sarah has built an empire rooted in authenticity, empowering others, and embracing natural beauty. But her journey wasn’t a straight path to success—it was a winding road of self-discovery, risks, and relentless determination.

Years ago, Sarah found herself in a place many can relate to: feeling trapped by circumstances and unsure of her potential. Married young and raising two children, she lived under someone else’s dreams while yearning to pursue her own. "I always wanted to go to art school, but life had other plans," Sarah shared. Yet, the same grit that made her dream big also drove her to find a way forward when the odds seemed stacked against her.

The turning point came when Sarah hit what she describes as rock bottom. “When you’re at the lowest point, there’s nowhere to go but up,” she reflected. With little more than $300 and a deep conviction, she created the foundation for Filterless Era. Her mission? To empower women with tools and techniques that enhance natural beauty without invasive measures.

Sarah’s entrepreneurial journey was anything but smooth. Along the way, she faced skepticism, financial losses, and even outright scams. She candidly recounted nearly losing her Instagram account to a phishing scheme and unknowingly sending money to a hacker. "I’ve been bamboozled, but every mistake has taught me something," she said. Instead of dwelling on setbacks, Sarah used them as fuel to propel herself forward.

A key to her success has been staying true to her values. Filterless Era isn’t just a brand; it’s a movement. Sarah advocates for a “less is more” approach to beauty, emphasizing ancient, non-invasive practices like gua sha and lymphatic drainage. Her goal is simple yet profound: to help people feel beautiful as they are, without filters or facades.

As her business flourished, so did her personal growth. Sarah learned the importance of separating herself from the brand and sharing her own story. "I want women to see that if I can do it, they can too," she said. Her story resonates because it’s raw and relatable. From managing a fast-growing Instagram account—now over 344,000 followers strong—to being featured in publications like Vogue and Cosmopolitan, Sarah has proven that success doesn’t require a traditional path.

Beyond her professional achievements, Sarah’s heart remains firmly rooted in giving back. She recently partnered with a women’s shelter to provide skincare kits and workshops for women rebuilding their lives. “Confidence is the one thing that costs nothing but can take you anywhere,” she shared. By offering practical tools and sharing her own experiences, Sarah aims to spark that confidence in others.

For those navigating their own paths, Sarah offers this advice: "Do your research, trust your instincts, and don’t let setbacks derail you. Use them as motivation to push forward." Her story is proof that even the hardest challenges can be stepping stones to something greater.

Sarah Fraggis isn’t just building a brand—she’s creating a legacy of empowerment, resilience, and authenticity. And through Filterless Era, she’s reminding everyone that beauty is more than skin deep—it’s about embracing who you are and inspiring others to do the same.

Elliot Richardson is no stranger to hard work or frustration with the status quo. As the president and co-founder of the Small Business Advocacy Council (SBAC), Elliot has turned years of frustration into a driving force for change, creating a platform that amplifies the voices of small business owners. Her journey into advocacy began not with an easy win, but with a hard lesson: running for office doesn’t always mean victory—but it does mean gaining invaluable insight into what’s broken and how to fix it.

Growing up in Morton Grove and raising her family in Deerfield, Elliot’s roots in Illinois run deep. Her legal background gave her the tools to navigate the complexities of public policy, but it was her empathy for small business owners that propelled her to create the SBAC. Elliot recalls, “We heard a lot about small businesses being the backbone of the economy, but there was a lot of lip service and not much action. That had to change.”

The SBAC began as a way to give small business owners a seat at the table, a voice in the room, and a chance to advocate for themselves. Elliot emphasizes that this wasn’t just about business owners but the larger “small business community”—employees, vendors, and local collaborators who depend on these enterprises. “If we can harness critical mass, we can really move the needle for small businesses,” she explains.

Under Elliot’s leadership, the SBAC has delivered tangible results. From lowering LLC fees in Illinois to advocating for increased tax credits for hiring formerly incarcerated individuals, these wins represent more than policy shifts—they’re lifelines for entrepreneurs. Elliot beams when recounting the success of the SBAC’s initiative to stabilize health insurance premiums. “That’s not just good policy; it’s transformative for small business owners and their employees.”

One of the most significant challenges Elliot identifies for entrepreneurs is undercapitalization. “You’ve got to get your financing in line and prepare for the unexpected,” she advises. Starting a business isn’t just about passion—it’s about timing, preparation, and having the right formula. Elliot insists that this preparation is critical: “You need that cushion to weather the surprises because there will be surprises.”

Beyond advocacy, Elliot’s wisdom shines in her perspective on collaboration. “Small businesses don’t have the resources of big corporations, but that doesn’t mean we can’t work together. The key is finding ways to level the playing field while fostering collaboration.” Initiatives like reallocating state tax incentives to small businesses demonstrate her commitment to ensuring fairness without alienating larger companies.

Elliot also stresses the importance of networking. For her, effective networking isn’t about attending every event—it’s about intentionality. “Ask your mentors where to go and make the most of your time. Join groups that align with your goals and values.” She adds that the SBAC fosters connections not just for advocacy but for business collaboration, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to grow together.

For Elliot, advocacy isn’t just work—it’s a calling. She believes in showing up, whether it’s in Springfield or at a local chamber meeting. “Big corporations have their lobbyists, and now we’re there too. It’s about being present and making sure small businesses aren’t overlooked.”

Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? “Get involved. Advocate for the changes you want to see. Barriers won’t fall unless we work together to remove them.” It’s this relentless focus on collaboration, fairness, and empowerment that makes Elliot Richardson a force for change in Illinois and beyond.

Maj. Gen. Alex Fink’s career is a remarkable blend of military discipline and corporate strategy, offering insights few can match. As Chief of Army Enterprise Marketing in Chicago, he oversaw one of the Army’s most transformative initiatives—the “Be All You Can Be” campaign—while guiding a team to build the Army’s marketing capabilities into a modern, data-informed powerhouse. But his journey began far from Chicago, on a working farm in rural Missouri, where values like hard work and resilience were instilled early.

Maj. Gen. Fink attended the University of Missouri, where he joined the ROTC, an experience that sparked his lifelong dedication to service. Over a distinguished military career that spans more than three decades, he’s held numerous high-stakes commands, from leading multinational units in Iraq and Afghanistan to overseeing vital logistical operations across the globe. This breadth of experience not only underscores his leadership but also shapes his approach to culture-building in organizations.

For Alex, authentic leadership is essential. He emphasizes that leadership isn’t about mimicking others; it’s about being yourself and standing by the principles you believe in. “You can’t lead if you’re constantly trying to be someone else,” he explains. This idea—of authenticity as the cornerstone of effective leadership—has guided him throughout his military career and into his current role, where he helps mold the Army’s public image and outreach efforts.

A Major General’s approach to leadership goes beyond strategies; it’s grounded in practical actions. Known for his accessibility, Alex breaks the mold of many corporate leaders by actively seeking out “collisions”—unplanned interactions that reveal valuable insights. “I seek out those small collisions,” he says, knowing that real connections with his team build trust and foster a culture where everyone feels valued. This open-door policy, uncommon in both the military and corporate worlds, has made him an accessible leader who values transparency and collaboration.

One of Alex’s core principles is what he calls “don’t walk past a mistake.” He believes that leaders must address issues head-on and avoid letting small missteps fester. This mentality of accountability is not only vital internally but also essential for fostering relationships with external partners, who are crucial in driving an organization’s mission forward.

Collaboration, both inside and outside the organization, is another key to Alex’s leadership style. He’s quick to acknowledge that large-scale change requires allies, and he sees partnerships as essential, whether it’s with peers, other divisions, or external organizations. “If you're driving cultural change, you need partners on board,” he says. This collaborative mindset was pivotal during his time in military commands and continues to be a cornerstone of his corporate leadership.

As the architect of the Army’s “Be All You Can Be” campaign, Alex had to make difficult decisions. With a limited budget, he prioritized investments in data and technology, even at the expense of reducing media visibility temporarily. “It was a risk,” he admits, but one that ultimately allowed his team to create a more precise, targeted approach to marketing. This decision reflects his understanding that short-term sacrifices are sometimes necessary to achieve long-term success, an insight he draws from both military and corporate environments.

The Major General’s military background has taught him invaluable lessons about resilience and perspective. He’s led through the high stakes of combat, an experience that has trained him to keep things in perspective and stay grounded under pressure. “In a year from now, is anyone going to remember? And if they do, will they care?” he asks himself. This mentality has become a compass in his career, helping him make decisions without letting minor setbacks derail his...