OUR MISSION

to bring people together in conscious connection where they connect to self, others, and something greater when we are together. To help people find their joy, passion, self-love, and acceptance of others.

Rules of Engagement/Mantras @Studio52

  • We always maintain a safe space

  • This is a UDOYOU experience - there’s no right way to do anything

  • We listen as well as we share

  • We listen with openness, compassion, and non-judgement

  • Everything that happens at Studio52… stays at Studio52

Studio52 Story

Studio52 was born of a desire to bring people together in connection, immersive experience, learning, and fun. A place to be surrounded by others who celebrate one another, and escape the everyday. An opportunity to experience or learn something new, and make a new friend or at least, an acquaintance. And have everyone walking away feeling one or more of the following… better, filled up, confident, knowledgeable.

Studio52 Space

Our cozy, vintage, Andersonville, Chicago walk-up apartment embodies:

  • Wisdom from past generations

  • Splashes of female empowerment pop-art

  • Standing in our highest, truest power as women on a journey together

Studio52 Vibes include:

  • A curated playlist for sound healing

  • Crystals for clean energy

  • Chakra tea for hydration

  • Local art for creative inspiration and reflection

Meet Our Founders

20 years ago, we met sitting next to each other cross-legged in a “mom/parent and tot” preschool class. Little did we know, we’d be navigating our lives together in Chicago with three kids - all the same ages - and ultimately starting a passion business together - merging our different backgrounds and strengths with a shared vision. 

Though our children attended different schools, our connection remained strong and steady knowing we always tried to show up in our authentic truth, without judgement, and supporting one another.

We’ve gone through the trials and tribulations of existence together, celebrating births, milestones, graduations, evolving relationships, and moments in hospital beds.

We are urban moms, raising our kids in Chicago to be independent, resilient, and compassionate.

We love theater, live music, museums, galleries, sound baths, yoga classes, dance parties, walking on the beach, racket sports, reading, essential oils, crystals, alternative modalities, going to restaurants, and meeting new people. We are active seekers of truth, wisdom, and healing. We want to learn from and share our knowledge with others in conscious connection.

Rachel Gross & Lisa Kendall

Co-Founders

  • Roles: Mom of 3 boys in late teens and 20s, wife of 25 years, sister, daughter

    Home: Chicago, IL

    Identity: she/her, proud Chicago dweller, community-builder, community activist, Studio52 founder.

    My passion: to build community wherever I go - my children’s schools, my neighborhood, local organizations/boards, my temple, and Studio52 women’s salons.

    How I engage: I say hello to everyone I pass on the street and share you are beautiful stickers with strangers of all walks of life. I grew up feeling like an outsider, so I make an effort to be present, disarming, open, kind, and engaging with others to create a sense of safety and being seen.

    My Story: I started my career as a technical writer and meeting facilitator. I translated that skillset into being a PTA President of my children’s Chicago Public School, Nettelhorst. Over the course of 10 years, I worked with school administrators, teachers, parents, and community members to create communications, parent engagement programs, fundraising initiatives, and partnerships with local businesses and government - all to support curriculum, facilities, and teacher needs. We worked as a community, empowering all stakeholders to believe they could make real impact on their local school.

    I have passion for studying spirituality, philosophy, diversity/equity/inclusion (DEI), and women’s empowerment with various thought leaders.

    During the pandemic I felt so isolated, and longed for the connection and knowledge sharing of communal living. I knew my next evolution was to bring women together in community, to take care of ourselves, share our story and wisdom, feel connection and compassion, and learn in community.

  • Roles: I’m the Mom of 3 kids, 2 daughters and 1 son. I’m a wife, daughter & sister.

    Home: Chicago, IL

    Identity: I’m an urban hippie, artist, life coach, curious bookworm, seeker of truth and information.

    My passion: getting messy with paint, art exhibits, live music, learning about the intersection of mind/body/soul.

    How I engage: I’m an empath, I listen with a non-judgemental & open heart. I believe we are all here to learn our truth & use it to make our divine blueprint in this world.

    My Story: I began my professional life as a teacher and a researcher of curriculum development. I loved the use of creativity while structuring programming for secular and religious studies, art, and Spanish classes. After having my own children, I chose to engage in creative businesses that included painting and refinishing small furniture items and jewelry design. I merged all of my passions as a Therapeutic Art & Life Coach and Studio52 cofounder. In this capacity I get to blend my love of teaching, art, psychology, learning and connecting deeply with other women. I believe in this confusing world we live in, the power of uniting gives us the strength, support and love that is necessary to navigate difficult times.

Our Offerings

  • The events at Studio52 are called salons. Think Gertrude Stein, Paris, radical conversations. Except at Studio52, it’s more like a mini-retreat laced with ritual, conversation, mindful activities, curated music, and energetic movement - set in a cozy, living room space with plentiful libations (always stay hydrated), artwork, and good juju energy.

  • Spend 2-hours getting to know a new group of women. We will introduce ourselves and learn about different healing modalities, including Tarot, crystals, meditation, and more!

  • Miracle Morning Book Club. Spend 4-weeks getting to know a cohort of women who will support and hold us accountable for practicing good habits in the new year. Based on the book, “The Miracle Morning,” by Hal Elrod, we will discuss and practice the habits that enable us to face the world on our terms.

  • Spend 8-weeks getting to know a cohort of women deeply. We will have weekly check-ins and learn together about the chakra system from different experts and healers. We will learn how it impacts our life, our emotions and physical health, as well how to harness its power to find clarity and balance.

  • Spend 6-hours getting to know YOU! Take a day to yourself to escape, go inward, practice self-care, play, and connect. Meet other women who are committed to making themselves a priority. Make an ordinary day EXTRAordinary.

UPCOMING EVENTS