Hey, I’m Cheryl
I’m a sensory storyteller exploring the everyday beauty of Chicago’s North Shore. I write about the places real people actually go- small shops, local cafes, cozy corners and the human moments that make a community feel like home.
For years, I tried to fit into the glossy version of media: scripted messaging, polished reviews, perfectly lit photos, and the pressure to be “on brand.” None of it felt like me.
So I stepped away.
And now I’m doing it differently.
I don’t influence- I observe. I don’t promote- I notice. I don’t use scripts- I use my senses.
My work is quiet, connective and attuned- rooted in atmosphere and stories rather than advertising.
When I share a place, it’s because something about it felt honest, warm, or just genuinely worth sharing.
If you’re someone who loves small businesses, hidden gems, the kind of everyday magic that never makes it into glossy magazines, you’re in the right place.
Thanks for wandering with me. There’s so much to notice.
Much love,