Cynthia Kaye McWilliams, is an accomplished actress and entrepreneur with a dynamic career across film, television, and voiceover. A DePaul University Theater School alum and now Adjunct Professor, she’s known for roles in The Real Husbands of Hollywood, Prison Break, The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey and most recently at dangerously captivating, Cathy, in Average Joe on Netflix.

Other recent credits include Prince of Peoria, Coyote, Bosch, Survivor’s Remorse, Nashville, and indie film Hard Miles. A standout in voiceover, Cynthia voices Gamora in Marvel’s What If, Queen Dahut in The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep, and characters in Halo 5, Cyberpunk 2077, and Starfield to name a few.

A champion for BIPOC creatives and arts education, Cynthia is passionate about helping others share their stories and thrive creatively.

@cyncityforever

Quinessa Solomon simply known as “Q” is a multifaceted visionary from Chicago, specializing in style empowerment and comprehensive business development. As the creative force behind Always on Q, she inspires individuals to embrace their authentic selves through her unique “Styling from the Inside Out”; philosophy. Q’s expertise extends beyond style into strategic planning, marketing optimization, and operational streamlining for brands and creatives. With a background in marketing direction and creative conceptualization, Q is not just about looking good; she’s about feeling empowered and living purposefully. As one half of the power couple behind Gordon Global Gold (G3), Q, alongside her husband KPilla, is redefining success and influence. She embodies the balance of ambition and personal fulfillment, bringing the same passion for growth and authenticity to her family life as she does to her professional endeavors.

@qknowsstyle

Blake Martin is a multifaceted force in fashion and entertainment with nearly 20 years of experience. He’s a fashion show producer, model coach, stage play writer/director, and bestselling author with a passion for high-end fashion and editorial photography.

In 2007, he founded FROW Media Group and has since produced over 300 fashion shows across cities like Chicago, New York, Paris, and more—including a 40-city tour in China. He’s collaborated with brands like Gucci, Nike, and Adidas, earning the 2018 Fashion Producer of the Year award in NYC.

Blake pivoted to fashion photography in 2021 and quickly made history as the first Chicago-based photographer featured on a Times Square billboard. His work has appeared twice in American Vogue and graced the cover of Vogue Japan.

His memoir, Baggage Claim, became an Amazon bestseller in 2023. He’s a graduate of Benedict College and completed an entrepreneurial program at Harvard.

@mrblakemartin

Nicole Richardson was Born and raised in the vibrant city of Chicago, she brings over a decade of expertise as a Celebrity Makeup Artist and licensed esthetician. Her path in the beauty world has been nothing short of a dream; traveling the globe, brushing shoulders with stars like Cynthia Kaye McWilliams, Gail Bean, Michelle Williams, Beverly Johnson, Jacob Latimore, and Keke Palmer. Each encounter, each face, has been a canvas for her art, teaching Nicole invaluable lessons about the diverse beauty that exists in each of us. But here's the thing – it's not just about the celebrities. It's about you. Nicole has worked with countless skin types and tones and her hands-on experience has given her a treasure trove of expert tips and tricks that she's eager to share with you.

@flawlessbeautybynicole

Sonya Simone is a professionally trained makeup artist and entrepreneur based in the Chicagoland Area, with over a decade of experience. Her makeup journey began in 2011 at Makeup First, School of Makeup Artistry, where she discovered her God-given talent. She has since trained with industry icons such as Sir John, Tiyana Robinson, and Renny Vasquez, honing her skills to provide top-tier service. Sonya has had the privilege of working with a diverse clientele, including artists, authors, musicians, and business professionals, each time bringing their unique beauty to life.

Sonya is dedicated to building lasting relationships with her clients, many of whom return time and again for her unparalleled artistry and personalized service.

@sonyasimonemua

Thai Perry is a passionate wardrobe stylist with a talent for storytelling through fashion. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of style, Thai specializes in creating unique looks that make people feel and look amazing. From concept shoots to special event styling, Thai brings creativity and vision to every project. Committed to inclusivity, Thai works with all shapes and sizes, ensuring every client feels confident and empowered. Whether curating a red carpet look or a themed photoshoot, Thai’s goal is to use fashion as a medium to tell compelling stories and celebrate individuality.

@iamthaiperry

Nikki Thigpen discovered her passion for braiding at the age of seven. She pursued formal education at Capri Beauty College and further refined her skills at Trenz Beauty Academy.

As a leader and mentor in the natural hair industry, Nikki has made significant contributions. She has provided foundational braiding instruction to both children and adults and has guided advanced braiders in enhancing their entrepreneurial skills to improve their own businesses.

Nikki has styled models and celebrities for fashion shows, marketing campaigns, and red-carpet events. She has collaborated with notable brands such as Kaleidoscope and Luster’s Hair Products, and has partnered with Adidas, further establishing her influence in the industry.

She has won multiple braiding competitions across the United States, including the Best Braider in Chicago Award in 2020. Her teaching experience extends internationally, having conducted braiding classes in Paris and served as a judge at hair shows in Chicago and Toronto.

@braidsbynikki

Jolie had her start in her sister's salon at the age of 15, where she learned the basis of hair care and customer service through the mentorship of the master stylists around her. From there, she completed 2 years of college at the University of Missouri-Columbia, majoring in journalism, but soon realized her real passion was for the beauty industry and attained her cosmetology license in 2009. 

Since then, she has become a colorist and master stylist herself, perfecting her craft by taking classes and constantly researching. She specializes in color, natural hair, hair shaping techniques, extensions and overall health of the hair and scalp. Currently, she works as a master stylist on Chicago’s south side and is also a mother, artist, entrepreneur and lover of all things beautiful. 

@tresjoliehair

Meet Howard Godfrey, the barber you might remember from the hit reality series "Chicagolicious" on the Style network. Back in 2012 and 2013, he was part of the dynamic team at AJ's Salon in the West Loop, captivating audiences with his talent and charm.

After his time in the spotlight, Howard took the leap and opened his own salon, 3 Sinks, in Ukrainian Village. For seven years, he successfully ran this haven for both men and women, until the pandemic forced him to close. But Howard is a master of reinvention. During that downtime, he discovered a new passion for music and taught himself to DJ.

When the film and TV industry bounced back, Howard decided to pivot again, bringing his decades of experience to the world of set life. Now a proud union member, he's worked on some of the most popular shows around, including "The Chi," "Force," "Godfather of Harlem," and currently, "Chicago Fire." Howard's journey is a testament to his adaptability and creativity.

@hdgreality

Leo Allen, also known as Leo The Leo, is a versatile creative from the south suburbs of Chicago. His work spans photography, cinematography, and acting, appearing on Chicago tv series Power Book IV: Force, Justified: City Primeval, The Chi, Chicago Fire, and more. As a multidisciplinary artist, Leo aims to create captivating, enduring visual experiences that spark conversations and inspire curiosity. Drawing inspiration from his surroundings, he strives to produce art that resonates with the human experience and establishes a connection with the viewer. Looking ahead, Leo plans to expand his acting career and deepen his expertise in cinematography. He is excited about developing his distinctive style within the craft, with a vision that promises to captivate and inspire.

@leotheleovisuals

Micah Butler is a dynamic digital media strategist, podcast instructor, and producer at CynCity Creative, renowned for his work amplifying Black LGBTQ+ voices through storytelling and community engagement. As a founding producer and co-host of The Black Gay Agenda podcast, Micah has been instrumental in creating a platform that delves into the nuanced experiences of Black gay men, fostering conversations that challenge societal norms and promote authenticity.

Under Micah's leadership, The Black Gay Agenda has released over 40 episodes across three seasons, tackling topics such as desirability politics, masculinity, mental health, and representation in media.

Beyond podcasting, Micah's role at CynCity Creative involves mentoring emerging podcasters and strategizing digital content that resonates with diverse audiences. His commitment to creating safe spaces for dialogue and his ability to address complex issues with empathy and insight have made him a respected voice in the digital media landscape.

Micah's other endeavors include organizing live shows, events and hosting most recently opening for TS Madison at City Winery.

@itsmicahb.