Blooming Ventures: New Faces At The IJ Clinic
Recently, the IJ Clinic on Entrepreneurship welcomed six new clients—each one bringing fresh ideas, bold ambition, and deep roots in their communities. The Clinic, based at the University of Chicago Law School, trains law students to provide budding entrepreneurs with free legal services and the opportunity to grow their businesses with confidence.
From fried shrimp to freeze pops, yoga flows to tree limbs, these ventures reflect the creative spark powering entrepreneurs across Chicago. Here’s a taste of the blooming businesses our students and staff now have the pleasure to work with at the Clinic.
RG Tree Management
Ruben Gonzalez leads RG Tree Management, offering pruning, disease treatment, and storm response services. After years of working as a contractor, Ruben studied business and helped his father, Ricardo, start a tree-trimming company. He came to the Clinic for help navigating legal considerations around serving customers in urban settings, like risk management and liability. We’re excited to help protect Ruben’s business as it in turn protects Chicagoans’ backyards and homes!
Tonye’ Arts & Fitness
With Tonye’ Arts & Fitness, Garley Briggs blends dance, movement, and mindfulness in a wellness brand as creative as she is. Garley was referred to us by a community partner, the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. We are thrilled to support her now as she expands her offerings, employee relationships, and locations—while protecting her business in the process.
Fitness Boutique by Tiffany
Tiffany Vann-Cole delivers custom fitness and nutrition coaching in a cozy studio setting on the South Side of Chicago. Her business, Fitness Boutique by Tiffany, offers a variety of class formats to suit individual clients’ needs and desires, ranging from boot-camp style classes to Pilates Reformer workouts along with nutritional support and education.
Flavour Unit Corp: Egg Rolls Etc. & Legacy Kitchen Solutions
Javon Nicholas is a culinary powerhouse with a dual mission. Under Flavour Unit Corp, Egg Rolls Etc. brings comfort-filled egg rolls to freezers across the city, and Legacy Kitchen Solutions offers mentorship and commercial kitchen access for under-resourced chefs. With 23 years of experience in food safety and quality, Javon is ready to scale—and we’re here to perfect the legal recipes for the businesses’ success!
Iceboxx
What began as Jacqueline Foreman’s late-night snack idea has grown into a local frozen dessert brand featuring handmade ice cream, gourmet cookies, and lemonade. We’re helping Jacqueline and Iceboxx with licensing, customer relationships, and the legal tools to keep things cool—and compliant.
Haire’s Gulf Shrimp
A South Side staple since the 1980s, Haire’s Gulf Shrimp was launched by Finnie Haire out of a train caboose and has become a beloved spot for Louisiana-style fried shrimp. Finnie’s mother gave him the recipe saying, “As long as you have this, you’ll always have a way to make money.” We’re here to help preserve that gift (and do some taste tests, too). Now led by Finnie’s widow, Aisha Murff, the restaurant has multiple locations, a food truck, and exciting new plans.
At the IJ Clinic, we don’t just support businesses; we champion the people behind them. Our new clients are building stronger communities, and we’re proud to be part of their journey.
Aleksei Kaminski oversees community relations and operations at the IJ Clinic on Entrepreneurship.
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