October marks National Women's Small Business Month, recognizing the growing impact of female entrepreneurs across the country. Nearly four decades ago former President Ronald Reagan signed into law the Women&rsquo;s Business Ownership Act of 1988. That law made it illegal for banks to discriminate when giving women business loans, requiring them to no longer need a male relative to co-sign. The legislation helped remove barriers to financing for women, paving the way for greater business ownership. Today, women own nearly half of the nation&rsquo;s small businesses and continue to play a vital role in shaping the American economy
Among them is <a href="https://www.brushforkids.com/meet-dr-mira-albert.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Mira Albert</a>, a board-certified pediatric dentist, national spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and founder of <a href="https://www.brushforkids.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brush Pediatric Dentistry</a>, who has spent the past 15 years building a thriving business while raising two children and helping other women advance their careers.
&ldquo;When I opened my first practice 15 years ago, I knew I wanted to build something special, but I also knew I couldn't do it alone,&rdquo; said Albert. &ldquo;I'm incredibly grateful for the talented women who have helped make Brush Pediatric Dentistry what it is today. Building the right all female team, making thoughtful decisions and creating opportunities for others have been essential to our success.&rdquo;
Albert opened her first pediatric dental practice in the Chicago area of <a href="https://www.brushforkids.com/hinsdale-office.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Hinsdale</a> in 2011, while pregnant with her second child. Her vision was to create a welcoming, judgment-free environment where families could feel confident in the care their children received. Equally important was building a <a href="https://www.brushforkids.com/meet-the-dentists.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">female team</a> of talented women who shared her commitment to patient care, collaboration and professional growth. That foundation helped fuel the practice's success and eventual expansion to <a href="https://www.brushforkids.com/downers-grove-office.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Downers Grove</a> in 2024. Today, Albert leads 30 women across both locations.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women own around 43% of the nation's nearly 30 million non-employer businesses. They report that women-owned businesses in the country, both those that employ people and those that don&rsquo;t, account for 14 million businesses generating $2.5 trillion annually. For women considering entrepreneurship, particularly those balancing business ownership with motherhood, Albert's experience offers lessons that extend well beyond dentistry.
Not only has Dr. Albert been able to grow her business alongside her family, but she has made it her mission to help support and nurture other women in their careers. She made mentorship a priority, helping aspiring young dentists navigate their education, training and professional development. Two women she mentored went on to become pediatric dentists and then returned to Brush Pediatric Dentistry to work alongside her. 
Drawing on 15 years of experience, Albert shares five lessons for women looking to start, manage or grow a successful small business:
<ul><li>Mentorship: Invest in people, not just the business. Some of the most meaningful opportunities for growth come from helping others succeed. Albert encourages women to seek guidance from experienced mentors while also creating opportunities to mentor others. Developing talent from within can strengthen a business, build loyalty and prepare the next generation of leaders.</li><li>Calculated risks: Know when it's time to make a move. Growth often requires stepping outside your comfort zone. Whether expanding to a second location, changing a business model or making a difficult financial decision, successful entrepreneurs must evaluate risks carefully and recognize when staying comfortable could limit future opportunities.</li><li>Leadership: Build a team that can grow with you. Running a business requires more than technical expertise. Effective leaders recognize individual strengths, encourage collaboration and give employees opportunities to take on greater responsibility. Investing in future leaders can help a business grow beyond its founder.</li><li>Communication: Make it a business priority. Clear, consistent communication builds trust among employees, customers and business partners.&nbsp;</li><li>Patience: Build for the long term. Sustainable business growth rarely happens overnight. Albert encourages entrepreneurs to remain focused on their vision while recognizing that success often comes through years of consistent effort, learning and adapting.&nbsp;</li></ul>
&ldquo;Building a business while raising a family has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding,&rdquo; said Albert. &ldquo;One of the greatest lessons I've learned is that success isn't something you achieve alone. It's about surrounding yourself with the right people, believing in your vision and creating opportunities for others to grow.&rdquo;
For Albert, celebrating 15 years in business is about more than opening a second location or expanding her team. It's about the women she has mentored, the careers she has helped shape and the culture she has built along the way.

DuPage County

David Giuliani

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills

Illinois

She Built a Business by Building Other Women Up...

October marks National Women's Small Business Month, recognizing the growing impact of female entrepreneurs across the country. Nearly four decades...

She Built a Business by Building Other Women Up: Small Business Lessons Behind 15 Years of Growth

According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are expected to spend over $4 billion on Halloween candy this year. Many children will get buckets or pillowcases filled with the sweet stuff after spending time trick-or-treating, attending parties, and going to trunk-or-treat events. While much of the media attention surrounding Halloween focuses on candy and its impact on children's teeth, one pediatric dentist <a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC-2BjKyZtdV9NB0epseMxvqpX2xXoBhdXFnlpt4O-2BpVK6-2F0LhtsnryHzoMB6npwLqrUQ-3D-3Dd5Ae_70rCnWaovi0YgJjSoVGtpXOdVJFwSaioV2iSFRUxaQfrAb9PWcc7MuJsFVZ5eOP2Uf-2FRslHd4kWCaknKehR6KRLOGY0GqbNfR1BkPplB6z7nBMoe5yvsQaiEBjgqipJvSumGVqI-2BJwP4xMUTYJmw6XFq-2FxZCgbwggUhIF-2BjVaCcPc-2FQCD-2BPWjJpeIN8thRpOqvftXHV4sM0LOQK-2F3S27aSLJVh5v8hx3LsBa4-2BMzHfvYmalfgsMcyDalf4NQ6Y9uLO1QM23R1ETtHo3Kk1jg0N6nP0GXmeJYxMVldVps8-2FwmO5gSVLnycQBl475roFHa1SOSNSxyGMSqjzHrus-2BGjET5Sbv-2BTdA6krq52eSY7-2BU-3D" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Dr. Mira Albert</a> is pointing out that everyday habits throughout the year have a bigger impact and can quietly take a toll on children's oral health long after the Halloween candy is gone.
&ldquo;It's much scarier to look at the habits we have all year long when it comes to what impacts our children's teeth,&rdquo; said Dr. Mira Albert, board-certified pediatric dentist and founder of <a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC-2BjKyZtdV9NB0epseMxvqpW5UbVmfc4gC-2BhqOiFkq1r3S1SB_70rCnWaovi0YgJjSoVGtpXOdVJFwSaioV2iSFRUxaQfrAb9PWcc7MuJsFVZ5eOP2Uf-2FRslHd4kWCaknKehR6KRLOGY0GqbNfR1BkPplB6z7nBMoe5yvsQaiEBjgqipJvSumGVqI-2BJwP4xMUTYJmw6XFq-2FxZCgbwggUhIF-2BjVaCcPc-2FQCD-2BPWjJpeIN8thRpOqvftXHV4sM0LOQK-2F3S27aWG3IgoIwCOafij1pGUZXA0czG3pXwuzyq8BYUP70Kh-2Bho1ZOIthD0mU-2BQUP-2BniAMW9BXqlUv-2B6ggRcgMkb78DZmjCRsWQ0LZ-2Bz7oOoy3iadBLs1gqmo8vJvFPPLIVYJUFXrsysY4HAt1AQR9Azdoms-3D" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Brush Pediatric Dentistry</a>. &ldquo;The things we do on a regular basis all year have a huge impact on the health of our teeth and smile. Now is a great time to look at those and see if there are improvements we can make.&rdquo;
While eating too much Halloween candy can affect children's teeth, Albert says frequent sugar exposure, improper brushing techniques and other seemingly harmless habits can contribute to cavities, enamel erosion and other dental problems throughout the year. The good news is that recognizing these habits and making small adjustments to daily routines can help protect children's oral health year-round.
Here are some of the scary everyday habits that families should be aware of that may be negatively impacting their teeth:
<ul><li>Grazing. It&rsquo;s common practice for many people to snack or sip non-water beverages throughout the day. This grazing keeps a continuous supply of sugar and acid in the mouth, which can lead to the enamel being worn down and too much acid exposure.</li><li>Brushing too soon after acidic foods or drinks. While it is great to brush your teeth, it&rsquo;s not good to do so right after having acidic foods or drinks. This can temporarily cause the enamel to soften and lead to abrasive damage. Ideally, wait at least 30 to 60 minutes after having acidic food and beverages before brushing your teeth.</li><li>Biting things you shouldn&rsquo;t. Far too often, people use their teeth as tools to open packages or chew on objects that they shouldn&rsquo;t be chewing on. This can lead to the teeth being damaged, chipped or cracked.</li><li>Chewing on ice. Chewing on ice can damage the teeth or lead to gum injury and should be avoided. Plus, it can be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as iron deficiency anemia. Those who like to chew ice regularly should consult with their doctor to ensure there is no underlying health issue prompting it.</li><li>Not brushing before bed. Brushing the teeth before bed is crucial to help remove any bacteria and food particles. When this is not done, those things can end up creating bacteria in the mouth that can lead to cavities and gum issues. </li><li>Brushing too hard. People often think they have to scrub their teeth hard to get them clean, but that&rsquo;s simply not the case. Brushing hard can lead to gum recession and can erode the tooth enamel. Using a gentle brushing movement will help remove the plaque. Keep in mind that a frayed and hard-bristled toothbrush can also do harm. </li></ul>
&ldquo;Kids are going to eat a lot of candy on Halloween and for a few days following it,&rdquo; added Dr. Albert. &ldquo;Let&rsquo;s instead focus on what they are doing on a daily basis all year that has a much bigger impact. We want to take the best care of our teeth all year, not just in October.&rdquo;
While Halloween candy may be a temporary concern, Albert encourages parents to focus on the habits that shape their children's oral health every day. Establishing consistent brushing routines, limiting frequent snacking and teaching children how to protect their teeth can make a lasting difference long after the Halloween decorations come down. 
Dr. Albert welcomes patients at <a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC-2BjKyZtdV9NB0epseMxvqpUgRFECW5LI7y6XoRcaPA9-2FeDwJTAoyZQH3F2hQJ-2FW6cw-3D-3D0YJT_70rCnWaovi0YgJjSoVGtpXOdVJFwSaioV2iSFRUxaQfrAb9PWcc7MuJsFVZ5eOP2Uf-2FRslHd4kWCaknKehR6KRLOGY0GqbNfR1BkPplB6z7nBMoe5yvsQaiEBjgqipJvSumGVqI-2BJwP4xMUTYJmw6XFq-2FxZCgbwggUhIF-2BjVaCcPc-2FQCD-2BPWjJpeIN8thRpOqvftXHV4sM0LOQK-2F3S27ad9R41wRzhZcksPzmhJpQx-2Bl7FbBc0iCsEKAwRXSrDSCpsf-2FA6FAP2DHWxiRyjOCpkxa7jRSl4Pxtt1mIE9NNu2hi8bjKhdQHLgMi-2FuaIw3wi0YvTyFos4IMNUoBijvis390j8udLrkuBI26awyMnTM-3D" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">two locations in Illinois</a>, including Hinsdale and Downers Grove. <a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC-2BjKyZtdV9NB0epseMxvqpVvf8jHSfMO2-2BKONHJ2E8nWxLaWtTBaxsIPUWwPSuhAGQ-3D-3D8mRe_70rCnWaovi0YgJjSoVGtpXOdVJFwSaioV2iSFRUxaQfrAb9PWcc7MuJsFVZ5eOP2Uf-2FRslHd4kWCaknKehR6KRLOGY0GqbNfR1BkPplB6z7nBMoe5yvsQaiEBjgqipJvSumGVqI-2BJwP4xMUTYJmw6XFq-2FxZCgbwggUhIF-2BjVaCcPc-2FQCD-2BPWjJpeIN8thRpOqvftXHV4sM0LOQK-2F3S27aRXlRkHbOwykGQ4Oj7FzijugGgMxEv01OJl5ZVQi85R-2B6wKjYEky-2FoVkTMGkMcXUz6LVkEG7MKSrAQ4oa82t8xPZEZLU0skIVugj34ULyrmwdh9AUBGJia6x23XPm-2BsX92BHGEAurPyKHjU5Zo7MrDM-3D" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Brush Pediatric Dentistry</a>specializes in helping children with all aspects of preventive, restorative, and emergency dental services. To get more information and schedule an appointment, visit the website at:<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC-2BjKyZtdV9NB0epseMxvqpW5UbVmfc4gC-2BhqOiFkq1r3-l-E_70rCnWaovi0YgJjSoVGtpXOdVJFwSaioV2iSFRUxaQfrAb9PWcc7MuJsFVZ5eOP2Uf-2FRslHd4kWCaknKehR6KRLOGY0GqbNfR1BkPplB6z7nBMoe5yvsQaiEBjgqipJvSumGVqI-2BJwP4xMUTYJmw6XFq-2FxZCgbwggUhIF-2BjVaCcPc-2FQCD-2BPWjJpeIN8thRpOqvftXHV4sM0LOQK-2F3S27aYJD-2FDfIJ98U46-2BuMR4hbvt50oGhVrvJ0HInkpYEG6o9wiem2aKe6jzme4OW-2FsqAEdyEtDf-2FE1WbC1pOWsdqyKLU2yzbvCIJWggLDMXo3DfDGYQ0PXciUUrcEWGlsYtqRbXargYXA1-2FTaHccO-2FDWiJc-3D" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow"> </a><a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC-2BjKyZtdV9NB0epseMxvqpW5UbVmfc4gC-2BhqOiFkq1r36I0x_70rCnWaovi0YgJjSoVGtpXOdVJFwSaioV2iSFRUxaQfrAb9PWcc7MuJsFVZ5eOP2Uf-2FRslHd4kWCaknKehR6KRLOGY0GqbNfR1BkPplB6z7nBMoe5yvsQaiEBjgqipJvSumGVqI-2BJwP4xMUTYJmw6XFq-2FxZCgbwggUhIF-2BjVaCcPc-2FQCD-2BPWjJpeIN8thRpOqvftXHV4sM0LOQK-2F3S27aTKALDVatOKE22EaeLJ-2B9FX55YwHehEKXtPIL0sP9jdyCwy7Btjxbbq9Bl2tKfvrmpGJsmPu2c3X3sCcXdjzHiZpIOGmGcVGLF-2FvhdYNlo-2FB4qnCfYQC5yOkpxwZKY8RHTg3eVp59yWYEKYojwiVHzw-3D" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">https://www.brushforkids.com/</a>

Dentist Warns That Everyday Habits May Be...

According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are expected to spend over $4 billion on Halloween candy this year. Many children will get...

Dentist Warns That Everyday Habits May Be Scarier For Your Smile than Halloween Candy

WESTMONT, IL &mdash; Halloween Art Classes are back at The Academy of Music and Art, and that means it&rsquo;s Sugar Skull time! &#128128;&#127912;
Young artists are invited to celebrate the Halloween season with one of the Academy&rsquo;s favorite fall art projects &mdash; creating and decorating their very own Sugar Skull.
This special two-week art experience lets students take their project from start to finish.
During the first week, students will create their Sugar Skull from scratch. During the second week, they&rsquo;ll bring their creation to life with bright colors, glitter, jewels, and their own unique designs.
Every Sugar Skull is different, giving students plenty of room to use their creativity and imagination.
<h3>&#128467;&#65039; Class Dates</h3>
Tuesdays: October 20 &amp; 27 
Thursdays: October 22 &amp; 29 
Saturdays: October 24 &amp; 31
&#127912; All materials are included. 
&#128128; No previous art experience is needed. 
&#10024; Beginners are welcome!
The Halloween Art Classes are held at The Academy of Music and Art in Westmont and are open to young artists who want a fun, hands-on way to celebrate Halloween.
Space is limited, and the Sugar Skull classes are a popular fall tradition at the Academy.
Learn more and register: 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.academyofmusicandart.com/halloween-art-classes.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener nofollow">https://www.academyofmusicandart.com/halloween-art-classes.html</a>
The Academy of Music and Art 
350 E. Ogden Ave. 
Westmont, IL 60559 
630-654-8426
<h3></h3>

Halloween Sugar Skull Art Classes Return to...

WESTMONT, IL — Halloween Art Classes are back at The Academy of Music and Art, and that means it’s Sugar Skull time! 💀🎨...

Halloween Sugar Skull Art Classes Return to Westmont

Dr. Jen Moran spent much of her career caring for patients. Then, a breast cancer diagnosis placed the accomplished cosmetic dentist, business owner, and mother of four on the other side of health care: as the patient. Now a breast cancer survivor, Dr. Moran is using Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October to encourage women to take a more active role in protecting their health&hellip;not through fear, but through information, conversations and consistent care.
Dr. Moran&rsquo;s message comes as breast cancer continues to affect women at striking rates. The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 321,910 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in U.S. women in 2026, and about 42,140 women will die from the disease. The average woman has roughly a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer during her lifetime.
&ldquo;Becoming the patient changed the way I think about health,&rdquo; said Dr. Jen Moran, founder of&nbsp;<a href="https://jmkwellness.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">JMK Wellness</a>. &ldquo;As women, we often become so focused on caring for our families, our careers and everyone around us that our own appointments are the easiest ones to postpone. I want women to understand that paying attention to their health is not selfish. It is one of the most important things they can do for themselves and the people who depend on them.&rdquo;
Although no action can completely prevent breast cancer, Dr. Moran encourages women to take the following six practical steps to help reduce risks:
&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Know your personal risk.&nbsp;Learn whether breast, ovarian, pancreatic, or colon cancer runs in your family and share that history with your physician to monitor. Women with a strong family history of cancer may benefit from a formal risk assessment, genetic counseling or genetic testing.
&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Create a screening plan with your doctor.&nbsp;Screening recommendations can vary according to age and individual risk. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends mammograms every other year from ages 40 through 74 for women at average risk, while some women may need to begin earlier or receive additional imaging. Note that traditional mammograms are considered non-diagnostic for dense breast tissue. Ask for a 3D mammogram if you have dense breast tissue and read the fine print at the bottom of your mammogram report.
&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Pay attention to changes.&nbsp;Become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel, and promptly report a new lump, swelling, nipple discharge, skin dimpling, persistent pain, or another unusual change. A concern should be evaluated even when a recent mammogram was normal.
&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Make movement and a healthy weight priorities. Regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight, particularly after menopause, may help lower breast cancer risk. The American Cancer Society recommends 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous activity.
&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Limit alcohol and avoid smoking.&nbsp;Alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, even at relatively low levels. Women who drink should consider limiting intake and discussing their individual risk factors with their physician. According to the National Cancer Institute, there is strong evidence that alcohol drinking can cause cancer, including breast cancer.
&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Make wellness a habit.&nbsp;Good health is built through consistent habits. Dr. Moran keeps her own routine manageable with simple conveniences, including B12 and multivitamin patches and daily gummy vitamins featured among her personally vetted favorites at&nbsp;<a href="http://jmkwellness.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">JMKWellness.com</a>. Supplements are not a substitute for screening, medical care, or a balanced diet, and women should consult their physicians about what is appropriate for them.
Breast cancer incidence has been increasing by approximately 1% annually in recent years, with a slightly faster rise among women younger than 50, according to the American Cancer Society. Yet there is also encouraging progress: Breast cancer death rates have fallen 44% since 1989, a decline attributed largely to earlier detection, greater awareness and improved treatment.
&ldquo;Breast Cancer Awareness Month should be about more than wearing pink,&rdquo; Dr. Moran said. &ldquo;It should remind every woman to schedule the appointment she has been putting off, learn her family history and ask questions until she understands her own risk. You cannot control every outcome, but you can advocate for yourself, and you know your body better than anyone.&rdquo;
Moran&rsquo;s experience with breast cancer also reshaped her broader approach to wellness. After stepping away from dentistry for 17 years to raise her children and navigate her diagnosis and recovery, she returned to clinical practice with a renewed commitment to helping women prioritize their health, confidence, and quality of life.
Today, she shares her story, services, and wellness perspective at&nbsp;<a href="http://drjenmoran.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">DrJenMoran.com</a>. 



&nbsp;

When a Doctor Becomes the Patient: What a...

Dr. Jen Moran spent much of her career caring for patients. Then, a breast cancer diagnosis placed the accomplished cosmetic dentist, business...

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