WKND is a thought collective for entrepreneurs — an idea exchange and marketplace where leaders and creators mutually inspire and fan the flames of building into culture. Our mission is to equip, empower, and nurture dreams, cultivating growth and creativity, collectively.

MEET THE TEAM

Founder | Chief Strategist

  • Vicki Kim is an entrepreneur, creative strategist, and business architect. As the Founder and Chief Strategist of the WKND Collective, she champions entrepreneurial creatives, equipping them with the tools, insights, and connections they need to thrive.

    A seasoned leader in hospitality and operations, Vicki's entrepreneurial career began when she left corporate consulting to co-found Ruxbin in 2010, hailed as one of America's Top 10 Best New Restaurants by Bon Appétit and GQ Magazine. In 2013, she opened Mott St, named one of Bon Appétit's Top 50 Best New Restaurants, earning 11 Michelin Bib Gourmands and acclaim both locally and nationally.

    Known for her dynamic thinking and talent for building community, Vicki thrives at the intersection of strategy and creativity. Her passion for fostering growth and connection continues to inspire businesses and creatives alike. Whether mentoring entrepreneurs or cultivating spaces for meaningful collaboration, Vicki's impact is driven by her heart to create access and impact - turning the jungle into a garden.

Co-Founder | Chief Creative

  • Sarah Plovanich is a connector, curator, and expert in product development, experiential design, and global sourcing. As the Chief Creative at the WKND Collective, Sarah's keen eye for branding and strategic approach to communication have been instrumental in shaping the WKND. Her expertise brings a unique blend of innovation and precision, ensuring every project resonates with impact and purpose.

    Also, the founder of Parker Karlov, a premium event space in Chicago, Sarah is a curator of thoughtful environments - she seamlessly weaves together commerce, design, and experience. From exclusive supper clubs to immersive creative spaces, she is dedicated to fostering connection, inspiration, and beauty.

    Sarah spent over a decade traveling the globe, collaborating with artisans and heritage brands to develop distinctive products for the modern market. With an intuitive ability to move between strategy and artistry, she allows each to inform and elevate the other. Her deep appreciation for design, craftsmanship, storytelling, and hospitality extends further into the food and wine world, where she has designed menus, wine labels, and illustrations for celebrated French restaurants. Many of her curated pieces now reside in boutique hotels, restaurants, and thoughtfully designed homes.

Marketing & Visual Strategist

  • Shaping the digital heartbeat of WKND, Melissa Solis crafts social media and visuals that captivate and connect. Rooted in Chicago’s vibrant food scene and hospitality charm, she thrives at the intersection of corporate marketing and freelance creativity, seamlessly blending strategy with storytelling to transform brands into experiences—proving that passion and strategy go hand in hand.

Experience Architect

  • Jennifer Detrich Smith is an innovative entrepreneur, visual merchandiser, and courageous cancer survivor who thrives on collaboration and creative partnerships. With a sharp eye for design and a passion for storytelling through visuals, Jennifer has built a reputation for transforming spaces and brands into memorable experiences that engage and inspire. She’s known for her ability to create dynamic retail displays and immersive brand environments that resonate with consumers, always with an eye on the latest trends and a flair for bold, fresh ideas.

    Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jennifer’s journey as a cancer survivor has shaped her outlook on life and business, fueling her resilience and her dedication to creating meaningful connections. She deeply values collaboration, often seeking out like-minded individuals and brands to work with, believing that the best results come from shared creativity and collective effort.

Director of Programming & Talent

  • A proud third-generation, city-raised Chicagoan who prefers a chardog with neon relish over a steamed hot dog any day, Carleigh is a passionate hospitality leader with over 15 years of experience  across brand marketing, strategic partnerships, CPG product development, and omni-channel content production / distribution.

    She specializes in developing innovative initiatives and collaborating with teams to help lifestyle brands reach their full potential. 

    As the Founder of Mise En Consulting, she believes in recognizing and celebrating the unique qualities of each brand and the people behind it, while connecting them with opportunities that drive meaningful growth.

    Before returning to the Midwest in 2018, she spent 5 years running digital lifestyle media properties for CBS in New York City as the Brand Director and Executive Producer at Chowhound — one of the OG online food communities and cooking sites.

    Previous to her time on the East Coast, she kicked off her career in the Bay Area as a restaurant consultant, followed by a stint as a Cheesemonger for Cowgirl Creamery at SF’s iconic Ferry Building.

    Even though she loved spending her days talking about, tasting, and selling some of the world’s best dairy (how could you not?) she transitioned into food publishing — first running an industry culinary magazine that focused on restaurant trends and then launched Chef Michael Mina’s digital group as their Director of Content — managing their test kitchen, editorial team, and producing daily cooking videos that inspired viewers to make Michelin-starred meals at home.