You know all those things that are THE WORST? Small talk. Networking. Dating. Cleaning. Sales. Self-Promotion. Public speaking. Pricing. Saying no. Setting boundaries. Making asks. To Do Lists. Going places solo. Sticking out. Taking risks. Doing things that scare you. Doing things you're not good at. Doing things you have no business doing. Doing things you don't want to do but have to. Death. Reply All misuse…

Saya (Sigh-Uh, like Maya) Hillman makes those things less worse. She makes adulthood enjoyable.

Nicknamed “Chicago’s Fairy Godmother” and “Accessible Oprah,” Saya has run Mac & Cheese Productions℠ since 2004, a lifestyle business that models and offers positive adulting and increases life fulfillment and ease through building connection: to others, to opportunities, and to self.

Think adult recitals, adult kindergarten, adult summer camp…

The poster child for living an idyllic, perfect fitting-life, Saya inspires groups and individuals to take charge of their lives and to learn, grow, and become even more delicious versions of themselves. Through events, courses, keynotes, workplace facilitation, products, consulting, writings, and community, Mac & Cheese helps adults become the best versions of themselves, redefine “success,” and design their lives to best fit themselves — to design their Life of Yes℠.

An Evanston, Illinois native, Montessori and Boston College graduate, Chicago Girlie 4 Life (even when she doesn’t live there), and Winston-Salem resident, Saya’s a sad, mute wallflower turned joyful, self-assured wildflower. One of Chicago Magazine’s Top 20 Singles, Chicago Tribune’s Top 100 Innovators, and Brazen Careerist’s Top 20 Professionals to Watch, she’s been featured in Forbes and the New York Times, and is a TEDx speaker and an in-progress (fingers-crossed) memoirist.

She’s traveled to all 50 states and 21 countries, fostered 18 puppies, and is responsible for 6 3/4 couples (ask her about the 3/4).