Our Why
The first network where every collab builds a brand.
Cliquebait was founded for the people who refuse to choose between personal and professional ambition. Whether you're plotting your next career move or quietly redefining your purpose, this is the room that will pull you forward.
Personal, & Business.
We don't separate the two. The friend who introduces you to your co-founder is the same friend who reads your wedding speech.
Small rooms. Big ceilings.
We cap every event at the size of a long dinner. We'd rather you remember three people than meet thirty.
Co-create, always.
Every member has shipped something. Our content drops, matches and events are designed to make sure you ship something else with us.
Meet the Founder
Hi, I'm Leiah.
After spending years working in marketing, creator partnerships, and the Chicago hospitality scene, I realized there was something missing: a space where ambitious, creative people could meet without the pressure or awkwardness that often comes with traditional networking.
So in 2024, I started Cliquebait.
What began as an idea to bring together creators, entrepreneurs, marketers, and young professionals quickly grew into a community built around meaningful connections, shared experiences, and opportunities that happen when the right people are in the same room.
Having lived in Chicago for the past seven years, I've fallen in love with the city's creative energy and the people who make it special. Cliquebait is my way of creating the kind of community I was looking for when I first moved here — one that feels welcoming, inspiring, and genuinely fun.
When I'm not planning events or connecting people, you'll probably find me exploring a new restaurant, brainstorming the next big idea over coffee, or convincing myself that this event will somehow be less work than the last one.
Thank you for being part of the community we're building. I can't wait to meet you at the next event.
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