The Jungle
Gallery
![A feminine person smiles widely while holding up a vintage shirt.](https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-18.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1447&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=960&s=df66ddaae184667e5f773f688c895cd3 960w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-18.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2894&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1920&s=400f70ff6ee6604270e99a3aaa386beb 1920w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-18.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1157&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=de0e5a26eab1cca2a8caeadb4860803b 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-18.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2315&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=681ca75c743ac2d512b05782616ce5e8 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-18.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=868&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=f596e8b91acbffc309536f1ff8a7743b 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-18.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1736&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=7e4557cd41bebb1b5cb23c4a0cfe89ce 1152w)
Jada Denae curates a selection of clothing and home goods available at The Jungle—and has a burgeoning tattoo practice.
![A masculine person wearing a red shirt squats in front of a red-illuminated grow tent.](https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-30.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1447&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=960&s=1bb690b7e4b92dc203c2068d54bd8781 960w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-30.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2895&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1920&s=c83e61943c263942a5d1eb31ea6602a8 1920w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-30.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1158&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=8f33f3e207a78482e2ce76e2c862e429 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-30.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2316&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=1ed8f04f05e0564877622ceea659baeb 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-30.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=868&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=d6457827c68d472f4ed4d47116d9600f 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-30.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1737&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=93da845d5590515cf4330c96279695d0 1152w)
Cae Jones is a teacher and plant specialist, with expertise ranging from house plants to at-home cannabis setups.
![A feminine person wearing a pink dress and blue cowboy boots sits on a tattoo table.](https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-39.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1447&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=960&s=07da529aa661327d9e0edaf5fe8c893a 960w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-39.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2895&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1920&s=97a2276addb3d5b4fe8085d3b6bff527 1920w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-39.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1158&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=f77ed62317f9adcf4acc03326576c36d 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-39.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2316&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=cb187f5a5e502508b4dff67acebf2f46 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-39.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=868&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=7e80a439d70aba2b2eef0a1fec11279b 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-39.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1737&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=a6f6ff014ae46ff2fbe4d323b17f0f47 1152w)
Gabi Zahradka is a comedian, burlesque performer, and tattoo artist interested in subverting expectations through her work.
![Three people stand closely outside a building, all smiling at the camera.](https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-12.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1447&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=960&s=8b73315fb48985b5cfd4fea8e835de8e 960w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-12.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2894&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1920&s=abc426d4d3396e93b120045f33f04658 1920w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-12.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1157&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=07eb322b48739e48c10f6be9e53ed983 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-12.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2315&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=d59e9ff8b89cec52f9b9b3f83ef04b07 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-12.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=868&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=1d35dd1e54e27bed3aac236818723a15 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-12.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1736&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=6fc6c3dd6679d81da9599898bd4e0010 1152w)
The group is setting up shop in Time Being Tattoo's old location at 2409 W Hirsch St. in Chicago.
![A portrait of Jada Denae smiling. She wears her hair smoothed down, brightly colored earrings, and a wide-collared shirt under a patterned dress.](https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-03.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1809&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=150a9e649ac3ba35db4bf1d52f1649b4 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-03.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=3619&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=cea5228b6665e388faa732e48935f9a5 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-03.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1495&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=1c6765e9c922627d00b4728af07a2f0d 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-03.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2991&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=7eb8ba32d2a527eb51f40a1686d3f9d0 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-03.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1158&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=a13967ad6a7b33db5f512f0c3cabac0f 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-03.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2316&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=aa71ee4af13e7917d1167b7299da00ce 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-03.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=868&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=e9fabba10b0b79314bd77686c223f5e7 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-03.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1737&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=6e0c9e30eef4fe75bc8a21b60457b0e0 1152w)
![A portrait of Gabi Zahradka weating a pink dress. She is heavily tattooed and has long, wavy black hair.](https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-42.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1809&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=580ad7d3c8f54c263ef906a53388d867 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-42.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=3619&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=21c6e6b015bc4142c0fad4556d78978b 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-42.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1495&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=54dbf7abcaf036df5bc16810b985bbaa 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-42.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2991&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=59d588b26bff7e8d9eb452e45b34ce7a 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-42.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1158&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=7d70284ee6993317e8c6aa97ca13e13b 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-42.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2316&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=b27325de823d8a69519ed15be8f3058a 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-42.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=868&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=6dacb62bb1c0e5964aede7f5e3f0dec3 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-42.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1737&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=6d3aae899250acb2c2427b9fde0c01a3 1152w)
![A portrait of Cae Jones laughing. His hair is in black locks, and he wears a cowrie shell necklace and red-and-white floral shirt.](https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-35.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1809&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=12821d262a054b9f82efe76dd3178029 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-35.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=3619&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=a83a5cab478dbd4976d21d029f4cbbc9 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-35.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1495&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=a12f34405b55a99e4379fb530fe2679e 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-35.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2991&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=2a5eecc119d6a3ebb7ec1b52a61506d6 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-35.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1158&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=d4ef871d115b969159de4aed2e070263 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-35.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2316&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=c93fe26b78f0edb7fab369933cbcab6c 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-35.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=868&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=bd7eb335a7a6502dba13ab6b670c6b78 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-35.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1737&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=bc44522f7c555c9b9c205e66a54db457 1152w)
![](https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-14.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1809&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=2b78f0bb9a34caa11760a9e77804ded8 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-14.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=3619&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=b41c3f064a3afefef1b73f62fcd67ca7 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-14.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1495&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=ac9b5bae43b0bc389d5661931539634e 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-14.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2991&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=6f9542038e691d7cc3afdc44a1229f4c 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-14.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1158&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=193e318085cb751f4990f9d4720ccca1 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-14.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2316&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=a06d3c05a1bcfa0c74ded636c3a4763b 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-14.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=868&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=1054d45404b572fd2165e1b5b7315f2b 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-14.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1737&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=a0005f289a7a3b00ccd4e30bf64189e1 1152w)
![](https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-22.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=795&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=794946b9f2a63dc6771e7877fa7bd7c3 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-22.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1591&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=be128a5a3ff7b41e591a2d38294ed0ce 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-22.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=657&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=c50f8c6cb861601d0804ef01e9ec8729 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-22.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1315&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=51ac6d2e80fb9327d2b3ce3646a5ace2 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-22.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=509&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=59e88bec85dec039b99e9727c271e76c 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-22.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1018&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=994cf8e9ca113e38cbe90635ad8d17ac 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-22.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=381&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=948a1983ce4ddcbcb0b40a167f87e831 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-22.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=763&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=010ce6ce7f6c6139aa49615fdd1c40ec 1152w)
![](https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-16_2022-07-27-171041_qwzp.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1809&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=7c53ab59a500732e8cd38a7e73d39aaa 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-16_2022-07-27-171041_qwzp.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=3619&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=0d591287782c7e7a4ceba95d154e38cd 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-16_2022-07-27-171041_qwzp.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1495&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=e4dfe7ddcfb59648e510bbc2d237cc4e 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-16_2022-07-27-171041_qwzp.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2991&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=5ddaca0c1d06cf5c62d517e453b1124b 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-16_2022-07-27-171041_qwzp.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1158&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=e71743a9f13a7c5b4157a47b88810579 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-16_2022-07-27-171041_qwzp.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2316&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=1f8b7b88b8bcad20f212fb215609910a 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-16_2022-07-27-171041_qwzp.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=868&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=f061d7156a63307e594b97614ebcceaf 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-16_2022-07-27-171041_qwzp.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1737&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=af8c5299a5b176bacd1b2584b9aa548f 1152w)
![](https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-02_2022-07-27-171059_llod.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=795&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=70169bdbf7f99190d3cfcb1bbc7d3971 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-02_2022-07-27-171059_llod.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1591&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=fbc704e69d7cb980a1492d3d96ced19a 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-02_2022-07-27-171059_llod.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=657&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=3237090b3739679afedac60883698cfd 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-02_2022-07-27-171059_llod.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1315&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=b8e3d764c2b30eb7149b08bc487ccea5 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-02_2022-07-27-171059_llod.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=509&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=4a745e7831fc0756592441f38012be0d 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-02_2022-07-27-171059_llod.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1018&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=fd8867acaa0206f4578add7e48cc24ea 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-02_2022-07-27-171059_llod.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=381&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=7fc69bf60e4adcf6731527ce460d9fd9 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-02_2022-07-27-171059_llod.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=763&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=5fe8dd730a485461a0ff0f7a06c318af 1152w)
The word “jungle” is evocative: tangled foliage, rich symbiosis, lush colors. In the jungle, the possibility for new discoveries looms just beyond your sightline. It’s a fitting name for the in-process creative studio situated on the West Side of Chicago run by Gabi Zahradka, Jada Denae, and Cae Jones. These three friends, housemates, and now business partners are in the midst of creating a new kind of space, one where creatives of all kinds are welcomed. Their practices range from personal styling services to tattooing to botanical education, but even that scope barely scratches the surface of what they plan to offer at The Jungle.
![A feminine person smiles widely while holding up a vintage shirt.](https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-18.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1447&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=960&s=df66ddaae184667e5f773f688c895cd3 960w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-18.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2894&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1920&s=400f70ff6ee6604270e99a3aaa386beb 1920w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-18.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1157&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=de0e5a26eab1cca2a8caeadb4860803b 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-18.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2315&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=681ca75c743ac2d512b05782616ce5e8 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-18.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=868&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=f596e8b91acbffc309536f1ff8a7743b 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-18.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1736&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=7e4557cd41bebb1b5cb23c4a0cfe89ce 1152w)
Jada Denae curates a selection of clothing and home goods available at The Jungle—and has a burgeoning tattoo practice.
![A masculine person wearing a red shirt squats in front of a red-illuminated grow tent.](https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-30.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1447&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=960&s=1bb690b7e4b92dc203c2068d54bd8781 960w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-30.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2895&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1920&s=c83e61943c263942a5d1eb31ea6602a8 1920w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-30.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1158&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=8f33f3e207a78482e2ce76e2c862e429 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-30.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2316&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=1ed8f04f05e0564877622ceea659baeb 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-30.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=868&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=d6457827c68d472f4ed4d47116d9600f 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-30.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1737&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=93da845d5590515cf4330c96279695d0 1152w)
Cae Jones is a teacher and plant specialist, with expertise ranging from house plants to at-home cannabis setups.
![A feminine person wearing a pink dress and blue cowboy boots sits on a tattoo table.](https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-39.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1447&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=960&s=07da529aa661327d9e0edaf5fe8c893a 960w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-39.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2895&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1920&s=97a2276addb3d5b4fe8085d3b6bff527 1920w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-39.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1158&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=f77ed62317f9adcf4acc03326576c36d 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-39.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2316&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=cb187f5a5e502508b4dff67acebf2f46 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-39.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=868&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=7e80a439d70aba2b2eef0a1fec11279b 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-39.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1737&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=a6f6ff014ae46ff2fbe4d323b17f0f47 1152w)
Gabi Zahradka is a comedian, burlesque performer, and tattoo artist interested in subverting expectations through her work.
![Three people stand closely outside a building, all smiling at the camera.](https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-12.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1447&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=960&s=8b73315fb48985b5cfd4fea8e835de8e 960w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-12.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2894&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1920&s=abc426d4d3396e93b120045f33f04658 1920w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-12.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1157&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=07eb322b48739e48c10f6be9e53ed983 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-12.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2315&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=d59e9ff8b89cec52f9b9b3f83ef04b07 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-12.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=868&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=1d35dd1e54e27bed3aac236818723a15 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-12.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1736&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=6fc6c3dd6679d81da9599898bd4e0010 1152w)
The group is setting up shop in Time Being Tattoo's old location at 2409 W Hirsch St. in Chicago.
The studio has been years in the making. These three creative collaborators met in school and have been in each other’s orbit ever since, and creating a space for each of their practices feels like an incredibly logical trajectory. But in terms of bringing the studio itself to the public, the process has not been as effortless. In May of last year, the group kicked off a successful Gofundme campaign, raising nearly $20,000 in support of The Jungle. But in our “post” COVID age, the bureaucratic process of opening a new business is still catching up, at times moving slower than before the pandemic began. Paying for studio rent, utilities, and other business-related expenses as they wait for various city approvals has been a costly endeavor, both financially and emotionally. It's been over a year since the process began.
In some ways, the group of creatives stumbled into good fortune: they inherited the lease for their studio space from the former tenants, Time Being Tattoo, where Zahradka worked before the pandemic struck. With the lease came the appropriate zoning for a tattoo parlor—and some heavy expectations from former fans and clients to carry on the popular tattoo shop's legacy. It's clear that Zahradka, Denae, and Jones all have a deep level of deference for the space's predecessors, but they are clear that their intentions for the space are not the same.
“With all due respect, we won't be anything like Time Being,” says Denae. “I feel like so many people were very familiar with with Time Being and those artists are now world-famous tattooers. So I have a feeling that—and we've kind of gotten comments—that people are expecting it to be like a second Time Being. We're looking to bring something different, and we're hoping people can be open to whatever that is.”
On a recent visit to the in-process studio, we chatted with each member of The Jungle to learn more about their individual practice and hopes for the space.
Jada Denae
Denae is the most soft-spoken of the group, thoughtful and unrushed in conversation. “I'm a vintage reseller, a tattoo artist, a model, and a lover based out of Chicago,” she introduces herself. Her emphasis throughout her work is to bring things to life: whether that's by modeling an article of clothing or by finding the perfect piece of vintage clothing for a client, it's about an enlivening energy. For Denae, the greatest moments in her work are when there is a shared sense of accomplishment and satisfaction: “They've never felt as good as they do now in this moment. And I help them do that.”
She draws her inspiration from eras and movements such as Art Deco and Art Nouveau. “It's really incredibly beautiful, and has spoken to me a lot. My first-ever tattoo flash sheet was a mid-century modern flash that I released. I'm very much inspired by that time period, the shapes the colors.”
When asked to describe her ambitions for The Jungle in three words, Denae ponders for a while, settling on “full of whimsy.” She explains that she wants the space to feel fresh and unique, a colorful place that reflects the energy she sees in The Jungle. “The fact that I get to work with my partners and do all the things that I love is already very whimsical,” she says, “Just making a space reflect that would be amazing.”
![A portrait of Jada Denae smiling. She wears her hair smoothed down, brightly colored earrings, and a wide-collared shirt under a patterned dress.](https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-03.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1809&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=150a9e649ac3ba35db4bf1d52f1649b4 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-03.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=3619&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=cea5228b6665e388faa732e48935f9a5 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-03.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1495&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=1c6765e9c922627d00b4728af07a2f0d 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-03.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2991&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=7eb8ba32d2a527eb51f40a1686d3f9d0 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-03.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1158&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=a13967ad6a7b33db5f512f0c3cabac0f 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-03.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2316&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=aa71ee4af13e7917d1167b7299da00ce 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-03.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=868&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=e9fabba10b0b79314bd77686c223f5e7 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-03.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1737&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=6e0c9e30eef4fe75bc8a21b60457b0e0 1152w)
![A portrait of Gabi Zahradka weating a pink dress. She is heavily tattooed and has long, wavy black hair.](https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-42.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1809&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=580ad7d3c8f54c263ef906a53388d867 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-42.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=3619&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=21c6e6b015bc4142c0fad4556d78978b 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-42.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1495&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=54dbf7abcaf036df5bc16810b985bbaa 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-42.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2991&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=59d588b26bff7e8d9eb452e45b34ce7a 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-42.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1158&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=7d70284ee6993317e8c6aa97ca13e13b 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-42.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2316&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=b27325de823d8a69519ed15be8f3058a 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-42.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=868&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=6dacb62bb1c0e5964aede7f5e3f0dec3 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-42.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1737&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=6d3aae899250acb2c2427b9fde0c01a3 1152w)
Gabi Zahradka
It's immediately clear when talking to Zahradka that she's used to a multifarious practice. She is a tattoo artist, burlesque performer, and movement artist. Her background is in comedy—improv and sketch, not standup, she clarifies. She was working at Second City performing musical theater improv before the pandemic hit the industry. Her then-housemate Eachna McGraw was a tattooer at Time Being, and Zahradka tentatively asked whether McGraw would take her on as an apprentice.
When it comes to the throughlines in her work, she says, “I would say that my work has always had like a central theme of subversion. So in tattooing and in burlesque and in movement, I'm all about the unconventional, the breaking of arbitrary rules, the questioning of why we've done things the way that we've been doing them.”
At the same time, Zahradka leads the charge on the administrative efforts in opening The Jungle: a practice in following a lot of seemingly arbitrary rules. This is her first time opening a business, and this behind-the-scenes work consumes a lot of time and effort.
When asked to encapsulate her vision for The Jungle, Zahradka responds with “all come together.” She connects this back to the name of the space, articulating the importance of jungles across the world as sustaining, productive spaces for the life within and around them. "It's like that collective unconscious, a thread that strings things. All together."
Cae Jones
Jones has an inviting and receptive demeanor, which probably helps with his chosen field of engaging with and educating the public. He describes himself as “Plant Director” of The Jungle—an important role for a space that the group hopes will become a lush oasis of foliage. His entry into the plant community came through his engagement with the online plant space. Jones realized that enthusiasts who looked like him weren't represented, despite the fact that house plants have grown in popularity, encompassing a huge group of hobbyists and professionals.
“I thought, ‘Okay, let's change the narrative.’ It started off with just plants, and it has transformed into viewing my world and my life as my jungle, seeing that anything can happen within my life as long as I give the attention and time into making those things happen,” Jones says.
He also has professional experience in the cannabis industry, having worked as a budtender at a Logan Square dispensary. After completing the shop's mandatory training, he was hungry for more. “I was going home and I was studying every single article that I could find, just nerding out about the endocannabinoid system and all the different things that they were finding out about weed. I just thought that it was incredible.”
He's already led classes at The Jungle, bringing in small groups and educating them on his personal experience with growing plants at home, whether house plants or homegrown cannabis plants. On our visit, he set up the grow tent that he uses for demonstration as part of his courses. He also has a strong social media presence that includes a mix of lighter content and more thorough educational videos.
His vision for The Jungle is an “endless creativity hub.” While each of the members have their own interests and practices, their creativity unites them. “There's going to be a lot of art that gets created here. There's going to be a lot of thought that is inspired here. There's going to be a lot of learning that can happen here. And that all ties back to creativity. You know what I mean?”
![A portrait of Cae Jones laughing. His hair is in black locks, and he wears a cowrie shell necklace and red-and-white floral shirt.](https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-35.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1809&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=12821d262a054b9f82efe76dd3178029 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-35.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=3619&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=a83a5cab478dbd4976d21d029f4cbbc9 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-35.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1495&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=a12f34405b55a99e4379fb530fe2679e 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-35.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2991&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=2a5eecc119d6a3ebb7ec1b52a61506d6 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-35.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1158&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=d4ef871d115b969159de4aed2e070263 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-35.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2316&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=c93fe26b78f0edb7fab369933cbcab6c 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-35.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=868&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=bd7eb335a7a6502dba13ab6b670c6b78 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/the_jungle_-35.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1737&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=bc44522f7c555c9b9c205e66a54db457 1152w)
As the trio continues to work through the process of responsibly opening a new business, their focus is on longevity. They know that once they're able to offer support to the local creative community, it's important to maintain their newfound place within that creative ecosystem. They've each spent the past year focusing on their individual crafts—not only to develop their own work, but also to ensure they're prepared for the moment they're ready to open.
“I feel determined for us to go at our own pace, but for me that does look like giving back to people. If I were to rush things and mess it up and drop the ball, then I would fumble that bag,” Zahradka says. Once the backend work is complete, they're planning an open-doors studio day to bring everyone in and introduce The Jungle to the public. You can keep up with developments on their opening on their Instagram page.
Their ultimate message for those waiting for them to open is that they know there's a need—and they're continually aware of the support they've already received from their community.
Throughout our conversation, each member repeatedly emphasized their thankfulness: to the artists from Time Being, to their Gofundme supporters, and to those who are still keeping an eye on their progress. As we conclude our conversation, there's one final sentiment: “I want people to really, really know that we are truly grateful,” Denae says, as Jones and Zahradka nod.