Stories

This story has been a longtime coming. I had the pleasure of finally chatting with colleague and friend, NiNi Harris. We met via Locality Studio’s newsletter work for the Carondelet Historical Society. Throughout the years, I’ve gotten to know more and more about St. Louis history and about NiNi herself. I am excited to introduce […]

Disclaimer, Ben Zielinkski is a close friend of mine (Katie), so I’m even more excited to share his story! The two of us grew up in St. Louis, attended grade school together, and now see each other at least once a week. It’s been so exciting seeing Ben turn his ideas and dreams into a […]

When I came across the business card for WedPets at Zoomies Cafe (very fitting, right?), I was so impressed by the idea. I both wished I’d had known about WedPets for my wedding, and wanted to know more regardless! Luckily, WedPets Founder Nicole Johnson was willing to have a chat. WedPets came along because Nicole […]

Victoria Ziglar used to draw wolves as a child. Now, she professionally films and photographs them. I (Katie) had the opportunity to sit down with long-time colleague and friend, Victoria, Creative Director of Bright Coral Creative (BCC). We chatted about her personal and professional stories and what led her to start BCC, whose mission is […]

I was fortunate to sit down with Jalen “Jay” McLean, creator of SPILL, in October of 2023 at Living Room in Maplewood–his choice when asked for a great coffee shop–to chat all things brand, entrepreneurship, St. Louis, and coffee. Duh. The NFL was Jalen’s first love. Growing up in North Carolina and playing football since he could […]

Carolyn Lewis uses her background in art, psychology, and art therapy to create beautiful, community-engaging pieces of art throughout St. Louis. I (Katie here!) had the pleasure of sitting down with Carolyn for an outdoor coffee at Espresso Yourself in the Macklind Business District in St. Louis. You may have seen Carolyn’s work around town […]

You might know the STL-Style shop for its memorable and unique St. Louis merchandise. Maybe you know the snazzy building on the corner of Cherokee Street and Compton Avenue. Or, you may have been seeing double due to these well-known, STL-proud twins in the city. I’ve been fortunate enough to know those guys and their […]

WHAT IS URBAN PLANNING? What is urban planning? It’s a question I get a lot. The funny thing is, it’s probably what you’re thinking. It’s a combination of the things you’ve seen on television (George on Seinfeld annoyed that someone wants to be a city planner instead of an architect; Mark Brendanawicz on Parks and […]

FREE LITTLE LIBRARIES Have you driven by one of these guys and wondered what they are? Can you look inside? Are you allowed to take a book? Do you have to put a book inside to take part? Little Free Libraries have been popping up around St. Louis, the country, and the world for the […]