Local Services

Balloontiful Things Make Life's Occasions More Beautiful

Evoking Cheer, Joy, Freedom Through Event Decorations Article by Julie Brown Patton Little did former nurse Maria Widaman know she'd become a balloon artisan. However, during May 2023, she made it a whole new business, based from Dardenne Prairie, Missouri.  "For as far as I can remember, I've always wanted to use my creative side in a way that would bring joy to others. Sometimes when I had downtime as a NICU nurse, I'd decorate the rooms of premature babies who would be hospitalized...

Professional Services

Dappered Up Doggos

Tongues And Tails Are Wagging About Yuppy Puppy Pet Spas Article by Dr. Stacey Collins-Bibb | Photography by John Lore “If you leave, don’t bother coming back.” This was what Jessica Cooke says she was told by her employer when her child was sick in the hospital with RSV. In her early 20s at the time, Jessica chose to be by her daughter’s side; she returned to work, but was reprimanded. Until this moment, she had never considered being a business owner herself. Coming from a long line of...

Life + Culture

For I Know The Plans...

From A Life Sentence To A Life Transformed Article by Robin Seaton Jefferson “Imagine losing everything you love in a single day: your home, your children, your freedom. The pain drops you to your knees. But as the tears dry, you face a choice: Stay broken, or stand up and rebuild. My name is Judy Henderson. In 1982, at 32 years old, I was sent to prison for life. The crime? A murder I didn’t commit. It took 36 years for the truth to come out. I was 68 when I was finally freed and pardoned. By...

Arts + Culture

Let's Stick Together

St. Louis Mom Fosters A Local Community Article by Mel Boban | Photography by Kelly Laramore St. Louis Mom is more than a local website destination; it's a community. When founder Rebekah Coste was living abroad and experiencing motherhood for the first time, she says she looked for a local resource for women like her, but she couldn't find it. Fast forward to Rebekah's return to her hometown St. Louis, and she came across the opportunity to curate this very 'online' place she was dreaming of...

Life + Culture

Magical Memories For Mama

Considerate And Creative Presents To Surprise Mom For Mother's Day Article by Chelsea Haynes Still missing the mark on Mother’s Day gifts? Lean into trendy, timeless classics that will leave every matriarch feeling like the most magical woman in the world.  Fabulous Florals:  Unique bouquets with peonies, anemones and tulips symbolize honor, wealth and unconditional love. Celebrate mom with an arrangement that offers purpose behind the petals.  Stunning Stationary:  Monogrammed stationery is...

Education

As Good As Gold

Celebrating The Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center's 25th Anniversary And The World Champion Who Made It Happen Article by Robin Seaton Jefferson | Photography by Carol Green Photography “There is gold in all of us.” It’s the first thing one sees when visiting the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation website. The motto is fitting, as its founder is known as one of the most gracious, impressive and positive people. Considered one of the “50 Great Athletes of All Time” by ESPN, and named by Sports...

Health + Wellness

Transform Scars Into Superpowers

Sisi Siham Helps Women Rise Beyond Adversities Article by Robin Seaton Jefferson Sisi is so much more than her adversity. And she wants other women to understand that they are, too. Siham “Sisi” Surgant is a mom. She speaks five languages and holds three degrees. She has traveled the world. She is a transformation coach, a designer and now a medalist in bikini bodybuilding. But it’s her story of struggle that fuels her passion. The Cottleville woman was severely burned on her chin...

Finance + Legal Services

Helping Community

St. Charles Attorney Rudy Beck Shares Legal Expertise In Protecting Families And Their Financial Assets Article by Stacey Collins-Bibb, Ed.D. | Photography by Casey Pierce “It’s important to dedicate your time, talent and treasure to helping those in your community,” Rudy Beck says, regarding professional and personal endeavors. “I’ve been doing this for over 50 years, and I still love helping people find a better way.” Rudy Beck is an attorney, a military veteran and a dedicated member of...

Life + Culture

Investing One's Time

Advice Editorial: Ways To Give Back Article by Mel Boban The most limited resource people have is time. When thinking about investing or donating, we often consider money or physical assets. But in reality, dedicating time to a cause or foundation in local communities pays off tenfold, too. There are many ways, both one-time and ongoing, to help in neighborhoods and in many cases all they cost is time. The best part is that you can include friends and family members, and maybe even get a...

Home Services

Taking Care Of Loved Ones

CaringLegends: Secure Compassionate Care Like Families Would Provide Article by Robin Seaton Jefferson It has been said that the best investment one can make isn’t in gold. It’s in the people you love. Pat McKay and the CaringLegends staff help people make those deposits every day. “So many times, people want to take their loved ones to a facility, but the compassionate care they expect is sometimes not there,” says Pat, director of the St. Louis-based, in-home care services and social...