#STLMade
How the brothers behind a St. Louis startup are pioneering technology to prevent the next pandemic
With its innovative breath-based diagnostic and air bio-detector, Varro Life Sciences aims to protect against future global health crises.
From food and shopping to bars and bocce, explore The Hill neighborhood in St. Louis
From pizza, pasta, and sandwiches to retail shops and recreation, The Hill offers delicious meals and memorable experiences for the whole family.
From bocce to red sauce, dig into
the enduring legacy of St. Louis’
Little Italy
How The Hill, a beloved St. Louis neighborhood shaped by Italian immigrants, uses its past to build a culture still centered around faith, food, and family.
The Best in the Game
Rawlings Sporting Goods has called St. Louis home since 1887. Today, with an interactive fan experience, and custom gloves and wood bats made in the metro, it’s still…
Humans of St. Louis: Tracy Fantini’s Story
After a tornado devastated communities across St. Louis, Tracy Fantini stepped up, spoke out, and supported older adults in need through Housing Options Provided for the Elderly, Inc.
Backing the Bold
Arch Grants is a driving force behind St. Louis’ thriving startup ecosystem — and 10 years in, it’s just getting started.
Designs on St. Louis
Natashna Anderson has only been in St. Louis for three years, but she’s never felt more at home than she does now.
Designs on St. Louis
Calling Cards
Cheree Berry Paper & Design is beloved by clients across the U.S. for its one-of-a-kind invitations and stationery — and it’s all crafted at its St. Louis headquarters.
Mind Over Matter
A World of Good
Through its skills training and support programs, Forai helps immigrant and refugee women in St. Louis build better lives — for themselves and their families.
Leading the Pack
For more than 50 years, the Endangered Wolf Center in Eureka has been a national leader in saving Mexican gray wolves and American red wolves from extinction by…
True Colors
Michelle Robinson has found success with her vegan, cruelty-free, and vibrant nail-care company, DEMIblue Natural Nails, and entrepreneurial support from St. Louis investors and innovators.
60+ Valentine’s Day Gifts, Treats, and Date Ideas in St. Louis
Shop local for Valentine’s Day gifts and plan the ultimate St. Louis dates for your friends or someone special.
15+ Ways to Get Moving in St. Louis
Explore St. Louis area hiking trails, cycling paths, indoor dance studios, inclusive playgrounds and programs, and more ways to get moving across the metro.
Humans of St. Louis:
Ginelle Bess’ Story
With Grassroots Redeeming Love, Ginelle Bess is aiding the community and helping tornado victims recover and rebuild their lives.
2025 Year In Review: 40+ Inspiring
St. Louis Stories
From nationally beloved arts institutions and culinary stars to community leaders helping to rebuild after the tornado, take a look back at this year’s STLMade stories.
The Heart of the Arts
For four decades, the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis has invested more than $115 million to shape and support the region’s vibrant arts community.
75+ St. Louis Spots to Shop for Holiday Gifts
This holiday season, shop local while supporting shops and makers in the St. Louis community.
Composing the Future
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra President and CEO Marie-Hélène Bernard reflects on the debut and future of the institution at its expanded and renovated home at Powell Hall at…
20+ Must-Try Sweets and Treats in St. Louis
From cookies, cakes, and pastries to donuts, ice cream, and confections, these St. Louis bakeries, coffee shops, and restaurants serve up the sweets.
Recover. Rebuild. Renew.
In the week after the May 16, 2025 tornado that devastated St. Louis, photographers R.J. Hartbeck, Tyler Small, and Michael Thomas documented the communities hit the hardest.
Game Changing
Mona Jawad and Ayesha Kazi founded ASL Aspire to bring a game-based approach to teaching American Sign Language for STEM concepts through interactive lessons.
Humans of St. Louis:
Jenna Elizabeth’s Story
After the tornado, St. Louis photographer and artist Jenna Elizabeth documents tree destruction in Forest Park through art — and invites others to help.
Following in the Footsteps
Run by the Premachandra family, Dances of India, one of the oldest classical Indian dance companies in the U.S., combines movement and storytelling to wow St. Louis audiences.
Love Your Neighbor
With long-term tornado recovery now part of its mission, LOVEtheLOU continues to work from within to help North City flourish.
Put Down Roots
Michael and Tara Gallina’s Take Root Hospitality serves seasonally inspired and regionally sourced eats at three lauded spots in the St. Louis area, including Vicia.
4 Must-Try Restaurants and Bars in Downtown St. Louis
Explore tasty eats, drinks, and treats at four locally owned spots Downtown.
Fill Your Cup
With a focus on ethical sourcing and high-quality beans, Goshen Coffee Roasters in Edwardsville, Illinois, helmed by the Beard and Hughey families, serves up delicious coffee here and…
Fielding
Opportunity
With the Dream Big Foundation, Jorge Flores is making competitive soccer more accessible for kids in underserved communities across the St. Louis metro.
Scaling Up Startups
Success in the Making
Through its St. Louis Internship Program, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, along with partner companies and institutions, are investing in students and the future…
Leveling the Playing Field
The Gateway Region YMCA’s Adaptive Sports Complex and adaptive programming offer inclusive play for all.
Authenticity in the City
At Amaizing Arepa Bar in Downtown St. Louis, Mayra and Maria Pacheco share delicious Venezuelan cuisine, with hopes to expand across the metro.
If You Can Dream It
Rising to the Occasion
At its North American headquarters in St. Louis, AB Mauri drives innovative baking and fermentation solutions for bakeries across the country.
Pedal Power
Pedal the Cause has raised more than $51 million for cancer research in the St. Louis area — and it isn’t slowing down.
Beyond Books
Under Kristen Sorth’s leadership, St. Louis County Library has reinvented itself as a modern hub for community events and services and an indispensable resource available to all.
Fit for a Kid
With Lion+Owl, St. Louis entrepreneur Jeff Bender is bringing thoughtfully designed inclusive clothing to kids here and across the country.
Go With the Flow
Getting Up to Kode
With roots in St. Louis, Karlie Kloss’ Kode With Klossy nonprofit celebrates 10 years of working to close the gender equity gap in tech.
Glittering Grace
Through outreach, advocacy, and action, Fourth City Sisters create community and make St. Louis a more vibrant, joyful, and inclusive place to call home.
Caring for the Caregivers
The St. Louis Early Childhood Tornado Response Team is raising money, collecting donations, supporting families, and helping childcare providers rebuild after a devastating tornado.
Center Stage
For over 100 years, The Muny has been a jewel of U.S. musical theater and a vibrant cultural institution for generations of St. Louisans.
“Get In WhereYou Fit In”
After a devastating tornado, the St. Louis community comes together to help North City residents.
Engineering a Better Tomorrow
At LUZCO Technologies in Maplewood, founder and CEO Lusnail Haberberger has built a successful engineering consulting firm with a focus on recruiting a diverse team.
Breaking the Ice
Based out of Maryland Heights, the St. Louis Blues’ Girls Development Program offers an accessible and affordable entry point into hockey for young girls.
DestinationDessert
After a corporate career that took her across the globe, Monica Lee returned home to open Spoonful Desserts, which offers up Korean desserts, drinks, and a palpable sense…
Business Class
Ready to Roll
Arch Rival, St. Louis’ oldest roller derby league, celebrates 20 years of skating, competition, and belonging.
Rooted in Style
On the Right Track
Race car driver and Kirkwood native Spike Kohlbecker’s career is picking up speed as he cruises into his third season with Toyota Gazoo Racing North America.
Belonging Together
Seeding Solutions
As part of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, plant biologist Katie Murphy addresses global challenges through the meticulous study of plants and shares her life and work…
Bright Outlook
Style Icons
For 15 years, Randy and Jeff Vines at STL Stylehouse have promoted St. Louis and played a vital role in the city’s community fabric — including Cherokee Street’s…
Good to Grow
With her line of self-watering planters, Posie Pots founder Kay Wells uses 3D printing technology to make good plant care easier.
Opening Doors
We Hear You makes spaces more accessible for people with disabilities — and with its Hero device, it’s literally opening doors across St. Louis and the U.S.
Connecting Care
With Rezilient Health, founders Danish Nagda and Jeff Gamble are hoping to improve health care experiences and outcomes for patients in the St. Louis metro and across the…
Centered on Art
The Foundry Art Centre in St. Charles creates community through unique exhibitions, artist development, education and outreach, and more.
Sweet Spot
With a passion for showstopping painted cakes and from-scratch baked goods, Lia Holter of Made. by Lia is ushering in a new generation of investment in her native…
Building Blocks
With the Economic Mobility Program at Annie Malone Children and Family Services, Keisha Lee is empowering and elevating young men in St. Louis.
Set Up for Success
At the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Jonathan Lidgus and his team help students with disabilities thrive in college and land successful careers.
Fashion Forward
For 10 years, the Saint Louis Fashion Fund has helped grow and evolve the city’s fashion industry — and thanks to co-founder Susan Sherman, its future looks just…
Home Run
Exploring St. Louis by foot, Ricky Hughes helps locals and transplants alike connect with the city in a new way through St. Louis Run Crew.
In the Key of Collaboration
With his bootcamp, Mvstercamp, St. Louis artist, producer, and songwriter Mvstermind is elevating creativity and collaboration — and the city’s music scene.
Bridging a Divide
In the growing Delmar Maker District and beyond, restaurants, maker and retail spaces, and nonprofits are thriving, ushering in a new era for the neighborhood.
2024 Year In Review: 40+ Inspiring St. Louis Stories
From world-class artists and innovative entrepreneurs to culinary creatives and community trailblazers, take a look back at this year’s STLMade stories.
Brick by Brick
The legacy of St. Louis’ historic brick industry is alive and well in Laclede’s Landing, Main Street in St. Charles, and downtown Alton, Illinois.
Pet Project
With its line of all-natural nutritional supplements hitting retail stores nationwide, St. Louis-based Native Pet is evolving pet nutrition for dogs.
Building a Legacy
Architects Peter Tao and Helen Lee are leaving their mark on St. Louis' built environment and helping to transform the community itself.
One to Watch
Angel Recci has a vision to elevate Spanish-language television, music, and live entertainment in the St. Louis area — and piece by piece, he’s making it a reality.
Off the Charts
Ricardo Recci Gonzalez is making St. Louis a more welcoming place by growing the Hispanic music scene — one concert and broadcast at a time.
From the Ground Up
St. Louis startup HabiTerre uses cutting-edge geospatial technologies to pave the way for agricultural solutions to climate challenges.
Generation
Geospatial
At Harris-Stowe State University, Dr. Freddie E. Wills, Jr., Ph.D., is training students from historically Black colleges and universities across the U.S. for futures in geospatial science.
Fair Play
Unlimited Play founder Natalie Mackay designs and builds inclusive playgrounds for children across the St. Louis metro — and in cities across the country.
Foundational
Fathers
A new St. Louis-based program, Dads to Doulas, seeks to empower Black men in all aspects of fatherhood — both to enrich their parenting journeys and to advocate…
Paths Forward
Great Rivers Greenway is working to connect the region, one project and pathway at a time.
Main Attraction
When father-and-son team Barry and Denny Foster opened Main & Mill Brewing Company, they also ushered in a new era for now-thriving Festus Main Street.
A Latte of Love
With three successful cafes opened in four years, Latte Lounge owner and entrepreneur Nyshaun Harvey is bringing coffee and community to the St. Louis metro. And that’s only…
New Stages
In just three years, the St. Louis region has gained three world-class music festivals, bringing national and local artists to stages across the metro.
Seeds of Change
Founded in Argentina, agtech startup Seed Matriz is developing seed encapsulation technology so farmers can save and plant more seeds — and thanks to investment and support in…
Chain Reaction
When Rick Shang moved to St. Louis in 2014 to pursue his PhD in Philosophy, Neuroscience, and Psychology at Washington University in St. Louis, he never imagined he’d…
Designed for Dialogue
Rooted in social responsibility found in Cuban-inspired posters, creative firm CARTEL uses design to drive conversations around inclusivity and urban development in St. Louis.
Words on the Street
With PSA, Shannon Levin and Marina Peng elevate and amplify St. Louis artists with unexpected and accessible art installations around town.
A Cut Above
At Homegrown Hair Co. in Tower Grove South, Caitlin Tyczka creates an inclusive, welcoming environment for all by offering gender-neutral hair services.
Fit for Everyone
Team Saint Louis, an inclusive sports league, welcomes all for fitness, friendship, and fun.
The Heart of Things
SentiAR's hands-free headset enables surgeons and physicians to see 3D, mixed-reality, real-time images of patients’ hearts.
Chain Reaction
In Perfect Harmony
For nearly three decades, BandTogether has united LGBTQ+ musicians of all ages and skill levels to share beautiful music and performance with the St. Louis community.
A Visionary Idea
Saint Louis University scientist Jenna Gorlewicz’s team is building Inclusio, a groundbreaking digital tool to translate graphic information into accessible formats for people with blindness or low vision.
From Ranch to Rajma
Maaji’s Street Kitchen in St. Ann offers wholesome homestyle Northern Indian Cuisine cooked lovingly by chef, owner, and resident, Heena Chopra.
From Ranch to Rajma
A Cornerstone of Culture
Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis celebrates 20 years of art and growth in the Grand Center Arts District.
A Different Ball Game
At True Success Basketball & Fitness Academy in St. Charles, Thurlester Robinson, Jr. uses basketball as a vehicle to teach kids lessons in teamwork, self-esteem, and leadership.
Feeding the Need
The Little Angels Foundation serves hot, home-cooked meals to refugees, immigrants, and the unhoused community in St. Louis.
Empowering
Entrepreneurs
By supporting first-time entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities, Cortex’s Square One programs, led by Ben Molina and Gabriela Ramirez-Arellano, is bringing inclusive economic growth to the St. Louis metro.
A World of Possibilities
Founded at Vashon High School, Show Me the World Project provides transformative education in entrepreneurship, leadership, and STEM to students in under-resourced communities in St. Louis.
Community Fabric
At Profield Reserve on Cherokee Street, Christopher Loss designs vintage sportswear-inspired clothing — and offers a community hub for all.
All Around Art
Steps Ahead
Artistic powerhouses Kirven and Antonio Douthit-Boyd are broadening and elevating the dance community at the Center of Creative Arts and in the St. Louis metro.
Opera for All – Part Two
With its first-of-its-kind New Works Collective, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis brings representation and previously unsung stories to the stage.
Opera for All – Part One
A national and international jewel, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis brings world-class opera to the metro in welcoming and accessible ways.
Prep Work
With Top Tutors For Us, founder Angelica Harris is helping Black high school students build academic skills and improve college admissions test scores in St. Louis and across…
Edible Education
Serving seasonal eats, Fresh Gatherings Cafe + Farm is a unique culinary teaching lab on the Saint Louis University campus — and serves as a model for colleges…
Getting a Close Up
An upcoming movie about St. Louis native John O’Leary, a burn survivor turned motivational speaker and author, is the first to take advantage of a new state tax…
Mother of Invention
With Bask & Bloom Essentials, Candera Thompson has created hair-care products that empower women and help with postpartum hair health.
Shared Language
Based in the Bevo neighborhood, Immigrant Home English Learning Program connects foreign-born residents with volunteer tutors to learn English — and often, to forge lifelong bonds.
Friendship, Faith and Futures
Pastors Ken and Beverly Jenkins opened community development hub R&R Marketplace in Dellwood with the aim to change lives.
Second Nature
From her studio in the Marine Villa neighborhood, acclaimed artist Lauren Marx draws inspiration from the native flora and fauna of North America.
Sunflower Power
At Edison Agrosciences, sunflowers could hold the key to producing the first sustainable natural rubber made in the U.S.
A New Leaf
From her home office in Wildwood, TeaVoila founder Souzan Gerami is revolutionizing an industry with plant-based, compostable to-go tea cups.
Microcinema
Magic
Arkadin Cinema & Bar opens up worlds in the Bevo neighborhood, where owners Sarah Baraba and Keith Watson share a love of film and add to a growing…
Drawn to St. Louis
Cartoonist, information designer and printmaker Dan Zettwoch is known for his colorful, jam-packed informational designs inspired by St. Louis history and culture.
Feeding the Future
At St. Louis startup MARSfarm, co-founders Peter Webb and Drew Thomas create portable greenhouses to upgrade how classrooms study agriculture.
A Welcoming
Space
MaTovu celebrates five years of fellowship and inclusive programming for the Jewish community in the City of St. Louis.
Highly Rated
With Rated Test Kitchen, chef Juwan Rice is bringing a new kind of fine-dining restaurant to Downtown St. Louis.
Mapping
Tomorrow
Through her nonprofit workforce development organization, Gateway Global, Zekita Armstrong Asuquo is training under-resourced high school students for entry-level jobs in the geospatial field.
Singing Her Own Tune
Girl Conductor founder Maria A. Ellis uses a unique blend of gospel, R&B, and hip-hop to make music education more approachable and accessible for young people.
314 Day Design for 2025 Call for Entrants
Now for all the details
A Healing Helpline
St. Louis Queer Support & Healing offers identity-affirming resources for the region’s LGBTQIA+ community.
A Coffee Culture
At Brew Tulum, Laura McNamara and Alberto Juarez bring a deep-dive into Mexican coffee culture to the Delmar Maker District.
See 314 Day Events!
See 314 Day events!
Off to the Races
St. Louis welcomes the NASCAR Cup Series to the region at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois, thanks to the decade-long efforts of track owner and CEO…
STLMade Conversations: H.E.R.: Forgotten, Recreated & Reimagined
Myrina "Renaissance" Otey is a St. Louis-based photographer who is passionate about working with women of color to build their…
STLMade Conversations: ModernSTL
Nathan Wilber is president of ModernSTL, which was formed in 2010 by a group of St. Louisans who share a…
Flying High
Entrepreneur Bronwyn Morgan brings drones and geospatial tech together with her company, XEO Air.
Defining
Geospatial
Leaders in the region explain geospatial technology and the many ways it's being used in St. Louis.
Community Game Changer
Entrepreneur Julian Keaton aims to foster community engagement and move St. Louis forward through “Dimensions,” a new interactive geolocation mobile game.
Smooth Moves
Angela Zeng didn’t listen to critics who told her to start her line of superfood drinks, Karviva Beverages, elsewhere; after launching it from St. Louis four years ago,…
Bridging the Gap
The Foodshed.io app links small family farms to grocery stores so consumers can buy more local produce and farmers can do what they do best: grow food.
Full Circle
Okunsola M. Amadou is improving health outcomes for Black women with a wraparound model of care at Missouri's first equal access midwifery clinic.
Brewing Community
St. Louis brewers find new ways to connect with beer lovers and continue their businesses during the pandemic.
Shaping the Soundtrack of St. Louis
Hometown hip hop legend DJ Kut reflects on the role he's played in the region's music scene.
Empowering the Community
For 20 years, Diversity Gallery owner Leslie Christian Wilson has connected with St. Louisans through art, jewelry and natural hair.
Changing the Conversation
Local start-up We Stories is teaching the next generation to be anti-racist.
Breaking Barriers
The Tran family risked everything to emigrate from Vietnam to the United States four decades ago. Forged through sacrifice and sweat equity, their restaurants are now some of the…
Advocating for Others
Dwayne Smith's first job was with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and now, through education, he seeks to build up the geospatial workforce in St. Louis.
St. Louis, Together
How #314Together transformed from a pandemic relief Facebook group to an inspiring movement supporting local small businesses.
Kitchen Collaboration – Part 2
Gibron Jones starts a new model for healthy food in St. Louis.
History’s Heroes
Amid the COVID-19 virus, the Missouri Historical Society is sharing the resilience of St. Louis by exploring the city’s past and documenting its present.
Traduciendo el Apoyo
Lourdes Bailón y Gabriela Ramírez-Arellano crearon STLJuntos, una paginaweb y de Facebook que se ha convertido en un recurso esencial para los hispanohablantes de St. Louis.
Translating Support
Lourdes Bailón and Gabriela Ramírez-Arellano created STLJuntos, a Facebook page and website that has become an essential resource for Spanish-speaking St. Louisans.
Period Positive
Even during a pandemic, the St. Louis Alliance for Period Supplies is getting essential period products to people in need.
Power Drive
28 communities around the region joined together to donate nearly 15,000 pounds of food and personal care items to the St. Louis Area Foodbank.
Learning Through Play
Therapists who work with children on the autism spectrum shift their delivery methods to support families during the pandemic.
Kitchen
Collaboration
In the COVID-19 crisis, Gibron Jones adapts his planned food incubator and co-op space to serve thousands of meals each week with the help of Niche Food Group…
Friends in Knead
At Knead Bakehouse + Provisions, AJ and Kirsten Brown Rise to Meet Changing Needs During the Pandemic.
Come One, Come All
Circus Harmony Launches Free Online Classes for All Ages and Skill Levels.
Novel Tees
In St. Peters, Shirt Kong is Screenprinting T-Shirts to Support Small Businesses throughout the Metro Area.
Personal Growth
Home gardens flourish in quarantine, providing floral beauty, nutritious food and positive mental health benefits.
Growing Together
EarthDance Organic Farm School Hosts Pay-What-You-Can Drive-Thru Farm Stand in Ferguson.
Serving Families in Need
When what's "normal" changes overnight, faith leaders come together to support children facing food insecurity.
Data for the Greater Good
Saint Louis University professor Enbal Shacham, Ph.D., uses geospatial techniques to track the spread of the coronavirus.
Superhero Delivery
Martin Casas of Apotheosis Comics is making sure that St. Louis residents have plenty of comic books and drinks to get them through quarantine.
Streaming With Faith
Places of worship use technology to connect with those looking for guidance in a time of uncertainty.
Puppies in a Pandemic
What happens to unadopted pets during a crisis? St. Louis stepped up to foster them - including one family taking on eight puppies.
Download, Dine, Donate
Washington University graduate Andrew Glantz is giving back to the St. Louis community with his app, GiftAMeal.
#STLMade4Good Facebook Group
Join the #STLMade4Good Facebook Group
Designing with Purpose
David Cervantes is bringing together local volunteers to make personal protection equipment for health care providers.
4 Hands For Hands
4 Hands Brewery adds a new product to its beer and spirit offerings – hand sanitizer.
Creating Through Crisis
Mee Jey, an immigrant artist from India, tells community stories through her art in St. Louis and abroad.
