I started @stlouisgram in 2015 as a fun personal instagram account highlighting places around the city in a curated style. Showcasing the parts of the city I felt like weren't getting enough attention. The good, the bad and the ugly. Quickly the account grew into the thousands and is now at 108K local followers. Over the last 7 years, we have done everything from partner with the largest businesses around town, host physical meetups, rooftop art galleries, local music videos, and more. We have told the stories of the most inspiring creators in the city, and have built a massive digital community that engages in daily conversations. I've led out on influencer campaigns for organizations like Budlight, Purina, The Gateway Arch Foundation and more. I've worked directly with the most influential people in highlighting and being a vehicle for their message, and have seen the best and worst side of managing over 100K people.
Over the years, I've learned that creating real change and making an impact in a community doesn't come from just showcasing the shiny, happy, and polished parts of a city. It comes from being willing to dive into the messier, harder to see aspects of a community and bringing them to light. Through @stlouisgram, I've had the opportunity to give a voice to people and places that may have otherwise gone unheard. I've shared stories of addiction and homelessness, and worked to bring attention to the difficult issues that exist within our city. This hasn't always been an easy path, and I've faced criticism for my approach to marketing and tourism. But I believe that true change and progress come from stepping outside of our comfort zones and tackling the difficult topics head on. By shining a light on the reality of our city, we can work together to create meaningful change and make a positive impact in our community.
I've had the opportunity to work with some of the most amazing people in the city, and have been fortunate enough to be a part of projects that have truly made an impact. From collaborating with local artists to host rooftop art galleries, to creating music videos featuring up and coming musicians, to partnering with the Gateway Arch Foundation to promote the city's iconic landmark, @stlouisgram has always aimed to showcase the best of what the city has to offer. But it's not just about the pretty parts of the city. I've also used my platform to shed light on issues that are often overlooked or ignored, like homelessness and addiction. I believe that it's important to confront these difficult topics in order to bring about real change and create a better future for everyone. Over the past seven years, I've poured my heart and soul into @stlouisgram and have seen it grow into a massive digital community of 108,000 local followers. It's been a wild ride, and I'm grateful to have been able to make a positive impact on the city that I love. Now, @stlouisgram is run by an organization called STLBucketlist, and I have faith that they will continue to carry the torch and make a difference in the community.
Now with over 110k followers, this Instagram account gives people an insider’s look into St. Louis life. Hidden gems, intimate interviews and local news come together to paint a realistic picture of a city full of possibility and primed for growth. From the start, my mission was to give the audience reasons to love and change the city for the better. That means supporting every small business you can and advocating for those who can't advocate for themselves.