Episode 19: Collections by Joya

Explicit content warning

11/12/18 • 33 min

Inspired by trips to Bali and Indonesia, Collections by Joya is a women-run jewelry company. Owner Betsy Blancett-Nacrelli left her corporate job to follow a passion. What started inside her St. Louis home has now grown into a company that sells jewelry all over the country. Blancett-Nacrelli says it’s a business that couldn’t have grown without the help of other St. Louis entrepreneurs.

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Episode 18: 4 Hands Brewing

Even if you're not from St. Louis, you probably know the name. Since opening in 2011, 4 Hands Brewing has built a reputation as one of the most creative and prolific breweries in the Midwest. Not only are they a staple throughout the region, their beer is reaching people all over the country. Founder and owner Kevin Lemp sits down with Meet St. Louis to talk about what it takes to make great not only MAKE great beer, but also get customers to fall in love with it once they find it. The conversation covers everything from what made him take the leap into opening a brewery, to the incredible art and marketing of 4 Hands, to how the brewery became a pillar of St. Louis by thinking beyond beer to the community at large. Also, the conversation dives into the line of spirits hitting the shelves and where 4 Hands is going from here. Sit back, plug in, and enjoy!

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Episode 20: Balkan Treat Box

Edo Nalic arrived in St. Louis as a refugee, having come to America from war-torn Bosnia. He met his wife Loryn while in the U.S., and the two always knew they wanted to build something together, especially in the food industry. When Loryn went back to Bosnia with Edo, and experienced the life, love, and food of his home country, there was no doubt what they'd build when they came back to America. Balkan Treat Box began as a food truck and instantly gained acclaim; not only in St. Louis but in publications nationwide. Now, they're on the verge of opening a brick and mortar restaurant. The couple talks about the journey from food truck to full-on restaurant, what it takes to cook Bosnian food the right way, and what it means to succeed in St. Louis with a menu most Midwesterners wouldn't expect. Sit back, plug in and enjoy!