Samantha is a St. Louis native raised in the service industry. She spent 21 years working in bars and restaurants where she held positions ranging from a line cook to a Front of House Manager. She also possesses a Master’s of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in sculpture and fiber arts. She is currently a professor of art at The University of Missouri St. Louis. Her interdisciplinary art practice is rooted in advocacy discussing the effects of both sexual and domestic violence. She is dedicated to continued growth and maintaining the momentum of a devoted mover and shaker. 

Sarah is an introverted art jeweler and baker originally hailing from Godfrey, Illinois. She earned a BFA from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville where she ultimately discovered her identity as a craftsperson and passion for working across various media. Sarah has experience working with various arts nonprofit organizations as a teaching artist and developing educational programming and events. In her spare time, Sarah can be found staying active and actively trying to remember what she walked into the next room for.

Tara has over 25 years of experience working in the food & beverage industry doing everything from fine dining service on cruise ships to tending bar at her favorite local taverns. She received her Bachelor’s of Fine Art from Washington University and spent several seasons making props for Opera Theatre of St Louis as well as miniature sets for various stop motion animations. Later she went on to become production manager for an events prop building company. She is currently back in the service industry part time and spends the rest of her time doing freelance work and hanging out with her dog, Leon and bearded dragon, Ethel. She also enjoys gardening, hiking, and experimenting with textile sculptures.

Sarah Shelton is the Founder & CEO of Girl Louie, a creative storytelling agency based in St. Louis, MO. Sarah has over 15 years of experience in graphic design, web design, marketing, videography, and creative storytelling. Through her company Girl Louie, Sarah leads a team of creatives who bring mission-led causes to life through art and advocacy. When not navigating the busy world of her creative agency, you can find Sarah raising her two daughters and many animals alongside her partner in STL. Sarah’s motto is “community over everything.”