I’ve always admired someone who can dream up and launch one creative idea after another. One of my favorite entrepreneurs is Stacy Stahl. Fresh out of college, she created a website to share proposal stories. Before she knew it, she was leading a company and transforming an industry. Still just a kid, Stacy sold @howtheyasked to The Knot.
After Stacy took a little time to celebrate and see the world, she was ready to launch her next baby, Sweeter Cards. It combined a few of life’s greatest pleasures and wrapped them into a brand new concept in the gifting world: the first-ever all-in-one greeting card and chocolate bar.
As the former queen of proposals, what’s the best place to get engaged in St. Louis?
I always recommend that couples get engaged at places that mean something to them. For instance, if you first said “I love you” on a park bench in Forest Park, propose there. Or, if your first date was at a restaurant, have a surprise engagement party there after the proposal with your friends and family.
What is your favorite thing to do with kids in St. Louis?
I love going to Forest Park with our son, River. There are so many outdoor adventures for him to have there, and he loves all the bird watching he can do. DeMun also is a fun area for the family. We go to the playground there and then grab lunch at Kaldi’s or ice cream at Clementine’s. The green area across the street is also a fun place to meet friends for a picnic. We’re excited to take River to the Botanical Gardens when it warms up a bit.
Greatest adventure anywhere in the world?
We went to Milos, Greece, a few years back and had the most beautiful time. Great food, stunning views and awesome people and culture. The water was full of magical colors.
What do you love about St. Louis?
St. Louis has all the draws of a big city without the headaches that most others have. It’s so easy to raise a family and have date nights without the kids at the same time. Places like Jazz St. Louis are near and dear to our hearts, and The Fox is a beautiful venue for shows and entertainment. The parks also are world class. We’re big fans of Queeny Park and Forest Park. I love how central St. Louis is to other parts of the country.
What’s on your night stand?
My Kindle! I enjoy page turners and deeply emotional stories. Two of my favorites lately have been Daisy Jones and the Six and American Marriage.
Who inspires you and why?
As of late, I am inspired by my interior designer and wonderful friend, Karen Korn. She designed our house in University City and put so much heart and talent into it. She is not only an artist, but a business owner as well. She has been growing her own boutique firm for the last few years. It was inspiring to watch her passion and creativity, and I am in awe of how meaningful her work becomes for her clients. To be able to bring ideas to life—just as I do as an entrepreneur—in this capacity is incredible.
Beth Chesterton is a master certified executive coach and an expert in organizational development.