GAZELLE MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2016 | Page 10

GAZELLE PUBLISHER'S NOTE Y es, it is OK to stop….take a deep breath, look back in gratitude and pride and marvel at the many obstacles that have been overcome in one’s journey toward success. In “Gazelle STL’s” case, “one” is a group of extraordinarily talented team members who have put their hearts and souls into making each issue the best it can be. As we celebrate our second anniversary, we are very proud of all that we have accomplished, and we feel honored and humbled by the great support we have received from so many in our community. We believed that St. Louis was ready for something new and sleek in publishing. It has been said many times that St. Louis is not open to change. That St. Louis likes things just the way they are. In many regards, that is very true. St. Louis takes great pride in what it has accomplished over the years and wants to maintain the rich history that runs in the blood of die-hard Cardinals fans. But let’s face it. It is no longer possible to keep things the same. With the Internet and social media, the gates of the world have been flung wide open, with everyone having the same opportunities to connect and experience in ways that were not possible in decades past. What it means is that we as St. Louisans can no longer afford to stay the same. Change is necessary. We have to evolve with innovation, put our great ideas to work, and work toward being “on par” with cosmopolitan cities around the country and beyond. It means we need more art, more fashion, more technology, more businesses, more support from one another, more zest for bigger visions and a sense of adventure that sets no limits to what we are capable of…if only we were more open-minded. Our economic health is at stake. St. Louis cannot accomplish greatness without the leadership of great visionaries. People who make things happen. Influencers. The special ones who we all stop and listen to because we believe in their ability to move us forward. I am especially delighted about this year’s “Influence List” because it is a curated directory of people who are the future of St. Louis. Executives, philanthropists and community leaders who believe in the growth and evolution of St. Louis. I want to especially thank them for being a part of “Gazelle STL,” a local women’s publication with a national feel. In our two years of business, “Gazelle STL” has been heavily supported by national and international brands that are not bound by the restrictions of fear of change and unrealistic traditions. Brands whose main business and brand marketing goal is to reach our St. Louis audience of inspirational and aspirational readers with disposable income who shop in major retail stores. When people are excited about the brands, they visit the stores and that means our malls and shops stay open, which in turn helps our economic development and health. It is all tied together. As we move forward into our third year of publishing “Gazelle STL,” we hope that more brands right here in St. Louis will appreciate what we have created. Thank you for your support. Cillah Hall Founder and Publisher [email protected] 8 GAZELLE STL