Number 321 April 11, 2025 St. Louis
Katrina Walters & Elegance Made Simple – Where Dreams Come True, One Dress at a Time
In Troy, MO, Katrina Walters has realized her dream by opening Elegance Made Simple, a charming wedding shop she’s owned for nearly five years. Inheriting the shop from her mother-in-law, Katrina transformed it with a vision that required funding, which she found through an SBA loan at Justine PETERSEN. This revitalization included new signage and an updated interior, all while honoring the shop’s legacy.
Elegance Made Simple is more than just a wedding shop; it offers a seamless and personal experience, expanding to include bridal parties and groomswear. Katrina values her community connections and treats every client with care and respect, earning praise for her warm demeanor and attention to detail. A unique feature of the shop is the “Yes to the Dress Bells,” which ring every time a bride finds her gown.
Katrina advises aspiring business owners to “do your homework, do not give up, and get an accountant.” Her journey exemplifies the magic that comes from passion and determination.
To read the full story and others, go to www.justinepetersen.org.
April is Fair Housing Month: Reflecting on Progress, Renewing Our Commitment
April marks Fair Housing Month, a time to honor the signing of the National Fair Housing Act on April 11, 1968. This landmark legislation continues today across our nation, reinforcing the essential right of every individual to fair and equal housing. At Justine PETERSEN, our passion for helping individuals secure their first homes drives our unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion. In a world where too many face rejection, we champion acceptance—fostering community, opportunity, and lasting joy.
This week, we reflect on what it truly means to build inclusive communities. Inclusivity is more than tolerance—it’s about genuine appreciation, equity, and support across all identities and backgrounds. It’s in these spaces that diversity is not only acknowledged but celebrated. By breaking down barriers and fostering belonging, we strengthen the fabric of society, laying the foundation for a more empathetic and united future
Yet, the work continues. Appraisal bias remains a stark reminder of the inequities that persist in housing. When a home’s value is influenced by the race of its occupants rather than its attributes, it perpetuates systemic discrimination. For many BIPOC individuals, this bias not only affects financial security but also undermines trust in a system that promises fairness. Organizations like the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) work tirelessly to address these injustices, advocating for equity and transparency.
NFHA’s forward-thinking approach includes its Responsible AI Lab, led by Dr. Michael Akinwumi. Recognizing that technology has become a new battleground for civil rights, the lab champions fair and responsible use of AI in housing through its pillars: Tech Equity, Privacy, Explainability, Reliability, and Controllability. These efforts underscore the importance of ethical, human-centered solutions in our increasingly automated world.
This month, we honor the trailblazers who made fair housing progress possible—and those who continue the fight today. Let us remember: fair housing is not a moment but a movement. And it’s up to all of us to ensure that every individual has the opportunity to call a safe, affordable place “home.”
Are you ready to find your dream home, but do not know where to begin? Scan the QR Code below!
Happy Birthday to Our JP Family Members!!!!!
Give STL Day 2025! Support Justine PETERSEN on May 8th!
Justine PETERSEN is excited to participate in Give STL Day on May 8, 2025. Give STL Day, powered by the St. Louis Community Foundation, is a remarkable opportunity to unite in generosity and make a tangible difference in our region. Since its inception in 2014, Give STL Day has raised over $30 million for more than 1,000 regional nonprofits, and this year, we aim to contribute to its success and empower our community!
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Justine Petersen Housing and Reinvestment Corporation · 1023 N Grand Blvd · Saint Louis, MO 63106-1641 · USA