Number 334 July 11th, 2025 St. Louis
Client Spotlight: Glassmaster Studio, LLC
Picture courtesy of www.stewlangerstudio.com/
Step inside the radiant world of Glassmaster Studio, LLC, where fire, form, and finesse collide. Led by glassmaster Stewart Langer, this full-service glass studio in North Kansas City is the region’s only one-stop shop for decorative, architectural, and restoration glasswork.
Picture courtesy of www.stewlangerstudio.com/
With support from a Justine PETERSEN SBA Microloan, Stewart launched his dream studio—investing in specialized equipment, materials, and space to turn his passion into a thriving business. Each piece crafted by Stewart and his team is more than just glass—it’s an expression of creativity and craftsmanship.
Picture courtesy of www.stewlangerstudio.com/
From etched details using abrasive blasting to hand-finished, heat-treated glass designs, Glassmaster Studio offers elegance, timelessness, and custom artistry to clients ranging from homeowners to high-end interior designers.
Picture courtesy of www.stewlangerstudio.com/
To read the full story, visit www.justinepetersen.org
Celebrating Independent Retailer Month: How You Can Support Local Businesses
Pictured ReTasha Smith of Burger 809
Every July, Independent Retailer Month highlights the small, locally-owned shops that are the heart of our communities. From corner bookstores to family-run boutiques and neighborhood hardware stores, independent retailers contribute to character, create jobs, and reinvest in our local economies.
As we embrace July, it’s important to recognize the significant role independent retailers play in our communities. These businesses create local jobs, give back to the community, and offer unique products along with personalized service that you can’t find elsewhere. Supporting them not only strengthens our economy but also enhances the character and vibrancy of our neighborhoods.
Photographed former Mayor Tishaura Jones and Ozella Jones-Foster of OJF Funeral Homes Services
This month, there are several ways you can help. Shop locally whenever possible, share your favorite small businesses on social media, and leave positive reviews online to encourage others to support them too. Consider purchasing gift cards for future use and attending local markets, fairs, and pop-up events to show your support. Remember, when you choose to shop small, you contribute to the growth and resilience of your community. Thank you for helping keep our neighborhoods strong and thriving!
Pictured: Niccole McConnel (The Gracious House), Yolanda Nelson (of Justine PETERSEN), and Jonnie Williams (The Gracious House).
Let’s use July as a reminder that when you support small, you build big. Thank you for helping keep our communities strong!
Upcoming Events
July 17th, 2025 – Lunch & Learn with Maranda Witherspoon!
July 31st, 2025 – Lunch and Learn with Denale Powell
Justine PETERSEN Has Secured $4 million from Woodforest National Bank®
These funds are to provide affordable small business loans throughout Champaign County.
The low-cost funds are ideal for starting or expanding your business.
Learn more and apply at justinepetersen.org.
Woodforest National Bank® | Member FDIC
Making Your Way to a Wonderful Financial Future!
The My Credit Compass Program is a 12-month membership designed to enhance credit awareness for entrepreneurs and help manage their FICO® Score. Through your Experian® CreditCenterTM subscription, you’ll access a dashboard to view your FICO® Score anytime without impacting it.
How Credit Compass and Save2Build work together to improve your credit and help you achieve financial freedom.
While My Credit Compass provides the knowledge and tools to monitor and manage your credit, Save2Build offers a practical way to improve your credit score. Through Justine PETERSEN’s CDFI, Great Rivers Community Capital, eligible clients receive a $300 credit builder loan placed into a locked savings account. Clients repay the loan over 12 months (around $26/month), with payments reported to two credit bureaus. This repayment activity directly supports the credit monitoring and management strategies taught in My Credit Compass.
After a year, clients have not only improved their credit score but also saved $300, which can be used for financial goals like opening a secured credit card, turning credit knowledge into real financial growth.
Benefits:
- Easy-to-use technology with personal support
- Simple underwriting criteria
- Confidence from financial coaching
We’re excited to help you on your savings journey!
Start building your credit today with My Credit Compass and Save2Build!
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Justine Petersen Housing and Reinvestment Corporation · 1023 N Grand Blvd · Saint Louis, MO 63106-1641 · USA