JP UPDate: A Taste of an Italian Treat here in ST. Louis

Andrew BarnesThe JP UP date


Number 350           November 7, 2025                            St. Louis

Wild Cream Blends Sicilian Tradition with St. Louis Innovation


Wild Cream, a new artisan gelato brand, is successfully bridging Sicilian heritage with local St. Louis flavor. Launched by founder Melissa Arconati, the venture is a culmination of a passionate vision to introduce authentic, Italian-inspired gelato to the St. Louis market.

Inspired by her roots, Ms. Arconati dedicated significant effort to perfecting the Wild Cream product line, a process that involved rigorous refinement and recipe development. The result is a contemporary brand rooted in the elegance of natural ingredients and an authentic “Sicilian Summer Vibes” aesthetic.

Wild Cream’s successful launch is a testament to the client’s vision and dedication, made possible through invaluable support from Justine PETERSEN.  Now proudly operating from a certified commercial kitchen in St. Louis County, the client specializes in crafting small-batch, Sicilian-inspired gelato using fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients, reflecting their commitment to quality and community.

The brand has quickly garnered attention for its fresh approach to dessert. Ms. Arconati plans to continue introducing a rotating selection of seasonal flavors, ensuring the product reflects the quality and variety of each harvest and offers St. Louis consumers a taste of Italy with every scoop.

Upcoming Availability and Gifting Opportunities

Wild Cream will be available this Saturday at the Arnold Farmers Market, where Ms. Arconati will be serving her latest creations.

Just in time for the holidays, Wild Cream is launching a three-month pint subscription, positioning it as a premium, locally made gift option for dessert enthusiasts.

“Each batch tells a story,” says Melissa Arconati. “Achieving this level of quality required perseverance, but I am proud that Wild Cream has evolved into a product that delivers genuine joy.”

Wild Cream’s journey, demonstrating that sweet success often requires focused determination, is a testament to the power of combining business acumen (supported by Justine PETERSEN) with a deeply personal, quality-driven vision.

You can follow WildCream on Facebook @WildCreamSTL

Justine PETERSEN Celebrates Minority-Owned Business Excellence at the 2025 Metro East Start-Up Challenge

Photo courtesy of Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE LinkedIn

Justine PETERSEN was proud to sponsor the Minority-Owned Business Award at this year’s 2025 Metro East Start-Up Challenge, hosted by the Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE.

Our CEO, Robert Boyle, participated in the celebration, which highlights innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the Metro East region. This year’s Minority-Owned Business Award was presented to K-Bright by Kifah, recognizing their outstanding vision, creativity, and dedication to business growth and community impact.

Photo courtesy of Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE LinkedIn
We extend our congratulations to Kifah and all of this year’s winners for their remarkable achievements in driving small business success across the Metro East!

Ignite Illinois is More Than Just a Webinar

It’s a 20-week journey of learning, planning, and building that helps Southern Illinois entrepreneurs turn bold ideas into thriving businesses.

Community Helps Community Food Drive

Many families in our community are still struggling from the effects of the recent government shutdown and the devastating St. Louis tornado earlier this year. We believe in the power of a Community Strong response!

Justine PETERSEN is launching a critical St. Louis Food Drive to make sure no one in our city goes hungry this season. Every donation—a can, a box, a bag—brings essential hope to a neighbor’s table.

The Details:
📅 Collection Dates: November 4th – November 21st, 2025

📍 Drop-off Location: Justine PETERSEN Headquarters, 1023 North Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63106

Upcoming Events

The Ignite Illinois Webinar Series is going strong!

The second session is well underway! Tune in live with our webinar series on Wednesdays at 12:00 PM!

To register, go to bit.ly/46n1w8i. All are welcome!

Save the Date! The JP Holiday Party is right around the corner! Register by clicking the QR code or going to bit.ly/47PCCND.

JP QuickPay Is Here!


Want an easy $5?

When you enroll in JPQuickPay, you will get a $5 credit on your account in just a few clicks. Send your confirmation to JPQuickpay@justinepetersen.org.

JP Family Corner

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Justine Petersen Housing and Reinvestment Corporation · 1023 N Grand Blvd · Saint Louis, MO 63106-1641 · USA