Our names are a large part of our identity. As soon as we are born, we are immediately assigned a name; something that people call us and what we respond to for the rest of our life. It becomes who we are as a person. Everything on this planet has a name, that’s what makes us so distinguishable. Our sense of self-identity grows as we grow throughout our life, but our name or what we prefer people to call us stays the same. That is why correctly pronouncing ethnic names is so important.
TikToks promoted as core videos typically consist of collages of photos or videos that encapsulate the given aesthetic. In 2018, cottage-core swept over social media like a gust of wind over a grassy field. Not only did it have millions wearing corsets, ribbons, and flowy dresses; it urged us to pose in thickets, cuddle cows, and cultivate our own sourdough starters. The trend became a lifestyle for people.
Everyone knows what the male gaze is. Its presence is inescapably felt in media, be it magazines, TV shows or advertisements. Whether or not you’ve heard of the term, its undoubtable you’ve felt its effects. Maybe you’ve sensed its glare tracking you a little too long in the grocery isle or heard its whisper in the back of your mind as you trade out that cute skirt you were excited to wear for something more conservative because it might attract the “wrong” kind of attention. Our whole society is shaped by the male gaze, and it can be very frustrating as a woman to not have our perspective represented in mainstream media.
As a fashion fanatic myself, I grew up wanting a space to learn about all things fashion. When I started my position as a YDP (Youth Development Professional) at the Boys and Girls Club last July, I was faced with an initial question, “what clubs can you start based on your hobbies and interests?” I knew I wanted to start a fashion club.
Slow and steady wins the race, and that is exactly what Snail Art House advocates for in their work. Local to downtown Springfield, this up-and-coming studio crafted its eclectic style with attention toward slow fashion. Through compromise, connections, and growth, this group of artists established a new creative direction for Springfield artistry. Alongside quotes from creator Chloe Thorne, we gather a relative history over the year that has been the development of Snail Art House.
Every day a new skincare hack or serum blows up on the internet. "This got rid of my acne instantly" or "This serum changed my life," are claims we often hear right before the next fad comes. Peyton Ragen, owner, and creator of 417 Sacred Skin focuses on a different approach. "I believe that true beauty starts with healing yourself. When you feel better about your life, body, and surroundings, the outside matches that." Before going to esthetician school, she knew she wanted to focus on natural ingredients but never knew her holistic business would start even before she graduated.
At first glance, being a vegan or choosing to eat a plant-based diet in Springfield Missouri sounds like a difficult feat. Although it might be surprising, the vegan population in Springfield has grown exponentially in recent years, and the community has responded to this change. Plant-based eaters can now find a vegan option at many restaurants in Springfield, and grocery stores (even Walmart) are starting to accommodate vegans with fully plant-based sections in their stores. Amy Bennett is the owner of the recently opened vegan fast food joint, Bosky’s Vegan Grill. Bosky’s is now one of the very few restaurants in town that provides a fully vegan menu.
A local vintage clothing start-up collaboratively founded by Elijah Baig and Sam Fuson (@elijahbaig_ & @sam.fuson on Instagram), Springy Jeans has catapulted its way toward success. Specializing in curated vintage pieces, Springy drops new collections every weekend, with said drops happening digitally as well as in their retail space. Since last interviewing with the brand about two years ago, Springy Jeans as a brand has made its way into the hearts of those who love refined vintage pieces. Elijah and Sam, the co-founders have since moved to Los Angeles, now primarily doing pop-up shops around the iconic city, putting pieces up for sale on their website, as well as managing their flagship store, Springy on Walnut, here in downtown Springfield. Wanting to do an update to document their recent success, I reached out to Sam to ask a few questions.
Take a moment to think about your favorite song. Why is it your favorite? Is it the way it sounds? Does it spark a memory? Maybe an emotion? How does it make you feel? However you feel, music creates strong emotions that we resonate with on a deeper level.
Knitting is often thought of as a cozy, little craft done by grandmothers who sit in rocking chairs by a softly crackling fireplace. They have glasses with chains and use shades of blue and brown to make sensible cable-knit sweaters. While this is an accurate portrayal of some knitters, it is NOT a portrayal of them all.
For years, only body hair on men was seen as acceptable. Women have been conditioned to shave almost every inch of their bodies. Though shaving is still perceived as the “norm,” things are finally changing. The perception that body hair on anyone besides men is gross or dirty must change. Not only is body hair natural, but making people waste their time and money on shaving so that they won’t be shamed or judged is absurd.
A world-renowned prodigy in storytelling, Taylor Swift continues to run the industry and relate even more to people’s lives just when you think she has already said everything you needed. “Midnights” explores the concept of “what keeps you up at night,” the songs highlighting these different midnights of her life with recollections of relationships, significant moments of her career, moments of self-doubt, and more.
Although it’s frightening to think that October is already here and midterms are lurking in the dark corner of the room ready to jump-scare us any second now, this month also symbolizes the best part of fall. The weather is starting to hit that perfect temperature, and the anticipation for Halloween is almost unbearable. If you’re anything like me, you know that Halloween is the best holiday.
Latinas in TV, film, and other forms of media often have an exaggerated, stereotypical reputation. Latinas in the media are often seen as “exotic,” tempered, very curvy with a small waist and large breasts, showing more cleavage than other characters and usually wearing fitted clothing. These are things that exacerbate the sexualization of Latinas. There is nothing wrong with a confident Latina who decides to show their curves, but that shouldn't be the only type of Latina we see on our screens.
Whether she’s assisting customers in her store, working at a farmer’s market, or parked outside a local business, there’s always a chance to visit Tasha Adams and her plants. Hickory Lane Plants is a local, female-owned plant nursery that will never leave you disappointed. From her adorable green trailer named Lucy, to a newer white truck named Joe, to a full storefront, Hickory Lane has become an essential (and the first mobile) spot for plant people.
Catalina is a growing sensation that started right here in Springfield. They are an alternative band with an indie rock sound that is often compared to Pinegrove, My Chemical Romance, and All Time Low by listeners. I interviewed Lennon Rauhoff, lead vocalist, about starting the band, their music, and what comes next.
One of my favorite ways to treat myself is to buy myself flowers. It’s a classically romantic gesture that seems to have been lost throughout the years, but flowers make a perfect gift for any occasion (even if the occasion is to celebrate yourself!). Luckily, Springfield’s local floral experts at Fleur Floral Studio offer customers a variety of blooms to suit every taste and brighten your day.
Have a birthday coming up that you want to be special but have no idea what to do for it? Or maybe have some plans but have no clue what to wear or how to decorate? This guide is for you! Let’s face it, you are special and there’s no reason you shouldn’t be the center of attention on your special day. If you’re looking to celebrate your birthday in style, follow the guide below to plan the perfect party that is bound to impress.
Looking for a worthwhile stop here in Springfield? Check out Hakaar’s Bazaar at 217 W Commercial Street, a retro vintage shop specializing in rare furniture, home goods, and vintage clothing ranging from the 1950s to 1970s.
Are you getting bored of your biweekly trips to Walmart or Price Cutter? Always getting the same grocery staples and never spicing up your shopping list? If you have been craving a change of scene when it comes to grocery shopping, Culture Counter Commons is a breath of fresh air.
