Meet the Nominees

Adria Nicole Webb

Business Owner (Adria Nicole LLC) & Commercial Tenant

I'm interested because...
Having lived in this area for over 16 years, I have a strong connection to Cherokee Street and its diverse community. I've long been interested in serving on the CID and have been actively involved in the neighborhood through various volunteer efforts. I'm now in a position to dedicate the necessary time and energy to supporting our residents and businesses through this role.

I'd like to improve...
Supporting the CID's mission, I would advocate for increased public art from local artists and more street plantings. I believe these improvements would enhance the street's beauty and encourage a stronger sense of community.

What I'd bring to the table...
As a long-term resident, business owner, and parent who has raised children in this neighborhood, I bring a unique and comprehensive perspective to the Cherokee CID. Having witnessed the area's evolution firsthand, I understand the diverse viewpoints of residents, business owners, and families. This understanding, along with my broad range of interests and experiences, will allow me to effectively contribute to the board's efforts and serve the community in a meaningful way.

Asia Stowball

Business Owner (Chakq Nation Event Venue) & Commercial Tenant

I'm interested because...
The reason for my interest in serving on the board of directors is to become more involved with the growth and development of CID. I love the area and I'm excited about continuing my growth as a business owner on Cherokee.

I'd like to improve...
Something I would love to see is all business back up and running. Consistent improvement and more community-involved events.

What I'd bring to the table...
I will be a great board member, due to me being a positive business owner that is still in business. I also I have great communication skills and extremely helpful with organization and developing growth to the area.

BROGAN DRISSEL

Resident, Property Owner, Business Owner ('ssippi & Tschuss)

I'm interested because...
Increase my involvement in maintaining Cherokee St. as the best street in St. Louis

I'd like to improve...
Pedestrian safety & traffic calming, business & community building

What I'd bring to the table...
Originally from St. Louis, I spent a decade living in Chicago and Los Angeles. St. Louis excels in focusing on the local but could stand to gain from drawing inspiration from other cities' successful ideas. With my dedication to St Louis & my outside experience, I would seek to foster creative solutions for people-centric policy on Cherokee St.

Harrison Lyndsey

Commercial Tenant (Urban League)

I'm interested because...
I'm interested in serving on the board of directors of the Cherokee Street CID because, not only am I a proprietor of a business in the district, but I'm also a lifelong South City resident. My goal is for Cherokee to continue to thrive and grow as a district. I know I can contribute wholly to that development and growth.

I'd like to improve...
I'd like to see the CID create more lounge spaces for patrons of businesses and the district as a whole. My entire family resides around Cherokee and one of the biggest needs I see is more spaces for patrons and residents to sit and commune with each other. This could be street-side seating or benches that encourage community.

What I'd bring to the table...
Aside from living on the Southside all of my life, I also hold a leadership role at a nonprofit that directly serves residents and visitors of the community who are in dire need. I hear their stories and work to assist them on their journey. This insight provides me with the unique perspective to see our residents at the most vulnerable while not judging them but providing some form of comfort. I believe this empathy can assist the CID as it moves forward with the betterment of residents in mind.

Jill Aboussie

Property Owner

I'm interested because...
Cherokee Street holds a unique and significant place in St. Louis history. My grandparents would often ride the streetcar to Cherokee Street, where they'd catch a movie at the Cinderella Building and then enjoy dancing at the Casa Loma Ballroom. When I purchased my first property on and around Cherokee Street in 2005, I was in my early 20s, and much of the area was in significant disrepair. The Cherokee CID hadn’t yet been established, but there was a strong community of artists and musicians working to revive the area and restore its historic charm. Over the years, I’ve witnessed significant progress on Cherokee Street, though I must admit, 20 years later, I had hoped we would be further along. We still face the challenge of businesses coming and going, and crime remains a concern. The creation of the CID has been a great step forward, with many people dedicating their time and energy to improving the district. However, we must continue this work and focus on attracting more residents, businesses, and responsible investment to the area. At this point in my life, I have the time and the passion to contribute. I’m eager to join a board like this one to help guide Cherokee Street toward its full potential—transforming it into a vibrant community where small businesses and residents thrive, supported by a clear vision of success, stability, and safety.

I'd like to improve...
I would love to see further investment in the beautification and safety of Cherokee Street. Ideas such as improving sidewalks, installing additional streetlights, and creating a community garden could be excellent starting points. Additionally, I believe the CID should explore opportunities to apply for grants and seek other funding sources to support these and other beautification initiatives. These efforts would not only enhance the street's appearance but also create a stronger sense of community and attract more visitors and businesses.

What I'd bring to the table...
I spent over 20 years working in the wine industry before transitioning full-time into real estate with my company, City Restoration & Revival LLC, which I founded in 2002. My experience spans roles as a Sommelier, Wine Educator, and Sales Consultant at some of St. Louis' most prestigious establishments, along with several years spent working in Napa Valley. During my time there, I contributed to the winemaking teams at Etude, Stag’s Leap Winery, and Lewis Cellars. In 2002, while still working in the wine industry, I launched City Restoration & Revival LLC, focusing on the preservation, restoration, and management of historic buildings in St. Louis. Under my leadership, the company has revitalized several dilapidated historic buildings and built a respected real estate portfolio. I oversee all facets of the business, including property acquisition, sales, project management, and rental portfolio administration. When I'm not immersed in real estate and fawning over St. Louis’ beautiful architecture, I can often be found playing drums in local St. Louis bands. I also enjoy traveling, scuba diving, and spending quality time with my dog.

Justin Harris

Business Owner (Saint Louis Hop Shop), Commercial Tenant

I'm interested because...
I want to be a part and a voice for our district.

I'd like to improve...
Marketing/awareness of our neighborhood as well as helping create more collaborations between businesses

What I'd bring to the table...
I believe i bring a unique perspective to the board. being a long-tenured business in the district and a founding board member of this CID

Kristin Dennis

Property Owner

I'm interested because...
I've been living, working, and conducting business in the CID for the last 15 years in many capacities. I am deeply invested in the neighborhood both personally and professionally in many ways and would like to continue to apply my skills and knowledge to the continued progress of the district.

I'd like to improve...
I'd like to see more active solicitation of potential businesses to open locations on Cherokee Street. While organic reach has worked to some extent, more concentrated and proactive effort to fill vacancies could be crucial to the continued development of the area.

What I'd bring to the table...
I've worked in a lot of different settings over the years, from running multi-million dollar budgets to starting up small businesses with a shoestring budget. I think my experience with ideating, building, and growing business would be an asset to the board. On top of that, since I've spent many years working in the district, I think I can contextualize these skills within the history of the CID and the development patterns, challenges, and networks I've observed over the last 15 years.

Sarah Fisher

Business Owner (Good Strangers), Commercial Tenant

I'm interested because...
I want to advocate for my industry in the decision-making process that affects my livelihood and that of my food and beverage peers.

I'd like to improve...
Business retention! Cherokee is a great proving ground for new businesses, but I think there is room to beef up support for struggling businesses. A task force of community experts or collaborative promotion that targets struggling sectors would be a huge asset. Moreover, for those businesses that are "outgrowing" Cherokee, we need to keep them and make them Cherokee institutions, not just a stop on their tour.

What I'd bring to the table...
I have 25 years of experience in operations, launch, and development of hospitality concepts of all kinds. I was also a professional recruiter for a time and understand the power and practice of networking and attraction strategy as a broad concept for business building. Finally, I've worked as a marketing copywriter and social media manager and enjoy communicating ideas and information in entertaining ways.