Made

In Ken Gilberg’s line of work, he gets on his soapbox daily. He loves to speak out about Herbaria, his St. Louis-based company’s all-natural, vegetable-based soaps, deodorants, bath bombs, bath salts, moisturizers, aftershaves, insect repellents, and gifts.

“It’s safe to say we’re the only company in the world that builds calliopes,” says Dan, the denim-clad owner of Miner Company LLC, a one-man operation set amid the rolling, green prairies east of Kirksville.

Penny candy, flour, sugar, milk, soaps, boots, overalls, coffee, sandwiches, ice cream, guns, and ammo. Missouri’s general stores of yore offered shoppers everything they needed—and a lot of what they wanted—along with a generous side serving of local news, gossip, and a few tall tales.

Ryan and Tiffany Watkins of Bailey & Watkins say that every unique piece they create is inspired by a memory, family heirloom, or a story.