Guest Blogger: Mitchell Walters
Kristin, Sidney and Perry Allen
Kristin Allen knows Jackson. Though she hails from North Carolina, Kristin now calls the capital city her home, and devotes her days to sharing the best of local businesses in The Scout Guide Jackson.
“Jackson has some of the most sophisticated, well-traveled, smartest and sometimes wildest people I've ever met. I love that I live in a town where I'm constantly learning from the people around me, and am always meeting new people, ” says Kristin.
With a gorgeous book that is printed annually, insightful blogs and frequent social media posts, The Scout Guide treats both locals and travelers to a taste of the wonderful things Jackson has to offer. Kristin inspires us to shop, dine, and live locally, with The Scout Guide highlighting the talented and creative people behind Jackson's great businesses.
“Jackson has some of the most sophisticated, well-traveled, smartest and sometimes wildest people I've ever met. I love that I live in a town where I'm constantly learning from the people around me, and am always meeting new people, ” says Kristin.
With a gorgeous book that is printed annually, insightful blogs and frequent social media posts, The Scout Guide treats both locals and travelers to a taste of the wonderful things Jackson has to offer. Kristin inspires us to shop, dine, and live locally, with The Scout Guide highlighting the talented and creative people behind Jackson's great businesses.
Kristen in her role of Editor
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A colorful array of clothing at Fondren Muse featured in The Scout Guide
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We caught up with Kristin, and she indulges us in how she gracefully balances life as a wife and mother, while bringing the best of Jackson to The Scout Guide readers:
{How did you become the Editor of The Scout Guide Jackson? }
I started a little over a year ago. I had been familiar with The Scout Guide in other markets, but on a trip to New Orleans I picked up a copy in a shop on Magazine St. and realized an old friend is the editor of TSG New Orleans. I called her about what she was up to and was told I just HAD to start The Scout Guide in Jackson. The more I learned about Scout, the more I thought it would be a good fit here and could be my way of making a positive contribution in Jackson.
{The Scout Guide highlights the best of local businesses. What is a typical day like for you?}
I do a lot, but I can't take all the credit! I have an incredibly talented photographer, Tom Beck, who shoots everything you see in The Scout Guide. I also have some great writers contributing to the blog. There's really no typical day for me but everything I do is centered around promoting my businesses and introducing The Scout Guide to people in town... and really all over the state.
{How did you become the Editor of The Scout Guide Jackson? }
I started a little over a year ago. I had been familiar with The Scout Guide in other markets, but on a trip to New Orleans I picked up a copy in a shop on Magazine St. and realized an old friend is the editor of TSG New Orleans. I called her about what she was up to and was told I just HAD to start The Scout Guide in Jackson. The more I learned about Scout, the more I thought it would be a good fit here and could be my way of making a positive contribution in Jackson.
{The Scout Guide highlights the best of local businesses. What is a typical day like for you?}
I do a lot, but I can't take all the credit! I have an incredibly talented photographer, Tom Beck, who shoots everything you see in The Scout Guide. I also have some great writers contributing to the blog. There's really no typical day for me but everything I do is centered around promoting my businesses and introducing The Scout Guide to people in town... and really all over the state.
A Paige Novick necklace makes a statement at Coattails featured in The Scout Guide
{How often does The Scout Guide Book published?}
The book comes out annually and for the year a volume is out, the businesses inside are promoted via social media, the TSG Jackson Blog and the national Scout Guide Blog. The opportunity to promote Jackson and these businesses on a national level was a big part of what interested me in launching The Scout Guide in Jackson.
{What do you think makes Jackson so unique?}
Hands-down our people. I'm not from here originally, but I've never been more warmly welcomed somewhere new.
{Do you have any favorite shops or restaurants in Jackson?}
Yes! Everyone in The Scout Guide, of course. But honestly, I view The Scout Guide Jackson as my personal endorsement of all these businesses. I would never include a business in The Scout Guide that I would not highly recommend to a friend. There's something special about each of the businesses and business owners in TSG Jackson, and I can literally go through the book and share what I think is amazing about each. These are the places that really make Jackson a wonderful place to live, and live well.
The book comes out annually and for the year a volume is out, the businesses inside are promoted via social media, the TSG Jackson Blog and the national Scout Guide Blog. The opportunity to promote Jackson and these businesses on a national level was a big part of what interested me in launching The Scout Guide in Jackson.
{What do you think makes Jackson so unique?}
Hands-down our people. I'm not from here originally, but I've never been more warmly welcomed somewhere new.
{Do you have any favorite shops or restaurants in Jackson?}
Yes! Everyone in The Scout Guide, of course. But honestly, I view The Scout Guide Jackson as my personal endorsement of all these businesses. I would never include a business in The Scout Guide that I would not highly recommend to a friend. There's something special about each of the businesses and business owners in TSG Jackson, and I can literally go through the book and share what I think is amazing about each. These are the places that really make Jackson a wonderful place to live, and live well.
The Chef at Iron Horse Grill featured in The Scout Guide
{How do you balance family life as a wife and mother and work?}
It's hard work but I am very grateful to have an incredibly supportive husband and a three-year-old that is up for anything. We always make a point to have family time. I think all working moms struggle with the work/home balance. I find that being hyper-organized is an absolute must.
{Any other words of wisdom you want to share?}
Yes! The Scout Guide Jackson is all about supporting local business, so my hope is that people in and around Jackson will make an effort to support TSG Jackson businesses (and all local businesses) when they have a choice. If we could all pledge to choose local over the alternative even once per month, it would have an incredible impact on our local economy and ensure these local institutions are here for years to come.
It's hard work but I am very grateful to have an incredibly supportive husband and a three-year-old that is up for anything. We always make a point to have family time. I think all working moms struggle with the work/home balance. I find that being hyper-organized is an absolute must.
{Any other words of wisdom you want to share?}
Yes! The Scout Guide Jackson is all about supporting local business, so my hope is that people in and around Jackson will make an effort to support TSG Jackson businesses (and all local businesses) when they have a choice. If we could all pledge to choose local over the alternative even once per month, it would have an incredible impact on our local economy and ensure these local institutions are here for years to come.
Amazing artwork by Lynn Sanders at The View Gallery featured in The Scout Guide
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Gorgeous jewels at Juniker Jewelry featured in The Scout Guide
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Unique furnishings at Interior Spaces featured in The Scout Guide
All photos courtesy of Kristin Allen and The Scout Guide
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