Melissa Mason
Advertising Director

A big Smooch to all Lipstik readers! We have so much fun putting together this magazine for you! I am originally from a small town in Missouri, two hours Southwest of St. Louis. I've been in Advertising my entire career, starting my freshman year at Mizzou, where I received a Bachelor of Journalism degree. I lived in Palm Springs, Des Moines and Chicago before "coming home" to the St. Louis area. Please give us your feedback and story ideas - and don't forget your Lipstik! Contact mmason@bnd.com.

Patti Klepac
Advertising Manager/Editor

Hello, I'm a lifelong resident of the area and have worked at the News-Democrat for almost 30 years. My husband and I have been married for 32 years and we have a daughter who is the light of our life. I have witnessed many changes in the newspaper business and the introduction of the internet with lipstikmag.com is very exciting. I'm always looking for colorful story ideas on gals in our area. If you are an artist or poet send your work to lipstikmag@bnd.com. Who knows you may just be in the next issue of Lipstik Magazine. All the best to you! Contact Patti at pklepac@bnd.com or send your ideas to lipstikmag@bnd.com.

Teresa Hessel
Advertising Sales/Writer

Hello! I was born and raised in the mountains of Colorado and came to Belleville in 2006 courtesy of the Air Force. We couldn't have chosen a more perfect place, and plan on calling this area home for many years. My husband and I have been married for more years than either one of us can count and we are blessed with two beautiful daughters. Our eldest is through college and, I might add, gainfully employed. Our youngest is 6 and in the first grade. How's that for crazy? But crazy is right up my alley and that is why I love Lipstik. I come to work everyday with a smile on my face knowing that I will spend the day with incredible co-workers and get to know the fantastic businesses that advertise in the magazine and at lipstikmag.com. So...whether logged on or curled up with a copy, enjoy Lipstik! Contact Teresa at thessel@bnd.com.

Paige Baumgartner
Art & Design

I knew in 4th grade that I wanted art to be my job. I was lucky enough to have teachers that encouraged me to pursue it and not be too hard on me for wanting art class to be all day and just skip all those other subjects. After I graduated from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1997, I was hired at The Belleville News-Democrat. I am grateful that they took a chance on me when I didn't have much design experience other than my coursework.I was excited to be approached with the Lipstik project and I am inspired by the enthusiasm, dedication and hard work of my fellow Lipstik staffers. I am truly proud to be in their company.We hope you find something in every issue that brightens your day, inspires you & makes you laugh out loud.

Beth Wiesemann
Writer/AKA The Fat Chick

I have worked at the Belleville News Democrat as a graphic designer for 15 years. In that time, my sanity has slowly slipped away, allowing me to be in a state of mind to write Musings From A Fat Chick. However, I am blessed with co-workers who inspire me each and every day, especially my friend, who I'll call "Nicole". In addition to graphic design, I dabble in photography and animal dentistry. If you've ever attended a Belleville News Democrat function, you may have seen me walking around with a camera and a small hand mirror. Be sure to look for your photo in our Spotted on the Scene section. (I try not to take pictures of people in the middle of chewing. (If you would like to read previous Fat Chick articles or see some of my photos, please check out my websites: www.musingsfromafatchick.com and www.bethwphotography.com.

Renee Jansen
Web Designer

Hello! My name is Renee and I am the face behind the website. I always had an interest in art from the time I could pick up a crayon and a piece of paper, but for me computer graphics allowed me to find that precision that I always strived for in hand-built art. I graduated from SIUE with a bachelor's degree in studio art/computer graphics. After graduation, I started at the Belleville News-Democrat as a graphic designer. I enrolled in web classes at Southwestern Illinois College to learn more about web design and earned my Associates in Web Development. In 2010 I was hired as an adjunct graphics instructor there. I am the lead designer behind the majority of the online animated ads you see on lipstikmag.com as well as www.bnd.com. The Lipstik website is always growing and evolving with each issue so check back often for updates!