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My cousin Jacqueline made a big impression on me as a young girl, even though we only had one visit together. She arrived on a plane with a suitcase and inside were the brightest, most fun, glamorous, pre-tween, 90’s era collection of MAGAZINES. I had never seen a magazine for kids before. She had Seventeen, Teen, YM, and Tiger Beat. I had only ever seen Time, Women’s World, National Geographic, and MacLean’s.

As we flipped through the pages, we looked at the pictures of products and read stories about people with fabulous lives. In those moments, I wondered if I could write something to go in a magazine some day.

Writer Renée Hartleib and Mary Ann Daye at Saint Mary’s University Alumni Association gave me the opportunity seven years ago to interview and write a story for Maroon + White, the university’s alumni magazine. Since then, the wonderful folks at UP Public Relations have invited me back to interview dozens of graduating students, notable Saint Mary’s athletes, volunteers, and alumni making waves in their field.

It’s been a thrill to see my name in the byline each and every time.

For the latest Spring 2025 issue, I interviewed six incredible female leaders who are graduating with flying colours in Welcoming our Newest Alumni!. I also talked with an inspiring high school student, Brodie Bonvie, who was awarded the highly-competitive Saint Mary’s Sobey National Innovator Scholarship. His story, A Surprising Start to a Strong Future for Brodie Bonvie, is as heartwarming to read as it was to write.

My younger self is definitely proud of myself today to have made that dream come true, of some day writing something to go in a magazine.

Some projects require not only a clear message but a strategic roadmap to ensure their success. Working with CEO Jane Davies and her team at Partners for Care on the communications plan for Lumia Health was an opportunity to build a strong foundation for its launch and long-term engagement. My role was to craft a strategic approach that would introduce Lumia Health effectively, build credibility, and drive public awareness.

Lumia Health is set to become a game-changer in Nova Scotia’s health care landscape, integrating a patient-first approach with innovative service delivery. From the outset, the strategy needed to ensure that messaging was not only clear and informative but also aligned with the needs of key stakeholders including policymakers, health care providers, and the local community.

The plan focused on a phased rollout, incorporating media relations, digital engagement, and direct outreach to invested parties. By mapping out key communications tactics – such as targeted press releases, coordinated social media content, and stakeholder briefings -the strategy ensured a seamless introduction to the public while maintaining transparency about future developments.

Risk mitigation was also a crucial element, with a focus on managing public expectations, addressing potential concerns proactively, and ensuring messaging remained consistent across all channels. The success of the strategy will be measured through media coverage, digital engagement metrics, and community response, allowing for ongoing refinement as Lumia Health progresses toward its opening.

It’s been a privilege to contribute to the strategic launch of Lumia Health, and I look forward to seeing this innovative health care model take shape and make a lasting impact on communities across Nova Scotia.

As the seasons change from summer to fall, it’s a fitting time for fresh new beginnings. On the home front, myself and my two dogs are making a big move to Annapolis Valley’s middle town of Middleton. From the tiny village of Terence Bay, nearly two hours away on the opposite coast of Nova Scotia, we’re excited to finally be in a home that’s our very own.

There’s so much to explore in our newfound place, with farmers’ markets and trailways galore. While I’m going to miss easy access to all the things the city of Halifax has to offer, my clients will keep me close and I plan to visit family and friends often.

Until we settle in with our fireplace ablaze for the oncoming winter storms, I’ll be brainstorming paint colours and kitchen tiles to make our new home feel like our very own, too.

Every building has a story. The challenge – and the thrill – is finding the right words to tell it. When I was approached to develop the copy for the Press Block, a new residential and commercial landmark in Halifax, I knew this project would require more than just listing features and amenities. It needed a narrative that honoured the site’s deep history while capturing its modern transformation.

Located at the corner of Barrington, George, and Granville Streets, Press Block sits on a site that once housed some of Nova Scotia’s most influential newspapers. This legacy of storytelling became the foundation for the copy I wrote. I wanted to create something that felt as timeless as the buildings that came before it, using language that would connect the past with the present and invite future residents to write their own chapter in Halifax’s history.

Despite having only artistic renderings from the outside, the tone and style took shape through extensive research into the site’s heritage, the architectural vision, brand strategy, and the experience of living in Halifax’s vibrant downtown core.

As an exercise in creative writing, I imagined what it would be like waking up in the bedroom, stepping out into the living room to see the morning sun, and making coffee in the kitchen. I thought about how my surroundings would influence the way I think and feel, and my mindset for the day.

Overall, it was fun to explore both meditation and artistic expression that resulted in some happy clients. I can’t wait to see the Press Block become part of Halifax’s ever-evolving story!

Maureen and Greg Fownes are the creative forces behind Joy and Fury, blending their unique styles into a shared artistic journey. Inspired by the ocean’s rhythm and Nova Scotia’s natural beauty, Maureen’s love for a diverse range of materials – from acrylic paints to coloured pencils and clay – bring her paintings, illustrations and sculptures to life. Greg’s bold, energetic creations draw from his love of comics, action movies, and video games, bringing a vibrant energy to his art.

Back in March, I connected with Maureen and Greg through Strategic Arts Management and we hit it off straight away. They were looking for some ideas for how they could improve their business, generate more interest in their brand, and ultimately increase sales. They also wanted to improve their social media presence, increase traffic to their website, and apply to grants that would be appropriate, plus learn ways to improve how they operate so they can continue to grow.

With a lot to talk about on the table, we first did an assessment of their current situation. We looked at what their strengths and weaknesses were, and the opportunities they wanted to explore. From there, we came up with some goals, created a game plan, and prioritised their tasks for the next month. We decided the best way to work together would be to do a mentorship, where we check in every four weeks or so to chat about their progress.

After only three months, Maureen and Greg have a packed schedule for spring and summer craft fairs, markets, and events to attend, plus a highly-anticipated holiday season. Their business has gone through some serious growth and they are well on their way to establishing their presence in the minds and people here at home, and wherever their art may take them.

Collaborating with the Nova Scotia Talent Trust executive director, Andrea Urquhart, and the board of directors on their latest three-year strategic plan was an awesome way to kick-off 2024. Their collective enthusiasm for supporting emerging artists in the province is infectiously energising, and drew me in from my very first conversation with Andrea about their vision for their future.

The Nova Scotia Talent Trust had recently received a $2.8 million bequest from arts philanthropist Judith A. Grant to expand their scholarship offerings. Andrea and the board had also also sought out a rigorous assessment of their scholarship selection process and were keen to implement their new findings to advance equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA) with this new funding.

Together we created a roadmap to support their scholarship expansion and EDIA efforts, along with the celebration of their 80th anniversary, while prioritising strengthening their operational capacity and further developing their relationships with donors and sponsors.

Seeing the Nova Scotia Talent Trust Strategic Plan 2024-2026 come to life has been truly rewarding. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with Andrea and the board of directors, and contribute to a strategy that will have a lasting impact on the arts community.

For more on the Nova Scotia Talent Trust, visit nstalenttrust.ns.ca.

I’m thrilled with the launch of my first picture book and feeling grateful for all of the support and high praise we received from readers and reviews. Between mail-outs and media requests, social posts and socializing at events, I’ve found myself sitting in disbelief on many occasions over the past eight weeks.

On Tuesday, October 17, the day Dear Diary, It’s Me, Stella was published, I had the absolute pleasure of joining Jeff Douglas in studio at CBC Radio in Halifax for an interview on his radio show, Mainstreet. The entire production team made me feel at ease and watching Jeff work the board was a very cool site to see. We had lots to talk about because of our love for dogs and Jeff’s own story about his two rescues brought us closer together. Click here to listen to our interview.

The following day I was excited to meet up with friends Mike Ryan and Kristen Herrington to record an interview for their podcast, aptly named, the Mike and Kristen Podcast. It was a blast! I had so much fun getting to know them and talking about what it’s like to make art and share it with the world. Click here to listen (episode 83) or search wherever you like to listen to podcasts.. They have an incredible line-up of guests!

The NEXT day (it just keeps getting better), Crystal Gallant and Kevin the cameraman arrived at our house for an interview and recorded a ton of footage for CTV Morning Live Atlantic. Our segment aired on Tuesday, October 24 on the morning show AND on CTV News Atlantic with hosts Maria Panopalis and Jayson Baxter. Needless to say, I’m over the moon to have had the opportunity to reach their audiences and share our story. Click here to see Stella’s TV debut!

In November, we received our first book review from Suzanne Pelham at The Masthead News (pictured above), which is a local paper here in Terence Bay, Nova Scotia, where we live. The piece included a Q&A that I was very happy to be chosen for; I really enjoyed chatting with writer Sharon Jessup Joyce for the interview. Sharon is also a rescue dog mom and Suzanne is as well! Click here to download their November issue to read our review and Q&A.

Our Dear Diary, It’s Me, Stella Book Launch + Fundraiser for Fly With Me Animal Rescue (FWM) in December was a big success. A huge thank you to our sponsors, HFX Dog, who graciously donated their doggy daycare space for the day, plus owners Jill and Tori volunteered their time to set up and supervise Stella while she greeted all her guests. We raided $160 for FWM and donated a large bin of dog-related items for future foster pups.

Also in December, I took part in the Writer’s Federation of Nova Scotia Booktoberfest event at the Central Halifax Library along with over 50 other local authors and publishing outfits. Together we shared our books with guests who attended and mingled among the decorated tables drinking cranberry spritzers. The evening was entirely wholesome and a lovely way to meet so many writers in the community in-person for the first time.

As if that weren’t all, author (I Am A King and I Am Perfectly Me) and musician, Keonté Beals, wrote us a fantastic review that I’m looking forward to sharing before the new year on Facebook and Instagram; I have an upcoming podcast episode with my supremely talented best friend, Christina Martin, for her podcast A Chat with Heart; and a very special present we plan to share on Christmas Day with our followers on social media.

As the year is coming to a close, I’m hoping to reflect on just how lucky we are; spend time with Apollo and Stella and our loved ones; and SLEEP, EAT, and REPEAT (haha). I hope you get to do the things you want to over the holidays, and we’re wishing you all the best for an awesome start to the New Year.

“‘Dear Diary, It’s Me, Stella’ is an incredible book that teaches kids the power of wanting something and believing they can achieve it. I love this book!” – Keonté Beals, Musician and Author of ‘I Am A King’.

“It’s dark inside the house tonight. Everyone’s in bed,” writes Stella, as she looks to the bedroom windows from the streets outside. Her family doesn’t want her anymore. They yell at her and push her out the front door. 

What she doesn’t know is that there’s a girl in a faraway place who’s dreaming of her, and Stella’s about to make way to her forever home.

Dear Diary, It’s Me, Stella is written by artist manager-turned-author, Krista Keough, and is based on the triumphant true story of her XL Bully rescue dog. The children’s book chronicles Stella’s freedom journey, written as diary entries from her point of view, illustrated by award-winning UK artist, Gina Stavrou, using only the colours that dogs can see.

The paperback, hardcover and e-book editions are published by Friesen Press and will be available to order from their bookstore [https://books.friesenpress.com/store] and online retailers worldwide on Tuesday, October 17. For more information, visit kristakeough.com/book.

Keough sat down to journal her thoughts about her newly adopted pet and their predicament two years ago. “We were both really struggling,” Keough admits. “Stella’s reactive behaviour was nearly unmanageable; I was worried I was in over my head.” 

Instead, Keough created a story about Stella writing in her own diary, about her experiences that lead her here: from the alleyways in Atlanta, Georgia to a crowded shelter and then a three-day bus ride to Halifax, Nova Scotia. It’s a story not unlike many rescue dogs.

“I thought about what she had been through and realized the strength of her unbreakable spirit. That’s when I started to believe in myself,” says Keough. She had taken to Instagram to vlog their daily life for months and was creating a community of foster and rescue dog families, trainers, and vet health professionals to help and share resources. “I knew that we could take on these challenges together.”

Keough discovered Stavrou’s artwork on the app and, although the two have never met, Stavrou says she was thrilled to be a part of such an incredible project. “I love the story and using only the colours dogs can see – like purple and blue, yellow and green – that gave me a beautiful colour palette to bring Stella’s world to life”.

About the author 

Krista Keough is a dynamic and versatile contributor to Atlantic Canada’s creative industries. Over the past 20 years, she has woven her expertise through various roles as a writer in business, the arts, and education. She lives in Canada with her two dogs, Apollo and Stella. Read more of her writing at www.kristakeough.com  

About the illustrator

Gina Stavrou, aka mindofbean, is a queer British illustrator based in the United States. Her work uses vibrant colour combinations and intricate details to portray magical worlds with whimsical characters. See more of her creations at www.mindofbean.com.

Christina Martin is an award-winning singer, songwriter, musician, and has recorded – and in some instances, co-produced – seven (SEVEN!) albums in her illustrious career to date. I’ve been lucky to know Christina for over a decade now and it’s been truly awesome to see her star rise.

Her latest album, Storm, is set for release this September 1. But, I got to listen to her songs and see the album artwork last summer, in August 2022, at the end stages of it all coming together behind the scenes. Christina invited me to work with her and her team at Come Undone Records to proofread the CD and vinyl artwork, and the liner notes and lyrics inside. Of course, I said, “YES!” and proceeded to be blown away by the magic of everything she made.

Fast forward to today, It’s August 23, 2023 and this past weekend I went to see Christina perform songs from her new record with her husband and bandmate, Dale Murray, at Neptune Theatre. She gifted me two tickets to her show and the Storm vinyl and two CDs (one autographed and an I Can Too t-shirt), plus a plantable postcard – all which are sitting in front of me as I type this.

The album is even more beautifl in real life. I could not be more humbled, to not only be part of her team for this release, but to also call Christina my friend.

I’m excited for everyone to soon see and hear the brillence of Storm. Fans can pre-order the record now or purchase it next Friday on Bandcamp, or visit her website for more details.

Saint Mary’s University Alumni Association publishes their annual Maroon + White magazine, featuring inspiring stories about alumni who are following their passions and making lasting impressions in their field. I’ve been asked by the association to write for the publication for the past five issues, and it’s been an absolute highlight for me each year.

The Spring 2022 stories I wrote feature Steve Snider (Building Bridges That Last A Lifetime: Steve Snider, BComm’79”) and Catherine Reeves (For the Love of Animals: Catherine Reeves BSc’09). Steve was set to retire as the CEO of Halifax Harbour Bridges and reflected on how attending Saint Mary’s impacted his decades-long career. Catherine’s love for animals, which she nurtured at university, guided her to making new discoveries in science and within herself.

For the Spring 2023 issue, I interviewed six new graduates to help tell their stories about what they learned inside the classroom, on campus, and virtually while attending university during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Their experiences showcase the many ways that Saint Mary’s is part of their lives and is helping to shape their futures.

Thank you to Mary Ann Daye at the alumni association and your team for continuing to invite me back to write for Maroon + White. I look forward to our next encore!