Inspiring Conversations with Craig Kaminer of Sophisticated Living St. Louis

Story from VoyageSTL

Today we’d like to introduce you to Craig Kaminer.

Craig, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
How I Got Started and Where I Am Today

I began my career at the intersection of media, marketing, and entrepreneurship, driven by a deep passion for storytelling and community building. After earning my stripes in the world of public relations and brand strategy, I founded Influence and Twist and later became publisher of *Sophisticated Living St. Louis*, where I’ve spent the past two decades curating a platform that celebrates culture, design, and the creative spirit of St. Louis and beyond.

Craig Kaminer

Throughout my journey, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with visionary individuals and brands, helping them shape their narratives while building a network of changemakers. I’ve always believed in the power of reinvention, and that belief has guided my path—whether mentoring startups, creating award platforms like the SOPHIs, or crafting luxury lifestyle content that reflects the best of who we are.

My story is still unfolding, but it’s rooted in curiosity, creativity, and a commitment to elevating the people and places I love.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road hasn’t always been smooth. While I’ve had the privilege of building successful ventures and collaborating with visionary people, I’ve also had my share of notable failures—moments that challenged me, taught me, and ultimately pushed me to grow. Reinvention has been a constant theme in my life, and I’ve learned that setbacks often fuel the most meaningful breakthroughs.

Today, I remain committed to elevating the people, places, and stories that make our community special—through media, mentorship, and a relentless curiosity for what’s next.

A few of the winners of the 2024 Sophisticated Living St. Louis SOPHI Awards.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
What started as a luxury lifestyle magazine 20 years ago in under-served markets, has now grown into the leading omni-channel media company focused specifically on the affluent, mass-affluent and influencer marketplace. From its flagship Sophisticated Living Magazine and Sophisticated Giving Charity Register, to its online properties, sophisticatedstlouis.com, and its robust social following on Facebook and Instagram, and unparalleled database of affluent and influential St. Louisans, Sophisticated Living is the go-to marketing resource for luxury brands in St. Louis.

Sophisticated TV

Sophisticated Living combines 36 pages of national content on travel, art, antiques, fashion and luxury automobiles, with 36+ pages of local content on St. Louis’ cultural and philanthropic worlds as well as jewelry, sports, food, wine, interior design, business, and art. A strikingly elegant publication with the highest quality photography and printing, the beautifully designed magazine features witty and insightful writing, resourceful and evocative content. Over the past decade, Sophisticated Living St. Louis has become the leading omni-channel marketing resource delivered to the mailbox, inbox, and social media feed of your target customers.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck has played an undeniable role in my career—both good and bad. When the dot-com bubble burst, it felt like the floor disappeared beneath Influence, the company I had poured everything into. We were riding high on innovation and momentum, but like so many others, we were blindsided by a tech collapse that had nothing to do with our drive or vision. That was bad luck, plain and simple. Years later, when the world shut down during COVID, many print publications struggled to survive. But somehow, *Sophisticated Living* found new relevance—people had more time to read, to dream, to invest in their homes and lifestyles. Subscriptions surged, advertisers stayed loyal, and we not only weathered the storm—we grew. That was good luck. I’ve learned not to take too much credit for the highs or too much blame for the lows. Sometimes, timing really is everything.

Pricing:

  • Full page: $2200-$5000

Contact Info:

About VoyageSTL

VoyageSTL is part of the LA-based Voyage Group of Magazines. Their mission is to promote mom and pops, artists, creatives, makers and small businesses by providing a platform for these hidden gems to tell their stories in their own words.

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