[sensible stilettos]
St. Louis designer Claire Flowers has taken matters into her own hands … well, feet actually. Flowers recently launched a line of heels that should help women walk with a little more grace. A wide-bottom stiletto offers better balance, hardware on the back protects the shoe while driving, and a rubber sole creates more traction. The shoes can be found locally at 10denza boutique.

[sitter service]
St. Louis native and Whitfield graduate Morgan Clark has launched a new local babysitting service, STL Sitter. After working for a similar operation in Columbus, Ohio, the 25-year-old former nanny recognized the need here for reliable sitters who are available for everything from last-minute dinner dates to planned vacations. Beginning in March, parents can log on to an interactive website to browse profiles of local sitters who have gone through an extensive background check and interview process.

[healthy approach]
Meredith Daniels of Chesterfield, a certified wellness advocate with the essential-oils company dōTERRA, is making it easy for St. Louisans to learn how to incorporate natural products into their everyday lives. Daniels teaches classes and hosts one-on-one meetings to discuss alternatives to synthetic medicines and toxic household and personal care products by using the company’s certified pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils.

[award winner]
Richard Harris, founder and past president of National Commercial Exchange (NCE), has been honored with the prestigious Legends of Barter Award from the International Reciprocal Trade Association. Harris started NCE in 1980 and grew it into one of the most respected barter companies in the U.S. before selling it to International Monetary Systems in 2011.

[talented tailor]
Ludmilla Dobkin Tailor Shop recently opened at 9216 Clayton Road, Ste. 119, to accommodate her growing list of clientele. Dobkin was a seamstress at Neiman Marcus for 11 years before opening her own business and is known for her work on gowns for the Veiled Prophet Ball, prom and weddings. Open Monday through Saturday, walk-ins are welcome, or call 314.322.0602 for an appointment.