Whether it’s a countertop, backsplash or other accent, natural stone can make a major impact in your home. It’s something John Howell understands. “Stone is often the focal point of our kitchens, bathrooms, bars and outdoor spaces,” he notes. “It’s what catches the eye and sets a space apart.” Howell also understands how difficult it can be to find a piece that truly makes an impact. While working on a home remodel with his wife, Virginia, they encountered that exact issue. “Talking with friends, we learned that they were travelling to places like Chicago, New York and Dallas in search of distinctive products,” she says. “There was no reason we shouldn’t be able to find that in St. Louis.”
Howell’s solution to the problem was to create Two Rivers Stone Boutique. Last year, he leveraged his more than three decades of experience working with Fortune 500 companies like Purina, Enterprise and Centene to build the business from the ground up. The foundation of the endeavor is Howell’s dedication to providing an exceptional customer experience. “At a lot of showrooms, you’re going to be handed a clipboard and told to walk around,” he notes. “At Two Rivers, I’m your clipboard. My staff and I will greet you and introduce you to our inventory. It’s personalized service.”
Located in Olivette, Two Rivers Stone Boutique offers a wide selection of unique options, including granite, marble, quartzite, onyx, porcelain and more—all sourced from locations like Italy, Brazil and India. “We offer the widest selection in the region and have stone at all price points,” Howell says. “I personally travel to hand select products. The stone travels from Carrara, Italy, to your countertop. Together, we can find the right product for you.” While Two Rivers Stone Boutique serves designers, builders, architects and other professionals, the showroom also is accessible for homeowners who may be at the beginning stages of a project or just considering options.
While the showroom offers the chance to see stonework on display, Two Rivers Stone Boutique’s warehouse offers an even wider selection. There, clients can explore unique pieces of uncut stone. “People walk by hundreds of slabs and change their mind four times—they take another lap, and it changes again,” Howell says. “We won’t apologize for making your decision process more difficult. We’re excited to provide the creativity and inspiration for people’s home projects. That’s the fun part of having such large inventory.”
With Two Rivers Stone Boutique’s first anniversary approaching, Howell is grateful for the support the business has received from the community. It was established with the goal of offering St. Louis a unique and exceptional service, and that dedication has paid off. “We’ve been lucky to already have a large number of repeat customers, and the inventory of our most popular selections has had to be replenished several times,” he says. “Our company mascot, Rivers, is also turning 1—so there’s a lot to celebrate right now. We are truly locally owned and family-operated. We’re passionate about continuing to serve the city we care about.
Located at 9215 Dielman Industrial Drive in St. Louis, Two Rivers Stone Boutique offers distinctive stone from around the world with concierge service. Pictured on the cover: Founder and president John Howell with his wife, Virginia, and their dog, Rivers. For more information, call 314.369.1788 or visit tworiversstone.com.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo by Tim Parker Photography
Pictured at top: Virginia and John HOell with their dog, Rivers
Photo: Tim Parker Photography