St Pete Story - Maureen Horan Graphic Designer
This month, it only felt right to shine the spotlight on the woman who gave The Welcome Standard its visual heartbeat. When Maureen Horan took on our brand facelift, she didn’t just design a logo, she immersed herself in our mission, uncovering how to translate warmth, authenticity, and belonging into every color, line, and curve. Her ability to listen, interpret, and elevate reminded us why good design is storytelling at its core.
We were equally inspired by Maureen’s own story: one of courage and creativity. After years in the corporate design world, she stepped into the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship, betting on her own vision and voice. Her approach to branding and storytelling feels like sunshine where its bright, genuine, and full of life, which makes her such an asset to our own Sunshine City. In the story below, Maureen shares how St. Pete has shaped her journey and the creative community she’s proud to call home.
Moving to the Sunshine City
Before calling beautiful St. Pete home, I lived just over the bridge in Tampa, making the daily commute across the bay to work in the Sunshine City.
Originally from St. Augustine, a more sleepy beach town in my eyes, I was drawn to Tampa’s mix of old and new. The streets of Ybor and the minarets of UT sat alongside skyscrapers, nightlife, and hip restaurants. I had never even heard of craft cocktails or patatas bravas before then (for context, this was between 2009-2014), so my early-twenties self felt like she was truly living. It was such a fun time in life, and for a while, it felt like the perfect fit.
Over time, though, I started spending more and more time in St. Pete, both for work and for fun. There was something magnetic about its charm, the slower coastal vibes that reminded me of home, and the strong sense of community. It felt more like my speed and a better reflection of my personality. As a designer, I was also instantly inspired by the murals, the creative spirit, and the way art seemed to live on every corner of the city.
This move was back in 2015, before the skyline filled with high-rises and before the Edge and Grand Central districts became what they are today. Places like Green Bench were just beginning renovations or opening their doors, and the local scene was smaller but bursting with potential. It was close-knit then and still is in many ways, which is one of the things I love most about this city. Watching St. Pete grow and transform over the years has been so special, and in many ways, I’ve grown right alongside it, both personally and professionally.
St. Pete has shaped so much of my career. The creative community here is incredibly supportive, and I’ve had the chance to meet and collaborate with so many talented people, many of whom are now close friends. It’s a small city with a big heart, and it’s shown me that creativity truly flourishes where community thrives.
