Have you ever walked into a professional setting or a high-end space and asked yourself, “Do I belong here?”

Join host Rita Ernst on The Story I’m Telling Myself for a transformative conversation with Mo McKnight Howe, the visionary owner of Revelry Gallery. In this episode, they dive deep into the "inner stories" of exclusion that artists and professionals face, the danger of elitist gatekeeping, and why it is time to cultivate your own spaces of belonging.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

• The "Closed Door" Narrative: Mo shares her raw experience of graduating from art school and being told she couldn't make it in her hometown—leading her to challenge the "starving artist" story by building a commercial powerhouse that now supports over 150 local artists.
• The Anti-White Wall Gallery: Learn why Mo and her partner Paula rejected the "stark and sterile" elitism of traditional galleries. From blue walls and antique rugs to a gallery dog that greets you at the door, discover how to design an environment that feels like a home.
• Anti-Gatekeeping and Mentorship: Mo explains her "open book" approach to the art world, providing the professional guidance she never received—on everything from pricing and branding to helping artists "graduate" from odd jobs into full-time creators.
• The Kids Cove Strategy: Explore why the traditional "don't touch" rule in galleries breeds a sense of exclusion for families. Mo discusses cultivating childhood art appreciation through a dedicated space where the youngest collectors can pick out their own handmade pieces.
• Price Inclusivity as Belonging: Discover the strategic power of the four-dollar sticker. Mo discusses how offering accessible entry points ensures that everyone can support the creative economy, regardless of their budget.

Why You Should Listen:

If you have ever told yourself the "cruel story" that you aren't good enough or that you need to conform to fit into a certain professional mold, this episode is your permission slip to rewrite the narrative. Mo’s 15-year journey is a masterclass in career resilience, showing that you don't have to be the owner of a business to cultivate community—you can start by changing the touchpoints within your own team today.

Stop waiting for an invitation and start building your own table. Learn how to move beyond professional intimidation and support the "shop local" movement to keep culture alive in your community.

Listen now and subscribe to the show to start transforming the stories you tell yourself.

Connect with Mo

mo@revelrygallery.comwww.RevelryGallery.comhttps://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2020/09/25/forty-under-40-mo-mcknight-howe.html