Paint Me a Birmingham
The September 2023 issue of Keen is where it all began—a debut filled with warmth, grit, and a love for storytelling that shines through every page. At the heart of this issue is Paint Me a Birmingham, my ode to the Magic City, a place where history and culture intertwine so seamlessly that every corner feels like a story waiting to be told. Launching Keen with this issue was about setting the tone: a zine that celebrates people, places, popular opinions, and precious secrets. Birmingham became the perfect backdrop, with its mix of history, creativity, and Southern hospitality—a city that mirrors the heart of this project.
Why Birmingham?
When I wrote Paint Me a Birmingham (pages 9–10), I wanted to capture the city’s unique ability to wear its past and future all at once. This is a city that has endured hardship but risen with a sense of resilience that feels contagious. Walking through its streets—where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once marched—you can still feel the echoes of history, the kind that makes you pause, reflect, and appreciate where you stand.
Birmingham’s heartbeat is in its contrasts: jazz drifting out of a corner bar while freight trains hum in the background, street art bursting with color against weathered brick, and slow-cooked barbecue served with a side of stories from locals who are proud to call this place home. I wanted to bottle that feeling and share it in these pages, knowing it’s a city you can’t just visit—you have to feel it.
Itinerary Ideas for the Perfect Birmingham Getaway
In this issue, I curated my go-to spots for anyone ready to dive into Birmingham’s magic (pages 17–31).
Some of the highlights:
The Redmont Hotel – A rooftop cocktail here is non-negotiable.
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum – A haven for design and speed enthusiasts.
Queen’s Park & Paper Doll – For craft cocktails in the city’s best low-lit atmospheres.
Big Bad Breakfast & Hero Doughnuts & Buns – Breakfasts so good they deserve a spot on your itinerary.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens – A quiet, stunning escape that feels like a deep breath.
These places are woven into Birmingham’s identity, offering a mix of comfort, discovery, and truly unforgettable flavors!
People, Perspectives, and Popular Opinions
Meet Natalie Davis of Natty Writes (Pages 14–16, 32–35)
Natalie is a modern storyteller, helping brands find their voice through intentional writing. I loved diving into her routines, mindset, and how she’s built a creative business rooted in authenticity. Her story is a reminder of why I started Keen: to highlight voices that inspire me.
AI Business Strategy: Hype vs. Realism (Pages 37–44)
Susan Evangeline Bagh’s piece pulls back the curtain on the hype around AI. She asks the right questions—how much is tech hype and how much is real strategy?—while giving actionable insights for businesses that want to harness AI wisely.
Gain Ground with Jill Espalin (Pages 56–62)
Jill shares her genius for clearing clutter—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Her philosophy of “less is more” is the perfect mantra for heading into the holidays.
