About Des Moines Girl

Photo: Kelsey Arganbright Photography, March 2023

Welcome to DesMoinesGirl.com!  We hope Des Moines Girl can serve as your fun check-in for things to do on weekends, deep dives into the people behind the businesses, and fun takes on the new openings around town. We spend most of our time on Instagram, but all of our guides live on this website.

We’re a team of local contributors, interns, and 1 founder, and looking to expand! Curious about joining our team? Email Morgan at hello@desmoinesgirl.com.

The DSMG Team

Morgan Chicchelly: Founder + Creator

Hey hi hello. I grew up in Beaverdale, went to Roosevelt, and then fled to the University of Miami for college. I stayed out on the East Coast following my career for most of my twenties, but moved back to Des Moines during the pandemic. I wanted to find a way to support the small businesses in the community and ingratiate myself back into my hometown. Thanks for being here. This is the coolest project I’ve ever worked on.🫶

Stephanie Kiel, DSMG Intern

Howdy! I’m Stephanie, and I am a senior studying at Drake University. I am from a very small town in Wisconsin, so Des Moines feels like ‘big city living’ to me! In my time at Drake I have loved getting to explore Des Moines’ fun, vibrant small business and social scene, and I am excited to share my passion for this city with Des Moines Girl. When I am not working or studying, I am usually hanging out with my cat, consuming caffeine, or riding the DART bus to explore the city.

Delaney Borja, DSMG Intern

Hello! I’m a current senior at Drake University studying Public Relations and Digital Media Production with a minor in Music, originally from the Chicagoland area! I am passionate about visual and written communication, and I’m so grateful for this opportunity to offer my strengths to serve the DSMGirl Team! In my free time I enjoy hanging out with friends, finding new things to do in the area, and checking out the live music scene in DSM!

Giovanna Zavell, Behind The Biz Column

Hello there! I originally moved to Des Moines to attend Drake University in 2014 and upon graduating, became a captive. When I’m not working or writing for Des Moines girl, I’m most likely reading, tending to my many houseplants or taking a weekend road trip. I love visiting local bars and restaurants to try their seasonal menus and shopping at the many small businesses we have here in town.

Claire Tuchek

Hi hi! I used to refer to myself as a frequent flyer of Des Moines, constantly making weekend trips to Des Moines when I was in undergraduate and graduate school to see my friends and explore the city more. It was evident I was bound to move here following graduation in 2021. I secured my now current job as a pediatric occupational therapist and since then I have been living in historic Sherman Hill and loving every second of it. Thrifting and enjoying a good beer on a patio make me happiest.

Contributing Team

• Corinne Hastings
• Jackie Hunter
• Theresa Macdonald
• Madison Stano
• Seeta Lee
• Cheltzie Miller-Bailey
• Sidney Pezley

What can you do to support Des Moines Girl?

Spread the word and connect me to any small business owners you know that are worthy of being celebrated. Thanks for being here and sharing your love of Des Moines with us!

We host monthly meet ups. Our newsletters and Instagram will keep you in the loop on when those are.

Looking to partner?

Want to be featured in a weekend guide? Sponsor a post? Or have our team cover your event? Send an email to Morgan at hello@desmoinesgirl.com.