Des Moines Girl has always been a love letter to my hometown.
When I launched the website during the pandemic, my goal was to create a digital platform where newbies and natives could discover cool, fun things to do in Des Moines, while shining a light on the incredible creatives and small businesses that make our city.
Five years later, I’m endlessly proud that DSMG has grown organically into a profitable platform with 25k followers and 4.6 million website impressions year, all while remaining centered on local, female-led voices. In a world increasingly dominated by media conglomerates and AI, Des Moines Girl feels like a small act of soft rebellion – proof that local outlets, authentic women’s voices, and real community still matters.
In 2026, I’m ready to let someone else take the lead— not to lose the voice of DSMG, but to invite new investment and fresh energy into the platform. Who that will be, I don’t know just yet. Conversations are beginning. What I do know is that I’m deeply committed to finding the right future for Des Moines Girl, one that allows it to fully scale and amplify more voices.
For now, that means using 2026 to focus on finding the right future for DSMG, and scaling back on content in the meantime. This year, you’ll notice the website and socials being updated in a limited capacity while that next chapter takes shape.
Why now, you ask? I’ve always balanced this work alongside a full-time career. For five years, the team and I have been side-hustling queens and proud of it. But Des Moines Girl has grown into a business that now requires full-time attention and full-time investment. In short, I (annoyingly) can’t do it all.
That being said, DSMG has been the most gratifying, grounding work that helped me navigate my own transition back to the Des Moines area after a decade away. It has combined and stretched so many of my personal and professional skills in a way that feels nothing short of kismet. By following along, engaging, using the guides, and sending supportive messages, you’ve given me a confidence in my creative work that I find difficult to describe in words, but will always carry with me.
I hope you’ll stick around for the 300+ guides currently published, the Des Moines Girl 5K (which’ll still happen in May!), and whatever else awaits the channel in the future.
With gratitude and much love for Des Moines,
Morgan Chicchelly
Founder/Creator
