Downtown historic main street

About Shannon McBride and Sam Conlon

Sam Conlon, third generation artist, raising fourth generation artist, moved to Ste. Gen. in 2000 from San Francisco. Sam has always made her way with innovative and unique jobs. She is a former street performer, worked in retail for Patagonia and was a professional footbag "Hacky Sack" player to name a few. Sam is a 25 time World Champion as well as a member of the Footbag Hall of Fame. Eighteen years ago, Sam passed through Ste. Gen. and fell in love. Thus began this leg of her unique journey. While not fully appreciating what she would actually sell, she bought her first building on that visit and Only Child Originals was born. Sam creates one of a kind jewelry as well as many other forms of art. Her current obsession is art created from reclaimed materials. Sam then purchased Sadie, a brick building from the 1900's. Sadie was filled in 2012 with the materials from a 100 year old barn that she tore down with a friend. The materials have morphed into incredible luminaries, decorative shelving and gorgeous tables now sold across the street from Only Child in a store called Rust. Sam is a hard working single mom who is teaching her son to explore his creative side just like her mother offered her young daughter. Sam brings vitality and creativity to each endeavor in her life and invites you to escape into her world for a little while. Her friend and business partner Shannon supports and reminds Sam of daily necessities and balances out the art and life part. Shannon owns Beanik Cafe and Pastry and has a similarly unique approach to the concept of a "job". Shannon spent 22 years as a professional gymnastics coach and aquatic director. She would love to be a full time student and has degrees in art, art history, sport exercise science and sport behavior science. Like Sam, Shannon fell in love with Ste. Gen. and decided to join Sam in her amazing world and has not looked back. Together, they hope to offer you a unique and memorable experience

Why Shannon McBride and Sam Conlon chose Ste Genevieve

Ste. Gen offers Sam an opportunity to live the artist dream. Where else can an artist own one historic building let alone three! Sam wanted to expand her first shop, Only Child Originals, and discovered that is was cheaper to buy the whole building than to rent just the shop space. The proceeds from Rust go directly to the restoration of all three of her historic buildings. The Rust apartment is a culmination of a year long labor of love, as well as sweat and a little blood. Sam would be happy to show you the before and after video :)

What makes this Apartment unique

Rust's location could not be more ideal. Being in the heart of the historic district allows you to get lost in your imagination. Whether it is the architecture, the vibe, the nostalgia, the serenity or the friendly and welcoming locals. In this overworked, fast paced, ever changing world it is comforting to know that a safe, serene town like Ste. Gen. is alive, well and right here patiently waiting for you.