Man About Lou: Joshua Wilkes

We can’t help but love Joshua R Wilkes… He is a power mover in the making as a designer, artist and creator. He works as an assistant designer at Barry Wooly Designs, a Creative Designer for Revelry Boutique-Gallery and works closely with Grasshoppers Distribution, which is “something I am very passionate about, they provide locally grown produce, meats, cheeses, dairy and more from over 60 local family farms in Kentucky and bring it to the public” said Wilkes.

Wilkes is a Man About Lou in every essence. Just trying to pin down an interview with LBV’s hiatus and his schedule was impossible during Derby… He is on the move!

 

- What is your favorite Lou restaurant?

“The Blind Pig, Rye, Hammerheads, Holy Grail and The Silver Dollar.”

 

- What do you like about Lou?

“Louisville is a place that has a great art and social scene, and really celebrates people doing their thing and following their dream.  There’s so much fresh culture here.”

 

- What are your favorite places to shop in Lou?

“Revelry Boutique-Gallery!  Vintage stores like the Nitty Gritty and Cherry Bomb, but I love Von Maur when I’m looking to dress up.”

 

- Finish the sentence: You can usually find me…

“Working. Entertaining at my house or out with friends… definitely anything social!”

 

- How do you feel living in Lou differs from anywhere else in our region?

“We have a little bit of the north, with whole lot of southern charm.  Louisville can be a little gritty and glamorous at the same time.”

 

- What was the most surprising thing to you about Lou?

“Few things surprise me now since I’ve lived here my whole life.  I kind of take for granted how much art we have and great restaurants, but when I compare to other cities, its surprising what we really have!”

 

-Do you have any philanthropic ties in the Lou community?

“Yes, I work with Brooklawn, Blessings in a Backpack, Gildas Club Louisville to name just a few..”

 

- Do you belong to any professional organizations?

“YPAL.”

 

- What advice would you give to someone who wants to move to Lou?

“Come spend a weekend and try out all the different neighborhoods.  Each area in the city has a little something different to offer and that makes it a special town.  Don’t miss areas like Nulu, Germantown and Butchertown, which are undergoing incredible resurgence right now.”

 

- If you could describe Lou in five words what words would they be?

“Eclectic, creative, smart, stylish and interesting.”

 

-What gives you the most satisfaction about living in Lou?

“I can be myself, and surround myself with others who are living genuine and authentic lives, being their best selves too.  There are so many unique people, businesses and places in Louisville.”
- What advice would you give to someone that is new in Lou?

“Get out and about!  There are countless original bars, restaurants and shops that are locally owned.  Get to know the people that are running these establishments and start meeting people.  You’ll never need to be bored and there is nothing like friends you will make here in Louisville!”

 

 

* LBV is back from hiatus, be sure to visit the site for more updates! *

 

Photograph Courtesy of Joshua R Wilkes.