02/28/2026
CATO’S JOURNEY:
Meet Cato (girl)
Cato, the latin word, means “wise”
When Morgan and Stephen first reached out about their move to 162 N Main St, I knew the new space had to be special in a different way. Over the top - larger than life - yet meaningful, intentional - and still embodying the cozy, tight knit feeling of their OG space.
Tucked inside a dusty, dark warehouse in Uptown, that I source random store fixtures from, I stumbled upon her for the first time last summer. I kept telling Chris - I HOPE I will get to do a space big enough one day that allows me to have that cute elephant!!
I wanted her SO BAD! Just look at her sweet face!
And the call came. I toured the space, saw the ceilings, and immediately called my store fixture contact and asked if she was still there. She was, and 2 days before Christmas we went and bought her.
It was so exciting to see her delivered to the store. It felt monumental as a designer to have the opportunity to use something like this in my design.
But more importantly to me, is the meaning of her. With all that is transpiring in our fast moving, increasingly dark and uglier world - I wanted the children’s space to burst with light. A bookstore, serving as a haven, should be safe for children. And our children should have the opportunity to gain wisdom that is true and pure and I desire for them to be guarded by it.
Cato, stands at the entrance to the children’s space as a reminder that wisdom, true wisdom, protects and guards. She sits a top a cozy reading nook as a picture of the comfort and safety in that.
Weeks later, I learned, that my client Morgan has collected elephants since she was a little girl. The irony was not lost on me. Cato was meant to be in this space.
Welcome home Cato.
To the community, I hope you enjoy your new “mascot” and I pray you embrace what she embodies and pursue wisdom and safety for children at all costs as you continue to build your community. I know you will. 🤍
“Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you”
