Kith and Kin of Callaway: Karen Helmrich attracted to Brick District

Karen Helmrich walks her four dachshunds Monday. She moved to Fulton three years ago.
Karen Helmrich walks her four dachshunds Monday. She moved to Fulton three years ago.

This column serves as a spotlight, highlighting the everyday people who work and live in Callaway County. The Fulton Sun takes a moment with someone who is not usually featured in the news, but is just as instrumental in making our community the strong and beautiful place we all know and love.

Originally from upstate New York, Karen Helmrich, 56, moved to Fulton three years ago. In-between, she lived in many other places, including New Jersey, Texas and even full-time in an RV for six years.

Fulton's Brick District, where she owns Creating Unkamen, was what attracted her to the area.

Q. What was your first job?

A. I sold photographic equipment and film, and film processing back when that was a thing.

Q. Who most inspires you (living or dead)?

A. My yogi, Bryan Kest. I think he has a no-nonsense, straightforward approach to living and he works hard to demonstrate that in his life. And he works hard to promote it to as many other people as he can.

Q. What have you done in life that was most fulfilling?

A. I guess that would have to be I raised two children, home-schooled them. They both have gone on to be productive members of society. I think that's a pretty high accomplishment.

Q. What is something you are proud of that you have been recognized for?

A. My small business here in Fulton.

Q. What profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt?

A. Oh, I don't have any idea. I've done all sorts of things before, in my life. I'm a registered nurse. I've been a group fitness instructor.

Q. What profession would you not like to do?

A. I wouldn't want to be a chef - too much pressure.

Q. What is something nobody knows about you?

A. I can't imagine something nobody knows, not even good friends. So, maybe a lot of people don't know I've bred Abyssinian cats for 20 years. And I mean a lot of people knew that at the time, but I haven't done it in a long time. So a lot of people I'm in contact with daily these days don't know that.

Q. What is your favorite thing about Callaway County?

A. It would be the Brick District and how supportive the merchants are for each other and how supportive really the townspeople and county residents are. They're trying to support something that's really special and isn't found very many places anymore.