Meet the Maven

Combining midwest manners with modern taste.

 
 
 

Italian by birth. Artist at heart. Midwest to the core.

 

CURRENT OBSESSIONS

My renovation project in Weston

Vintage cocktails 

Watermelon salad

Midwest Maven was born Jo Marie Scaglia to a large Italian family in the Midwest. As the daughter of a restauranteur, she started early, learning her craft and honing her tastes. Her young adult years took her to San Francisco where she melded her Midwest sensibilities with big city style.

She brought it all back to Kansas City to launch successful restaurant concepts that quickly became a town favorite. Now, she blends her years of restaurant experience, combining it with a dedication to detail and love of creation to develop Midwest Maven—a lifestyle brand that like Jo Marie herself... is artistic at heart and Midwest to the core. 

Sangria cocktails to-go anyone? I've always loved mason jars for serving cocktails, desserts or overnight oats. They are laid back, portable, sustainable, and easy to adorn with ribbon or twine for a little extra style. Check out my favorite sangri
Finding a piece that has a little grit will add a whole lot of personality to your project. This is the original mailbox on Midwest Manor. And I'd never think of changing it. #midwesthome #oldhouselove #farmhouseliving #farmhouserenovation #oldhome
During a renovation project, so many great partners come together to bring your vision to life. This is Travis, one of my amazing contractors. He knew I was into the history of Midwest Manor, so his team salvaged everything for me including the orig
For my restaurant concepts, I create new specials every season. This summer, the watermelon salad is featured at @themixxkc. I love how the fruit and mint come to together to deliver a cool and fresh lunch or side dish. #summersalad #watermelonsala
Shopping local and buying fresh produce, especially at the @opfarmersmarket, is always on my weekly to-do list. Finding real ingredients and imagining new recipes is more than a job for me — it's creativity and love all wrapped up in one. #sho
Almost everything on this table was purchased second hand. I love mixing styles and patterns to create a look all my own. The flower-pattern bowl I found years ago and kept for just the right moment. Check out my full blog post at the link in my bio
For years I called myself "Midwest Martha" or "Martha Stewart of the Midwest" because of my fondness for cooking, styling, holidays, florals, renovations ... (you get it). And after a little encouragement from friends, I created m
I’ve been heading out to Weston on a weekly basis to check on all the Midwest Manor progress and wanted to share some of my recent photos. Here you can see the twisted chimney that holds up the house. Rumor has it that many old homes in Weston
Accessible inspiration on offer. Meaning you can do this stuff too! Small moments make a big difference in your day (or someone else’s). #smallmoments #appreciatethesmallthings #midwestlife #momentsoflove