Our Story
Eleanor Hilley attended the University of Mobile from 2010-2014, where she majored in English, and took three and a half years of classical training and leadership skills in music and music business. Having not been able to complete her last semester of college for medical reasons, and therefor not acquiring a degree, she began frantically seeking credibility in journalism through applying to work for other publications in the south-east. She quickly found that a degree was surprisingly not necessary for her field, but experience was, of which she had none.
From there her and Heath Vester, a friend with a love for the south, and a heartache for local artists to have more recognition and appreciation, and began creating a publication that would give both journalists and creative writers opportunity to be published and gain experience working in a publication as well as highlight local artists and entrepreneurs who they felt should have their products and talents heard about. After asking people around Mobile if they thought an artist community for the city was wanted and needed, Eleanor and Heath finally had the motivation required to get to work. One week after creating a page-for a publication that had not even been created yet- and acquiring over 200 followers, they knew this was bigger than the both of them. Editor Christian Mott and Director of Photography Christian Hilley were quickly asked to join the team, and with that, the now team of four began responding to the people who had emailed, asking how to be involved. After months of hard work, the Ant Farm Journal was birthed.
Still today, two and a half years, four interns, six additional teammates and a re-brand later, no teammate has taken a paycheck. Though hopeful to one day be able to do so, this team of creatives has been in it, not for the money, obviously, but because they all hope to see growth, art appreciation, creative jobs, community, and an overall respect for the state of Alabama flourish sooner rather than later.
If you’d like to join our team or partner with us financially, please derive to the contact page and leave us a message. We would be glad to hear from you.
To creating a better future: The Bellum staff.