Graesser’s first journalism job was delivering copies of the Richmond News Leader as a child. She later wrote for the paper after graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1979, as well as for Richmond Suburban Newspapers and the VCU faculty and staff publication, VCU Today. “I have ink in my blood,” she says.

Graesser started Innsbrook Today under James River Publishing Inc. in 1991, when that area was blossoming. Ten years later, Short Pump seemed like the next big thing and Graesser wanted to feature it in Innsbrook Today. The story fell through, but led to discussions with Short Pump Town Center developer Tommy Pruitt, who suggested she start another magazine.

Graesser says Short Pump Life will cover such topics as travel, fashion, cooking, home furnishings and lifestyles of the community, providing a “mirror of the diversity and excitement” that is Short Pump, she says. “We want it to be fun.” — Wayne Melton