Get In Touch

Full Name(Required)

Email(Required)

Phone

Message(Required)

We are international brand experts empowering community connection by living the experience, not just observing it. We believe in building grounded, accessible and connected partnerships.

Grab a coffee with Thomas

Grab a wine with MK

See what we're up to

727.266.6188

Our Work Waves of Change Expertise Leadership Our Story Contact

We don't bite — unless you're a Pizza.

Mary Kay Dwyer

Founder / Creative Director / CCO (Chief Cat Officer)

Mary Kay Dwyer is a designer, creative director, and firm believer in the power of why not. With over 20 years of experience leading branding work at some of New York City’s top agencies, she’s shaped brands across industries, continents, and client types—from scrappy startups to global giants like Unilever, AB InBev, and Mars Petcare.

But after more than a decade in the fast lane, Mary Kay decided it was time to take a leap of faith. She quit her job, got married, traveled the world, moved to a new city, and started Stevie & Fern—all in one year. Fueled by intuition, drive, and one heck of a work ethic, she now helps businesses build bold, beautiful brands that are as purposeful as they are unforgettable.

Mary Kay’s creative leadership blends sharp instincts with clarity and a deep respect for the messy middle of the process. Her gift? Translating big ambition into sharp, sensory brand experiences that connect on a human level.

She’s allergic to the word no, fueled by possibility, and forever inspired by plants, patterns, and furry ground mammals. When she’s not crafting campaigns or fine-tuning logos, you’ll probably find her elbows-deep in a garden, working pasta dough, or hosting a pool party at someone else’s house.

Alongside Thomas, Mary Kay also co-owns the Black Birch and White Willow, two design-forward mountain cabins in North Georgia crafted for guests to rest, play, and explore their creative edges. Each space is a curated experience—part escape, part inspiration station.

She believes in magic. In meaningful work. And that there’s no reason your wildest idea can’t become your next great reality.

Thomas Paterek

Founder / Strategy Director / CDO (Chief Dog Officer)

Thomas Paterek is a strategist, creative thinker, and full-time community instigator. As a founder of Stevie & Fern, he’s on a mission to fuse big-brand thinking with heart—and prove that great design and grounded strategy can change not just businesses, but communities.

With over 15 years of experience across global agencies and grassroots initiatives, Thomas has helped brands from PepsiCo to Porsche unlock what makes them unforgettable. He grew up in his fathers vintage Porsche restoration garage, launched his career with the duPont Registry, and went on to secure international accounts at bluemarlin in Brooklyn, where he supported developed branding initiatives for companies like AB InBev, Nestlé, Tsingtao, and more. But his proudest work? Helping purpose-driven organizations tell stories that stick and building brands that stand for something.

A Tampa Bay Business Observer 40 Under 40 honoree and Surfrider Foundation’s Wavemaker of the Year, Thomas brings an equal mix of head and heart to every project. Whether he’s leading a nonprofit rebrand, spearheading community cleanups, or ideating over stone crabs, he shows up with curiosity, honesty, and a ridiculous amount of questions.

Outside of S&F, Thomas channels his energy into local and global impact work. He serves as:

Board Member of the Surfrider Foundation
Project Director, SYRV (clean water access in Nicaragua)
President, Crescent Heights Neighborhood Association
Big Brother, Big Brothers Big Sisters

He and Mary Kay are also the co-owners of Black Birch and White Willow—two mountain cabin rentals in North Georgia designed to awaken play, rest, and a sense of childhood wonder. With unique experiences tucked around every corner, the cabins are a living brand extension built for creative escape.

A lover of adrenaline and humanistic inquiry, Thomas has trekked mountains, surfed world famous waves, and shared countless meals across cultures. His belief? ‘In our willingness to give that which we seek, we keep the abundance of the universe circulating in our lives.’