Style + Beauty

Poised. Driven. Missouri Proud

A Golden Girl’s journey from Missouri to the Miss USA stage Article by Shea Sullivan Winning the Miss Missouri USA title marked a moment Shae Smith had worked toward for years. Stepping into the role meant more than wearing a crown. It meant representing her home state on one of the biggest stages in pageantry. “The moments after crowning with my family stand out the most,” Shae says. “My mom has been my biggest supporter throughout pageants, and it felt like a win for both of us.” Sharing...

Life + Culture

From Pasture to Plate

How Sullivan Farms is feeding families today while shaping a lasting local food tradition Article by Shea Sullivan | Photography by Sullivan Farms The story of Sullivan Farms began with a simple question Brittany Sullivan asked herself after welcoming her daughter, Kay. What was she feeding her family, and where was that food coming from? At the same time, her husband Bill was deeply connected to the land, the soil, and the idea of working alongside nature rather than against it. Together...

Health + Wellness

Strength Made Simple

Real strength results with private, personalized training sessions. Article by Shea Sullivan | Photography by Sarah Jane Photography At The Exercise Coach, the philosophy is simple: muscle quality matters more than movement quantity. For owner and personal trainer Jeff Walker , that approach isn’t just a slogan—it’s the driving force behind why he brought this research-backed system to Columbia. As many Columbia residents reevaluate their health routines in the new year, The Exercise Coach...

Health + Wellness

Hydration Therapy Designed for You

Nurse-guided IV treatments that improve immunity, boost energy, support recovery, and elevate everyday health Article by Shea Sullivan The first thing most clients notice at Prime IV Hydration & Wellness isn’t the science—it’s the serenity. Soft lighting, quiet music, and zero-gravity massage chairs create an atmosphere that feels more like a high-end spa than a medical clinic. Warm neck pillows, cozy blankets, and optional oxygen therapy set the tone for what many describe as “a one-hour...

Health + Wellness

A Safe Space for Healing, Growth, and Connection

Personalized therapy helping clients navigate life’s challenges with confidence. Article by Shea Sullivan | Photography by Sarah Jane Photography Most people don’t start therapy because everything in their life is falling apart. They come because—privately—they feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or alone. At Better Together Mental Health, those feelings aren’t brushed aside. They’re welcomed and met with care. Founder Beth Orns created Better Together with one intention: to build a place where...

Health + Wellness

The OHM Effect

A fast 25-minute EMS workout where the suit is your gym, delivering strength and mobility. Article by Shea Sullivan | Photography by Sarah Jane Photography Just over a year after opening, OHM Fitness has become one of Columbia’s most unique and effective wellness studios. With 25-minute classes that deliver full-body results, OHM has tapped into what so many people want today—a fitness routine that feels doable, sustainable, and genuinely effective. For anyone new to the concept, EMS stands...

Life + Culture

Five Years, A Stronger Stover's

How a devastating fire, unwavering resilience, and community support helped Stover’s rebuild, evolve, and thrive five years after unimaginable loss. Article by Shea Sullivan Five years ago, a quiet January morning changed everything for Stover’s Flooring & Drapery. What began as a simple text alerting the team to “a fire at the store” quickly became a scene no one could have prepared for. By the time staff reached Clark Lane, smoke was already billowing over the building—a sight that made the...

Shopping

Holiday Gift Guide: Thoughtful Local Finds

Unique holiday finds from the small businesses we love. Article by Shea Sullivan Shopping locally during the holidays is meaningful— it feels more personal, more intentional, and way more fun. Around Columbia, December is filled with those moments — the kind you feel when you walk into a small business, are greeted by name, discover something you’ve never seen before, and know you’re supporting a real person, not a warehouse.The search becomes part of the memory — coffee in hand, bouncing...

Event Planning + Services

Luxury Holiday Hosting on The Blufftop

A beautiful place to gather, enjoy good wine, and make the most of the holiday season Article by Shea Sullivan | Photography by Sarah Jane Photography There’s something special about celebrating the holidays at The Blufftop Bistro. High above the river, the setting already feels memorable before the glasses are even poured. Evergreen garlands, candlelight, and winter sunsets make it feel instantly cozy and festive—whether it’s a corporate holiday dinner, a family celebration, or a night out...

Fitness

Elevate Your Fitness Ritual

Infrared training designed for busy, everyday lifestyles—making strength, recovery, and wellness more accessible, efficient, and realistic for real life schedules. Article by Shea Sullivan | Photography by Sarah Jane Photography HOTWORX brings an elevated, science-forward approach to fitness—pairing infrared heat, intentional movement, and time-efficient sessions designed to help members feel stronger, recover faster, and train smarter. What began as a personal wellness transformation for...