HOLISTIC, COMPASSIONATE CARE THAT LEAVES YOU FEELING REFRESHED AND RADIANT.
Botox / Microneedling / Filler / Peels
Lasers / Lash & Brows / Facials
B o o k O n l i n e : S p a L u m i a . c o m
Investing in What Matters
Welcome to our investment issue! At its core, an investment is the act of dedicating time, effort, energy, or resources to something with the expectation of a meaningful return. Investments can take many forms—whether in our community, finances, schools, friendships, hobbies, or even ourselves.
In this issue, we’re excited to introduce you to Danielle Harrison, who turned her childhood dream of becoming a financial planner into a reality—an inspiring example of how passion and persistence can shape our futures. As we know, financial planning isn’t always on the list of dream jobs for young girls, but Danielle has proven it’s a career worth pursuing.
We’re also highlighting the You Have My Heart Gala, an annual fundraiser supporting First Responder Support (FRS). This incredible non-profit organization provides essential assistance to first responders in Boone County, including firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and dispatch workers.
Additionally, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Carmen Sansone, founder of Find-A-Sitter, a service that helps parents find trusted, CPR-certified sitters. Carmen’s mission is to give parents the opportunity to recharge while ensuring their children are well cared for.
While investing in ourselves, relationships, community and finances can look very different from person to person, the effort we put into these areas of our lives is done with the common goal of having a positive impact. As you read this issue we ask that you consider all of the different ways you can make meaningful investments in your own life and in the world around you.
Warmly,
April 2025
PUBLISHER
Leanne Sullivan
leanne.sullivan@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Shea Sullivan
shea.sullivan@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Jennifer Horton
jennifer.horton@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Hannah Moore
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Sarah Jane Photography mail@sjanephotography.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
New Eden Studio, Amy Enderle
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
Leanne & Shea Sullivan COLUMBIA CITY LIFESTYLE PUBLISHERS
Rost Landscaping ROSTLANDSCAPING.COM
The Vue Beauty & Spa THEVUEBEAUTY.COM
C&C Construction CANDCHOMES.COM
Buchroeders Jewelers BRDIAMONDS.COM
Prime IV Hydration and Wellness PRIMEIVHYDRATION.COM
Sarah Jane Photography SJANEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Simmons Bank SIMMONSBANK.COM
BMW of Columbia, Missouri RUSTYDREWING.COM
Mercedes-Benz of Columbia RUSTYDREWING.COM
Lumia Med Spa SPALUMIA.COM/TREATMENTS
Blooms and Wishes BLOOMSANDWISHESFLOWERS.COM
TrueSon Exteriors & Interiors TRUESONEXTERIORS.COM
The Blufftop at Rocheport MISSOURIWINE.COM
Iron Gate Real Estate IGREALESTATE.COM
The Strand Salon & Spa THESTRANDSALONANDSPA.COM
The Tin Roof Monogram & Gift THETINROOFGIFT.COM
Le Bao Asian Eatery LEBAOEATERY.COM
Great Southern Bank GREATSOUTHERNBANK.COM
Find-A-Sitter FINDASITTER.NET
TigerTown Home Improvement TIGERTOWNHOMEIMPROVEMENT.COM
DryBar DRYBAR.COM
The Senior Company THESENIORCO.COM
Bare Aesthetics BAREBEAUTYCOMO.COM
city scene
1 - 7: The True/False Film Festival is an annual event that brings national attention to Columbia. It’s mission is to celebrate the best of international nonfiction. T/F brings together filmmakers, artists, and musicians to create an immersive and communal experience focused on cinema constructed from reality.
TRUE/FALSE
Want to be seen in the magazine? TAG YOUR INSTAGRAM PHOTOS WITH @COLUMBIACITYLIFESTYLE
8 - 11: The True/False Film Festival is an annual event that brings national attention to Columbia. It’s mission is to celebrate the best of international nonfiction. T/F brings together filmmakers, artists, and musicians to create an immersive and communal experience focused on cinema constructed from reality. 12: The Galentine’s Day group at Cooper’s Ridge 13: Gals having fun at the Galentine’s day event at Cooper’s Ridge. 14: Cooper’s Ridge Galentine’s Day event hosted a stunning photo-op backdrop!
TRUE/FALSE FILM FESTIVAL
business monthly
Columbia Public Schools New Superintendent
Columbia Public Schools Chief Academic Officer Jeff Klein will be the next superintendent of CPS, the district announced Thursday. The Columbia School Board will consider formal approval of Klein’s contract at its March 10 regular meeting. Klein will start in the role July 1.
Photography by Columbia Public Schools
Pingeton’s 15-Year Legacy: Mizzou Women’s Basketball Looks Ahead
After 15 seasons, Robin Pingeton has stepped down as head coach of the Missouri women’s basketball team. Her tenure was marked by significant achievements, including four NCAA Tournament appearances. The search for her successor is underway, with candidates like Molly Miller, Beth Cunningham, and Kellie Harper being considered.
The Strand Celebrates 28 Years!
On Friday, February 18, The Strand celebrated its 28th anniversary in Columbia. Owners and business partners Christy Huggans and Mitchell Farris opened The Strand 26 years ago with just two stylists. Now located at 1100 Club Village Drive, the salon serves thousands of loyal clients offering color, cut and style services, as well as a full spa and nail salon and top-tier products curated from around the world.
Photography by The Strand Salon & Spa
Photography by Missouri Women's Basketball
Pictured: Owners Christy Huggans and Mitchell Farris.
Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?
Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction.
Invest in Happiness, Stress Free
Remember those weekend nights when your parents went out for the evening and your favorite sitter came to stay? For some, it’s when you learned how to braid your hair. For others, it’s memories filled with a special snack and getting to stay up a little bit later to finish the movie.
Often kids create authentic bonds with their favorite sitters while their parents can rest assured that their kids are in trusted hands.
It might be challenging for you, as a parent, to justify the time and expense of a night out. But get this, it’s scientifically proven that taking time away from your kiddos (even just once a week) leads to a better feeling of contentment in your daily life. A study done by Brad Wilcox & Jeffrey Dew from the University of Virginia, found a direct link between oneon-one couple time and the quality of a couple’s relationship.* After surveying 2,000 married couples, they found, “Husbands and wives who have frequent date nights were significantly more likely to report being “very
ARTICLE BY HANNAH MOORE PHOTOGRAPHY BY FIND-A-SITTER
happy” in their marriages, compared to those who did not.” So, if you’re looking for some date-night support, nothing beats science!
The next step, of course, is how to find a quality sitter you can trust. One who will bring fun and enrichment to your kids’ lives. This is where I want to introduce you to Carmen Sansone.
While still in high school in St. Louis, Sansone had an idea for a babysitting company, one that would take the guesswork out of finding the right fit for families. With the support of her family and friends, she launched her company, Find-A-Sitter. It’s elegantly simple. All potential sitters must be CPR certified and have previous experience working with and caring for children. They also undergo a thorough interview, background check, and drug test. Each sitter
who gets hired then creates an online profile that potential families can choose from.
“From a personal standpoint, my main goal is to give parents time for themselves. I am one of 10 children in my family, and when I was younger my parents would take at least one date night a week. It was important to them, and their marriage, to take time to themselves, and they never used having 10 kids as an excuse. Growing
up watching them take that night for themselves made me want to give other parents that opportunity as well. And as a bonus, my siblings and I always loved the nights we had sitters! We hope to take the stress out of finding a trusted sitter for parents to find their time as well.” Sansone says.
The best news for Columbia families? Find-A-Sitter is up and active here. Simply go to https://findasitter.net to get started!
* Wilcox, Brad, and Jeffrey Dew. National Marriage Project, 2023. University of Virginia, 2023.
SUPPORTING Those ON THE FRONT LINES
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER HORTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY NEW EDEN STUDIOS
You may have seen some glamorous event photos floating around social media recently. If so, chances are they are from the recent You Have My Heart Gala. The annual event is the signature fundraiser for the non-profit First Responder Support. Each year, guests enjoy a heartfelt celebration complete with a delicious dinner, signature drinks, and live and silent auctions. The most powerful part of the evening is always hearing powerful, personal stories from local first responders.
We recently spoke with Rick Rowden, the FRS Executive Director, and Ashley Minor, owner of Delight Events, who plans the yearly event. We wanted to learn more about what’s behind those party pictures and how they play a crucial role in supporting those who support us.
Q: WHAT IS FIRST RESPONDERS SUPPORT AND WHEN DID IT GET STARTED?
A: Rowden: It’s a non-profit that raises money to directly support first responders in Boone County. Firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and dispatch workers all fall under our umbrella. We’ve been working in Boone County for the past three years.
Q: WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT DOES FRS PROVIDE?
A: Rowden: Our support falls into three basic categories: promote resilience, provide support and relief in times of crisis, and raise awareness. We offer $2500 scholarships to first responders for additional mental health care. What they see every day is unimaginable. How can we expect them to care for us if they don’t care for themselves?
Q: WHAT DOES COMMUNITY EDUCATION SUPPORT LOOK LIKE?
A: Rowden: We’ve done some incredible things in that area. Two years ago we started a program called Shop With a Hero. We
Columbia Police stop to chat with some young citizens.
provided 12 families each with a Wal-Mart gift card just before Christmas. Each family went to that Wal-Mart, shopped with a law enforcement officer, and spent their gift card. The families come from areas where they might not have the most positive relationship with law enforcement. This gives them a chance to interact with these families in a fun, personal way. The best part? Thanks to those who support FRS, last year we gave more than 30 families those gift cards and the opportunity to Shop With a Hero.
Q. THAT’S IMPRESSIVE GROWTH IN A VERY SHORT PERIOD OF TIME–QUITE AN ACHIEVEMENT!
A: Minor: As someone who works alongside FRS, one of the things they do exceptionally well is gain the trust and support of first responders in essential leadership roles. There’s a level of trust they are able to build with the different agency leaders that is vital. When a first responder needs support, their leaders are the first to point them to the FRS resources.
A: Rowden: We’re so thankful for their support. First responders tend to put up a lot of walls because of the kinds of things they experience. The trust we build with their leaders makes a big difference. I know of one first responder who came upon a horrific car accident. As he approached, he could see an arm sticking out the window of the totaled car. He had no idea who the victim was or how bad the injuries were. As he worked to free the victim, he quickly discovered the victim was one of his dear friends and, tragically, did not survive. Those are the kinds of scenarios our first responders face every work day.
If you’re interested in getting involved, visit https:// firstrespondersupport.net
Former Mayor Brian Treece and Mary Hodgson Phillips
Bradley Young, says a few words on behalf of event sponsor Allstate.
Senior year is BIG & we’re here to help make it unforgettable. It can be overwhelming to choose it all so we’re here to design the perfect session with you & think of all the details you haven’t yet. Plus, you’ll set the tone for the year when you join us early as an influencer!
SHE DID IT
Her Way
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER HORTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH JANE SHORTHOSE
Perhaps it’s a bit stereotypical, but ask young girls what they want to do when they grow up and you’ll typically get, “teacher” or “fashion magazine writer” or even “marine biologist” (after all, swimming with dolphins all day can seem like a dream job.) “Financial planner” or “stockbroker” rarely hit the top ten. But as a girl growing up in Versailles, Missouri, that’s precisely what Danielle Harrison dreamed for her future.
“It was always my dream to work as a financial planner and own my own financial planning firm,” says Harrison. “For as long as I can remember, that is what I wanted to do, and I had a plan.”
Her plan included double majoring in economics and business administration at Westminster College and earning her MBA at the University of Missouri. What she had not anticipated, however, was the struggle to gain experience in the “so-called” financial planning industry that aligned with her values. Everything she encountered was centered around commissions and quotas rather than providing true planning, so she set her dreams aside and pursued other interests.
After more than a decade working for various companies in mortgage and commercial lending, facing corporate challenges like mergers and management changes, Harrison decided it was time to start down the road she had paved all those years ago. Not that it was easy.
“I was scared to death,” says Harrison. “I knew it was a big leap going out on my own, especially for a woman in a traditionally man’s world. We were in the middle of the pandemic, I could not work with any of my past clients, and I had a 4-year-old and an 8-month-old. My husband asked me if I’d ever failed at anything I’d tried, already
knowing my answer would be no. ‘So what makes you think this time will be any different?’ he asked.”
With her family behind her, Harrison Financial Planning was born. There were a few things she knew she wanted ingrained into her business that would set it apart. The first, having a fee-only firm, which meant no commissions and no quotas, unlike the majority of financial advising firms. The second, focusing primarily on financial planning and being there for her clients when they were making any financial decisions in their lives, not just assistance with investing. The third? Harrison not only earned her designation as a Certified Financial Planner or CFP(R), but she also became a Certified Financial Therapist, or CFT-I™.
“That doesn’t mean I am a therapist in the traditional sense,” says Harrison.
“What it does mean is that I use therapeutic techniques when necessary with my clients to gain a real understanding of their lives and relationships with money.”
Earning her CFT-I™ enables Harrison to look beyond the charts and tables to create plans that work both financially and emotionally for her clients.
“I’m not interested in making plans that make sense on paper but won’t be implemented because it won’t work in my client’s lives. The planning I do is incredibly tailored to each individual I help.” - Harrison Harrison opened her doors in 2021 and admits that year one was rocky. She signed a couple of clients right away, but then things got quiet. Rather than gaining clients through traditional networking and advertising, she used her
“I’m not interested in making plans that make sense on paper but won’t be implemented because it won’t work in my client’s lives. The planning I do is incredibly tailored to each individual I help.” - Harrison
writing, which takes time to work. Her business coach, who was part of Missouri’s Women’s Business Center, told her that she was doing all the right things and that it would eventually click.
“She was right,” says Harrison. “Month eight hit and things got crazy. Sometimes I felt like I was holding on for dear life.”
Harrison Financial Planning is now in its fifth year, and has clients from as close as Columbia, MO to as far as the East and West Coasts. Looking back, Harrison says owning a business is rarely easy. But it does provide her the autonomy to use her financial and emotional expertise to do her job her way and create a life where she is happy with her ability to be there for both her clients as well as her family. Her young-girl dream became her reality, which sounds like a very happy ending indeed.
ARTICLE BY KRISTY BELLEY
The drink that makes you look forward to TAX DAY
INCOME TAX cocktail
INGREDIENTS:
• 1½ oz. Gin
• ¾ oz. Dry Vermouth
• ¾ oz. Sweet Vermouth
• ¾ oz. Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
• 2 Dashes Angastura Bitters
• Orange Twist
• Glass Type: Coupe
DIRECTIONS:
1. Squeeze your OJ.
2. Add everything to your shaker with ice.
3. Shake.
4. Pour into your coupe.
5. Twist your orange peel again, like you did last summer.
6. Garnish.
7. Enjoy being done with taxes.
8. And a good cocktail.
The Income Tax Cocktail likely popped up during the Prohibition party scene of the 1920s. Its exact origin story remains a bit blurry, but it was definitely a hit in speakeasies. The name? Well, it's like a cheeky nod to the idea that sipping on this cocktail might be more fun than paying actual taxes! Made with gin, sweet vermouth, orange juice, and a dash of bitters, it's like a boozy adventure for your taste buds, with hints of citrus and herbs. Despite its vintage roots, the Income Tax Cocktail still brings the party vibes, transporting you back to the roaring '20s.
is an independent real estate brokerage established in 2019 After nearly 12 years operating as one of the top international franchises, the switch to our own brand allowed us to keep our marketing budgets local-propelling our agent's careers and supporting our community + the small businesses that reside here With every new Iron Gate office that is opened, we strive to stay true to our mission, "National Service. Local Impact.". Through our diverse resources and multiple divisions, we are equipped to service any client on a national scale; never losing sight of our goal of impacting the local community through marketing dollars, events, + our Non-Profit IG|Gives Our clients are consistently treated to the Iron Gate Experience that includes in-house professional photography, 360° virtual tours, drone footage, premium physical and digital marketing materials, + a dependable team of full-time industry experts backing their Agents every step of the way
A n d t h e A w a r d G o e s T o
Each Spring we gather for our Annual Awards Gala to acknowledge the achievements of our incredible real estate agents the previous year.
Help us in recognizing the recipients for top production, camaraderie, community involvement and more in 2024.
J e n n i f e r S t o k e r
A m y D u n c a n
D r e w S e l l s
L a u r i e K e m p k e r
B r i t t a n y T u r e k
S c o t t B u t l e r
K r i s t i J o h n s o n
G l e n d a H a r d i n
D a v e D y k s t r a
M e l i n d a L u c a s
L o r i e F u s s n e r
S a n d y C r a n e
M e l i s s a D a v i s
B i l l P a t t o n
R o b e r t o Q u i r o s
J o n a t h a n H a r g i s
M i k e M c K i m
E l a i n e H e c k e n k a m p
C h r i s t y F r i t s c h i
L a u r a D o o l e y
T e r r y D a v i s
C y n t h i a F i n l e y
D a n a H i n e r m a n
K r i s t i L o c k w o o d
B r u c e Q u i n l a n
L a c y S c o t t
L e x i J o s e
C a s e y A s h
A s h l e y K l e m p k e
T i m D o a n e
G r i f f i n A n d e r s o n
A l l a n S h a r r o c k
A u s t i n S t u a r t
T i m T h o m a s o n
S t e v e n J o h n s o n
J a r e d W o o d
C l a i r e T a y l o r
A u g g i e & A b h i S h a r m a
W a n d a B r e s s m a n
H e a t h R e y n o l d s
J a m i e P a u l e y - T o t h
J i l l i a n H a r t
M a r t h a M c K i m
J o r d a n S a y r e
K a t i e B o d k i n s
K i n d e l P u t n a m
T a m m y W i l l i s
M o r g a n H u l e n
P a m S o c h a & S u e F r a n k l i n
P r e s l e y V a u g h a n
F r e d d y S p e n c e r
T h e K l e m p k e s
D a r l y B u r n s
APRIL 12TH
HBAC Home Show
Northeast Event Center | 12:00 PM
Shop for home-related products and services, experience stunning displays to help inspire your next home project, connect with industry experts, and enjoy informative presentations from renowned local and international home professionals. With hundreds of booths to explore and several unique feature displays to enjoy, this is a valuable event for all homeowners. April 11th 12pm-6pm & April 12th 9am-4pm.
APRIL 19TH
Free Family Easter Egg Hunt
Logboat Brewery | 12:00 PM
Logboat Brewery is hosting a free family Easter Egg Hunt! You'll find egg hunts, food trucks, and festive vibes galore. Three different egg hunt age groups so everyone gets a shot at some goodies! Hop on down for an EGG-cellent Easter egg hunt! It's gonna be a cracking good time!
APRIL 20TH
Easter Brunch Buffet & Mimosa Bar at The Bistro
The A-Frame Winegarden at Les Bourgeois Vineyards | 9:00 AM
Join us for a delicious Easter Brunch Buffet and Mimosa Bar at The Bistro, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
APRIL 24TH
The Pet Gala - Second Chance Celebrates 40 Years
Columbia Country Club 2210 Country Club Dr, Columbia, MO 65201 | 5:30 PM
Join us in celebrating 40 years of rescue at our annual gala! Purchase tickets that include dinner, one signature drink, and a swag bag full of pet related goodies!
APRIL 26TH
Spring Shop Hop in The District
The District - Downtown Columbia | 9:00 AM
The annual Spring Shop Hop arrives on Saturday, April 26th in The District! Find fresh new arrivals, sales, and special offers while enjoying complimentary refreshments. Remember! Parking is FREE in downtown garages for the first hour, after 6pm and all weekend long, so come join the fun!
APRIL 26TH
HBA of Columbia Parade of Homes
Various Columbia Locations | 1:00 PM
Explore premier homes, discover fresh inspiration, and view the latest advancements in home construction at the HBA of Columbia Parade of Homes. This community-driven event highlights distinguished builders and developers, showcasing their newest achievements in cutting-edge communities.
The event runs Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more details and tickets, visit the HBA website.
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