HOLISTIC, COMPASSIONATE CARE THAT LEAVES YOU FEELING REFRESHED AND RADIANT.
Botox / Microneedling / Filler / Peels
Lasers / Lash & Brows / Facials
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effor tless and efficient So you can focus on the moments that matter most
Living Well
There’s something about the start of a new year that is so refreshing. It’s a chance to hit reset, clear the slate and look ahead to all new possibilities.
In this issue, we are excited to share about healthy living with our local favorites. Whether you’re a seasoned fitness enthusiast or just starting on your health journey, this issue is packed with inspiration to help you feel your best in 2025.
One exciting new addition to Columbia’s fitness scene is OHM Fitness, which we’re thrilled to feature on this month’s cover. It’s always a treat to discover new ways to stay active and energized, and we can’t wait for you to see what sets OHM Fitness apart and why it’s such a game-changing concept for Columbia.
We’re also introducing a Week of Wellness, a curated guide to help you explore wellness options around town. From rejuvenation at Lumia Med Spa to hydration therapy at Prime IV Hydration & Wellness, or sweating it out at HOTWORX, there’s something for everyone. Discover the restorative benefits of Element Cryotherapy & Wellness or find your flow with Lotus Hot Yoga—all perfect ways to kick-start your health goals for the new year.
As you flip through this issue, we hope you feel inspired to take on 2025 with optimism, determination, and a focus on your well-being. Let’s embrace the opportunities ahead and make this year one of connection, self-care, and thriving together.
Here’s to your health and happiness!
LEANNE AND SHEA SULLIVAN , PUBLISHER AND PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
@COLUMBIACITYLIFESTYLE
January 2025
PUBLISHER
Leanne Sullivan | leanne.sullivan@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Shea Sullivan | shea.sullivan@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Jordan Durham | jordan.durham@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Sarah Jane Shorthose | sarahjanephotos@gmail.com
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
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
1-2: On Friday, Nov. 1 at The Atrium on Tenth, Eclipse Catering and Events, as well as the University of Missouri Hospitality Management Capstone students, presented Murder at the Speakeasy. The event hosted 125 guests who were immersed in an engaging and interactive performance by the Jest Murder Mystery Company and included a three-course meal along with complimentary champagne. 3-4: Iron Gate Real Estate held its annual Trivia Night presented by Monarch Title Co. The trivia night raised $1,000 benefitting Job Point. Job Point specializes in preparing individuals to enter the workforce while meeting a critical need in the business community through job placement assistance. 5-7: The American Heart Association—Missouri hosted this year’s Go Red for Women Evening in Red, featuring a silent auction, diva lounge, dinner, educational panel, live auction and more. The event focused on connection and engagement, providing attendees with a night of experiences and education and to assist in improving their overall health and well-being.
8-14: Columbia
hosted its Launch Party at The Bistro at Les Bourgeois Vineyards on Wednesday, Nov. 20. The event brought local business owners and entrepreneurs from around Columbia and included food, wine and raffle gift baskets.
City Lifestyle
business monthly
Women Who Own It Awards 2024
The Women Who Own It Awards honored eight female entrepreneurs throughout the mid-Missouri community on Friday, Nov. 1. The awards are presented to women and their businesses that demonstrate talent, leadership, and a commitment to their local community. This year's awards went to the following businesses: The Cookie Club, SOA Architecture, Beks, A Place to Grow, Boonslick Area Connection Exchange, Beckett's, Flowers on Phoenix, Grow with Lo Marketing LLC, and 404 Marketing Agency.
TrueSon Exteriors and Interiors Celebrates 15th Anniversary
TrueSon Exteriors and Interiors celebrates the 15th anniversary of its thriving business on Jan. 6. From the beginning, TrueSon has dedicated itself to placing customers first. The highest-quality remodels come with the satisfaction of knowing customers are along for the journey every step of the way.
8th Annual Progress Awards
On Tuesday, Nov. 19, the community gathered at The Blue Note for the eighth annual Progress Awards, honoring individuals and businesses that have made significant contributions to their community. The winners were Christine Woods—Progress in Health Care; Tory Kassabaum—Progress in Social Justice; Mary Sandbothe—Progress in the Arts; Reentry Opportunity Center—Progress in Community Nonprofit; Leah Christian—Progress in Sustainability; Carolyn Sullivan—Progress in Entrepreneurship; Doug Hunt— Progress in Volunteerism; Mel Constantine Miseo—Progress in Education; and Jerrell Jackson, who won the Sherman Brown Jr. Award.
THE SUIT IS Your Gym
OHM FITNESS REVOLUTIONIZES FUNCTIONAL FITNESS
ARTICLE BY JORDAN DURHAM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH JANE SHORTHOSE
Based on years of research, the benefits and technology behind electro-muscle stimulation are well-known and certainly not new; however placing EMS in a suit without wires and in a group fitness setting transforms the technology to benefit everyone.
At OHM Fitness, the motto “the suit is your gym” is reality when you change into the emPower EMS bodysuit and
exercise during a 25-minute workout. You choose the workout class that fits you best from Strong Vibrations—a whole-body, strength-focused class; Sculpt & Sweat—a low-impact focused class with a moderate-to high-tempo; and Stretch and Flow—a class that introduces yoga and focuses on recovery and mobility.
“What I’m seeing is when people come in they don’t know what to expect. They’re like, ‘What is this?’” says Tracy Barnes, owner of OHM Fitness in Columbia. “Then, once they see the results so quickly, they’re bringing people in … it’s just so different than another workout place.”
Beginning each class, everyone’s suit starts at a baseline pulse that feels like a gentle buzz on the body. With 20 elector-pulse pads throughout the suit, it works 90% of the body’s major muscles, more than a single gym session. Because of this, a 25-minute class is equivalent of a threehour workout. The instructor controls the strength of the electro-pulses on a tablet that can target each muscle area individually. With only a maximum of 10 people in each class, it’s easy for them to adjust everyone’s preferences as needed.
lot of elderly people coming in here; we also get a lot of people who want to push themselves in here as well.”
Barnes found OHM Fitness while staying in Arizona. In terms of bringing this to the Columbia community, she says, “I’m excited because of how I found it. I practically just tripped over the doorstep. And seeing the results that my friends and people I know are getting, and people I don’t know that are starting to come in. I’m really excited for people.”
“We try to meet people where they’re at.”
Instructors help guide you through the movements in the classes while guided movements are also shown on TV screens around the studio. As you’re on your individual mat with two- and fivepound weights and a resistance band in front, you are able to add more muscle training to your workout if desired. Individuals of all ages and abilities attend the classes in Columbia. From those looking to build muscle to individuals wanting a treatment against muscle atrophy.
“We try to meet people where they’re at,” says Tristan Perez, general manager of OHM. “We get a
OHM adds in two other elements to assist in your workout and wellness journey. The studio has a red light therapy room where you can integrate the therapy before or after your workout. This helps with muscle and ligament recovery, tightening of your skin and promoting cell production. All of which are important during your workout journey. It does this by stimulating mitochondrial function in your cells and producing ATP, which our cells use for energy. The second tool OHM uses is the Styku body scanning technology. The scan gives individuals a 3D model of their body and a percentage of body fat. This is done with advance technology that many basic scales aren’t able to produce. Individuals are then able to see their progress from different angles and over their entire body.
The comprehensive technology used at OHM takes individuals to a new level of health and fitness unlike any other studio in Columbia. In addition to this, Perez believes the results and community are what will make people keep coming back for more.
“When we get a big group of people in here, it’s a good time. Everybody has a smile on their face the whole time. Unlike some group fitness places, you’re not comparing yourself to anybody else.”
ARTICLE BY JORDAN DURHAM | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ELEMENT WELLNESS & CRYOTHERAPY, LOTUS HOT YOGA, LUMIA MED SPA, AND HOTWORX FITNESS.
A Week of Wellness
Try These Five Rising Health and Wellness Trends in 2025
The new year is a time for self-nurturing and reflection, which often includes reassessing, starting or changing your health and well-being objectives. To help, we’ve compiled a list of exceptional options suited to help you meet your wellness goals, no matter where you find yourself on this journey. Here, we focus on businesses and their owners who help create and nurture positive well-being in our community and create non-judgmental, safe spaces for every individual. Here’s to health!
MONDAY — LUMIA MED SPA
Starting off your week begins in a space full of empowerment, self-confidence and care. Lumia Med Spa offers aesthetic and wellness treatments, such as wrinkle relaxers, facials, dermal fillers, microneedling, laser treatments and more, and looks to create a community that lets inner beauty shine through.
“Lumia is a safe space for any and all to communicate their goals and vulnerabilities, improve their knowledge and understanding of aesthetic treatments, and allow our team to lend their talents toward what we do best,” says Dr. Austyn P. Belle Isle, DNAP, CRNA, APRN, owner and aesthetics provider at Lumia Med Spa. “We are a solution-focused practice dedicated to delivering confidence and self-assuredness to our beautiful clients.”
As January is a time when many individuals look for self-change, Dr. Belle Isle strives to assist all individuals who come into the spa through education and understanding their goals and hopes for their custom treatments.
“I think the biggest needs in this industry are honesty and transparency,” Dr. Belle Isle says. “The unfortunate reality is that many marketing tactics in this industry are designed to prey upon fear and insecurity to sway the consumer toward or away from a particular option. I believe in a spirit of hope over fear, I believe in facts, and I believe in taking care of people first and foremost.”
Whether you are looking to feel pampered with a facial or looking to smooth wrinkles, Lumia will honor you as an individual. Plus with three children, Dr. Belle Isle knows the importance of taking me-time and fills her wellness cup by going to businesses such as DryBar, Focus on Health, and Gloss CoMo.
“I’ve learned many times through the years that pushing myself over the limit doesn’t serve the people I love, and I want to be my best,” she says. “Most importantly, I surround myself with genuine, honest, loving people who understand me and see my heart— we have an amazing community in Columbia, and I am proud to call it home!”
With precision and care, Lumia Med Spa is a great place to begin your week and fill your own cup.
CONTINUED >
“Remember, fitness is a lifelong commitment, not a destination— enjoy the journey.”
— Vickie Leslie, co-owner of HOTWORX
TUESDAY — HOTWORX
Exercise is a great way to continue a health and wellness journey. If you want to try something new or haven’t found your favorite workout, HOTWORX is the perfect place to give a new workout a go!
Combining exercise with infrared light and heat, the studio focuses on efficient and effective fitness. The workouts center on 30-minute isometric and 15-minute high-intensity interval training sessions, along with the functional exercise zone. Classes for isometric sessions include hot barre, yoga, band workouts and more; HIIT classes include cycling, rowing, and strengthening of the entire body. Another perk is the semi-private studios. With a maximum of three individuals per room, you are able to enjoy a small-group workout without the fear of judgement.
“Our members love having 24/7 access to a semi-private workout environment, along with a variety of options to achieve their fitness goals at HOTWORX,” says Vickie Leslie, who is the co-owner of HOTWORX along with her husband, Chad Leslie. What they value most, however, is the supportive community we’ve cultivated—where members of all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels inspire and uplift one another to reach and exceed their goals.”
The Leslie’s own the Columbia studio in addition to another HOTWORX location in Overland Park, Kansas. Vickie first experienced and became passionate about the infrared benefits when she found and attended a studio in Olathe, Kansas. She found immediate asthma relief, improved cognitive function and enhanced skin complexion. Chad takes full advantage of everything a HOTWORX studio has to offer, including isometric sessions, high-intensity interval training, and the FX Zone. This well-rounded approach not only builds a strong fitness foundation but also keeps workouts engaging and motivating.
Along with the benefits of the studio, they also enjoy the numerous benefits of Columbia’s trail system and community. When it comes to total and holistic health, they keep in mind a quote from the Dalai Lama, “The goal is not about being better than the other man, but your previous self.”
“When navigating change, it’s important to set realistic expectations and understand that progress takes time,” Vickie says. “Break down your larger goals into attainable milestones, stay consistent, and embrace the process. Remember, fitness is a lifelong commitment, not a destination— enjoy the journey.”
CONTINUED >
WEDNESDAY — PRIME IV HYDRATION & WELLNESS
After a workout, it’s important to rehydrate and replenish with vital vitamins and nutrients crucial for your body. Prime IV Hydration & Wellness allows you to assist your body through pre- and post-workout sessions with numerous therapy offerings. Along with helping your body with active recovery, the business also provides services for those struggling with illness, fatigue, memory and focus issues, sleep changes, and appetite.
“We provide acute care services in a spa setting, and that is the goal that we have,” says Michelle Nolph, co-owner of Prime IV Hydration & Wellness and a nurse practitioner with over 25 years of experience. “We want the best customer service. We want people to feel like, ‘I cannot wait to get back there,’ because they want to get in that chair. They feel so good.”
Nolph and her co-owner and friend, Michelle Bruemmer, who is a nurse with over 30 years of experience, work to make their business a place where individuals can come and “vacation for an hour.” The day the two met, Bruemmer suggested starting an IV business. Initially, Nolph said it would be too difficult, but ultimately everything fell into place. Plus, both were tired of working within a broken healthcare system where they felt as though they were merely putting band-aids on more serious issues.
Individuals begin with a nurse consultation to discuss desired outcomes from treatment and their options, while receiving necessary treatment education. IVs and injections range from treatments for altitude sickness, immunity, migraines, and hormone replacement, to increased taurine, biotin, vitamins C and D, along with a multitude of others. For Members, treatment also comes with spending their treatment time in a VIP, low-lit room and laying in a comfortable, zero-gravity massage chair.
“I tell so many people, ‘Why do you want to wait to get sick? Don’t wait to get sick,’” Bruemmer says. “As we age, our cells are dying, so this is really wellness at a cellular level.”
Prevention of illnesses and infections is what they were taught from their first day of nursing school, and this is what they want others to start or continue to practice as well.
“That’s really the goal, we want to have a location where people can have access to the wellness services that they’re looking for and had to find states away or maybe in other countries, for that matter, before now,” Nolph says. “And so just continuing to do what we do, and continuing to add service lines so that we can broaden what people might come here to achieve.”
THURSDAY — ELEMENT WELLNESS & CRYOTHERAPY
If you’re looking to go a bit colder than the winter weather outside provides, give Element Wellness & Cryotherapy a try. The business offers services such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, an infrared sauna, cryotherapy, cryofacials and more. Cryotherapy, that is full body or localized, decreases inflammation and pain relief, improves mobility and mood, along with numerous other benefits. Owners Matt and Claire Taylor know the benefits of cryotherapy intimately due to a health diagnosis that sent them searching for symptom management.
“After my wife Claire was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, I sought ways to support her well-being and discovered research reflecting the benefits of cryotherapy for managing MS symptoms,” says Matt. “I was intrigued by its reported ability to reduce inflammation and improve brain cognition, so I continued to research it further. The journey inspired us to establish a wellness business, driven by the passion for offering others access to
innovative solutions that promote health and longevity in Columbia.”
The cold therapies use dry, sub-zero air onto the body in a safe and effective way. More and more, Element and their wellness treatments are being recommended by local physicians. The business has also seen numerous high school and University of Missouri athletes.
“The wellness industry in Columbia is poised for transformative growth as more people seek holistic approaches to health and well-being,” Matt says. “Our business is leading the way as the first of its kind in the area, offering innovative treatments that blend cutting-edge holistic therapies with medical oversight from our experienced medical director. The rapid growth and expansion of our services reflect the community’s enthusiasm for alternatives to traditional healthcare, positioning us as a cornerstone in Columbia’s evolving wellness landscape. We are committed to continuing this momentum by introducing even more advanced treatments to meet the growing demand for comprehensive, integrative care.”
CONTINUED >
“Yoga is SO much more than stretching. Yoga is for any and all.” — Brandy Turner, owner of Lotus Hot Yoga.
FRIDAY — LOTUS HOT YOGA
A small and relaxing environment for an end-of-week workout is exactly the key to feeling rejuvenated for the weekend. Lotus Hot Yoga provides exactly that, according to Brandy Turner, owner and instructor of Lotus, who opened the boutique-style studio with her husband three years ago. As yoga was the catalyst for how the two met, it made sense for them to spread their passion. “From there, sharing a love for this practice, and a desire to offer something different to our yoga community, Lotus Hot Yoga was born.”
The studio offers hot yoga classes, including 45- and 60-minute sequences, as well as non-heated classes, such as their 60-minute Gentle Flow and Reset and Restore classes and 75-minute Yin and Slow Flow classes. With multiple instructors to choose from, options exist for every individual who is curious or looking to join a yoga community.
And as the wellness industry continues to grow in Columbia, many more options and opportunities are being provided for those looking for change and its benefits.
“Each year, we see more and more attention being focused on wellness as a whole. Yoga is an industry that has for sure seen the benefits of that attention,” Turner says. “Columbia has a number of yoga studios now, and a lot of other new businesses focusing on, and working together, for our community wellness.”
Fortunately, Lotus is a studio where individuals are able to work on themselves physically, as well as mentally and emotionally. Turner knows that oftentimes making change for yourself, no matter the time of year, is simply showing up, even if it’s scary or intimidating.
“It’s scary to walk into a new place, to try something new. We always encourage those interested in trying yoga, or trying a heated class for the first time, to simply find a class time that works for you and show up.”
By simply taking an hour to yourself at Lotus, you can encounter a wellness opportunity you didn’t know could change your entire day.
“Yoga is SO much more than stretching. Yoga is for any and all.”
MIXING HEALTH AND FLAVOR
A Delicious Mocktail to Savor Without the Alcohol.
ARTICLE
BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
ROSEMARY PEAR MOCKTAIL
INGREDIENTS
ROSEMARY SIMPLE SYRUP
• 1 cup cane sugar
• 1 cup water
• 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary ROSEMARY PEAR MOCKTAIL
• 5 tablespoons pear juice
• 1 tablespoon rosemary simple syrup
• 1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice
• Sparkling water to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
HOW TO MAKE ROSEMARY SIMPLE SYRUP
Combine sugar and water in a pot and cook over medium heat. Cook until sugar is completely dissolved. Turn off heat and toss in rosemary sprigs. Cool completely.
HOW TO MAKE ROSEMARY PEAR MOCKTAIL
Pour pear juice, rosemary simple syrup, lemon juice, and sparkling water into a glass. Add ice and garnish if desired.
F e a t u r e d L i s t i n g s
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
End-of-Year Financial Planning
Some buyers may want to make a purchase before the year ends to take advantage of tax deductions on mortgage interest, property taxes, or closing costs for that tax year.
Serious Buyers
Winter buyers tend to be highly motivated. They may have pressing reasons to move, such as job relocations, changes in family circumstances, or taking advantage of year-end tax breaks. These buyers are less likely to waste time browsing and more likely to make serious offers.
Less Competition
Fewer homes are on the market during the winter, which means your property has a better chance to stand out to buyers. With less inventory, buyers may be more motivated to act quickly and make competitive offers.
Quicker Transactions
Real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and title companies often have lighter workloads in winter, which can lead to faster closings. Buyers also may be motivated to finalize deals quickly to move in before the holidays or year-end deadlines.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JANUARY 3RD
The Tasting Room: After Dark
The Tasting Room — Les Bourgeois Vineyards | 6:00 PM
Enjoy everything from indie, oldies and fun music from numerous musicians throughout the month of January starting with Ty Toomsen on Jan. 3 at The Tasting Room at Les Bourgeois Vineyards. On Jan. 10, 17, and 24, come and listen to Noah Earle, Hardy But Hardly, and Bumblebee, respectively.
JANUARY 3RD
First Friday
North Village Arts District | 6:00 PM
Ring in the new year at 2025's first First Friday, a free art crawl where approximately 30 shops, businesses and galleries open their doors with music, food, drinks, children's activities and more.
JANUARY 12TH
CoMo Cooks Culinary Carnival
CoMo Cooks Shared Kitchen | 2:00 PM
Explore the diverse culinary creations at the CoMo Cooks Culinary Carnival! The carnival will include six stations where you can learn different culinary techniques and recipes. The recipes include s'mores cheeseballs with Back 2 Basics Cooking, cookie decorating with TS Sweets, Southern-style biscuit making with the Biscuit Center, salsa chopping with MJs Feast, empanadas with Amore e Gusto, and Swahili chicken pilau from Abbey's Swahili Delights.
JANUARY 25TH
Columbia, MO Comic & Toy Show
Columbia Mall | 11:00 AM
Come out to Columbia Mall and celebrate all things pop culture! From numerous vendors and vintage video games to art and cosplay, this family-friendly event will bring back memories for all ages.
JANUARY 25TH
Pajama Jam — The Return
Stoney Creek Hotel | 3:00 PM
Pampering, shopping, food, fun and more await women in mid-Missouri during Pajama Jam — The Return! Join the biggest slumber party at Stoney Creek Hotel and meet new friends while enjoying events, including dancing, karaoke and other entertainment.
JANUARY 28TH
Girls Night Out Series — Sky Zone
Sky Zone Trampoline Park | 6:30 PM
Jump and join other local women at this Girls Night Out Pop-Up Series at Sky Zone, leading up to the Heart of Missouri Women's Show on March 7-8, located at Columbia Mall. Tickets are $15 and include a jump pass, socks and treats.
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