1.True Blewe Yarns and More

Linda Glover has been knitting for 55 years and has brought her love for knitting to this knitting supply store. True Blewe Yarns provides friendly and knowledgeable service to the citizens of Columbia. Customers can find high-quality yarns, fibers, needles and knitting accessories at the store. People can learn how to knit anything from a dishrag to a lace shawl in one of the classes provided by the store at a charge of $20. True Blewe Yarns is located at 1400 Forum Blvd., Suite 10.

Proprietor: Linda Glover

Contact: 573-443-8233

2.Nash Vegas

The new bar in downtown Columbia is bringing country to The District. Nash Vegas opened March 12 at 929 E. Broadway to fill the void of missing country bars in downtown Columbia. Justin Conrad, the owner of Nash Vegas, provides customers with a real honky-tonk atmosphere, hosting country bands and providing a space where the older citizens of Columbia can mix in with the younger crowd. Nash Vegas has a $5 cover charge on weekends and offers competitive prices on beer and alcoholic beverages. Large groups can rent out the lodge or the party room for events, with price depending on the size of the group.

Proprietor: Justin Conrad

Contact: nashvegasbar@gmail.com

3.Back Space

The beginning of March brought an exciting addition to the therapeutic massage business in Columbia. Christopher Scheifer has brought a lineup of different massage treatments to 1905 Cherry Hill Drive. Scheifer emphasizes the idea that each massage should be tailored to the individual needs of the customer and will offer deep tissue, hot stone and aromatherapy massages. Treatment times can range anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours, with a 30-minute massage priced at $45. All first-time customers are treated to Scheifer’s year-round special of 25 percent off the cost of their first visit.

Proprietor: Christopher Scheifer

Contact: 573-639-0992 (website for online scheduler)

4.Penrose Uptown

Richard Penrose has worked at 315 Eighth St. for the past 13 years. After his boss retired, Penrose jumped at the opportunity to reopen the building as his own hair salon. Penrose studied at Vidal Sassoon, where he became interested in natural treatments for hair, which he plans to bring to the salon. The salon will have an emphasis on providing customers what they need specifically for their hair care. Because everyone has different hair, Penrose aims to provide customizable hair care for his clients.

Proprietor: Richard Penrose

Contact: 573-673-7345

5.Muse Clothing

The new boutique at 22 S. Ninth St. is bringing an alternative, fresh style to The District that offers customers something between the high end and low end of fashion. Nickie Davis aims to bring smaller brand names to Columbia, with a majority of the brands made in the United States. One company, Groceries, is based in California and is a 100 percent green brand, using natural dyes and cottons for its clothes. Davis emphasizes an open, fun atmosphere and aspires for Muse Clothing to be the place downtown that people want to come.

Proprietor: Nickie Davis

Contact: 573-222-0687

6.Dream Catchers Studio

Dream Catchers Studio is the fastest-growing photography company in the Midwest. With two main locations, a third location on the way and a traveling division that covers eight states, Dream Catchers Studio provides quality photography that is affordable. The price range for a photography package can land anywhere between $30 and $400. The studio emphasizes quality customer service and ensures that photographers are professional in every way. Dream Catchers Studio can be found inside the Columbia Mall at 2300 Bernadette Drive.

Proprietors: Sean Michael, Anthony Keefe, Craig Bernadet, Konstatin Beylin

Contact: 573-418-1777