Nailsby.lauren
After a move from Eugene, Missouri, to Columbia, Lauren Latta decided to open her own nail service business, Nailsby.lauren. For two years, Lauren has been helping freshen up clients’ nails through her unique approach to nail art.
“I have always had a passion for nail art, as well as traditional art like drawing and painting and sculpting,” Lauren explained.
Growing up as a young black girl in a small rural town was not easy for Lauren. She said she made great memories coming to Columbia as a child and looked forward to moving to the community.
Her passion for nail art began with an unpleasant experience at a nail salon when she was 15, and that is what drove her to provide nail services. She now offers alternative 3D nail art, as well as men’s nail enhancement services.
Lauren hopes to bring “confidence through nails” to the community and hopes to grow with the community while giving back to her city.
“[I] would love to make sure that extravagant nails are accessible to everyone in the community who wants them,” Lauren said.
nailsbylaurennn.glossgenius.com | IG: @nailsby.lauren__ | 573-328-0288
Pierpont Farms
Samantha Powell and Bailey Norton became owners of Pierpont Farms when former owner Rob Hemwall decided to sell the farm after more than twenty years of running it. Hemwall cited the financial strains of the COVID pandemic in his decision to sell.
Although the property needed a lot of work, Samantha and Bailey decided to make it their home in March 2024.
“From that day on, it’s hard to explain it other than the universe has been figuring it all out for us,” Samantha explained. “We’re two people with very little, if any, background in country living, farming, et cetera, and here we are doing it.”
Their 177-year-old home sits on fourteen acres along with a 100-year-old barn, high tunnels, and greenhouses. It’s also now home to two dogs (along with additional fosters), two mini-donkeys, three barn cats, five Nigerian Dwarf goats, and sixty birds.
“To say the least, we have been learning a lot over the last year and a half, and I’m confident that we’ll have a lifetime of learning and growth ahead of us,” Samantha added.
The farm’s current offerings include fresh eggs, a photo venue, and wildflowers coming in the spring.
“We hope to bring beauty and genuine joy to the community,” Samantha said. “Whether it’s in colorful farm fresh eggs, a beautiful bouquet of ‘just because’ flowers, or an incredible backdrop for those beloved family photos.”
8810 S. Rt. N | 314-960-5922 | FB: Pierpont Farms | IG: @pierpont_farms
