Gemini Confidence Collective   

Dedicated to empowering women and non-binary individuals, and inspiring self-love through the art of boudoir photography and beyond, co-owners Danielle Worthington (of Boudoir by Danielle) and Billie Stock-Johnson (of Boudoir by Billie) celebrate individual beauty, fostering confidence, and creating a courageous space for self-expression at their studio in the Crossroads Plaza. 

“We all deserve a place where we can freely and unapologetically be ourselves,” the owners said. “Gemini Confidence Collective is known as a safe space and a shared community haven where every body is welcomed and appreciated.”  

In addition to body-positive boudoir photography, Gemini Confidence Collective serves as a confidence-building community through studio and locally based events. It plans to open for hourly rentals soon, offering a peaceful spot for groups to meet and local photographers who need an indoor space.  

“Our studio is dedicated to creating opportunities for collaboration and engagement, fostering connections among community members who share a commitment to celebrating diversity and promoting empowerment,” Worthington said.

Gemini Confidence Collective is currently open for booking into 2025, though spots are quickly filling. Those interested in booking a session can visit the website to discuss studio availability with Billie or Danielle. News about upcoming events will be announced on their Instagram, @GeminiConfidenceCollective.

2101 W Broadway #208  |  geminiconfidencecollective.my.canva.site/hi  

Spice Cat  

Spice Cat is undeniably a hot business to keep on your radar. Owned by avid Columbia foodie Jamie Shepherd, Spice Cat offers a range of plant-based hot sauces of varying flavors — and spice levels. With seven unique sauces, including four traditional hot sauces and three gourmet options, there’s a sauce to satisfy every palate.   

When asked why she decided to open her business, Shepherd said, “The best restaurants always say, ‘The secret is in the sauce.’” Having successfully owned restaurants around Jefferson City for ten years, including two Quiznos franchises and Shep’s Southside, which crafted all its sauces in-house, Shepherd brings a wealth of culinary expertise to Spice Cat.   

She is also working on forming a company that will make it easier for local mom-and-pop restaurants, food trucks, and retailers to have their own branded sauces. Through this new venture, chefs can focus on creating new flavors while the business handles bottling, branding, and marketing their sauces online and in brick-and-mortar locations.  

While Spice Cat currently operates as an e-commerce business as of April 2024, it will soon join the rapidly growing Sharp End Shops on Walnut Street in downtown Columbia. In the meantime, customers can conveniently place all orders through Spice Cat’s website.  

573-340-9190  |  info@spice-cat.com  |  spice-cat.com