Columbia, MO February 2026

Real Estate Leadership in Mid‑Missouri

North Star Real Estate is a locally owned boutique brokerage serving Mid-Missouri, led by Billy Dexheimer - 2025 Board of REALTORS ® President - and Adam Curtis - 2025 REALTOR® of the Year.

With deep local knowledge and a trusted team of agents, we offer honest advice, strong negotiation, and steady support through every step of the process.

Whether you’re buying your first home, selling your fifth, or just figuring out what’s next, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.

Love Local

February is a month centered on love, connection, and appreciation, making it the perfect time to celebrate the people and businesses that make Columbia feel like home. Our Love Local issue honors Missouri roots and the values that shape who we are and inspire us to give back to the communities that raised us. As a mother-daughter team building Columbia City Lifestyle together, this issue feels especially meaningful to us.

On the cover, we are proud to feature Shae Smith, Miss Missouri USA, a University of Missouri student, and a Mizzou Golden Girl. In her feature, Shae shares her journey to the Miss USA stage, the advocacy work that fuels her passion, and how growing up in Missouri shaped her confidence, resilience, and sense of purpose. Her story is a reminder that success does not always mean leaving home. Sometimes, it grows right where you started.

We are also honored to highlight Sullivan Farms, a Mid-Missouri family farm built on integrity, sustainability, and care for both people and land. Brittany and Bill Sullivan turned a simple desire to feed their family well into a trusted local pork operation serving our community. Their commitment to ethical farming and transparency reflects the heart of what Love Local truly means.

This issue celebrates neighbors supporting neighbors, passion turned into purpose, and the pride that comes from doing things the right way. We hope these stories encourage you to shop local, support small businesses, and continue building the strong community we are proud to call home.

With gratitude,

LEANNE AND SHEA SULLIVAN , PUBLISHER AND EDITOR @COLUMBIACITYLIFESTYLE

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Leanne Sullivan

leanne.sullivan@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Shea Sullivan

shea.sullivan@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Sarah Jane Shorthose mail@sjanephotography.com

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

It’s a groundbreaking experience that combines infrared energy, exercise, and heat in a unique “3D Training” approach. With our patented infrared saunas, we offer 24/7 access to 15-minute HIIT and 30-minute Isometric sessions, all easily navigated & scheduled through our custom HOTWORX app.

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1-6: Members and guests gathered on December 5, 2025, for the HBA of Columbia Holiday & Awards Dinner at Columbia Country Club. The evening celebrated the season and the year’s accomplishments 7: The Missouri Theatre was filled with festive holiday music on December 14, 2025, as the Missouri Symphony and Columbia Chorale performed Home for the Holidays: A Missouri Christmas.

business monthly

Ronald McDonald House Brings Comfort to Families

For more than 40 years, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Columbia has supported families with children receiving medical care in local hospitals. During the holidays, the nonprofit provides free housing, meals, and gifts, helping families feel comforted and connected during challenging times. Made possible through generous community donations and volunteers, the organization continues to ensure families know they are not alone.

New Owners for Bluestem Missouri Crafts

After six months of transition, Bluestem Missouri Crafts on Ninth Street will enter a new chapter in the new year. Longtime Columbia residents Stephen and Julie McBee officially took ownership on January 2, reintroducing the beloved downtown shop as Bluestem Missouri Fine Crafts. While the name will evolve slightly, the McBees plan to preserve the store’s legacy of showcasing Missourimade art while continuing to welcome both longtime and emerging artists.

North Star Real Estate Leadership Recognized

North Star Real Estate professionals were recently recognized for their leadership and achievements within the local real estate community. Billy Dexheimer served as the 2025 President of the Mid-Missouri Board of Realtors. Adam Curtis was named Realtor of the Year, and Georgia Aslanidis was honored as Member of the Year by the Women’s Council of Realtors, reflecting their continued impact across Mid-Missouri. Scan to read more

Date Night

AT HOME

THREE CREATIVE IDEAS TO CELEBRATE LOVE

ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL

Not every date night needs to involve reservations or an elaborate itinerary. With a little creativity, you can create magical moments right at home. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or just want to reconnect, here are three ideas for unforgettable at-home date nights.

ROMANTIC PICNIC UNDER THE STARS

Transform your backyard or balcony into a dreamy picnic spot! Spread out a cozy blanket, add a few fluffy pillows, and hang string lights or fairy lights for ambiance. A small fire pit or lanterns can also add a romantic glow.

Pack a picnic basket with finger foods and a bottle of wine or sparkling water. Don’t forget a decadent dessert like chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Lay back and stargaze, identifying constellations or making wishes on shooting stars. To make it extra romantic, bring a bluetooth speaker and play soft music.

PAINT AND CREATE TOGETHER

Unleash your inner artists with one of these three fun and interactive dates. Grab some inexpensive canvases, brushes, and acrylic paints from the craft store. Don’t forget aprons or old clothes to protect against spills!

• Paint each other’s portraits for a mix of laughter and creativity.

• Work on a collaborative paintingeach person adds their own touch to a single canvas.

• Try a themed painting challenge, like recreating your favorite memory together.      Pair this date with a cheese platter and wine and don’t worry about being “good’ at painting - it’s all about enjoying the process together.

BREAKFAST IN BED

Start the day with love by turning breakfast into an indulgent experience. Prepare a tray with a DIY breakfast charcuterie board. Include mini pancakes, waffles, fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, bacon, and pastries. Add small bowls of toppings like syrup, Nutella, or whipped cream.

Mix up mimosas or serve coffee with flavored syrups and whipped cream for a café vibe. Then, snuggle up in bed and watch a favorite movie or TV series.

POISED. DRIVEN. MISSOURI PROUD

A GOLDEN GIRL’S JOURNEY FROM MISSOURI TO THE MISS USA STAGE

ARTICLE BY SHEA SULLIVAN

Winning the Miss Missouri USA title marked a moment Shae Smith had worked toward for years. Stepping into the role meant more than wearing a crown. It meant representing her home state on one of the biggest stages in pageantry.

“The moments after crowning with my family stand out the most,” Shae says. “My mom has been my biggest supporter throughout pageants, and it felt like a win for both of us.” Sharing that moment together made the achievement even more meaningful.

Representing Missouri at Miss USA was both surreal and deeply personal. The experience challenged Shae to grow not just in preparation, but in belief. “I had to truly believe I was capable of holding this role,” she shares. “I had to trust that God placed this dream in my heart for a reason.” That mindset pushed her to step confidently into the spotlight, knowing she belonged there.

Her year of service reflects that same purpose. Shae advocates for early scoliosis detection and supports Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, causes rooted in her own life. Diagnosed with scoliosis and undergoing corrective surgery six years ago, she understands the impact of early care. She also raises funds for CMN in honor of her brother and sister, making her advocacy both heartfelt and personal.

Long before the pageant stage, Shae’s foundation was built on Faurot Field. As a member of the Mizzou Golden Girls, she learned what it meant to represent something bigger than herself.

“Being a Golden Girl has been the honor of a lifetime,” she says. “It shaped me not just as a dancer, but as a person.” Years of rehearsals, performances, and representing the University of Missouri taught her discipline that carried into every part of her life.

Balancing Golden Girl commitments with academics and pageant preparation made her senior year her most demanding yet. “It taught me how driven and focused I can actually become,” Shae shares. With the support of professors and mentors at Mizzou, she pushed through long days and late nights, knowing the work was worth it. In May 2026, she will graduate, proud of everything she accomplished along the way.

CONTINUED >

When the spotlight fades, Shae finds balance in simple moments. Time with family, weekends at the lake, and quick trips to the beach help her recharge. “Being around the people who fill my cup keeps me grounded,” she says.

The Love Local theme holds special meaning for her. Born and raised in Missouri, Shae credits both Bolivar and Columbia for shaping who she is today. “I would not be where I am without the support of my local community,” she shares. “The people are kind, encouraging, and always cheering you on.”

That sense of community carried her through college, pageants, and every challenge in between. It is also what she

hopes to pass on to young women who look up to her. Staying focused, leaning on your support system, and trusting the process have been key throughout her journey.

Looking ahead, Shae will graduate in May 2026 before passing on her Miss Missouri USA title. Next, she plans to move to Dallas to pursue a career in medical device sales. While leaving Missouri will be bittersweet, she carries the confidence, discipline, and heart shaped here into whatever comes next. The crown may come off, but her roots will always remain.

Home Is Where the Heart Is

ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Building the Perfect Bouquet

Valentine’s Day can be celebrated in many ways. Some people choose to go out for dinner and a movie, others hire a private chef for a romantic meal at home, some buy chocolates and find a fun activity in town, and some couples go out of town for an exciting getaway! One Valentine’s Day staple is giving a bouquet of flowers to someone special. Flowers are the gift that say I love you and can be given to your spouse, children, and mom. As a child, my father always got me roses on Valentine’s Day until I met my husband and he took over the tradition. A bouquet of flowers can say many things as each flower has a different meaning. If you’re wanting to say something special to the ones you love this Valentine’s Day, take a look at our list of three popular flowers, what they mean, and what flowers to pair them with.

Roses

LOVE & ROMANCE

Roses are by far the most popular flower to give on Valentine’s Day. They are beautiful by themselves or you can add Baby’s Breath to enhance the bouquet. These two make a romantic bouquet and are the perfect flowers to give to someone special.

Lilies

PURITY & FERTILITY

Lilies come in a variety of colors and are eye-catching! For a softer looking bouquet, pair your lilies with carnations. These two combined are fun and heartwarming and are a great gift for anyone.

Tulips

PERFECT FOR DEEP LOVE

A bouquet of tulips will brighten any space! Adding some Ranunculus, also known as buttercup, will complement the tulips wonderfully. These flowers have a refreshing look that will decorate any home beautifully in a crystal vase.

FROM PASTURE TO PLATE

How Sullivan Farms is feeding families today while shaping a lasting local food tradition

ARTICLE BY SHEA SULLIVAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY SULLIVAN FARMS

The story of Sullivan Farms began with a simple question Brittany Sullivan asked herself after welcoming her daughter, Kay. What was she feeding her family, and where was that food coming from? At the same time, her husband Bill was deeply connected to the land, the soil, and the

idea of working alongside nature rather than against it. Together, those values became the foundation for what would eventually grow into Sullivan Farms.

In 2010, the couple started small, growing vegetables and selling them at the Columbia Farmers Market. Two years later, they added pigs to the mix. The first were Gracie and Gala, followed by a boar, and before long, hog farming became the heart of their operation. What started as a modest family effort quickly turned into something more as word spread and demand grew.

At Sullivan Farms, pigs are raised the old fashioned way, outdoors on pasture where they can roam, root, and behave as pigs naturally do. There are no confinement barns, no antibiotics, and no shortcuts. “Our pigs are raised outside on pasture, which means they get to do what comes naturally to them,” Brittany says. The animals enjoy sunshine, fresh air, and plenty of movement, all of which play a role in the quality of the meat, every single day, across changing seasons and weather conditions.

This kind of approach is part of a larger commitment to regenerative agriculture, a holistic farming method focused on improving soil health, restoring ecosystems, and raising animals in ways that support long term sustainability. For the Sullivans, it means caring for the land just as intentionally as they care for their livestock.

That care shows up on the plate. Pasture raised pigs grow at a slower pace, developing richer flavor, deeper color, and beautiful marbling. “Our pork is not the other white meat, it is deeper in color with gorgeous marbling.” The pork is noticeably different from conventional options, with a darker pink hue and a taste that surprises first time customers.

For Brittany, raising animals with integrity is about trust. Trust in their farming methods, trust with their customers, and trust that doing things the right way will always matter more than doing things the easy way.

“Families want food they can trust and farmers they can know.”

The work is intentional and ongoing, shaped by daily decisions and long hours outdoors. “It didn’t happen overnight,” Brittany says. Each season builds on the last, reinforcing a belief that meaningful farming is measured over time, not shortcuts.

As their herd grew, so did their customer base. Shoppers who first met the Sullivans at the farmers market might start with bacon, return the next week for pork chops, and eventually commit to buying a whole hog.

In the early years, pigs were butchered just twice a year. That soon became four times annually, and today, Sullivan Farms processes hogs twice a month, every month. Along the way, they have earned the loyalty of families, chefs, and food lovers across Missouri who value transparency and quality.

Beyond taste, customers are drawn to the connection. Buying from Sullivan Farms means knowing the people behind the food. It means asking questions, visiting the farm, and watching children play with piglets while learning where their meals begin. Those moments stick with people and turn a simple purchase into something more personal.

For Brittany and Bill, that connection is everything. Farming is not just about producing meat, but about building relationships rooted in honesty and shared values. It is about opening the gates, sharing the story, and inviting families to be part of something meaningful.

Sullivan Farms offers a variety of ways for families to bring pasture raised pork into their homes. Their most popular options

are whole and half hogs, which provide the best value and allow customers to customize cuts based on their family’s preferences. Whether a household prefers sausage over pork steaks or wants a little of everything, the process is simple and approachable, with guidance from a trusted local processor.

For those looking for smaller quantities, Sullivan Farms also offers curated meat bundles, breakfast packages, and grill ready selections. Their monthly Pork Box subscription has become a favorite for busy families and individuals who enjoy trying new cuts while still receiving staple favorites. Each box includes ten to twelve pounds of pork and is available for pickup at the Columbia Farmers Market on the second Saturday of every month.

As interest in local food continues to grow, Brittany believes families are becoming more intentional about what they eat and who they buy from. They want food they trust, food that nourishes their families, and a relationship with the people producing it.

The most rewarding part of the journey, Brittany says, is watching the long term impact. Healthier soil. Healthier animals. And customers who once fed their children Sullivan Farms pork, only to see those children grow up, start families of their own, and return as parents themselves, choosing the same food for their kids.

Looking ahead, the Sullivans remain focused on making thoughtful improvements, caring for their land, and continuing to serve Mid Missouri and beyond with integrity. “Once people notice the flavor, there is no going back.” One pasture raised chop at a time, they are proving that local farming done right can create something lasting.

SULLIVAN FARMS

779 County Road 102 • Fayette, MO 65248 (660) 248-3298 • bsullivan95@yahoo.com

LOVE POTION #9

ANNA BARNES

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY

A PINK COCKTAIL PERFECT FOR CELEBRATING VALENTINE’S DAY

WHO NEEDS FLOWERS AND CHOCOLATE WHEN YOU CAN HAVE FLOWERS AND COCKTAILS?

This Valentine's Day, whether you plan to treat a loved one, treat your girlfriends, or treat yourself, I can promise you'll want to serve up this perfectly pink cocktail; one I like to call Love Potion #9. It looks as fabulous as it tastes. You can't beat the bright, fresh grapefruit juice and the bubbles add a lively kiss on top. Each sip is dreamier than the next. Cheers, here's to love!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• 1.5 oz rosé

• 5 oz fresh grapefruit juice

• 5 oz simple syrup

• 1 egg white

• 3 oz bubbles (champagne or sparkling wine)

THE HOW-TO:

1. Pour the rosé, simple syrup, egg white, and grapefruit juice into an ice-filled shaker.

2. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, until chilled.

3. Pour into a coupe glass using the strainer.

4. Top with champagne or sparkling wine.

5. Garnish with edible flowers and grapefruit peel.

6. Enjoy!

Dear Mid-Missouri,

Thank you.

Thank you for trusting us with your homes, your investments, and the moments that matter most. Buying or selling a home is never just a transaction, it’s a transition, and it’s an honor to walk alongside you during those seasons of change.

Iron Gate Real Estate was built on a simple belief: real estate should be rooted in integrity, guided by expertise, and grounded in genuine care for the communities we serve. From first homes to forever homes, fresh starts to next chapters, your stories are the reason we do this work.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to serving MidMissouri with the same heart, professionalism, and local impact that have always defined Iron Gate. We’d love to continue the conversation, whether you’re planning your next move or simply staying connected. You can find us online, follow along on social media, or stop by one of our offices anytime. We’re always here.

ATTAINABLE HOUSING

Making Attainable Housing a Community Standard

As the top advocate for affordable housing in the region, we’re driving meaningful change through collaboration and innovation. We’re shaping a future where every family has the chance to find a home they can afford.

We Build Communities.

FEBRUARY 2026

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

FEBRUARY 4TH

An Evening with Sebastian Junger

Missouri Theatre, 203 S 9th St. | 7:00 PM

Bestselling author and filmmaker Sebastian Junger comes to Columbia for an engaging talk on community, belonging, and human connection. Presented by the Lloyd B. Thomas Lecture and Performance Series in collaboration with the College of Arts and Science’s Open Minds Initiative. Free and open to the community.

FEBRUARY 7TH

Pour for a Paw

Wyndham Executive Center | 5:00 PM

Armani’s Angels presents Pour for a Paw, an evening of wine, beer, and spirits tastings paired with delicious hors d’oeuvres. Guests will enjoy selections curated by Top Ten Wines, additional spirits from featured vendors, and a live auction preview. Hosted by emcee Cosmo from Y107.

FEBRUARY 10TH - 14TH

Betz Jewelers Trade-In Days

Betz Jewelers, 601 E. Broadway, Suite 303

Refresh your jewelry collection during Betz Jewelers’ Trade-In Days. Bring in pieces you no longer wear and trade them in for something you truly love. It’s the perfect opportunity to refresh, upgrade, and begin again. New year, new jewelry, new you.

FEBRUARY 11TH

Galentine’s Day on the Blufftop

Blufftop Bistro, 14020 W Hwy BB, Rocheport, MO

Grab your Galentine’s for a fun evening on the Blufftop featuring drinks, dancing, and a festive girl dinner. Celebrate friendship with great views, great vibes, and a night out at Les Bourgeois Vineyards. Tickets available at missouriwine.com.

FEBRUARY 13TH

Unstaged and Unveiled: In Love With Opera

Missouri Theatre, 203 S 9th St | 7:00 PM

Landlocked Opera and the Columbia Chorale join the Missouri Symphony for an operas-in-concert experience featuring selections from Carmen, Madame Butterfly, Tosca, and more. Enjoy an evening of love stories, comedy, and bold acts of courage as the magic of opera comes to life. Tickets required.

FEBRUARY 14TH

Rocheport's Annual Chocolate Crawl

Rocheport | 12:00 PM

ART Off the Trail will participate in the Rocheport Area Merchants Association’s Annual Chocolate Crawl from 12-4 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon strolling through Rocheport, collecting chocolates, sipping beverages, and celebrating Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart. Tickets are limited and available at rocheport-mo.com.