Collier Hardy got her first taste of business selling soaps and sugar scrubs at the Columbus Farmers Market.
The 19-year-old recent high school graduate was bitten by the business bug four years ago when she formed Mount Olympus Soapery and made products from the milk collected from the goats kept by her family.
As of July 1, Collier purchased and is now the owner of Gypsy Tan downtown.
“I thought it would be a great opportunity to try something new,” Collier said. “I’ve always been interested in the beauty world.”
Gypsy Tan, 109 Fifth St., is a natural tanning boutique that offers organic, vegan, natural and gluten-free solutions with apple, coffee, cranberry seed extract and coconut oil bases.
The building downtown is owned by The Commercial Dispatch.
Hardy said she will sell her Mount Olympus Soapery products and hopes to renovate the space long-term.
Gypsy Tan is open Tuesday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Also, there’s a new downtown spot that’s sure to make you smile.
Phillip Jolly will host the grand opening for Jolly Smiles Friday at 400 Main St. Suite D.
Jolly said he started his teeth whitening business in 2018, but it was formerly a mobile unit. He’s excited to have his own office to help whiten and brighten his client’s smiles.
Jolly Smiles is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Clients will be accepted by appointment only. Be sure to check out Jolly’s Facebook page for updates and booking appointments.
Moving on, we’ve got another business exchanging hands.
After nearly 40 years, Tom Cole, Columbus Lock and Key founder and owner, is ready to retire.
“I’ve been doing this for so long, it’s just time for me to retire,” Cole said. “… Working in Columbus for so long, I don’t think there’s a building in this town that I haven’t worked on.”
Though Cole has officially sold the business, he said he’ll stay on board until early January. Bruce Johnson, of Boardtown Locksmith in Starkville, purchased Columbus Lock and Key in early July.
Johnson said he doesn’t plan to change much with Columbus Lock and Key and credited Cole to the company’s long success.
“I appreciate Tom and what’s he’s done over the past 40 years,” Johnson said. “I just hope I can continue that strong service he’s done in the area.”
Boy, do we have a lot of businesses changing owners lately.
Pennyridge One Stop, the service station at 2003 Ridge Road, also has a new owner.
Tristan Atkinson opened Pennyridge on Monday and he’s already making changes.
The quick stop now offers deli meats, cheeses and he even added a hardware section. He plans to continue adding to the menu and services including, pizzas, Boston butts, ribs, rib tips, beef tips and more.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to do what we are doing,” Atkinson said. “If there is anything we can get or do for anyone, we will do our best to get it done.”
You can stop by and see the changes for yourself every day from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
We’ve got another tea store in town.
Feel Good Nutrition, 720 N. Lehmberg Road, officially opened this month.
The loaded tea store is open Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The owners could not be reached by press time today.
Moving to Starkville, there’s a new restaurant coming to town that will expand the city’s cultural cuisine.
Ty MMI, a Vietnamese pho bowl and seafood restaurant is coming to Middleton Court, next to the incoming Villa Nails Bar and Spa.
Former Dispatch reporter Mary Pollitz writes about business openings and closings, as well as other unique business news. Send tips to [email protected].
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