Teachers never quit, evidently not even after they retire.
On Friday, Stephanie Studdard, who retired after more than 20 years from teaching in May, will open a women’s boutique, Bella Blu, at 427 Wilkins Wise Road.
“I decided teachers never retire,” Studdard said. “I decided that I wanted to do something that I enjoyed–that just came to mind.”
For Studdard, she’s always had a passion for fashion. Years ago, she worked at Belk and even served on the fashion board at Mississippi State University where she loved pairing different clothes and accessories.
Bella Blu will have various clothes, jewelry and accessories for high school girls and women of all sizes.
“I’m so excited,” Studdard said. “I’m nervous, but I think this is a great opportunity for Columbus. … I always say beauty is ageless and life is short. I hope people can try on these clothes and feel comfortable and excited.”
Be sure to check out Bella Blu Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Moving from taking care of our clothing needs to taking care of others’ needs, Brittany Granderson recently opened Essential Safety Consultants in Columbus.
Granderson, who previously served as a physical therapist assistant and worked with in-home health care, said she saw a need for preventative care with the elderly in our community.
“When we would see patients (at home) we would always talk about safety in the home,” Granderson said. “… We see how expensive it is when a senior has a fall … but it’s mostly the independence the client would lose and most seniors won’t be able to live in their homes (after a fall).”
Granderson starts with a survey where she addresses various risk factors that need addressing in a senior’s home, which can include low-cost adjustments such as simply moving furniture, adding lighting, etc.
“Our target is to prevent falls with seniors,” Granderson said. “What we do is go out and perform a 125-point safety check. It’s a survey where we go into great detail of things they can do to eliminate risk factors in the home. We go out and consult with them about modifications they can make to try and prevent falls.”
Granderson’s goal is also to help as many people as possible. Essential Safety Consultants’ survey prices vary home-to-home and client-to-client.
If you have family members in need of modifying their homes to enhance their independence, feel free to reach Granderson at 662-346-1253.
Over in Starkville, we have a new food joint, y’all.
AJ’s Get it & Go BBQ opened earlier this year at 28 Box End Road W. Tina Davis, whose father John Johnson owns AJ’s, said it is family owned and operated.
AJ’s serves largely carry out and delivery but does offer some outdoor seating. You can head to AJ’s and order some burgers, fish, wraps, rib tips, pulled pork, hoagies and more Monday through Thursday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday from 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
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