Open for Business

Anna Bolt-Ezell opened She’s Crafty on July 26 at 1424 E. Cherry St. The store sells craft supplies, such as fabric, yarn, origami paper and embroidery packages, and has craft stations that can be used by customers on a rental basis. Bolt-Ezell, who formerly worked as an account executive at KY3-TV and KSPR-TV, opened the store to afford her more time with her three young children, she said. She has crafted as a hobby for about 20 years. Hours: 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Phone: (417) 862-7238.

1st Choice

On July 23, Larry and Karen Bowen moved 1st Choice, a third-party administration company. Operating under the banner of FirstChoice Administrators LLC, 1st Choice is now located at 2103 E. Sunshine St. after operating for more than five years at 1637 S. Enterprise Ave. 1st Choice, established in 2000, manages employee benefits for clients in 15 states, according to Larry Bowen. Catalysts for the move were higher visibility, the opportunity for building ownership and a need for more space, Bowen said. The new location is 7,000 square feet, compared to 4,800 square feet. Bowen plans to add several employees to his staff of 20 within the next few months. Hours: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Phone: (417) 890-8988.

J. Lawson Photography Studio

Jeremy Lawson moved J. Lawson Photography Studio LLC on July 10 to 207 Park Central East in the Holland Building. Lawson previously operated from offices in Ozark and Branson. The studio is split into two divisions, J. Lawson Photography and Big Smile Photo. Lawson personally takes wedding photographs through J. Lawson Photography, while two staff photographers and one freelance photographer shoot weddings, family portraits and high school senior portraits for Big Smile Photo. Both divisions specialize in candid, photojournalist-style photos, Lawson said. The move increases the studio’s space to 1,800 square feet from about 500 square feet and allows Lawson to tap into the downtown atmosphere, he said. Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and by appointment. Phone: (417) 527-2885.

Reporter Cory Smith brings you new businesses each week. He may be reached by e-mail at csmith@sbj.net, by fax at (417) 799-0603 or by phone at (417) 616-5854.[[In-content Ad]]