Open for Business

Sesha Shannon and Sarah Beard on April 5 opened Convey Studios, 318 Park Central East, Ste. 306, in the McDaniel Building. The duo provides photographic services for a variety of clients. Since March, the women have photographed about 25 weddings and numerous other events. Shannon and Beard, both 25 and graduates of Southwest Missouri State University, are leasing about 2,000 square feet from Brett Loethren for $1,837 per month. They are also subleasing roughly 500 square feet to Esbe Salon, a hair studio. Beard said she graduated from SMSU knowing how to take photos but little about how to make money doing it. “Graduating with fine arts degrees, we stepped into the business world blind,” she said. The women sought help from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Springfield branch and learned from SBA counselor Craig McMichael how to open shop for 1/10 of what they expected to invest. Shannon’s father, Charles Shannon, loaned the women $10,000, with interest. The women plan to hire a third photographer in January. The studio is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday by appointment.

Dr. Nicole Hubbell on Aug. 3 acquired 40-year-old Breath of Life Wellness Center from Dr. Peter Bauth. Hubbell, 25, moved from Wisconsin in February to buy the chiropractic and nutritional support clinic at 1901 E. Bennett St., Ste. K. She met Bauth at a July 2004 chiropractic convention in Marietta, Ga. Bauth is moving to Marietta to teach at Life University while Hubbell takes over the care of more than 1,000 patients. Hubbell employs one secretary and financed her loan from The Signature Bank. She declined to disclose the amount. Hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and by appointment Friday and Saturday.

Erin Semsch and Annette Shook on July 2 opened Blackwood Grove LLC at 410 E. Jackson St., Unit B, in Willard. The two rent 2,000 square feet in a three-store strip mall from Mark Story to sell herbs and natural foods. Hours are 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday.