Randa Rawlins, Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Shelter Insurance

Age: Older than I look (hopefully). Job description: Executive responsibility for legal operations, compliance, government relations, customer communications, and claims. Years lived in Columbia/Mid-Missouri: 18. Original hometown: Hale, Missouri, home of the Cardinals. Education: BA in political science from Truman State (go Bulldogs); JD from MU (go Tigers). Favorite volunteer/community activity: My passion is international […]
The Ten Most Influential Women in Columbia

Say the word influence to 10 different people and you’ll get 10 different definitions. Influence means power, influence means thought leadership, influence means social standing. In this issue of CBT, the goal has been to recognize women in the business community who make an impact. This list would’ve looked very different at the beginning of […]
Briefly in the News: April

Donations for Wildfire Relief At an event hosted by the Columbia Chamber of Commerce’s Agribusiness and Bioscience Committee, Boone County farmers raised more than $2,000 to be donated to relief for wildfires in Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. Donations were collected at the Chamber’s annual farmer’s recognition banquet, and the check was recognized in a […]
Readers Share the Best of Their DIY
Porch Swing – Josie Mickey Porch swings are one of my favorite things. My admiration stems from time spent swinging on the porch with my pappy in Biglerville, Pennsylvania, watching the rare car drive by his house. Since then, swings have been part of my home. When my dreams for a new house became a […]
Getting Back to Simple: Resources

Defeating the excess clutter in our lives. by Jennifer Truesdale and Jen Wilson Take the 40 Bags in 40 Days Challenge Since 2011, WhiteHouseBlackShutters.com blogger Ann Marie Heasley has embarked on a unique uncluttering challenge that continues to grow in popularity. Running each spring, she (along with her thousands of readers) commits to removing one […]
Couple You Should Know: Tim and Nikki Kuchta

Tim and Nikki Kuchta partner at work and home. How did you meet? Nikki and Tim: We met at Mount Marty College in Yankton, South Dakota. We both transferred there the same year — Tim to play baseball and me to play basketball. How long have you been together? N and T: We have been […]
Fashion Forecast: Light Layers

Styles for Columbia’s ever-changing weather. Boho Chic by Girl Boutique Owned by Kelley Berghager, Girl Boutique, on Forum Boulevard, is a hotspot for local fashion and offers a variety of sizes to fit a wide range of body types. They’ve offered classic boho styles since opening in 2005, as well as jewelry that appeals to […]
Strong Woman: Connie Leipard

Local business owner shares about being resilient, resourceful, and taking risks. Connie Leipard, owner of Quality Drywall Construction and 2016-2017 president of the National Association of Women in Construction, talked with COMO Living about her inspirations, achievements, and passions. WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND? I grew up in a large, blue-collar family with a background in […]
A Twist on Old Standards

Tips for creating the daiquiri and old-fashioned at home. My name is Andrew Ruth, bar manager at Barred Owl Butcher & Table. We’re a butcher shop, restaurant, and cocktail bar inspired by Missouri’s beautiful and bountiful ingredients. Our whole-animal philosophy and from-scratch approach permeates our food and cocktail menu, culminating in the most delicious food […]
It’s a Sunday Brunch Kind of Day

Three local restaurants show off their classic breakfast dishes. Glenn’s Café Chef Kiel Herman Belgian Waffle Belgian waffle served with fresh fruit, powdered sugar, butter, and maple syrup (pictured above). Southern Eggs Benedict Biscuit base topped with smoked pulled pork, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce. New Orleans French Toast Cranberry walnut pain perdu with maple […]
Artist Spotlight: Jordan Heckemeyer

Local singer balances college courses and a career in music. Intimate. Relaxed. And a mixed bag of everything else. That’s how singer and Mid-Missouri native Jordan Heckemeyer describes her performances, which have evolved as she’s grown up. Born in Jefferson City, Jordan moved to Ashland in the fifth grade; after getting through the “awkward middle […]
Home Tour: Kitchens in Bloom

This year’s 14th annual Kitchens in Bloom is brought to you by COMO Living and Kerry Bramon Remodeling and Design. All proceeds from this self-guided tour, which takes place from noon to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday May 7, will go to Services for Independent Living, a nonprofit center that fosters an independent lifestyle for disabled […]