Open for Business: The Tin Ceiling Event Venue and Mercantile

The Tin Ceiling Event Venue and Mercantile
A health care worker became a first-time business owner Dec. 8 by opening The Tin Ceiling Event Venue and Mercantile LLC. The 5,000-square-foot venture at 123 W. Main St. in downtown Ash Grove hosts weddings, showers, parties and corporate events, said owner Cassy Ballard. Startup costs were roughly $225,000, she said, including the building purchase from Ernie Cotter. The building had been vacant for about three years after formerly being occupied by several restaurants, she said. Venue rental prices begin at $75 per hour with a four-hour minimum, while weddings start at $995, according to its website. Ballard said she has experience decorating and organizing weddings and other events for friends and family. Ballard said she also maintains employment with Mercy as a nurse analyst in informatics.
Hours: Vary by event
Phone: 417-425-0100
Web: TinCeilingEvents.com

The Sweet Peach Bakery
A home baker decided to pursue a longtime dream of starting her own business. Reagan Witt launched The Sweet Peach Bakery LLC on Oct. 1 out of her Nixa home. The Sweet Peach Bakery’s menu includes cakes, cupcakes, sweet breads, cinnamon rolls and miniature cookies. Cakes are sold for weddings and other special occasions, Witt said, and prices start at $25 for two layers and $35 for three layers. Cake flavors include chocolate chip cookie dough, banana and coconut, according to its website. She said startup costs were roughly $3,000, including bakery supplies and a commercial mixer. Witt, who said she’s mostly self-taught, also holds a couple of part-time jobs as a nanny and for product distribution company The Lime Canary LLC.
Hours: By appointment
Phone: 417-619-4333
Web: TheSweetPeachBakery.com

Premier Choice Tax and Accounting Solutions
Springfield-based Premier Choice Tax and Accounting Solutions LLC expanded its reach in Greene County with the Jan. 1 opening of a Republic office at 947 U.S. Highway 60. Co-owner Marilee Daugherity said startup costs for the 900-square-foot, three-employee office were $35,000. She declined to disclose the five-year lease rate with Lee Roberts. Daugherity said she owns the firm with husband Ricky and another couple, Jean Paul and Nicole Herrera. Premier Choice offers tax, insurance, bookkeeping and payroll services. The rapid growth of Republic was an attraction to starting an office in town, Marilee Daugherity said, noting the firm added a third location Jan. 5 in Aurora via acquisition of Jessee Insurance Agency Inc., at 226 S. Madison Ave., for an undisclosed rate. Premier Choice launched in 2019 at 636 W. Republic Road, Ste. A112.
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday and Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday in Republic
Phone: 417-616-3291
Web: PremierChoiceTax.com