Category: Business Spotlights

Momentum Dance Academy: Inspiring Confidence, Creativity, and Community in Ashland

Momentum Dance Academy, located at 508 E. Liberty Ln. in Ashland, has been a hub of creativity and community since its opening in September 2022. Founded by Taylor Heckemeyer, the studio is dedicated to more than just dance—it’s about building confidence, fostering friendships, and creating a welcoming space for all.

Taylor’s love for dance began early, but she never quite found a studio that felt like home. She started teaching at 16, later discovering her passion for instructing while working at a fine arts academy in Warrensburg. When she moved back to Ashland, she tested the waters with a dance class at the YMCA, which quickly grew to 55 students. Encouraged by the overwhelming interest, she decided to establish her own studio, knowing the community needed a space where dance could be taught in a nurturing and supportive environment. Since its founding, the academy has continued to grow, attracting students from Ashland, Columbia, Jefferson City, and beyond.

Momentum Dance Academy offers a comprehensive range of programs, ensuring that there is something for every aspiring dancer. From toddler movement classes to advanced ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, lyrical, and even musical theater, the academy strives to provide a well-rounded dance education. Their musical theater program has been a standout success, with productions like Freckleface Strawberry and the upcoming The Little Mermaid. The growing interest in theater has encouraged the academy to integrate more performance elements into their curriculum, helping students develop stage presence, confidence, and creativity. To better serve students, they recently expanded their offerings by opening The Dance Wardrobe, a dancewear supply store conveniently located next door.

Beyond technique, the academy places a strong emphasis on personal growth, discipline, and teamwork. Dance is not just about movement—it teaches valuable life skills such as perseverance, self-expression, and collaboration. The academy fosters an environment where students can grow not only as dancers but as individuals, developing resilience and confidence that extend far beyond the studio walls.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the academy is witnessing the transformation of students over time. Many arrive with little to no dance experience, unsure of their abilities, and leave with a newfound sense of self-assurance. Some students have overcome extreme shyness, while others have discovered a love for performing that they never knew existed. The academy is committed to ensuring that every student, regardless of skill level, feels encouraged and empowered to reach their full potential.

Momentum Dance Academy is not just a studio but an integral part of the Ashland community. Taylor and her team actively participate in local events, including the Fourth of July celebration and the Fall Festival, offering performances and interactive dance experiences to engage with the public. The academy also partners with local schools and organizations to promote the arts and provide outreach programs that make dance accessible to all.

Looking ahead, Taylor envisions continued growth for the academy. She hopes to expand class offerings, introduce new styles of dance, and develop additional community partnerships. She also aims to find creative ways to utilize the studio space during daytime hours, offering specialized programs for different age groups and skill levels. With an ever-growing student base and strong community support, the future looks bright for Momentum Dance Academy.

As a proud member of the Southern Boone County Chamber of Commerce, Taylor appreciates the networking and promotional opportunities available through the Chamber. She sees it as a vital resource in helping local businesses thrive and looks forward to further collaboration with fellow entrepreneurs and community leaders.

Momentum Dance Academy is more than a place to learn dance—it’s a space where young dancers find a second home, develop confidence, and grow both as artists and individuals. Whether a student is looking to pursue dance professionally or simply enjoy movement and self-expression, the academy provides a nurturing and inspiring environment. For more information, visit their location, check out their website, or follow them on social media!

Techno Services: Bridging the Gap for Local Businesses with Bilingual Digital Marketing

In the fast-evolving world of digital marketing, standing out is essential. For Techno Services, a growing marketing firm based in Ashland, Missouri, standing out isn’t just about offering exceptional services—it’s about breaking barriers. Founded by Antony Aviles and Tatiana Berrios, a dynamic team of bilingual professionals, Techno Services is transforming the marketing landscape for businesses that want to reach both English- and Spanish-speaking audiences.

A Mission Rooted in Community

Techno Services specializes in digital marketing, website design, social media management, Google Business optimization, and video production. However, what sets them apart is their bilingual approach. Recognizing the significant Spanish-speaking population in the region, they saw a gap in marketing services that cater to non-English speakers.

“When we moved here, we found out there aren’t many businesses that help people who speak Spanish,” they explained. “We’ve worked with restaurants, construction companies, and painting businesses, helping them connect with a broader audience. Our ability to communicate in both English and Spanish gives our clients an advantage in the market.”

Though based in Ashland, Techno Services has already made an impact in Columbia and Jefferson City, working with businesses to expand their reach. One of their most successful projects involved helping a Central American restaurant, Honduras Restaurant in Columbia, gain traction. “We helped them with digital marketing, social media, and Google Business setup. On opening day, they had to close after five hours because they were so busy!”

This success story is just one example of how Techno Services is leveraging digital tools and multilingual support to help local businesses grow.

Beyond traditional digital marketing, Techno Services is expanding into contact center solutions. “If a company needs customer service support in Spanish, we can provide it. We’ve already started working with a company on this service,” they shared. This initiative is another way they’re helping businesses bridge language gaps and enhance customer engagement.

“Thanks to their support in the process of opening my business, they created our website, they took care of my social networks, the creation of the menu, flyers, everything was a success, very happy and grateful, they are professional, attentive and I recommend them to everyone” -Honduras Restaurant 5-star review

Affordability Without Sacrificing Quality

One of Techno Services’ key commitments is affordability. They recognize that many small businesses, particularly those just starting out, struggle with marketing costs. “We’ve seen businesses charge as much as $5,000 for digital marketing packages. We want to make these services accessible to everyone.”

To support local entrepreneurs, Techno Services offers bundled packages that include website design, social media management, logo design, business cards, and more—all at competitive rates. They are currently offering a 20% discount on their premium services to help businesses maximize their marketing potential.

Looking Ahead: Growth and Community Engagement

While Techno Services is focused on marketing, their bigger goal is fostering a supportive business community. “We don’t just want to work with Hispanic businesses; we want to be the bridge connecting English- and Spanish-speaking businesses. We see so much opportunity here.”

Their next steps include expanding their reach in Jefferson City and Columbia, securing an office space, and continuing to grow their bilingual team.

Techno Services is more than just a marketing company—it’s a business that cares about the local community and wants to help businesses thrive. Whether you’re a new business owner looking for affordable marketing or an established company wanting to connect with a Spanish-speaking audience, Techno Services is here to help.

To learn more about their services, visit their website or follow them on social media under Tech Services.

With a strong foundation in marketing, community engagement, and bilingual support, Techno Services is on a mission to make businesses bigger and better.