03/18/2026
A little story about roots, family, and two small businesses.
You can find us in the March issue of Do South Magazine in their Locally Owned edition.
The story begins where my own roots began ~ growing up among the rows of plants at Neumeier Nursery, a Fort Smith family business that served our community for 54 years. Those early days taught me to grow where Iām plantedā¦ and eventually to grow a few businesses of my own.
In 2008 I opened L Designs Floral Studio, and in 2015 we lovingly restored the 1910 hay barn and opened The Barn By Two Brothers as a gathering place for celebrations.
People often ask about the name of the barn. Itās named for my two sons, Andrew and Hunter ~ the two brothers. They were a big part of those early days and the beginning of the dream. Today one is a pilot with Delta and the other works with General Motors in Michigan, so they canāt be here day-to-day, but they will always be behind everything I do.
These days I like to say Iām just āminding my own businessesā, but the truth is none of it happens alone.
My parents believed in me every step of the way. My mother, whom we lost a few years ago, was my biggest cheerleader, my moral compass, and truly my best friend. My dad is still by my side today helping me be a better business person, and he is the man behind many of the plants I sell ~ growing them and tending them in the greenhouses before they ever reach my shop.
My husband lends a helping hand whenever he can, even though his very important āreal jobā is serving our community as Executive Director of Fort Smith EMS.
And when things get busy, Iām thankful for extra helping hands like Maggie and Jasmine who are always willing to jump in when I need them.
So while I may say Iām just minding my own businesses, the truth is Iām incredibly grateful for the people who have stood behind me along the way.
Because behind these two little businesses is the story of the people who helped them grow.
