Linda Claas owns a Touch of Claas Salon  and Spa on Main Street. What started in Tipton strictly as  a salon has become a place for people to eat, receive wellness treatments, take classes and relax.

She recently began offering massage therapy to customers. Therapist Lamont Justice drives in from St. Louis every Thursday for the weekend to give massages. 

• What inspired you to start your business?

Twenty-six years ago, my grandmother passed away and I had been taking care of her. I was working in a doctor’s office, and I decided to do this rather then be in the medical field. I didn’t want to have the attachment to people. Little did I know that there would be more attachment than what I had done before.