Photo by Bruce Allan West, LocalOzarks contributor

Nomad, tucked away at 318 West Walnut Street in Springfield, MO,  is an adventure around the world in one store. It is an art, design and apparel studio influenced by the travels of its  local owners and operators, Paige Blotter and Mick Whitcomb.

The name stems from both owners’ experiences living a nomadic lifestyle, and traveling over 50,000 miles to ten countries such as Bali, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia and Singapore. Most of that time was spent in Bali, Indonesia where they were employed at Whitcomb’s father’s surf company. There they designed and manufactured a pair of small clothing lines that were sold through the surf company. Soon they decided to start a business in Springfield, which led them to open their boutique supporting the local economy in the chic and urban downtown neighborhood.

Nomad carries a variety of different items such as apparel, handbags, wallets, accessories, bath products and art. Over three-quarters of which are from local designers and artists. There are original clothing lines for children, women and men, so everyone is guaranteed to find something to fit their style. Fortunately the price range is affordable, allowing Nomad to cater to a plethora of customers – something that was very important to Whitcomb.

Nomad is open Monday from 12 – 9PM and Tuesday through Saturday from 10AM – 10PM. Feel free to wander into the store to check out some goods and hear a few travel tales from the owners. Stay tuned to their Facebook page for updates on new products and goings-on in the store, and look for their new store Nomad Home.

You can also find Nomad at the first annual Center City Marketplace behind Mother’s Brewing Company on August 25th, 2012.