Minority-Led Stories

Small Business Superstars reception

Small Business Superstars in photos: When people belong, ‘the possibilities are endless’

Editor’s note: The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is a non-financial partner of Startland News, which serves as the media partner for the Small Business Superstars program. A celebration Wednesday for the Chamber’s new class of Small Business Superstars came with a message for entrepreneurs of all kinds, said Vicky Kulikov. You belong. “That…

Jake Calhoun, Soya

Pipeline, NXTUS drive exposure for entrepreneur’s on-demand fuel delivery startup

Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. This series is possible thanks to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which leads a collaborative, nationwide effort to identify and remove large and small barriers to new business creation. WICHITA…

Kharissa Forte, Holistic Hustle, Grace & Grind

We all need help, honey: Nearly 3/4 of entrepreneurs are haunted by depression (Holistic Hustle)

Kharissa Forte is a writer, certified health coach, and columnist for Startland News. For more of her self-care tips on how to keep your cup full, visit graceandgrind.co. You did it. After all the nights dreaming about how amazing it could be and overcoming the endless stream of what-ifs that stopped you from moving forward…

Ebrima “Abraham” Sisay, The Freedom Project

KC filmmaker’s docu-series tackles mental health stigmas with assist from former Chiefs

The brand of freedom sold to viewers of one of the nation’s most-watched cable news networks doesn’t reflect the kind Abraham Sisay has come to know, he declared, looking back on his journey from rising Gambian soccer star to Kansas City filmmaker and how it revealed the true definition of the word. “Fox News was…

Kenyata Gant, Pink Lipps Cosmetics

Pink Lipps hits Target, putting KC cosmetics line in 41 retail markets where Black shoppers bring green

There’s no glossing over it, Kenyata Gant said. Black-owned businesses are thriving in the Midwest — and big box retailers are taking notice.  “I couldn’t believe it,” recalled Gant, owner of Pink Lipps Cosmetics, announcing the Kansas City-based cosmetics startup’s acceptance into 41 nationwide Target stores.  “I would always say how I would love to…