Minority-Led Stories
Digital Sandbox touts two Black women-led companies with latest round of funding
The selection of Bodify and Interplay for the latest round of Digital Sandbox KC funding doubles down on the proof-of-concept program’s commitment to bring diverse innovative ideas in the Kansas City region to life, said Jill Meyer. “We’re always thrilled to welcome entrepreneurs with smart, scalable ideas to the Sandbox,” said Meyer, senior director of…
How a pair of chicken footstools hatched into a yarn barnyard of sold-out flock-pleasers
What first hatched 11 years ago as a class project at Kansas State University has taken on a colorful and quirky life of its own, Sally Linville said. “We ask people to think a lot about their names,” Linville, founder and creative director of The City Girl Farm, said of the surprisingly important (and often…
No glass ceiling over the glamp site: Women-led, Black-owned business opens luxury camping season
Kansas Citians no longer need to sacrifice a comfortable bed and running water to spend a night out in nature, said Tiffany Watts and Heather Shelton. Through glamping with Suite Tea, one can have the best of both worlds, the co-founders said. “Our primary mission is to create an elevated, special experience for our guests….
Secret sauce called faith: How being Black, religion and mentors shaped Jy Maze, kept her startup from failing
The COVID-19 pandemic has not been the only hurdle for Maze Freight Solutions, said Jy Maze, and it certainly won’t be the last. “People think because you’re a CEO of a company that everything is gravy. No one knows about the bloody knees from praying, the begging for money, nobody giving you a shot —…
Black Pantry coming to Midtown: Boutique for Black-owned essentials opening storefront in shared space with Made in KC
When an opportunity pops up, make it permanent, said Brian Roberts, teasing the opening next month of The Black Pantry’s first brick-and-mortar storefront. The 650-square-foot space on the revitalized Martini Corner in Midtown is expected to open in early April: the product of an evolving partnership with the team at Made in KC. Roberts originally…
