Minority-Led Stories

Socially distance drum circle club, Citizens of the World

‘Our kids aren’t lost,’ KC educator says, urging innovative strategies amid virtual learning concerns

With heightened worries across the nation about the potential for virtual or remote learning to cause a “lost generation” among young students, Jon Hile urged Kansas City parents and the education community to shift their focus to the growing resilience and innovation already being seen across the metro.  “People raise several very valid and important…

Alan Kneeland, The Combine

The Combine hopes to cultivate KC unity with pizza and cocktails on Troost

Editor’s note: This article is underwritten by Plexpod — a progressive coworking platform offering next generation workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-stage companies of all sizes — but was independently produced by Startland News. Pizzeria restaurateur Alan Kneeland’s connection to Troost slices both ways. “I actually grew up on 75th and Troost, so it’s pretty dope to…

La’Nesha Frazier and La’Nae Robinson, Bliss Books and Wine

Partners in page turning: Sisters unwind with cigar bar-style concept for wine-loving readers

Sure, wine pairs great with dinner or sweets — but have you ever tried it with just the right book, asked Kansas City-born sisters La’Nesha Frazier and La’Nae Robinson. “If I’m reading a comedy, I don’t want something dark, something like a heavy red wine. I want light. I want something fruity, I want something…

Dave Lindahl, HyperKC

HyperKC owner found freedom in KC’s ‘softest’ tee — and a new career as his own boss

If Kansas City has an abundance of anything, it’s wearable pride, said Dave Lindahl.  “Charlie Hustle invented it,” added Lindahl, owner of HyperKC — a local apparel company that channeled the New York-transplant’s passion for KC into an all-inclusive brand that celebrates local artists and serves as a de facto welcome center for out-of-town visitors…

Jasmine Jones, Cherry Blossom Intimates

Boutique startup specializing in breast prosthesis for cancer survivors catches attention of KC healthcare investor

As the new year rang in 2020, Jasmine Jones envisioned pop-up shops for Cherry Blossom Intimates — an accredited medical facility housed within a lingerie boutique that provides breast cancer survivors with customizable prosthesis.  Eleven months into the unpredictable year, however, Jones innovated the startup into a virtual brand. “I had to ask myself, ‘What would…