News Stories

This top maker got his start with a social push; but the real influencers behind the Craft E brand: his wife and family

Enrique Hernandez, the creative force behind Craft E. Embroidery, proved that dedication and creativity can transform a hobby into a thriving business — earning him the title of Made in KC’s top maker for 2024. “It hasn’t really settled in yet,” Hernandez said about winning the award in mid-December. “But it feels good.” ICYMI: Made…

Go BTS of a new KC-filmed reality TV series with the entrepreneurs who matched competitors with their style

ULAH founders get second chance to put their business (and Kansas City) on the national stage One of Kansas City’s best-known fashion duos — married entrepreneurs Joey Mendez and Buck Wimberly — recently stepped back into the fast-paced world of reality TV as stylists for a new series featuring another KC personality who commands screen…

KC hat maker’s sales soar after national news spotlight, capping year with validation: Made-in-the-USA still sells

Santa came early for Sandlot Goods — in the form of an ABC World News producer, said Garret Prather. On Dec. 13, Kansas City’s only local hat manufacturer was featured on the “Made In America Christmas” segment on ABC World News Tonight with David Muir.  “Forty-five workers, 10 new hires, and 115,00 hats this year,…

Stand out and stand tall: Father of Tech N9ne, two of KC’s favorite chefs inspired their drive from his Kansas City hair salon

Hassan Khalifah only had to look to his elders for entrepreneurial inspiration, he said. They were a family of bakers, moonshiners, salvagers, restaurateurs, grocers, pool hall operators, and nickel-and-dime candy shop owners. After a short time working for the city, Hassan opened several small businesses before a three-decade career as a salon owner. Four of…

Trendsetting Crossroads brewer taps another first: KC’s only locally-owned non-alcoholic beer

A star on the Kansas City craft beer is setting a new baseline for inclusivity on the local brewing scene, said Eric Martens, introducing the metro’s first hometown non-alcoholic beer — a product of months dedication and innovation, he added. Border Brewing Co. on Friday announced its new Baseline brew — a canned offering crafted…