News Stories
Talent agency plans Next Paige in Kansas City’s story; a $50K grant could bring dream closer to reality
A shift in the arts and entertainment world is allowing Kansas City creatives to step into roles they’ve long deserved, Elaina Paige Thomas said, looking back on a performance career — and new opportunities — that reflect childhood dreams dancing toward reality. “It has been a journey and I never imagined being here this quickly,…
How a $290M investment from Insight Partners is expected to accelerate Kansas govtech company’s expansion
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. A…
‘Not Mexican enough, not American enough’: How a KCK restaurateur found his identity through food, family
Born in Mexico, Kansas-raised Carlos Mortera is defined by two, sometimes-conflicting cultures, he said — a contrast that led him to question his own identity, but ultimately answer with culinary creations that reflect a diverse Kansas City experience. “When I was younger, I struggled with feeling like I’m not from either place,” shared Mortera, who…
She’s bringing a selfie studio to Zona Rosa; Why India Wells-Carter says ‘Do it scared, but do it anyway’
A limited-run attraction in the Northland is set to offer India Wells-Carter a snapshot of what startup life could look like longterm. “This feels safer,” Wells-Carter said, expressing a healthy mix of fear, relief, and confidence about the test run for her new venture:Fresh Factory KC, a selfie experience set to launch May 29 —…
Sneak peek: See the vision for Travis Kelce’s ‘safe haven’ for Operation Breakthrough teens
When Operation Breakthrough’s new Ignition Lab opens in the fall, the former muffler shop on Troost Avenue is expected to offer hands-on, practical training to young people who have aged out of the early education center’s MakerCity program. Media members were offered a first look at plans for the space — powered by Chiefs Super…
