Woman-led Stories

Bootleg Bourbon Balls reveals its secret to World Cup chocolate (and booze) lovers

With its decadent flavors and speakeasy past, Kansas City holds a secret, said Lisa Fitch. And she’s eager to share it this summer — one bourbon ball at a time — as visitors like Netherlands’ Orange Army descend on the region.

Small Biz to Watch: Q39 doubling its footprint, investing in the brand’s pitmaster-forward workforce

It’s one of Q39’s most aggressive periods of expansion yet, said Kelly McGee, describing the barbecue brand’s strategy of opening new locations, investing in team culture, and carrying forward the vision she built alongside her late husband, chef Rob McGee. 

Small Biz to Watch: Yates & Yates builds from dirt through a sale (with stability, not just dollars in mind)

Watching Kansas City become more than its past is exciting, Nicole Yates said. Participating in that growth is even better, the co-founder of Yates & Yates Co. continued. “There is so much investment,” she explained. “And there are so many people that are really trying to build something that matters, and I’m just grateful that…

Small Biz to Watch: Safi Fresh gives resurgent 18th & Vine a new flavor

As new businesses open and foot traffic returns to the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, LaRonda Lanear wants Safi Fresh to be part of what comes next for a neighborhood that has long-awaited revitalization.

Small Biz to Watch: SewKC patches together custom path to growth, sports collaborations

Behind the scenes at a tiki-themed coffee shop in the Crossroads, one couple is stitching together a small business strategy that combines high-profile specialty apparel projects with professional sports organizations and live sew-on-the-go activations in the community.