Woman-led Stories

"All Boys Aren't Blue," published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR); overset: Andrews McMeel Universal Kansas City headquarters

As book banning spreads across US, one KC media company calls out specific threat to diverse creators

The Kansas City publishing powerhouse behind many of the nation’s most-beloved newspaper comics — from Calvin & Hobbes and The Far Side to Garfield and Peanuts — this week raised its voice amid a growing push to condemn book bans flaring up across the country. “Books are safe harbors, where the freedom of expression and…

Christina Williams and Tamela Ross, The Blakk Co.

New initiative has a message for KC: When Black men say they need a ’90s self-love reboot — listen

Love yourself enough to know you matter  It’s virtually impossible to love others when there’s not already a sense of self love, said Kansas City small business owner Christina Williams, announcing the launch of an initiative to guide its community of Black men to understanding and believing in their own self-worth. “I know a lot…

Kharissa Forte, Holistic Hustle, Grace & Grind

Faking it ’til you make it might be why you have imposter syndrome (Holistic Hustle)

Kharissa Forte is a writer, certified health coach, and columnist for Startland News. For more of her self-care tips on how to keep your cup full, visit graceandgrind.co. I’m not one to get caught up in the hoop-lah of celebrity crushes, but if there’s anyone who I #WCW it’s my Pisces twin Rihanna. (I mean,…

Tyler Shane's artisanal chocolate collaboration for Café Corazón

First bite of Tyler Shane: This spicy new pairing with Westport favorite Café Corazón has cacao lovers going nuts

‘I want people to sit down and really have a moment with their chocolate’ When Tyler Shane bites into a piece of chocolate, all of her senses come alive to fully indulge in the experience. “Food, for me, is almost like a religious experience,” she said. After spending seven years at Christopher Elbow Chocolates, the…

Joni Cobb, Center for American Entrepreneurship

DC-based lobbying group for entrepreneurs names former Pipeline leader as new leader

A fresh face joining the helm of a leading lobbying organization for entrepreneurs is expected to bring Midwest perspective and representation to the fight to create more jobs through the innovation economy. Joni Cobb, the founding president and CEO of Pipeline Entrepreneurs — a Kansas City, Kansas-based network of startup founders now led by executive…