Woman-led Stories

India Wells-Carter, Fresh Factory KC

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 —…

North KC’s Brewkery pours new line of alcoholic kombucha, tapping brand’s inner spirits

“Hard” doesn’t mean adding a boozy bite at the expense of flavor or natural ingredients, said Amy Goldman, announcing a new line of hard kombucha now available exclusively at The Brewkery’s North Kansas City taproom. “We’ve all seen the trend toward low-calorie, low-sugar, and more sessionable drinks. The Brewkery opted to do it our way…

World War II veteran experiencing a virtual Honor Flight using Healium and T-Mobile technologies

Healium partners with T-Mobile, transporting veterans to DC memorials via virtual Honor Flight

Veterans living in rural America can experience the sights and sounds of the nation’s war memorials in Washington D.C. thanks to a Kansas City-area startup’s virtual reality technology, powered by T‑Mobile 5G. “We are losing our World War II veterans at a rate of hundreds a day, and sadly many may not live long enough…

Megan Williams, Smiles and Kuts Foundation

Social entrepreneur cuts into kids’ shaken self-esteem: I can’t save them all, but I can put smiles on a few faces

When Megan Williams’ daughter was diagnosed with hearing loss, the challenge put her confidence to the test.  “Sometimes kids are cruel,” Williams, a local hair stylist and salon owner, said of concerns her family faced as they sent the 5-year-old to school with hearing aids neatly tucked around her ears. Knowing full well the taunting…

Leah Hermida, The Windmill KC

Leah Hermida brought coffee home to KCK; her Windmill KC cafe already needs more space

In the shadow of the Kansas City skyline, new entrepreneurial energy is brewing in Wyandotte County, the childhood home of Leah Hermida.  “I knew the community really well,” Hermida said from her pandemic-opened, Turner-based coffee shop, The Windmill KC, noting she grew up in the city before eventually relocating to Overland Park. “I worked locally…