Woman-led Stories

Sippin' Santa, Julep 2019

Holiday cheers: Christmas pop-up bar back with pandemic twist; festive spirits return Nov. 6

There’s no stealing Christmas for local bar owners as they prepare to unwrap various holiday-themed pop-up experiences — despite a Grinch of a pandemic that’s upended sales for much of the year.  Sippin’ Santa is expected to return to Westport-crafted Julep Cocktail Club as a reimagined, curbside pop-up next month, Keely Edgington told Startland News.  “If…

Alesha Bowman, UnLESHed+

As seen on Troost (and Ellen): Plus-size thrift store owner uses momentum to inspire others 

Alesha Bowman had plans March 15 to celebrate the two-year anniversary of her plus-size thrift store, UnLESHed+, by opening a new storefront on the historic Troost Avenue.  But on March 14, a nationwide pandemic forced Bowman’s plans to be entirely reworked.  “You just have to pivot,” Bowman said, noting that she used Facebook and Instagram…

Rightfully Sewn Mask Initiative; photo by Kim Golding

Rightfully Sewn acquisition stitches new path toward re-establishing KC as garment capital, Lapka says  

Rightfully Sewn’s acquisition by a 109-year-old nonprofit with national reach means more contracts, more employees and more impact for the mission-focused fashion company, said Jennifer Lapka. “No shakeups, no drama. The brand, programs, and team will stay intact,” said Lapka, founder of Rightfully Sewn, which this week announced a merger with Kansas City-based Alphapointe. “We…

Ofrenda at Guadalupe Centers in 2019

Guadalupe Centers gala, ofrenda pass from physical to virtual world; pandemic could reshape cultural traditions

It’s not a normal year, Alyx Bartrom said, acknowledging the obvious and embracing opportunities to innovate a more-than-30-year-old community tradition.  “You have to either adapt or you get left behind,” Bartrom, director of fund development and marketing for Guadalupe Centers, said of the century-old non-profit and social service agency’s upcoming Blanco y Negro Awards Gala…

Kansas State University, Manhattan

Spark MHK hopes to ignite innovation in an ecosystem often dominated by students, soldiers

MANHATTAN — An entrepreneur’s potential is anything but bite size in the Little Apple, Sarah Siders said.  “I’m really excited to be able to do this,” Siders, executive director of Spark MHK, said in announcement of the recent launch of the Manhattan-based entrepreneurial support organization — which aims to ignite activity within the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem…