Woman-led Stories

Floraloom founder delivers creative passion that lasts beyond its entrepreneurial bloom

Returning to the studio after having a baby girl in January, Colleen Robertson discovered a bucket of bird of paradise leaves that had lost their color but taken on a new, curvy shape.  Initially considering throwing them away, the Floraloom owner later found inspiration in their resemblance to currents — painting them blue to resemble…

Make some noise: Massive riverfront development expected to anchor KC as a destination for prosperity

A proposed Berkley Riverfront stadium-side mixed-use development is a game changer for Kansas City, Raven Jemison shared, and it’s is a big reason she chose the role of KC Current president. “Just a soccer club, just a stadium, that’s awesome — obviously, sports is a great platform for economic development — but when you talk…

EDCKC celebrates leaders who transformed KCMO through equitable development projects

Reshaping Kansas City doesn’t come without focused, intentional efforts by development advocates and officials, said Mayor Quinton Lucas, offering a toast to one of his city hall predecessors and her work to revitalize the heart of the city. “​​Many of us are blessed to remember Mayor Kay Barnes thinking about what downtown could be, and…

Crowdfunding investment helps fan favorite food cart revive second-chance entrepreneur’s outlook

After spending a decade in prison, owning her own catering business has given Stephanie Blaco a new purpose in life, she shared, and a new small business crowdfunding platform is giving her the opportunity — when others wouldn’t — to scale up. “That’s what I believe has kept me out of prison,” the Mixing Bowl…

Her iconic KC business made her queen of the road; why Gail Worth is switching gears into retirement 

Gail Worth is hitting the open road of retirement — putting 25 years at her premier motorcycle dealership in the rearview mirror. And the Grandview business — Gail’s (formerly known as Gail’s Harley-Davidson) — that she made popular with her community drive and over-the-handlebars personality, is closing on Worth’s own terms, she said proudly. “I’m…