Latest Stories
Trio of trans ‘cooking witches’ brew vegan flavor in authenticity of collective ingredients, not mere imitation
Something wickedly delicious has made its way to Kansas City, said Olive Cooke, Kim Conyers, and Sylvia Metta. Combining their passions for cooking and community, the trio founded a pop-up business centered on plant-based comfort food. “A couple days before our first pop-up, it became so surreal that we were actually doing this; we even…
How a pair of chicken footstools hatched into a yarn barnyard of sold-out flock-pleasers
What first hatched 11 years ago as a class project at Kansas State University has taken on a colorful and quirky life of its own, Sally Linville said. “We ask people to think a lot about their names,” Linville, founder and creative director of The City Girl Farm, said of the surprisingly important (and often…
Modest to momentum: KC’s mellow marshmallow maker is hopeful for a 2021 comeback
When crisp fall air kept Bill Wald cooped up inside, all he could think about was pouring himself the perfect cup of hot chocolate — topped with a sweet, sticky, marshmallow. But while Wald’s mug was full, his cupboards were bare; with not a single marshmallow in sight. “It was too cold to leave the house….
Entrepreneurs’ intellectual property rights: Invention theft prevention using patents
Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary — the fourth in a four-part series — are the author’s alone. Chris Brown is the founder of Venture Legal where he represents startups, freelancers, and small businesses. This column is intended to be general in detail and does not constitute legal advice. When someone secures patent…
No glass ceiling over the glamp site: Women-led, Black-owned business opens luxury camping season
Kansas Citians no longer need to sacrifice a comfortable bed and running water to spend a night out in nature, said Tiffany Watts and Heather Shelton. Through glamping with Suite Tea, one can have the best of both worlds, the co-founders said. “Our primary mission is to create an elevated, special experience for our guests….
Rapid response, rapid scaling: Why the feds prescribed ModRN Health to meet nation’s indefinite demand for holistic virtual care
Kansas City-dispensed ModRN Health is scaling up and scrubbing in — working to help the U.S. government provide critical care on demand. The virtual primary care solutions startup has entered into a two-year indefinite demand and indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract with the federal government — expanding its offerings beyond primary care and into critical care as…
Meal donation app comes to KC: How the phone-eats-first foodie photo trend can help fight hunger
People are already taking photos of their food — why not donate to food banks at the same time, Andrew Glantz proposed. “GiftAMeal is a free mobile app; each time someone takes a photo of their order from one of our partner restaurants, we make a donation to a local food bank to help give…
Calling all developers, designers and entrepreneurs: KC Digital Drive launching AR/VR challenge March 30
KC Digital Drive is giving all those interested in the field of augmented reality or virtual reality a new opportunity to solve real world problems through innovative solutions, explained Aaron Deacon. “[KC Digital Drive’s Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) Heartland Developer Challenge] is a series that goes from the early ideation phase to project…
Checkmate: Inventors’ high-tech chess board unlocks worthy opponent for rookies to rooks
An Overland Park-built connected gaming startup is making moves that run the queen’s gambit — approaching nearly $1 million in crowdfunding and unveiling its mission to make STEM-focused games more approachable. “I think a lot of kids and adults lose interest right away in something like a Rubik’s cube or chess — because it’s difficult,” explained Jeff…
Secret sauce called faith: How being Black, religion and mentors shaped Jy Maze, kept her startup from failing
The COVID-19 pandemic has not been the only hurdle for Maze Freight Solutions, said Jy Maze, and it certainly won’t be the last. “People think because you’re a CEO of a company that everything is gravy. No one knows about the bloody knees from praying, the begging for money, nobody giving you a shot —…
