Stand out and stand tall: Father of Tech N9ne, two of KC’s favorite chefs inspired their drive from his Kansas City hair salon

Hassan Khalifah only had to look to his elders for entrepreneurial inspiration, he said. They were a family of bakers, moonshiners, salvagers, restaurateurs, grocers, pool hall operators, and nickel-and-dime candy shop owners. After a short time working for the city, Hassan opened several small businesses before a three-decade career as a salon owner. Four of…

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Malisa Monyakula wants to welcome you home for the holidays; she already has an igloo waiting

Adding pop-up holiday experiences at her popular Kansas City businesses is a way for Malisa Monyakula to bring back nostalgic memories of her childhood in Thailand, the restaurateur behind Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop said. “Christmas is everywhere in Thailand,” she said, noting the classic American holiday celebrations are vibrant despite the country’s predominantly Buddhist population.…

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‘The people demand mustard’: This stained glass artist dipped into corn dogs (and hungry shoppers ate it up)

Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro.  LAWRENCE — Selling holiday shoppers on stained glass corn dogs was unexpectedly easy, said Darleen Schillaci; adding mustard and keeping up with buyers’ appetite, however, proved the meatiest challenge. The…

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