Latest Stories
This startup comes with baggage: How one entrepreneur zipped away a classic travel pain
Editor’s note: The following story was produced through a paid partnership with MOSourceLink, which boasts a mission to help entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state of Missouri grow and succeed by providing free, easy access to the help they need — when they need it. Amber Walderier’s entrepreneurial journey began with an unexpected inspiration:…
Generator Studio promotes trio of longtime employees to premiere design firm’s ownership team
Three new additions to the ownership structure at Crossroads-based Generator Studio — the first such change in the studio’s 15-year history — each helped transform the very landscape of Kansas City, said co-founder Mike Kress. “They fully capture the spirit of Generator,” he continued, announcing that veteran team members Peter Baird, Christina Franklin, and Andrew…
Former Hallmark, Crayola exec joins Reconciliation Services, shifting focus to equity of personal well-being
A nearly 20-year corporate veteran has joined one of the most prominent nonprofit operations on Kansas City’s east side — marking another new chapter for Troost-based Reconciliation Services as Kristen Harris starts work as its new COO. “This role is an incredible opportunity to combine my passion for community impact with innovative leadership,” Harris said….
Super Dispatch names new CEO as one of KC’s top startups looks to next stage of growth
A new CEO for one of Kansas City’s best known tech startups is expected to lead the charge as auto transport platform Super Dispatch continues its transformation, said founder Bek Abdullayev, who moves into a new executive chairman role. The company on Tuesday announced Matt Bradley has assumed the CEO position at Super Dispatch, taking…
Daddy-daughter candy business drops tongue-in-cheek lessons flavored with entrepreneurship
What started out as a joke about an inflatable unicorn sprinkler “tooting” out candy has turned into a meaningful daddy-daughter candy business, Lee Urban shared. The Shawnee father launched Fantastical Droppings “for the little squirts that make your life complete,” he notes on the colorful packaging. “I’m like, ‘I’m gonna create a company that I…
KC needs elevated ambience, founder says; how her soon-to-open Westwood home store sets the table for ‘touches of trend’
The moment local shoppers — aspiring to better entertain friends and loved ones — heard what Sarah Brown’s online store was offering, her home and lifestyle business “just blew up,” she said, detailing the demand now pushing the brand’s jump to brick and mortar. “It showed that people in Kansas City need and want what…
She came to Kansas seeing a land of opportunity; now her just-launched bookstore opens doors for Black creatives
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. WICHITA — Latasha N. Eley Kelly’s new storefront not only combines her love of books, education, and supporting local creatives, she said; Left on Read also serves as a unique community…
Quincy Lee’s imagination never stops working; thanks to a life-saving camera, neither does he
An introverted “creativepreneur,” Quincy Lee juggles video content creation, co-owning a digital marketing agency, designing his own apparel, and fatherhood — all while bringing bold ideas into focus. “I’ve always been an entrepreneur all my life,” Lee said, reflecting on the early days of his journey. “It started small, but it planted the seed for…
New Westport coffee shop hopes to crown a fresh local favorite in the spot that launched Ruby Jean’s
Move over, office coffee pot; Tamara Grubb’s workspace brews its own premium drinks Tamara Grubb was just looking for a nice office space when she walked into a Westport building — a long-ago gas station with a distinctive double-A frame roof that once launched the popular Ruby Jean’s Juicery brand. Her first thought: This space…
Blue collar Friday: Why a KC streetwear project in the works for a decade could sell out in one night
A just-dropped collaboration between two Crossroads makers stitch together neighborhood history and vintage streetwear, according to the creatives behind the SewKC and MADE MOBB brands. “We’re paying homage to the craftsmanship of the past but bringing it into this new age,” explained Jesse Phouanphet, co-owner of the popular Kansas City streetwear apparel company MADE MOBB. …
