Nikki Overfelt Chifalu
Reporter, Startland News
Nikki brings to Startland News both community journalism and entrepreneurship experience and she loves being able to tell the inspiring stories of fellow creatives and risk-takers.
Before joining Startland News, she worked for over 10 years writing and editing for daily newspapers in Lawrence, Topeka, Duluth, Minnesota, and Park Hills, Missouri. She took a short hiatus from journalism to pursue her dream of becoming a pastry chef and starting her own baking business.
Recent Stories by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu
Being your authentic self is serious work, founders say; why women need to be in the business of saying ‘no’ more
In a world that’s so focused on AI, now’s the time for entrepreneurs to lean into the authentic quirks that make their businesses different, said Colleen Robertson, encouraging women to “be OK doing something crazy and turning people's heads.”
Billions in development: Royals are just one player behind Downtown KC’s rally, advocates say
The next chapter of Downtown Kansas City, Missouri, isn’t being shaped like just one project, Pat Contreras told a crowd this week, noting a handful of massive projects tell a much bigger story of what momentum looks like when investments connect. “Transportation, entertainment, healthcare, the Riverfront, major civic institutions, neighborhoods — the opportunity now is…
‘Put the matriarchy out front’: Their mission begins with a dance party, but that’s just the gateway
A series of events starting this week that provide a safe space for women isn’t about opposing men, Alex Villalobos-McAnderson said. The goal is to prioritize women in an authentic way that centers the most vulnerable; honors elders and single mothers; and “shows up for all children as our children.”
Surprise inside: Her shop unwrapps ‘treat culture’ for those who never outgrew the joy of toys
Bubble Wrapp KC is more than just a Midtown destination for the latest blind boxes targeted to discerning toy collectors, its owner shared. The space sits at the intersection of creativity, nostalgia, and togetherness, she said, calling it a mission that’s always been bigger than selling novelties.
Poor leaders can tank employees’ mental health (and the company); his business summit puts workplace culture on blast
“I'm a big believer in human to human connection because there's so much loneliness and isolation happening,” explained Ebrima "Abraham" Sisay, host of the You Gotta No! Podcast (YGN) and its annual YGN Summit. “That's because we're getting further away from what we are meant to do as humans.”
Athena Award winners: Be more than the star player; add women to the roster, spotlight
The 2026 honors recognized two high-profile women: Angie Long, founder of Palmer Square Capital Management and co-founder and owner of the Kansas City Current (recipient the 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award); and Elaina Paige, CEO and founder of The Next Paige Talent Agency (winner of the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award).
Cotton candy catering: Kiffany Bosserman refined her taste for business (and the value of her time)
After nearly a decade in business, Cottontale KC is still spinning sugar into a confection for success, shared founder Kiffany Bosserman — pivoting her business to say “yes” less and reprioritize the balance of family and life and profitability.
KC healthtech company earns ticket to Startup World Cup, shot at West Coast investor’s $1M
Win or lose, Nick Love is excited to keep spreading the word about his company’s injection medication delivery system to a whole new audience, the Love Lifesciences co-founder said Tuesday after earning a regional victory in the global Startup World Cup competition.
Sports are KC’s biggest new export, leaders say; make them synonymous with city’s brand
Kansas City’s sports ties should be as obvious and celebrated as Nashville’s musical identity, said Neal Sharma, describing the region’s potential to redefine itself based on recent headline-grabbing wins.
‘These barns are built with purpose’: Inside the American Royal’s new $375M home in KCK
“This is a building for food and agriculture,” said Jackie McClaskey, noting the American Royal campus is nearly the size of seven football fields. “This is a building to be able to showcase our state's and our country's most important industry — an industry that is led by people with grit and passion and persistence.”