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
Deep fake election ahead: Prepare for AI-generated misinformation arms race, warn KC experts
With the deployment of AI-generated content rapidly advancing just as the U.S. hurtles toward one of the most divisive election seasons in its history, developer Michelle Frost offered two words of advice: buckle in. “It’s gonna be a shit show of a year as an election cycle,” the Johns Hopkins artificial intelligence grad student told…
Now serving foodpreneurs: KC conference dishes out 30+ sessions for new, growing food businesses
Launching a food business comes with unique challenges, Xander Winkel shared, and the Mid-Continent Public Library has partnered with several local organizations to help those specialized entrepreneurs find their recipe to success. The Food Business Conference — free workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities for “foodpreneurs” that are offered in partnership with the library, Kansas…
New home on Ward Parkway: $4M minority chamber project brings Black, Brown entrepreneurs under one banner
A history-making project on Ward Parkway — said to be the first minority-owned property on the storied Kansas City thoroughfare — already is demonstrating the power of unity amid divisive times, said Kim Randolph. Unveiled to the public Saturday, the new Minority Chamber of Commerce Development Center at 9100 Ward Parkway is now home to both…
KC Chamber’s Superstars celebration empowers everyday small business heroes
Editor’s note: The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is a non-financial partner of Startland News, which serves as the media partner for the Small Business Superstars program. The Blueprint KC has come a long way, said Sheraz Pompey, emphasizing the meaningful impact of being showcased as one of the KC Chamber’s Small Business Superstars….
Brothers behind new show at Zhou B Art Center KC paint space as gift to creatives, community
The Zhou B Art Center KC is going to be the next hub for great art, Bryce Holt shared, and he’s thrilled to be a part of it. The Overland Park-based artist’s “The Bible in Art” is on display at the new art center, located in the former Crispus Attucks School — which underwent a…
Newly relaunched PR platform connects small brands to freelance journalists eager to tell their stories
Blish Mize Connor and Allison Hogan are working to change the landscape of the public relations game, they shared, starting with firing themselves. The PR veterans — with a combined 35 years of experience — have launched DeskSides, a dual-sided digital hub to connect brands with journalists/freelancers. “We were tired of traveling and schlepping goods…
US company lands on the moon: Here’s how a KC firm helped boost its flames of innovation
For the first time ever, a commercial spacecraft has touched down on the moon and Kansas City-based Burns & McDonnell provided innovation that helped to make it possible for Intuitive Machines and its Odysseus IM-1 lander, shared Brittney Swartz. The local engineering, construction and architecture firm served as the designer and builder of Intuitive Machines’…
KC gets its first pro pickleball team; Why a staunch tennis purist put down his racket for a paddle
Pickleball has given former professional tennis player Daryl Wyatt a new lease on life, he shared, and now he’s hoping to ace Kansas City’s serve into next-level pickleball. The Kansas City Stingers — one of six U.S. expansion teams — is joining the National Pickleball League in 2024, under the ownership group of partners Julie…
Chicken N Pickle serves a no-tech, backyard vibe; Here’s why it’s paying off with Texas, national expansion
North Kansas City-founded Chicken N Pickle now has 10 locations — with six more in the works — but the award-winning entertainment destination remains committed to fostering human connection through simple spaces where everyone can play, said Kelli Alldredge. And disconnect. “We don’t have computers on the property. You don’t order from an iPad,” said…
Shop Local KC leader says she won’t live in fear after parade shooting marks third encounter with gun violence
For the third time in two years, Katie Mabry van Dieren and her small businesses have been impacted by gun violence, she shared, and now the advocate for local makers is calling for gun reform. “It’s unimaginable,” Mabry van Dieren, owner of Shop Local KC and founder of Strawberry Swing, said in the wake of…