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
Rescuing a dream: Why Lizz Whitacre sees a future for shelter pets in Pawlytics
Lizz Whitacre grew up allergic to pets; the Midwest founder wasn’t even allowed to have dogs or cats as a child. But that didn’t stop her from fostering a deep-seated need to save them all; her Nebraska-built startup is now wagging momentum in Kansas City to help mom-and-pop boutique animal shelters streamline operations to boost…
‘Feel through it’: Danny Soriano mixes Renaissance mindset with genre-hopping setlist
Music provides more than a safe place to escape, said Kansas City-based artist and entrepreneur Danny Soriano; it’s simultaneously the space between people, and a connection that can tie them together. “It’s really important for my music to spark conversations — or create an atmosphere where people feel safe enough at my concerts to start…
Techstars returning to KC for one-night-only meetup; teasing what’s next for the global accelerator
It’s easy to take for granted just how far the Kansas City entrepreneurial ecosystem has come, John Fein shared. Kansas City-based Firebrand Ventures is teaming up with the global startup accelerator Techstars for a Community Meetup 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 26 at Grand Cafe on the Plaza. The event is free but space…
J. Rieger earns role in new Jason Bourne thriller; chased with a shot of Monogram whiskey, neat
When Jason Bourne slides into his next literary adventure, the CIA asset-turned-runaway agent is expected to find himself barrel-bound in the East Bottoms, said Andy Rieger, teasing a new thriller in the Bourne series that adds an iconic Kansas City destination to the hero’s story. Rieger on Thursday revealed that J. Rieger & Co. Distillery…
2026 Startups to Watch: dScribe tracks early momentum with West Coast-Midwest funding combinator
Editor’s note: Startland News editors selected 10 high-growth, scaling Kansas City companies to spotlight for its annual Startups to Watch project. Now in its 11th year, this feature recognizes founders and startups that editors believe will make some of the biggest, most compelling news in the coming 12 months. The following is one of 2026’s…
2026 Startups to Watch: Roz uncovers dynamic momentum amid audit of its own shifting opportunities
Editor’s note: Startland News editors selected 10 high-growth, scaling Kansas City companies to spotlight for its annual Startups to Watch project. Now in its 11th year, this feature recognizes founders and startups that editors believe will make some of the biggest, most compelling news in the coming 12 months. The following is one of 2026’s…
2026 Startups to Watch: Resonus wants local government to hear you — not just the loudest voices
Editor’s note: Startland News editors selected 10 high-growth, scaling Kansas City companies to spotlight for its annual Startups to Watch project. Now in its 11th year, this feature recognizes founders and startups that editors believe will make some of the biggest, most compelling news in the coming 12 months. The following is one of 2026’s…
2026 Startups to Watch: CarePilot prescribes more patient time, fewer clicks for doctors as product line grows
Editor’s note: Startland News editors selected 10 high-growth, scaling Kansas City companies to spotlight for its annual Startups to Watch project. Now in its 11th year, this feature recognizes founders and startups that editors believe will make some of the biggest, most compelling news in the coming 12 months. The following is one of 2026’s…
His BBQ is no joke: This comedian-turned-entrepreneur uses an inclusive menu to get families back on the same page
After nearly a year in the smoker, Brodric Cason is lifting the lid on B-On-Meatz — a catering company with an appetite for ensuring everyone can enjoy Kansas City barbecue, no matter their dietary restrictions. B-On-Meatz BBQ offers vegan and traditional barbecue, using kosher and halal meats. Launched in early 2025, the business has a…
Toucans and Labubus blow it: Designer boxes tissues that don’t shred your nose (or home’s aesthetic)
WICHITA — As a consumer herself, Ariel Westphal wants to expect more from the items she purchases, the budding Kansas entrepreneur said. And from a business perspective, that means crafting products that blend utility, beauty and long-lasting quality — even in something as simple as a box of tissues. “I didn’t want to just create…