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
Wanderfest returns April 23 to Midtown alongside Flavorpak jam and other Tower East oddities
After a four-year hiatus, community members are once again invited to wander and explore a collection of local businesses dubbed the Tower East District for a special day of spring events. Wanderfest is returning April 23 to the area near 31st Street and Gillham Road, shared organizers — and the sisters behind Two Tone Press…
Her henna art goes far beyond copy and paste; how one Kansan’s craft (and kindness) went TikTok viral
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. This series is possible thanks to Go Topeka, which seeks economic success for all companies and citizens across Shawnee County through implementation of an aggressive economic development strategy that capitalizes…
Palacana stand debuts at Kauffman Stadium; opening major league gate to more small businesses
Being the first Kansas City-based Latino franchise to have a concession stand in Kauffman Stadium is a dream come true, shared Palacana owner and CEO Jose Luis Valdez. Palacana — which has six locations across the metro and an ice cream and paleta production facility in Roeland Park — is known for its fresh paletas,…
Fast-growing KC startup closes $20M in Series B funding to accelerate genetic progress in cattle
A well-muscled funding round is expected to help Lenexa-based Vytelle expand its global operations after having already scaled the agtech startup’s breakthrough in vitro fertilization, data capture, and AI-driven genetics tech to be easily accessed by more than half of the U.S. cow herd. “This is indicative of strong market interest in our products and…
Now renting nostalgia: Hands-on classic car startup drives ‘look but don’t touch’ into the past
Ryan Wager isn’t just renting out classic cars with his new startup, he shared, he’s loaning out memories. North Kansas City-based RND — launched earlier this year — allows community members and visitors to take classic, RND-restored cars — like his own 1958 Chevy Corvette — for a spin with daily rentals. Want to take…
It’s the ultimate stash: How an exclusive cannabis collaboration is bringing smokeware out of hiding
Working with acclaimed fashion designer Whitney Manney is a bucket list collaboration, shared Wandering Bud founder Riley Brain. The handmade ceramic smokeware maker has teamed up with the KC-based fashion label WHITNEYMANNEY to create a limited edition collection of cannabis accessories and stash bags. “I’ve always just really admired Whitney’s work and aesthetic,” Brain said….
Art Junkez put Chicano custom culture on canvas with a colorful salute to family roots
The Art Junkez — a venture crafted by a Westside-raised brother and sister and their spouses — set out to create “something out of nothing” in celebration of their Mexican-American heritage, Selena Moran and Jaime Calderon shared. Growing up, it wasn’t easy to find gifts that reflected their culture — like something for their grandma…
Hope starts at home: Economic mobility, inclusion hinge on realities of identity, panel says
Editor’s note: The Junior League of Kansas City — through its C3KC conference — is an advertiser with Startland News. An important step in bridging the wealth gap and building equity is meeting people at their level of readiness, Terrell Jolly shared. “Because if you do not, they will inconvenience you in some kind of way and that’s the sad…
Remote control cattle: Virtual fencing tech reduces herds’ carbon hoofprint, puts rancher pain points out to pasture
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. LINCOLN, Nebraska — Corral Technologies is taking cattle control virtual, founder Jack Keating shared. Using satellite maps and solar collars, the agtech startup offers a virtual fencing system to help…
Deep Rooted plants new store at busy Troost shopping hub; Here’s how the streetwear brand is growing
A Kansas City streetwear brand is extending its roots on the city’s east side, said owner Donnell Jamison. Deep Rooted — which Jamison launched in 2018 out of the trunk of his car — has a new home in the shopping center at Troost Avenue and Emanuel Cleaver Boulevard. “We just want to be that…