Taylor Wilmore headshot

Taylor Wilmore

Reporter, Startland News

Taylor Wilmore, hailing from Lee’s Summit, is a dedicated reporter and a recent graduate of the University of Missouri, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Taylor channels her deep-seated passion for writing and storytelling to create compelling narratives that shed light on the diverse residents of Kansas City.

Prior to her role at Startland News, Taylor made valuable contributions as a reporter for the Columbia Missourian newspaper, where she covered a wide range of community news and higher education stories.

Recent Stories by Taylor Wilmore

Sports entertainment veteran homers with interactive gaming sports bar, baseball outing indoors

Serial entrepreneur Lance Windholz — who spiked a career in tech to build community around beach volleyball in Shawnee — is batting again; this time, taking a swing at sports entertainment and the resurgent popularity of baseball.

Founders urge confidence, not Midwest nice: Stop apologizing for thinking bigger, builders say

Kansas City should be a hotbed for talent and startups, said Usman Wajid, lamenting a trend where entrepreneurs allow themselves to be penned in by a mentality that they’re overlooked locally and need to relocate to raise capital. Sometimes the catalyst for funding is confidence, the Block & Mortar AI founder told a crowd gathered…

Small Biz to Watch: Q39 doubling its footprint, investing in the brand’s pitmaster-forward workforce

It’s one of Q39’s most aggressive periods of expansion yet, said Kelly McGee, describing the barbecue brand’s strategy of opening new locations, investing in team culture, and carrying forward the vision she built alongside her late husband, chef Rob McGee. 

Small Biz to Watch: E-Z Pedicabs expands routes with KC, World Cup visitors along for the ride

With an influx of visitors tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and a wave of downtown development reshaping how residents navigate the city, a young Kansas City pedicab company sees opportunity in the lane ahead.

Small Biz to Watch: Safi Fresh gives resurgent 18th & Vine a new flavor

As new businesses open and foot traffic returns to the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, LaRonda Lanear wants Safi Fresh to be part of what comes next for a neighborhood that has long-awaited revitalization.

Fan Fest food vendor loves the exposure (but she’s missing results); her nearby restaurant sits quiet too

The international soccer tournament has delivered an unexpected one-two punch for LuLu’s Thai Noodle Shop: disappointing sales for vendors at the official FIFA Fan Festival and slower-than-normal traffic at the brand’s Crossroads location.

This artist’s vision is larger than life; her World Cup installation was created to match

Whitney Manney's massive KC•House installation welcomes the world to Kansas City, the fashion designer and multi-hyphenate creator said. She’s hanging on hope they arrive with curiosity and an eye for whimsy.

Entrepreneur tackling healthcare’s everyday inconveniences wins top pitch night prize

Tuesday’s evening pitch event showcased founders working across healthcare, consumer products, community development and other sectors, while underscoring the relationships built throughout the program.

None of us are weeds: Kansas City chef reconnects to nature through food, Midwest identity 

Aqui Greadington wants people to look at the weeds in their yard a little differently. To him, overlooked plants are an opportunity for fine dining, a way to reconnect with family history, and a bridge to nature.

Gumbo takes a community of ingredients: Chef rallies food lovers behind culinary students

Community spirit simmered Saturday afternoon ahead of storms as The Prospect KC’s Gumbo Fest returned to Kansas City’s 18th & Vine district. The fundraising event marked a meaningful homecoming for the event after a temporary venue change, said Chef Shanita McAfee-Bryant.