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
Go BTS of a new KC-filmed reality TV series with the entrepreneurs who matched competitors with their style
ULAH founders get second chance to put their business (and Kansas City) on the national stage One of Kansas City’s best-known fashion duos — married entrepreneurs Joey Mendez and Buck Wimberly — recently stepped back into the fast-paced world of reality TV as stylists for a new series featuring another KC personality who commands screen…
Malisa Monyakula wants to welcome you home for the holidays; she already has an igloo waiting
Adding pop-up holiday experiences at her popular Kansas City businesses is a way for Malisa Monyakula to bring back nostalgic memories of her childhood in Thailand, the restaurateur behind Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop said. “Christmas is everywhere in Thailand,” she said, noting the classic American holiday celebrations are vibrant despite the country’s predominantly Buddhist population….
Made in KC crowns first-ever ‘Maker of the Year’ (plus the local-first retailer’s best new product)
Kansas City’s thriving maker community received a festive boost this holiday season as Made in KC unveiled its first-ever Made in KC Awards — a celebration of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. The awards highlight more than a dozen standout makers and innovative products, with two big winners — KC New Maker of the Year and…
This startup comes with baggage: How one entrepreneur zipped away a classic travel pain
Editor’s note: The following story was produced through a paid partnership with MOSourceLink, which boasts a mission to help entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state of Missouri grow and succeed by providing free, easy access to the help they need — when they need it. Amber Walderier’s entrepreneurial journey began with an unexpected inspiration:…
She came to Kansas seeing a land of opportunity; now her just-launched bookstore opens doors for Black creatives
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. WICHITA — Latasha N. Eley Kelly’s new storefront not only combines her love of books, education, and supporting local creatives, she said; Left on Read also serves as a unique community…
Quincy Lee’s imagination never stops working; thanks to a life-saving camera, neither does he
An introverted “creativepreneur,” Quincy Lee juggles video content creation, co-owning a digital marketing agency, designing his own apparel, and fatherhood — all while bringing bold ideas into focus. “I’ve always been an entrepreneur all my life,” Lee said, reflecting on the early days of his journey. “It started small, but it planted the seed for…
Just funded: KCMO unveils $200K in grants for nearly two dozen restaurants, bars, coffee shops
Kansas City has an “enormous appetite” for outdoor dining, said Wes Rogers, highlighting the growing need for city leaders to be responsive to evolving industry and small business trends — and championing KCMO’s new outdoor dining grants program. Officials on Tuesday announced 20 inaugural recipients of the Outdoor Dining Enhancement Grant. It’s an initiative —…
Beadwork maker thankful for Native heritage, crafting pieces that honor her lineage (not just what will sell)
Komina Guevara’s hands are rarely still. Through intricate beadwork and crafting leather, her art tells a story deeply rooted in cultural heritage, family traditions, and personal evolution. As the creative force behind KomGue, Guevara is gaining recognition as a standout Kansas City maker — her work showcased at pop-ups and earning her the $1,500 second-place…
Side hustle to help autistic adults belong in the workplace earns young founder Student Entrepreneur of the Year honor
Grace Kertz is redefining what workplace inclusivity can look like with Sensory Sync, an AI-powered platform designed to support neurodivergent employees. Her work on the innovative venture on Thursday earned her the title of UMKC Student Entrepreneur of the Year. “Sensory sync is an enterprise grade DEI and wellness platform sold to companies. It utilizes…
World Cup is sprinting closer; entrepreneurs should be preparing now, say regional biz leaders
Kansas City is kicking plans into high gear as the 2026 FIFA World Cup heads to the pitch — with local leaders eager to capitalize on the massive economic impact expected from the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “The 2026 World Cup will be the largest event mankind has ever put on, and it’s going to be the…