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

From Cleveland Heights to KC: This streetwear brand opens season on Midwest style

As anticipation builds for Thursday’s Chiefs home opener at Arrowhead Stadium, Aric Jones is channeling that energy into his streetwear venture — a play that brings Travis Kelce’s childhood best friend’s lifestyle and clothing brand from Cleveland Heights to Kansas City. Homebred is debuting a six-month showroom at KC Beauty Collective, 1819 Wyandotte St., during…

Digital Health KC debuts Lumi Awards with star-powered roster of tech honorees

Healthcare is a team sport and Kansas City has all the players, said Dick Flanigan, heaping praise on the region’s innovators at the intersection of healthcare and technology. “We have key entries in every sector, allowing us to tap into these companies and individuals to truly form a winning team,” said Flanigan, president of Digital…

Shoppers lined the block to visit their vintage clothing store; now they’ve curated a new, larger space in KC’s West Bottoms

As brothers Thomas and Reade Rex open the doors to their relocated and expanded vintage clothing store this weekend in Kansas City’s West Bottoms, the event will be a culmination of years of hard work, passion, and a shared vision — plus significant customer support and loyalty, they said. “We’ve always done things together,” said…

Zee underscores artists’ need for positive venues; creative powerhouse opens pocket of support

Zahra Briggs developed her creative voice in Kansas City; now she’s setting the stage for fellow independent artists who struggle to find venues that match their vibe — and often have to pay to perform. She’s even creating a version of herself in the metaverse to open access further. A singer and songwriter herself, Briggs — who…

KC’s next LGBTQ+ space wants to be more than just a raging club; How this permanent takeover aims to better reflect queer nightlife

Westport nightlife is set for transformation as a sweeping expansion adds seven late-night hotspots to the historic entertainment district — anchored by a new bar catering specifically to Kansas City’s LGBTQ+ community. Q Kansas City — a collaboration with Lance Pierce of Queer Bar Takeover — is expected open its doors in October at 504 Westport…

Ruby Jean’s founder juices up STL small biz accelerator as entrepreneur in residence

Chris Goode is sharing the fruits of his business success as the Ruby Jean’s Juicery founder takes on the apron of “entrepreneur in residence” for a Missouri program aimed at supporting Black and Latinx small businesses in St. Louis. In his role with the WEPower All-Industry Accelerator, Goode will guide 10 small businesses through a…

Your neighbors have stories you’ve never heard; this podcast duo is giving them the mic

Kansas City natives Jose “JL” Leon Jr. and Daniel “D.Rod” Rodriguez are on a mission to create community — not controversy — with a podcast showcasing untold stories of underrepresented leaders and entrepreneurs — people who contribute to the fabric of Kansas City, but don’t always make headlines. “The more you get to know someone, the…

Hair entrepreneur goes beyond business to tackle a community need

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. ST. LOUIS — Braiding hair for over 20 years, Michelle…

At least 9 storefronts hit in overnight crime spree; entrepreneurs want to shatter idea it’s a Troost-only problem

Break-ins point to challenge beyond Kansas City’s east side, say small business owners A recent mini crime wave — stretching from the Crossroads Arts District to Troost Avenue and Brookside — mirrors a series of break-ins and vandalism incidents at the Country Club Plaza and beyond, business owners said, reflecting a citywide danger that demands…

Grants competition returning with $55K for each winner; LaunchKC Liftoff applications open Aug. 14

LaunchKC leaders’ hopes and expectations for the popular competition’s grant-winning entrepreneurs go far beyond their final pitches, said Jim Erickson. “We want all of them to grow and prosper. We want, in 20 to 30 years, for us to be able to drive downtown and see skyscrapers with LaunchKC companies’ names on it, having driven…