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
The whole package: KC woman’s delivery service drives to beat competition on trust, versatility
Two years after receiving a $25,000 grant from Kansas City G.I.F.T., Damesha Cook’s small business is still on the move, picking up speed as she invests her own personal touch to build confidence and trust among clients. “When people meet me and get to know my personality, it gives them a lot of comfort,” said…
PayIt co-founder: No one-size-fits-all formula for scaling one of KC biggest startup ideas
Mike Plunkett’s journey with PayIt came to an early, but critical crossroads when a wealthy entrepreneur offered half-million dollars to support the Kansas City-built govtech venture, he recalled. The catch: this investor insisted on imposing control and veto power as they committed more funds. Despite being low on funds, the PayIt team — led by…
MADE MOBB co-founder wins top award from his community, aims to inspire Island kids (and leave a legacy for his own)
Mark Launiu always felt a bit like an outsider, he said. While the serial entrepreneur now leads KC’s iconic streetwear brand MADE MOBB, Launiu grew up humbly as an immigrant within a small community in South Kansas City. So his recent honor as Samoan Business/Entrepreneur Award of the Year was a pleasant surprise, he said….
Why Kauffman’s new CEO just rolled out the blue carpet (and an ask) for Kansas City
Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace wears the legacy of Ewing Kauffman on her shoulders, she said. Inspired by the Kauffman Foundation’s namesake, the organization’s new president and CEO opened the doors to its headquarters this week, offering insight into how she plans to lead with intention. “We must match the needs of the communities we serve,” she…
Haunted by retro influences: How skull-popping artwork time traveled into some of the nation’s biggest publications
Step into the retro world of John F. Malta, a West Bottoms-based artist whose creative journey is a blend of nostalgia, punk aesthetics, and a passion for eye-catching storytelling. His vibrant imagination took Malta from his early days doodling in the classroom to his recent collaborations with iconic publications like The New York Times and…
Startup ambassadors’ pitch to former Kansas Citians: Move your innovation, hustle Back2KC
Kansas City is having a moment, said Liam Reilly, and it’s an opportunity he and fellow Back2KC organizers couldn’t pass up — reviving the tech talent recruitment program amid Chiefs glory, downtown baseball district buzz, KC Streetcar expansion, riverfront revitalization, and a World Cup on the horizon. “We didn’t want to wait another year to…
Cannabis to canvas: When life goes inside out, Heather Hobbs sees new opportunities
Life can be messy, Heather Hobbs acknowledged, but cannabis-based wellness products can help bring needed focus, clarity and relief, the now-solo owner of KC Hemp Co. said. “That’s been a big focus of mine, crafting products that can actually help with things like ADHD, and also what I call ‘mom stress’ where you’re constantly up…
C2FO awards grants to three KC nonprofits boosting Black entrepreneurs with intention
A new grants program developed by one of Kansas City’s biggest scaleups was founded with a clear purpose, said Jay Lott, announcing the effort’s first three nonprofit recipients and touting C2FO’s ongoing commitment to community engagement within the Kansas City region. “We want to support the nonprofit organizations that are focused on intentionally elevating Black…
Why the KC Pioneers refuse to stay in their lane; esports league teams with Kansas Speedway for weekend event
First they watched from stadium seats at the speedway, then from pit road. Now the fans-turned collaborators at the KC Pioneers are on track with one of their biggest partners to date: NASCAR. Kansas City’s premiere esports league has teamed up with the Kansas Speedway to bring traditional racing and esports gaming into the same…
Plaza retailers concerned for employee safety after recent shootings, upticks in thefts, harassment at iconic KC shopping district
No business owner should have to deal with ongoing incidents that threaten the safety of their employees and customers, Tyler Enders shared, but that’s the reality for some entrepreneurs on Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza. Employees at Made in KC’s marketplace location on the Plaza were closing up for the night Sept. 2 — the…