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

It took a relentless ‘army’ of Topekans to open this innovation hub; now it’s time to build

TOPEKA — Moving the capital city’s crown jewel innovation space from start to finish was anything but a straight-line endeavor, said Molly Howey, describing the focus — and patience — that helped push the project forward, despite plenty of opportunities for collaborators to give up. “This is one of those events that I really don’t…

Vine Street chicken and beer: Brewery adds new flavor to its neighborhood hub (and future World Cup living room)

Vine Street Brewing is cooking. The Black-owned brewery at 2000 Vine is welcoming a new restaurant partner into its space, reuniting beer and bites under one roof. The concept, Vine Street Chicken Co. Kansas City, comes through a partnership with chef Justin Clark, founder of the popular Troost Avenue culinary hotspot Urban, bringing fried and…

Myndset shift: Why this founder says results under pressure come from repetition, not inspiration

Now live and gaining traction, Myndset is showing early demand for what founder Craig Mason calls a pressure response operating system — built to help high performers stay steady and execute in real, high-stakes moments. Since launching Dec. 22, the Kansas City startup has attracted nearly 400 active users and 10,000 interactions, Mason told Startland…

CodeAlgo Academy hits classrooms as the edtech platform (and founder) proves independence

After years of putting the building blocks together, Triumfia Houmbie Fulks’ edtech startup has officially entered the game, the founder said, noting she launched the coding platform into area schools this fall. The move pushes Kansas City-based CodeAlgo Academy beyond beta and into real K-8 classrooms where students are actively solving problems, creating games, and…

Innovation hub sets opening for critical wet labs, space for startups, small biz entrepreneurs

TOKEKA — Furniture deliveries are rolling in, the bright, bold green exterior sign is up, and Topeka’s new hub for science, startups, and collaboration is nearly ready to open its doors. After years of planning and prep, the hotly-anticipated Link Innovation Labs project is entering the final stretch of construction, setting the stage for a…

Translating Sisterbot: KC’s cello-playing sci-fi heroine has arrived (at the speed of sound)

Sisterbot takes the cello out of the orchestra pit and puts it on the stage to rock out. Created by Kansas City musician and composer Adee Dancy, the project offers an ever-changing blend of classical strings, rock, theater and experimental sound. The only constants: Sisterbot is built upon cello and voice, reflecting Dancy’s conservatory training…

Serve good karma, get good karma: How Brian Roberts is keeping coffee shop’s flavor in Year 2

After a caffeinated burst of early word-of-mouth support, Brian Roberts’ new coffee and wine space near Tower East got a months-long jolt of good karma, he said — but as its newness cooled on the counter, the fledgling business began to lose its grip on thirsty customers. “It was really tough, getting people to realize…

Want to help KC’s new favorite rapper meme Missouri? This one’s for you

Riverside-born creator Lil String unravels viral comedy from everyday Kansas City destinations; Here’s how internet culture is translating into real-world turnout From his cowboy hat to his boots, Lil String doesn’t take himself too seriously, he said. The rapper, comedian and content creator is rapidly building a local following by blending humor, music and hyper-specific…

Ditch the highlight reel and gatekeepers: Founders share blueprint to building value, together

Entrepreneurship is lonely, but it doesn’t have to be isolating, said Mark Launiu, opening a three-day summit rich in practical wisdom and firsthand storytelling from founders who’ve created businesses — and struggled through the times that suck — in Kansas City. “This is about building something that lasts and building it with people who understand…

Grab a plate, save a restaurant: KC’s 10-day crash course in cuisine could keep the doors open

The region’s culinary community is toasting the return of Kansas City Restaurant Week with anticipation — and hopes for a serving of survival amid an economic downturn that’s seen the closures of dining establishments new and old across the metro. “This event alone can hopefully at least keep us open,” said Nashaunda Law, founder of…