The Nelle — a ‘third space’ for women and LGBTQ+ creatives — closing its doors Jan. 31
January 26, 2023 | Startland News Staff
Lauren Saks Merriman is proud of The Nelle HQ’s two years in the Crossroads Arts District, she said, recalling its impact as a genuine environment for empowered thought, inclusion and connection.
“We set out to offer a safe space for inspiration and community,” said Merriman, founder of The Nelle. “And that’s exactly what we’ve accomplished.”
But after six years of fulfilling that mission, a changing economic landscape led Merriman to announce the business’ closure, she said. Jan. 31 is expected to be The Nelle’s final day. All non-trade or gift-based annual memberships will be refunded for their remaining terms in the coming weeks, Merriman said.
The Nelle was built to host and serve through elevated amenities and programming — specifically for individuals who are typically underserved, like women and members of Kansas City’s LGBTQ+ community, she explained. Such amenities included a gym, boxing, arts spaces, quiet workspaces, a screening room, and a conference/events venue.
Since its earliest inception in 2017, inclusivity and the arts has been central to The Nelle’s mission. Its 65 person membership catered heavily to artists, non-profits and essential workers. It filled a need for a “third space” between work and home that enhances lives through elegant amenities and unique programming, Merriman said.
The Nelle donated workspace to local artists for the creation of large-scale visual works, she added. Its artist residence program hosted local artist Mark Allen who was able to build a portfolio during his residency that helped in securing a spot at Pratt, one of America’s top art programs. It hosted Kansas City Art Institute, Art as Mentorship, Midwest Innocence Project, the Missouri Caucus and the Kansas City Symphony.
The concept for the space came to Merriman after she moved to Kansas City from Chicago, where she had joined city clubs and wanted to bring a similar experience to Kansas City.
Click here to learn more about the story of Nelle HQ.
2023 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Yoga for five-year-olds? Visionary KC charter school launching pilot program
Kansas City-based elementary school Dreams KC will launch its first pilot program this month, but don’t expect the same old classroom model “Dreams is a whole child model,” explained Catina Taylor, founder of Dreams KC. “What that means is we don’t focus on them from the neck up, we develop their civic, personal, professional and…
Gooding: Your customers don’t care about you
Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Check out more from Grant Gooding here. It’s true. The moment you start talking about yourself is the moment you start losing. There is no doubt that as human beings we have a natural affinity to talk about ourselves; self-promotion is hard-wired…
KU Health System pilots KC health startup in rural Kansas
Kansas City-based software startup Redivus Health landed a partnership with the University of Kansas Health system, which will put its technology in the hands of many rural Kansans. Launched in 2012, Redivus Health was founded by a group of physicians wanting to create better solutions for critical care situations. In 2015, the firm created a…
Sprint Accelerator welcomes seven startups to KC, launches 2017 program
The Sprint Accelerator announced Monday the seven startups from around the country that it welcomed into its fourth annual program, which also launched Monday. For the 2017 cohort, the Sprint Accelerator is focused on solidifying corporate partnerships. Fueled by Dairy Farmers of America and Virgin Mobile, the 90-day program will welcome startups from two tracks…