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
K-State LAB offering Kansas startups free growth resources
A Kansas State University business development program is awarding more than $100,000 in grants to Kansas startups. Through K-State LAB — which stands for “launching a business” — participants will receive business lessons, face-to-face mentoring and access to market research. Launched in 2014, the program aims to connect entrepreneurs with the right people so that they…
Kauffman Foundation launches initiative to topple startup barriers
During an annual trip to Washington D.C., Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation CEO Wendy Guillies urged the U.S. Congress to take action to eliminate barriers for entrepreneurs to launch new businesses. In her 2017 State of Entrepreneurship address, Guillies said that millions of Americans are being left out the U.S. economy and that trends of dwindling…
In address to Congress, Victor Hwang urges action on entrepreneurship deficit
Tapping into his own entrepreneurial story, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation’s vice president of entrepreneurship testified before Congress on cutting obstacles to starting a business. Before the U.S. House Small Business Committee, Victor Hwang joined an expert panel of entrepreneurs and researchers to discuss common struggles entrepreneurs face, possible solutions and emerging trends. As Republican…
Kansas City milkman Matt Shatto launches new ag tech company
Matt Shatto — co-founder of the the popular Kansas City dairy Shatto Milk Company — is trailblazing new sustainable tech to help farmers reap more crops and reduce costs. Launched in 2016, Kansas City-based TerraManus Technologies created a patented device that helps farmers better manage soil and allocate water resources. The “TerraStar Disk” looks like a plastic…