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
Connecting for Good refurbishes The Surplus Exchange with merger championing digital inclusion
Two Kansas City nonprofits are melding their expertise into a spearhead against the digital divide. “This is just the beginning of what will be a long-term love affair between Connecting For Good, digital inclusion, environmental leadership, and the Greater Kansas City metro and regional area,” said Tom Esselman, CEO of Connecting for Good. The Kansas…
Life kicked me around — then I found E-Scholars, says student-turned-UMKC mentor
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Regnier Institute, but was independently produced by Startland News. Sticky, intricate, and at times invisible, Terri Jordan’s startup journey is a web spun of complexity, creativity and passion, she said. “I would’ve never met my business partner if I hadn’t said, ‘Hey, would…
ShotTracker partners with entire NCAA conference, taking shot at potential in-game analytics
The game is all about proliferating ShotTracker’s technology, said Davyeon Ross, announcing a new partnership with the Mountain West conference to spread the Kansas-born stats-and-analytics tech further across collegiate basketball. Ross’ goal: nothing short of overhauling sports. “The Mountain West continues to stand out for being a pioneer in adopting the latest cutting-edge technologies,” the…
No, Dwolla’s Monetery conference isn’t just about money; it’s an inclusive tech challenge
Though Monetery aims to be a mix of seminars, networking and investing opportunities, the secret to maintaining the Midwest tech conference’s value-positive vibe is its intimacy, said Steph Atkin. “We want to make sure that there is an opportunity for all our startups, all our venture capitalists, and our speakers, to meet and connect,” continued…