Minority-Led

Fresh start: Selfie studio goes mobile, reimagining its FOMO factory as a custom experience

By Tommy Felts / March 10, 2023

Fresh Factory KC is evolving, founder India Wells-Carter shared, embracing change as she re-evaluates where and how her camera-ready venture can help shine the brightest light on Kansas City. After a year and a half in its brick-and-mortar location at the Zona Rosa shopping center, Fresh Factory KC has uprooted and gone mobile, bringing the…

They’re not trying to die(t); how this mother-daughter influencer duo teaches spice of life after weight loss surgery

By Tommy Felts / March 9, 2023

A support system after weight loss surgery is essential, shared Kiley Williams-Bowls and Linda Donaldson. After both underwent bariatric surgery, the Kansas City mother-daughter duo behind BariGirls have set out to help others who’ve experienced the procedure maintain healthy habits. “We discovered that there are hundreds of thousands of people that have had weight loss…

HERImpact awards $50K: Prize money expected to help pop-up scale into its own space

By Tommy Felts / March 9, 2023

Editor’s note: 1863 Ventures is an advertiser with Startland News, though this report was produced independently by the nonprofit newsroom. Tirza Design allows consumers to support cause-based brands and survivors of human trafficking, exploitation, and other forms of abuse, detailed Nikkie Affholter, noting her venture also meets the need of bringing dignified employment to women who’ve escaped…

Sisters open Lao-Thai kitchen in KC’s Crossroads, but to taste their laab beef, you’ll have to order from the cloud

By Tommy Felts / March 8, 2023

A sister-led Lao and Thai food restaurant in the Crossroads hopes to deliver an authentic taste of southeast Asian culture to Kansas City. Among its first challenges: picking which family recipes win a spot on the menu. Nang Nang Lao-Thai opened in late February at the Crossroads Food Stop, a “cloud kitchen” with 10 local…

For one night only, KCI’s new terminal became the city’s premier event venue; Here’s how they pulled it off

By Tommy Felts / March 8, 2023

Transforming an airport terminal into a high-profile, elegant celebration and then back to an airport terminal within 48 hours is no easy feat, Whitney Butler said, but the women-led PlatinumXP team was up for the challenge. “We were creating within a venue that will never be able to be used as an event venue again.…