Minority-Led

No glass ceiling over the glamp site: Women-led, Black-owned business opens luxury camping season

By Tommy Felts / March 27, 2021

Kansas Citians no longer need to sacrifice a comfortable bed and running water to spend a night out in nature, said Tiffany Watts and Heather Shelton. Through glamping with Suite Tea, one can have the best of both worlds, the co-founders said.  “Our primary mission is to create an elevated, special experience for our guests.…

Secret sauce called faith: How being Black, religion and mentors shaped Jy Maze, kept her startup from failing

By Tommy Felts / March 23, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has not been the only hurdle for Maze Freight Solutions, said Jy Maze, and it certainly won’t be the last.  “People think because you’re a CEO of a company that everything is gravy. No one knows about the bloody knees from praying, the begging for money, nobody giving you a shot —…

Black Pantry coming to Midtown: Boutique for Black-owned essentials opening storefront in shared space with Made in KC

By Tommy Felts / March 23, 2021

When an opportunity pops up, make it permanent, said Brian Roberts, teasing the opening next month of The Black Pantry’s first brick-and-mortar storefront. The 650-square-foot space on the revitalized Martini Corner in Midtown is expected to open in early April: the product of an evolving partnership with the team at Made in KC. Roberts originally…

We Got It Covered: LaRonda LaNear feeds her soul (and yours) in a world catered to men

By Tommy Felts / March 11, 2021

LaRonda LaNear was tired of the working world’s status quo.  “I’ve always hated authority and it’s always been men in power, telling me what to do — and it never made sense,” she joked, shedding light on a real problem that robbed her of joy nearly every shift at every job she held.  “I took that…

Back to Baltimore: Why Brandon Love is eager to show his hometown how KC transformed him — and his scented wax brand

By Tommy Felts / March 9, 2021

Six years after moving to Kansas City to build his brand, Crumble Co., Brandon Love is changing directions — both in his business model and in his physical location, he said.  “I miss my family,” Love shared, noting that he is moving home to Baltimore. “I think with COVID, I’ve realized the importance of connection.…