Minority-Led

Beadwork maker thankful for Native heritage, crafting pieces that honor her lineage (not just what will sell) 

By Tommy Felts / November 27, 2024

Komina Guevara’s hands are rarely still. Through intricate beadwork and crafting leather, her art tells a story deeply rooted in cultural heritage, family traditions, and personal evolution. As the creative force behind KomGue, Guevara is gaining recognition as a standout Kansas City maker — her work showcased at pop-ups and earning her the $1,500 second-place…

Roll out the green carpet: KC activist-turned-global performer readies for his 1,000th clean energy show

By Tommy Felts / November 26, 2024

AY Young is counting down to music history, he shared. After an almost 13-year journey through 100 cities and 40 countries, the singer, songwriter, activist, and entrepreneur has 41 shows remaining until his Guinness World recording-breaking 1,000th show powered solely by clean energy. He’s planning to hit the milestone Oct. 6, 2025: Green Sports Day.…

KC Daiquiri Shop closing Dec. 1; iconic duo behind the party vibes plans to ‘regroup, reflect, and rebuild’

By Tommy Felts / November 26, 2024

The good times roll through the weekend at KC Daiquiri Shop as the well-known Mardi Gras-themed getaway on Grand Boulevard shuts down its years-long revelry. “This decision has not come lightly,” Kinley Strickland and Calvin Vick, owners of KC Daiquiri Shop, said Monday in a social media post announcing the business’ plans to close Dec.…

Black Ambition fund’s $50K gives KC healthech startup the ‘jet fuel we need to propel into 2025’ 

By Tommy Felts / November 22, 2024

An initiative led by musician-turned-philanthropist Pharrell Williams to help close the opportunity and wealth gap for Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs has selected Kansas City-based AskSAMIE for its latest cohort of funding, training and mentorship. Through the just-announced Black Ambition cohort, 30 founders are receiving awards between $25,000 and $1 million, totalling $2.7 million. AskSAMIE earned…

It’s sweet victory for Brown Suga; KC’s favorite cookie crew wins AltCap Your Biz (and a $25K treat)

By Tommy Felts / November 21, 2024

After winning the $25,000 grand prize at Wednesday’s AltCap Your Biz pitch competition, Brown Suga will get some cookie-shaped new wheels, shared founder Ebony Paul. Before opening a brick-and-mortar in Olathe, the cookie bakery launched in 2020 selling at pop-ups and community events. Adding a food truck will help Brown Suga continue to hit the…