News

Midwest-made crossover artist charts solo success that eluded him when he was young

By Tommy Felts / September 19, 2024

Sebastian James assumed until recently that his music career had already peaked, the hometown hit-maker shared. In 2011, the 18-year-old Riverside native and Park Hill South graduate started touring the country as the drummer for the Nigel Dupree Band, opening for bands like Korn and Stone Temple Pilots. But this year, at 30, he launched…

Early childhood isn’t a money maker, but can be a money breaker: ECJC initiative links lack of child care to business’ bottom lines

By Tommy Felts / September 19, 2024

Access to safe and affordable child care is an issue that should concern everyone, Judy Bumpus acknowledged. Research indicates the current capacity to provide child care within the Kansas City metro is only 45 percent, according to the director of client services for the Kansas City Women’s Business Center, with 80,000 children still needing childcare…

KC Black Owned’s fall summit returns this weekend with corporate backing, tools for Black entrepreneurs

By Tommy Felts / September 18, 2024

A summit planned for Saturday at the Kansas City Convention Center aims to inspire Black business owners and equip them with the resources, strategies, and connections needed to thrive in today’s competitive marketplace.  The Global Strategies Summit for Market Innovators — organized by KC Black Owned — is deeply rooted in its founder’s drive to…

This Midtown pizza shop sliced through challenges, topping years of popup work with grand opening

By Tommy Felts / September 18, 2024

Orange By: Devoured — the flagship pizza shop from Jhy Coulter — is finally ready for the public, she said, after enduring years of pop-ups to keep the dream alive, renovations, and the closure of business lending platform Mainvest that took founders by surprise.  “I am tired — I’m exhausted,” Coulter said with a laugh,…

Exited founders: Face the tough conversations first; avoid a messy post-honeymoon breakup

By Tommy Felts / September 17, 2024

Preparing for an exit begins with co-founder alignment at the startup’s launch, three veteran Kansas City founders agreed. “You are getting married to your founders,” explained Tony Caudill, who co-founded two tech startups with his best friend — including aware3, which was acquired in 2018 by Nelnet. “Just like when you find your mate of…