News

Moss-backed design studio nurtures nature indoors with sustainable pieces ‘neither living nor dead’

By Tommy Felts / December 2, 2021

Green statement pieces across Kansas City’s Midtown and Crossroads neighborhoods — from Westside Flats to the spas at The Laya Center and the herb dispensary at Fresh Karma — boast just a snapshot of the story behind the mossy growth of The Fat Plant Society. The eye-catching biophilic designs — which have the appearance of a…

A test of Fit Truk’s core strength: People assume it’s a franchise, mobile gym owner says

By Tommy Felts / December 2, 2021

One of Hailee Bland Walsh’s biggest affirmations came in the form of a question: Is Fit Truk a franchise?  “As someone who has built businesses from the ground up, that is very validating and a huge compliment,” said Bland Walsh, co-founder of the fully-equipped outdoor gym truck, as well as the owner of City Gym…

Demo Day: UMKC E-Scholars partners with KC Arts Institute for more authentic entrepreneurial representation, director says

By Tommy Felts / November 30, 2021

Art and entrepreneurship so often go hand-in-hand, noted Alex Krause Matlack.  “Many artists will inevitably become entrepreneurs because they can create their own brand or business to showcase their craft,” explained Krause Matlack, the director of Entrepreneurship Scholars (E-Scholars) at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. “This semester, E-Scholars has a new partnership with Kansas City…

‘Just dudes who dance and we’re not ashamed of it’: Twin influencers chassé their way to 100K+ TikTok followers

By Tommy Felts / November 30, 2021

Paul and Luke Harwerth were born in “the-middle-of-nowhere” Nebraska, they said half-jokingly, yet the rise of YouTube in the early 2000s allowed them to fully explore their passions despite perceived geographic challenges.  “We didn’t start dancing until I saw ‘High School Musical,’ and then I was like, ‘I want to do that!’” Luke shared, laughing…

Why an interactive digital business card could replace LinkedIn for startup, small business leaders

By Tommy Felts / November 30, 2021

People want to get their foot in the door, Jess Phillips said, laying out her plan for a newly launched social media platform that opens professional connections with an insightful twist: an interactive digital business card offering data on who visits and why.  Free of the awkward sales pitches and forced conversations that often come…