News

Kharissa Forte, Grace & Grind

‘It’s not just a brand for me anymore’: How Grace & Grind put the selfless in self-care, Black wellness

By Tommy Felts / September 10, 2021

Kharissa and Wesley Forte were once on the verge of divorce.  But after deciding to give their relationship a final push, the two went to counseling. The experience was revelatory, they said, noting it ultimately prompted them to create their own online media company — Grace & Grind — to share lessons and their story with…

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Chase Higgins, Stephen Lomas, Kyle Allen and Desi Kraus, Let's Get Moving

Why this five-star moving company takes TikTok behind the scenes of its expansion

By Tommy Felts / September 10, 2021

Moving is an emotional experience for many, Chase Higgins said, which is why it is crucial for him and his team to set a positive tone during what could be a stressful day.   “A lot of people are moving because of a new job; or they are at a new school; or unfortunately, they’re going…

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Linda Ordway A-Frame cabin

PondDay — the KC-cast ‘Airbnb for private ponds and lakes’ — drops its first lure in Missouri

By Tommy Felts / September 9, 2021

Some of Parker Tergin’s favorite memories are set on a lake or pond: fishing with his grandfather, reuniting with his college buddies at one of their properties to tell stories around a bonfire, and finding peace and stillness outside the busyness of the city. “I’m surrounded by tall buildings and concrete all day downtown,” he…

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Matt Lett and Jessica Teliczan, Paradise Garden Club

Welcome to Paradise (Garden Club): ‘The world might be on fire, but this plant is doing great’

By Tommy Felts / September 3, 2021

No matter the color of your thumb, Paradise Garden Club has something for all its plant fans, said Jessica Teliczan.  Housed in an airy warehouse in Crossroads, the plant nursery and community space has become a bustling spot for greenery collectors and enthusiasts. Customers can shop in store, order shippable plants online, hire the team…

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Techstars KC 2021 demo day

Techstars’ summer finale means closing investment rounds for founders, says KC leader

By Tommy Felts / September 3, 2021

Demo day is as much about looking forward as it is an examination of a startup’s journey through Techstars, Maria Flynn said, teasing new dollar deals ahead for the 2021 Kansas City cohort. “There are already a number of investment commitments coming in, so we are focused on closing the investment rounds so the companies…

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