News

Dieynaba Diop modeling the Dieynaba Dress for Rightfully Sewn

Masked by fashion: Rightfully Sewn’s latest launch moves needle toward inclusivity, sustainability

By Tommy Felts / October 6, 2020

Editor’s note: The following is the first in a series of stories about Kansas City fashion companies putting their own creative spin on the often-utilitarian face mask. Inspiration comes from everywhere, said Jennifer Lapka, unveiling her company’s launch of fashion masks, Dieynaba Dresses and hijabs/scarfs. “I love history and looking at historical fashion books about…

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Letter from the editor: Help us Give A Start to KC innovators

By Tommy Felts / October 6, 2020

Editor’s note: The following kicks off Startland News’ Give A Start — an eight-week donor campaign seeking reader support for the nonprofit newsroom. Click here to donate. It’s a big day. Startland News is launching its first-ever donor campaign — asking our readers to join in financially supporting a nonprofit newsroom that’s helped elevate Kansas City…

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Pantry Goods

More than a virtual grocery store, Pantry Goods is keeping food (and soil) ‘alive’

By Tommy Felts / October 3, 2020

Whole foods have never been so affordable, Marcelle Clements said, as Pantry Goods sews seeds of sustainability in Kansas City and consumers reap a harvest full of benefits.  “I’ve always had one foot in this farming, sustainable world,” said Clements, founder of Pantry Goods, discussing her passion for the project — a virtual grocery store, stocked…

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Charon Thompson and Daniel Smith, the Porter House KC

‘Someone to lean on’ — Forward KC partners to bring 1-on-1 mentorship to Troost, Prospect

By Tommy Felts / October 2, 2020

It’s obvious where Kansas City’s underserved areas for entrepreneurial and community resources fall — the east side, said Morgan Perry, noting that 22 chambers of commerce serve other portions of Jackson County. “But for Troost, for Prospect — where are the resources on the ground for them? They are no one’s focus,” said Perry, who…

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Aasma Tufail, Chai Shai

Better the next day: Halal street food thrives to-go with a simple recipe — optimism, good food and hungry neighbors

By Tommy Felts / October 1, 2020

While countless local restaurants have struggled through pandemic-served challenges, business has been nothing short of amazing for Brookside Pakastani staple Chai Shai, said Aasma Tufail.  “I cook simple food — and people love it so much. I am so blessed, business has been better than before,” said Tufail, who owns the restaurant alongside son, Kashif,…

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