News

Shark-Off

Beach-loving couple hopes to dissolve fear of sharks with Shark OFF repellent bracelets

Saving limbs, lives, and long-villainized, cartilaginous creatures of the sea — it’s the mission behind a first-of-its-kind Overland Park startup, Shark OFF, said Shea and Geoff Geist. “You’re more likely to get killed by a cow. You’re more likely to die falling out of bed,” said Geoff Geist, half of the husband-wife duo who founded…

Mollie Beck, Continue Good

LA transplant encourages online shoppers to Continue Good after the sale

Online apparel store Continue Good inspires each customer to complete a small act of kindness, said Mollie Beck, noting the organization’s donations to KC-based anti-trafficking nonprofit Exodus Cry turn the small deeds into a more tangible impact. “I love inspiring people to continue to do good to others, but I wanted to just do more…

Jeremy and Kelsha James, With A Good Purpose, Clean Slate Mobile Shower Unit

Fund Me, KC: Clean Slate hopes to give homeless fresh start with mobile shower unit

Startland News is continuing its segment to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses. This is an opportunity for entrepreneurs — like those behind Clean Slate Mobile Shower Unit — to share their crowdfunding stories to gain additional support. Who are you and what is your organization? My name is Kelsha James I am…

WiGo

WiGo trips isolated travel in its tracks, connecting like-minded journeys through years-in-the-works app

WiGo Trips takes the isolation out of globetrotting, said Jaqui McCarthy, connecting people on a “LinkedIn for travellers” social networking app set to launch Saturday. Soon to be available on iOS and Android, WiGo is expected to feature a marketplace through which users can display and discuss travel plans, CEO and co-founder McCarthy said. Selected…

Gianina Jennings and Trenton Lee, Trenton’s Luxe Couture

Daytime TV exposure weaves new challenge for once-bullied teen wig designer: a startup reality check

Fifteen-year-old Trenton Lee found his purpose on the brink of suicide, he recalled, glossing through the pages of a portfolio chronicling the first months of his newly launched Kansas City wig business — a path that ultimately led him to a couch alongside TV and radio personality Steve Harvey. “I was just at the lowest…