News

Target deals new verse to KC-born Mixtape card game; players could pick founder’s next tune

By Tommy Felts / January 2, 2019

Mixtape allows players of the KC-made card game to “hide behind the song,” connecting without fear of vulnerability, said creator Joel Johnson. That appeal recently helped push the cross-generational, multi-genre product onto Target shelves across the country. Players draw cards with such scenario questions as, “What song or band changed the way you think about…

Fund Me, KC: GenU looks in the mirror to remove student mental health stigmas

By Tommy Felts / December 28, 2018

Startland News is continuing its segment to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses. This is an opportunity for entrepreneurs — like those working on behalf of the mental health support site GenU — to share their crowdfunding stories to gain additional support. Who are you and what is your organization? Risa Stein, PhD…

KCultivator Q&A: Jeff Shackelford loves livable KC, dreams of mopeds, relaxation in Hawaii

By Tommy Felts / December 27, 2018

Editor’s note: KCultivators is a lighthearted profile series to highlight people who are meaningfully enriching Kansas City’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The KCultivator Series is sponsored by WeWork Corrigan Station, a modern twist on Kansas City office space. Untapped potential and a community support system unmatched by most metropolitan cities amplify Jeff Shackelford’s ambition and maximize his…

MADI Apparel founder: ‘It’s not just underwear, it’s dignity’

By Tommy Felts / December 21, 2018

Hayley Besheer relocated her apparel company’s headquarters from Florida to Kansas City after discovering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and curious customer base, the founder of MADI Apparel said. “Here [in KC] it feels more like [customers can] come into our space and can learn about the mission and [in Florida] everything was sold on online,”…

Year-end roundup: Checking in with Startland’s 2018 Startups to Watch

By Tommy Felts / December 21, 2018

It was a year of refinement, said Chris Goode, as well as a time to rejoice amid highs and lows at Ruby Jean’s Juicery. Startland checked in with the founder, along with his fellow 2018 Startups to Watch companies, to see if the past 12 months unfolded as predicted. While working to expand Ruby Jean’s…