Profiles

Mollie Beck, Continue Good

LA transplant encourages online shoppers to Continue Good after the sale

By Tommy Felts / January 10, 2019

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…

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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

By Tommy Felts / January 8, 2019

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…

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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

By Tommy Felts / January 3, 2019

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…

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Jeff Shackelford, Digital Sandbox

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…

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Hayley Besheer, MADI Apparel

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,”…

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