Profiles

The Patron Saint of Firebrand, Firebrand Collective

New look, renewed outlook: Women-powered Firebrand Collective bringing coworking back to West Bottoms

By Tommy Felts / September 24, 2021

A revamped Firebrand Collective is relaunching Oct. 1 in the West Bottoms after two months of extensive upgrades and renovations at the woman-focused coworking location, its owner announced Thursday. The hiatus allowed time to transform Firebrand from a coworking “space” to a coworking “community,” emphasized Megan Adams, founder and head of community at Firebrand Collective.…

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Jackie Nguyen, Cafe Cà Phê

Why Jackie Nguyen is planning a permanent stop, safe space for Cafe Cà Phê in Columbus Park

By Tommy Felts / September 24, 2021

After a year of serving culture in coffee, Jackie Nguyen has found a permanent home for her mobile Vietnamese cafe in the Columbus Park neighborhood, she said, but the actress-turned-activist plans to take an unconventional route to opening the storefront.  “I want to create a different path and show that minority, first-generation women can start…

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Heather Steppe, KC Hemp Co.

Grassroots ‘Kansas Cannabis Chamber’ sprouts as legalization looms; led by KC CBD mom-turned-industry advocate

By Tommy Felts / September 22, 2021

For the first time in Sunflower State history, a bill to legalize medical marijuana passed in the Kansas House in May. Behind the effort: a locally grown coalition of cannabis advocates.  The Kansas Cannabis Coalition formed in summer 2020, composed of about 50 individuals who have shown leadership in the cannabis industry, said Heather Steppe,…

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Fall 2019 Elevation Lab Tech Venture cohort with Sally Williams; front row, Jerren Thornhill, Kwinton Scarbrough, Sally Williams, Aaron Monson, Jeremy Williams, and Juaquan Herron; back row, Rodney McDuffie, Zach Davis, James Bailey, David Biga, Jordan Williams, Hassan Ali, and former SBDC counselor Ryan Comeau

Microwave meals to dating apps: How Sally Williams harnesses the power of new products for founders

By Tommy Felts / September 20, 2021

After 40 years in the game, a nearly lifelong career might leave little room for surprises. Yet for Sally Williams, every rise of the sun brings new opportunities, revolving largely around Kansas City’s potential to push the bounds of innovation, she said.  “I have clients who have products in the International Space Station and I…

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Makefully Studios animation

Makefully Studios earns $1M grant for problem-solving game co-designed by kids

By Tommy Felts / September 20, 2021

A Kansas City media company’s commitment to play-based research and development recently helped score Makefully Studios a $1 million government grant for a children’s problem-solving game. “There’s no other word but proud and grateful,” said Anna Jordan-Douglass, founder and chief creative officer of Makefully Studios, which recently was awarded the funds from the National Science Foundation’s…

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