Profiles
New look, renewed outlook: Women-powered Firebrand Collective bringing coworking back to West Bottoms
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….
Why Jackie Nguyen is planning a permanent stop, safe space for Cafe Cà Phê in Columbus Park
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…
Grassroots ‘Kansas Cannabis Chamber’ sprouts as legalization looms; led by KC CBD mom-turned-industry advocate
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,…
Microwave meals to dating apps: How Sally Williams harnesses the power of new products for founders
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…
Makefully Studios earns $1M grant for problem-solving game co-designed by kids
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…
