Profiles

Chelsey M., KC Black Owned; photo courtesy of Anna Petrow, Made in KC

The secret to KC Black Owned’s success so far? Businesses worth finding, founder says

By Tommy Felts / April 1, 2021

A business’s digital footprint is the new word of mouth, the founder of KC Black Owned said, emphasizing that getting noticed is just half the fight for many Black-owned businesses. “It is so hard to find Black-owned businesses in certain professions and industries. But there’s a demand for it,” said Chelsey M., the mind behind…

Read More >
Olive Cooke, Kim Conyers and Sylvia Metta, Cauldron Collective

Trio of trans ‘cooking witches’ brew vegan flavor in authenticity of collective ingredients, not mere imitation

By Tommy Felts / March 30, 2021

Something wickedly delicious has made its way to Kansas City, said Olive Cooke, Kim Conyers, and Sylvia Metta. Combining their passions for cooking and community, the trio founded a pop-up business centered on plant-based comfort food.  “A couple days before our first pop-up, it became so surreal that we were actually doing this; we even…

Read More >
The City Girl Farm collaboration with WHITNEY MANNEY (WM)

How a pair of chicken footstools hatched into a yarn barnyard of sold-out flock-pleasers

By Tommy Felts / March 30, 2021

What first hatched 11 years ago as a class project at Kansas State University has taken on a colorful and quirky life of its own, Sally Linville said.  “We ask people to think a lot about their names,” Linville, founder and creative director of The City Girl Farm, said of the surprisingly important (and often…

Read More >
Bill Wald, The Modest Mallow

Modest to momentum: KC’s mellow marshmallow maker is hopeful for a 2021 comeback

By Tommy Felts / March 30, 2021

When crisp fall air kept Bill Wald cooped up inside, all he could think about was pouring himself the perfect cup of hot chocolate — topped with a sweet, sticky, marshmallow.  But while Wald’s mug was full, his cupboards were bare; with not a single marshmallow in sight.  “It was too cold to leave the house.…

Read More >
Heather Shelton and Tiffany Watts, Suite Tea

No glass ceiling over the glamp site: Women-led, Black-owned business opens luxury camping season

By Tommy Felts / March 27, 2021

Kansas Citians no longer need to sacrifice a comfortable bed and running water to spend a night out in nature, said Tiffany Watts and Heather Shelton. Through glamping with Suite Tea, one can have the best of both worlds, the co-founders said.  “Our primary mission is to create an elevated, special experience for our guests.…

Read More >