Startups

No Vacancy; photo by Impressive Spaces

‘Cabin fever is real’: No Vacancy books a hometown escape to your own personal hotel

By Tommy Felts / October 24, 2020

In contrast to its neon name, No Vacancy offers plenty of room for staycationing Kansas Citians at its newly-opened Crossroads hotel — a cozy getaway for pandemic-grounded guests looking to recharge without the risk of travel, said Spencer Sight.  “Cabin fever is real and this place has the ability to transport you elsewhere,” said Sight,…

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Alesha Bowman, UnLESHed+

As seen on Troost (and Ellen): Plus-size thrift store owner uses momentum to inspire others 

By Tommy Felts / October 22, 2020

Alesha Bowman had plans March 15 to celebrate the two-year anniversary of her plus-size thrift store, UnLESHed+, by opening a new storefront on the historic Troost Avenue.  But on March 14, a nationwide pandemic forced Bowman’s plans to be entirely reworked.  “You just have to pivot,” Bowman said, noting that she used Facebook and Instagram…

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Stephane Pinhal, product specialist, Concentrating Pipette Select, InnovaPrep

From finding SARS in sewers to brewing better beer, InnovaPrep scales tech from KC cleanroom

By Tommy Felts / October 22, 2020

As COVID-19 began to spread, InnovaPrep could almost immediately see the reason why — and it’s a realization that has gained the startup some serious traction, explained David Alburty.  “All the puzzle pieces fit neatly in place for us. The high transmission rate without definitive contact was one of the biggest tells,” added Alburty, the Drexel,…

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Rightfully Sewn Mask Initiative; photo by Kim Golding

Rightfully Sewn acquisition stitches new path toward re-establishing KC as garment capital, Lapka says  

By Tommy Felts / October 22, 2020

Rightfully Sewn’s acquisition by a 109-year-old nonprofit with national reach means more contracts, more employees and more impact for the mission-focused fashion company, said Jennifer Lapka. “No shakeups, no drama. The brand, programs, and team will stay intact,” said Lapka, founder of Rightfully Sewn, which this week announced a merger with Kansas City-based Alphapointe. “We…

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TRIOLOGY, NOWsystems, Inc.

Liquid barrier (plus fresh breath): Lenexa startup tests all-natural mouth rinse as COVID-killing solution

By Tommy Felts / October 20, 2020

A couple’s curiosity in nutrition and health inspired TRI-OLOGY — a versatile liquid solution intended to combat oral diseases. Lab tests now are showing that same liquid solution to be capable of eradicating SAR-CoV-2, known as COVID-19, Janice King and Dale Winetroub said.  “We’re not doing rocket science; we’re taking whole plants and when they…

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