Woman-led

La’Nesha Frazier and La’Nae Robinson, Bliss Books and Wine; featured on BuyKC

Top emerging business finds its bliss as city uncorks bookstore’s ability to serve wine 

By Tommy Felts / June 29, 2022

A city ordinance change is expected to move one of Kansas City’s only Black-owned bookstores closer to its chilled brick-and-mortar location — popping the cork on Bliss Books & Wine’s ability to serve its namesake beverage once the Midtown storefront opens. “People have been waiting a very long time for this storefront and have been working…

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Emma Willis, Venture Noire

Ulta, Venture Noire apply foundation with new beauty startup accelerator to ‘uplift minority founders’

By Tommy Felts / June 28, 2022

Ulta Beauty’s premier MUSE Accelerator is nothing short of life changing, said Emma Willis.  The national beauty retailer has partnered with Venture Noire to launch a 10-week, hybrid accelerator that supports Black, Indeginous and underrepresented founders of color as they prepare to break into and thrive in the beauty retail space, explained Willis, who serves…

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Wendy Guillies, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

Kauffman leader: Our economy can’t afford to leave half the population behind; there’s a new way forward

By Tommy Felts / June 23, 2022

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Wendy Guillies is president and CEO of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Startland News is financially supported by the Kauffman Foundation and other sponsors. This commentary originally appeared in The Hill. I am not oblivious to the political divisions that dominate national news outlet…

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2022 Community Builders to Watch event at Power & Light

Attack of the 40-foot Community Builders: KC changemakers celebrated at Power & Light (Photos)

By Tommy Felts / June 20, 2022

Coworkers, fans and family members of this year’s Community Builders to Watch pulled up to the big screen Wednesday at Power & Light to see five of their favorite changemakers honored for efforts to improve Kansas City. Videos showcasing the select community builders — nominated by Startland News readers and members of the public — played on…

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Fahteema Parrish, Parrish & Sons Construction, right, accepting the Business Equity Award at the 2022 KC Chamber Small Business Celebration; photos by Channa Steinmetz/Startland News

Inclusivity succeeds when founders are held accountable, says winner of Chamber’s equity award

By Tommy Felts / June 18, 2022

Fahteema Parrish doesn’t mind putting forward extra work to make sure her employees feel included, she shared, embracing an environment that supports individuals of all backgrounds.  “Parrish & Sons Construction is an example of what intentional execution of equitable work within an organization actually looks like. Equality and inclusivity are key focal points as my…

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