Woman-led

Milad Ghasempour and Jannae Gammage, The Market Base

Top young startups, makers, woman-owned companies vie for ‘Emerging Business’ honors

By Tommy Felts / June 1, 2021

More than a dozen startups and small businesses are now finalists for the Kansas City chamber’s Emerging Business Award, vying for recognition amid a field of promising homegrown contenders. Among them: two of Startland News’ Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2021, a handful of young businesses recently profiled by the publication for showing their…

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Molly Balloons posing in one of Balloon Wonderland’s backdrops; Art set by Kansas City’s Quixotic

Molly Balloons blows back: Inflating a life full of Tuesdays with weekend wonder, whimsy

By Tommy Felts / May 29, 2021

The pandemic twisted life for Molly Balloons, forcing the whimsical balloon artist — who thrives amid public exhibitions of her creativity and work — to reflect on what truly fills her soul with the most purpose and joy, she shared. A new summer popup launches this weekend in the West Bottoms, officially blowing Balloons back…

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Mr K contenders: KC chamber reveals 10 finalists for Small Business of the Year award

By Tommy Felts / May 28, 2021

Ten Kansas City companies — ranging from tech startups, apparel and experience brands to standout, hands-on small businesses — are officially in the running for the Chamber’s top honor: the prestigious Mr. K award. The finalists were announced Friday morning on social media with surprise reveals filmed Thursday alongside media sponsor Startland News, following a…

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Annie Powell and Luke Powell, Legacy Skates

Legacy Skates rolls beyond fads; neighborhood skate shop laced with roller derby expertise

By Tommy Felts / May 26, 2021

Luke and Annie Powell’s skate shop in Westside South isn’t just a way to make ends meet; it’s a legacy-building endeavor, deeply rooted in family. And it got its start with a childhood wish. “I wanted a pair of inline speed skates,” Luke Powell recalled, noting his 1990s dream came affixed with a ridiculous price…

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A.J. Mellott and Heather Decker, Ronawk

Olathe startup set to launch STEM training facility; plans to create 150 jobs over next seven years

By Tommy Felts / May 25, 2021

Starting as two scientists with an idea to solve slow and costly cell production, Ronawk has now blossomed into a rapidly growing startup with an increasing demand for its work, said A.J. Mellott. “We quickly realized that Ronawk was going to need a lot of talent to meet the demand of its products,” said Mellott,…

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