Woman-led

2025 Startups to Watch: Marma pushes women’s nutrition to the forefront, birthing resources on demand

By Tommy Felts / January 6, 2025

Editor’s note: Startland News editors selected 10 Kansas City scaling businesses to spotlight for its annual Startups to Watch list. Now in its 10th year, this feature recognizes founders and startups that editors believe will make some of the biggest, most compelling news in the coming 12 months. The following is one of 2025’s companies.…

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Herbalist’s new shop on The Paseo deepens access to natural flavors in east side food desert

By Tommy Felts / January 3, 2025

Potential customers who were once hesitant to try Rosierra “Rosie” Warren’s sweet Fruity Tutti Tea got free samples of the brew; now it’s one of her bestsellers at Nature Made Me, an apothecary and teahouse on The Paseo. More spicy flavors, like the Golden Milk tea (spiced chai with turmeric, ginger and black pepper), also…

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KC inventor rolls elevated litter box to market (and cats already are making the leap)

By Tommy Felts / December 26, 2024

Amy Leiker can take criticism and feedback, the Lenexa-based LoftyLoo creator said, noting she couldn’t have survived a career in corporate marketing and health care without it. So when it comes to her elevated litter box invention, she’s quick to jump to its defense, but open to making the product even more user (and cat)…

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Well Played, KC: How an overseas Chiefs game inspired designs that brought Lindsey Hall off the bench

By Tommy Felts / December 23, 2024

Her apparel brand’s timeless style echoes Ralph Lauren’s aesthetic, with a KC twist Kansas City’s fashion scene has gained a new player in Well Played KC, a lifestyle brand blending classic Americana style with local pride. Founded by Lindsey Hall, the business is gaining momentum with versatile, throwback-that-doesn’t-feel-dated apparel that resonates with on-the-go Kansas Citians. …

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Malisa Monyakula wants to welcome you home for the holidays; she already has an igloo waiting

By Tommy Felts / December 19, 2024

Adding pop-up holiday experiences at her popular Kansas City businesses is a way for Malisa Monyakula to bring back nostalgic memories of her childhood in Thailand, the restaurateur behind Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop said. “Christmas is everywhere in Thailand,” she said, noting the classic American holiday celebrations are vibrant despite the country’s predominantly Buddhist population.…

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