Chicken footstools gain fine art foothold through collaboration with no pecking order

By Tommy Felts | April 28, 2025

A pair of two-dimensional designers at Ampersand Design Studio and their three-dimensional collaborators at The City Girl Farm just flocked together to release a new collection of two-foot-tall fiber-feathered fowl “footstools.” “Birds of Feather” — a 19-piece assortment of sculptural chickens crafted by the two women-owned businesses (inspired by Ampersand’s bold and colorful brand; translated,…

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Grateful for this moment (again): Fantrepreneurs back in play as Super Bowl boosts small biz

By Tommy Felts | January 29, 2025

A blitz of Super Bowl-bound Chiefs-inspired playoff sales feels like a winning two-point conversion after a holiday season touchdown for Kansas City makers; many of whom in recent years have seen their longtime fandom intertwined with their businesses’ bottom lines. “We are fans and also small business owners all wrapped into one,” said Morgan Georgie,…

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Shop Small: 5 gifts for the Christmas lovers on your list

By Tommy Felts | November 25, 2023

Editor’s note: This feature is the fifth in Startland News’ five-part holiday gift guide — presented in 2023 by nbkc bank — showcasing Kansas City makers and their products. Check out the featured maker below, then keep reading for five gift ideas to get started. [divide] As a Kansas City native, Morgan Georgie finds creative…

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7 ways to deck the halls in Kansas City style

By Tommy Felts | November 27, 2019

Editor’s note: Below you’ll find a list of seven ways to spruce up your holiday decor courtesy of Kansas City creatives. Click here to check out the rest of Startland News’ 2019 Gift Guide. [divide] Handpainted ornaments Bright and unexpected, Ampersand Design Studio ornaments hope to make a modern splash on the bows of traditional…

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