Tag: Nickel & Suede

Attention passengers: Prepare to fill your carry ons with local goods when KC’s new terminal opens

By Tommy Felts / February 24, 2023

Local businesses are a significant part of Kansas City’s story, Tyler Enders said, and the new terminal at the Kansas City International Airport gives travelers coming into the city the perfect prologue. “Right when people land in Kansas City, they will be introduced to local artwork, local restaurants and local retail brands. When they go…

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Josh Levin, Empowered Electric

People aren’t disposable batteries: Josh Levin expands Empowered brand to show entrepreneurs they’re worthy of success

By Tommy Felts / January 11, 2021

Josh Levin wasn’t born a success but a statistic, the Empowered Electric founder said, describing a childhood of severe poverty and a rough past. That history of hardship led him to a revelation — and a mantra. “All of our employees and customers know that the concept behind Empowered Electric is ‘People Over Profit,’” Levin…

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Soren and Kilee Nickels, Nickel & Suede

Nickel & Suede: With two stores closed, even Inc.’s ‘most successful’ companies must flex courage amid pandemic

By Tommy Felts / April 3, 2020

Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Being named one of Inc. Magazine’s 250 most successful companies in…

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10 ways to wear (or gift) KC’s maker scene

By Tommy Felts / November 27, 2019

Editor’s note: Below you’ll find a list of 10 wearable gift ideas for your holiday shopping list. Click here to check out the rest of Startland News’ 2019 Gift Guide. Mackbecks shuttlecock earrings Handcrafted in Kansas City, Mackbecks’ tassel earrings capture the spirit of the iconic Nelson Atkins Museum’s shuttlecocks. Price: $25 Where to buy: Midcoast…

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Social Side Effect: Kilee Nickels says Instagram built Nickel & Suede (and the proof is in the postings) 

By Tommy Felts / November 21, 2019

Editor’s note: Social Side Effect is an ongoing profile series that identifies the intersection between social influencing and entrepreneurship   When customers care, business is better and social media proves it, said Kilee Nickels.  “Having Instagram, having Facebook, having a blog, definitely got our business started and kept us going for so long,” added Nickels, CEO…

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