Channa Steinmetz
Recent Articles by Channa Steinmetz
Masked by fashion: Rightfully Sewn’s latest launch moves needle toward inclusivity, sustainability
Editor’s note: The following is the first in a series of stories about Kansas City fashion companies putting their own creative spin on the often-utilitarian face mask. Inspiration comes from everywhere, said Jennifer Lapka, unveiling her company’s launch of fashion masks, Dieynaba Dresses and hijabs/scarfs. “I love history and looking at historical fashion books about…
‘Someone to lean on’ — Forward KC partners to bring 1-on-1 mentorship to Troost, Prospect
It’s obvious where Kansas City’s underserved areas for entrepreneurial and community resources fall — the east side, said Morgan Perry, noting that 22 chambers of commerce serve other portions of Jackson County. “But for Troost, for Prospect — where are the resources on the ground for them? They are no one’s focus,” said Perry, who…
TrueAccord exceeds growth projections, boosting hiring at its Lenexa second headquarters
What began as 12 new employees in an empty office space has now become a booming hub of activity with 118 full-time members — and growing — said Sheila Monroe. “We really blew away our growth projections,” said Monroe, general manager of collections for TrueAccord. “We’ll likely sign a lease for some additional office space…
BacklotCars developer balances work, school and helping recover 33,000 pounds of food for the hungry
Behind the scenes of BacklotCars’ historic $425 million exit deal, one of the Kansas City company’s top developers is feeding innovation in his home country, said Josh Parsons. Pablo Ulguin — a full-time senior software developer at BacklotCars who also is completing night school in Uruguay to earn a degree in computer science and learn…
More social, less media: KC startup launching platform with no ads, algorithms or addiction
As the Digital Age flourishes with hundreds of millions of people on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter and other social media platforms, Grandview-based The Jump hopes to change the culture behind news and user feeds. The pitch: Create a healthier, positive place online where people can bond over common interests and form authentic relationships, said Peter McClung. …
Dimensional Innovations’ 93-foot Raiders stadium torch could be world’s tallest 3D-printed structure
Kansas City burned brightly during “Monday Night Football” this week, sharing the spotlight as the Las Vegas Raiders notched an early season victory over the New Orleans Saints. Viewers watched Monday as the National Football League’s broadcast unveiled a closely-guarded secret: the completed Al Davis Memorial Torch — a 93-foot, 3D-printed structure built by Overland…
Hope gives you power: How a LinkedIn Live duo is dismantling negativity on social media
Success was no surprise for motivational speaker Les Brown, whose daily Facebook and LinkedIn Live show reaches more than a million weekly views — with help from a colorful Kansas City personality known for her social media prowess. “How people live their lives is a result of the story they believe about themselves; what we…
ESHIP Summit: Data shows urgent question — Who isn’t starting a business?
Editor’s note: The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a financial sponsor of Startland News. This report was produced independently by Startland News’ nonprofit newsroom. Inclusion is about fulfilling untapped potential, said Sameeksha Desai, detailing nationwide equity gaps in entrepreneurial ecosystem building. “A lot of the reason that we ended up in this situation is because…
KC performer appointed UN Young Leader, extending Battery Tour’s energy worldwide, says AY Young
Singer-songwriter-street performer AY Young has a new stage for his unique message, announcing Friday the Kansas City artist’s appointment as one of the United Nations’ 17 Young Leaders for Sustainable Development Goals. “I’ll be honest, I was like, ‘It’s about time,’” Young said, laughing. “I’ve powered over 800 concerts using renewable energy; I’ve been getting…
What Duh Fog: Couple offers dual take on inclusivity with COVID-prompted venture
The threat of COVID-19 exposed gaps in access to effective and proactive cleaning services for small businesses hoping to reopen amid the pandemic, said Eruvial Montes-Boyle. “We wanted to help people and businesses feel safe in their homes or shops, so making [fogging] available to all has been a huge driver for us,” said Montes-Boyle,…