Joyce Smith

Recent Articles by Joyce Smith

Missouri founder offers a triple shot of bold business, distilling branding for small ventures

January 21, 2025

Editor’s note: The following story was produced through a paid partnership with MOSourceLink, which boasts a mission to help entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state of Missouri grow and succeed by providing free, easy access to the help they need — when they need it. [divide] HERMANN, Missouri — Even tiny teams deserve strong…

Read More

K-State opens physical innovation hub space to boost research, economic development

January 21, 2025

Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro.  [divide] MANHATTAN, Kansas — A newly unveiled collaborative office space at Kansas State University  is expected to catalyze research commercialization, industry partnerships and economic growth, said Richard Linton.  “This new…

Read More

Kansas City jazz swings harder: How KU is building on the city’s historic musical legacy

January 21, 2025

Editor’s note: This article was written for a class at the University of Kansas’ William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications and distributed through the Kansas Press Association. [divide] Icons like Charlie Parker and Count Basie define Kansas City’s jazz legacy. But today’s contemporary artists — such as Blue Noyes and Nic Weaver…

Read More

Northeast Pizza shop bakes KC’s most accessible food into a new restaurant for all, owner says

January 17, 2025

Rising from a family of restaurateurs, Noah Quillec is striking out on his own — with the help of some culinary friends — to bring a new pizzeria to Kansas City’s Northeast; it’s a move he hopes will bring unity by the slice. “This neighborhood is very accessible, so diverse and so all over the…

Read More

Best-selling tea towel maker’s business model hangs by this thread: ‘the more I give back, the more I’ll succeed’

January 17, 2025

​​Elene Banks, founder of Kansas City-based Absorb-Lumen, turned her boutique clothing store into a mission-driven business that puts eco-friendly kitchen essentials in the spotlight, all while giving back to the community through a charitable business model. “It was a happy accident,” Banks said, “We started a boutique online and tried to carry tea towels from…

Read More

Developers plan to transform historic UMKC building into boutique hotel, spa

January 17, 2025

Editor’s note: This story was originally published by the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Click here to view the original article. [divide] A local group comprised of Sunflower Development Group and hospitality veteran Jen Gulvik has secured permission to proceed with a historic redevelopment project involving one of Kansas City’s most beloved assets: the Epperson House…

Read More

TikTok ban would mean an ‘astronomical’ change for these Kansas City content creators

January 16, 2025

Editor’s note: The following story was published by KCUR, Kansas City’s NPR member station, and a fellow member of the KC Media Collective. Click here to read the original story or here to sign up for KCUR’s email newsletter. [divide] Video creators around Kansas City are concerned about their livelihoods and Congress’ ability to limit free speech if the Supreme…

Read More

Acting camp to cast: Lifetime movie filmed in KC gives young actors their TV dream moment 

January 16, 2025

A Lifetime movie debuting this weekend not only shines a spotlight on Kansas City, said Elaina Paige Thomas, but it showcases talent at The Next Paige, Kansas City’s first Black-owned talent management agency. “Girl in the Garage: The Laura Cowan Story” — set to premiere Saturday, Jan. 18 — was filmed this fall in various…

Read More

Mayor proposes $1M in off-duty LEO pay; River Market eyes ‘witching hours’ security to combat crime wave

January 16, 2025

An ordinance pushed by Mayor Quinton Lucas would fund extra security services in KCMO business districts through collaboration with regional law enforcement agencies — a move aimed at preventing more thefts, break-ins and vandalism incidents targeted at Kansas City small businesses. Lucas’ proposal would invest up to $1 million to increase the presence of off-duty deputies…

Read More

How this Andre’s Valentine collaboration celebrates the friendship that sparked Kate Spade

January 15, 2025

The favorite hometown chocolate of one Kansas City’s best-known fashion designers and entrepreneurs serves as just one ingredient in a new Valentine’s Day collaboration from André’s Confiserie Suisse. The local chocolatier just rolled out a limited edition line alongside Frances Valentine to mark the holiday, as well as celebrate the friendship between Elyce Arons and…

Read More