Nikki Overfelt Chifalu
Recent Articles by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu
KC hat maker’s sales soar after national news spotlight, capping year with validation: Made-in-the-USA still sells
Santa came early for Sandlot Goods — in the form of an ABC World News producer, said Garret Prather. On Dec. 13, Kansas City’s only local hat manufacturer was featured on the “Made In America Christmas” segment on ABC World News Tonight with David Muir. “Forty-five workers, 10 new hires, and 115,00 hats this year,…
‘The people demand mustard’: This stained glass artist dipped into corn dogs (and hungry shoppers ate it up)
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. LAWRENCE — Selling holiday shoppers on stained glass corn dogs was unexpectedly easy, said Darleen Schillaci; adding mustard and keeping up with buyers’ appetite, however, proved the meatiest challenge. The…
One issue cuts across all political lines: How it could be the antidote to a divided America
Entrepreneurship is a way to unify the United States at a time with great political division, said Victor Hwang. “It’s an issue that cuts across party lines,” explained the founder and CEO of Right to Start. “And it’s something Americans really care about.” Hwang, previously an executive at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, recently published…
Ho-ho-hometeam gifts: Your guide to KC’s best sports-inspired gifts (and how to get ’em before the holidays)
As a lifelong Kansas City Chiefs fan, Donnell Jamison stood by the team during the grim years when the playoffs were just a prayer and Chiefs shirts weren’t necessarily a hot holiday item, he shared. “I’m a die-hard Chiefs fan,” continued Jamison, owner of Deep Rooted, a KC streetwear brand with a brick and mortar…
Daddy-daughter candy business drops tongue-in-cheek lessons flavored with entrepreneurship
What started out as a joke about an inflatable unicorn sprinkler “tooting” out candy has turned into a meaningful daddy-daughter candy business, Lee Urban shared. The Shawnee father launched Fantastical Droppings “for the little squirts that make your life complete,” he notes on the colorful packaging. “I’m like, ‘I’m gonna create a company that I…
Blue collar Friday: Why a KC streetwear project in the works for a decade could sell out in one night
A just-dropped collaboration between two Crossroads makers stitch together neighborhood history and vintage streetwear, according to the creatives behind the SewKC and MADE MOBB brands. “We’re paying homage to the craftsmanship of the past but bringing it into this new age,” explained Jesse Phouanphet, co-owner of the popular Kansas City streetwear apparel company MADE MOBB. …
How one hard-wearing menswear brand designed a new KC denim story fit for global appeal
Stepping into Guevel is a little like peeking behind the scenes into Cameron Niederhauser’s own wardrobe, the designer said — at least when it comes to the menswear store’s in-house line. “We make a couple of shirts that are inspired by old, vintage pieces in my own closet,” the Guevel owner explained. “Our denim is…
How a KC design firm helped put the tinsel on Hallmark’s new town square experience
Saturday’s star-studded premiere for the Hallmark movie “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story” at Crown Center won’t be the only hometown Christmas tie-in at the sprawling Hallmark Christmas Experience. Kansas City-built Dimensional Innovations plays a key role in the season-long holiday celebration, which kicks off with the TV movie — filmed over the summer in…
Roll out the green carpet: KC activist-turned-global performer readies for his 1,000th clean energy show
AY Young is counting down to music history, he shared. After an almost 13-year journey through 100 cities and 40 countries, the singer, songwriter, activist, and entrepreneur has 41 shows remaining until his Guinness World recording-breaking 1,000th show powered solely by clean energy. He’s planning to hit the milestone Oct. 6, 2025: Green Sports Day….
UMKC Entrepreneur of the Year: How Populous designed a legacy, built to go global
Kansas City-built design firm Populous brought to reality more than just great venues, Tom Bloch shared; it developed great experiences for a worldwide audience. “From its start here in Kansas City as HOK Sport in 1983 until now, Populous has set an unmatched standard for stadiums, convention centers, and event spaces,” Bloch told the crowd…