Nikki Overfelt Chifalu
Reporter, Startland News
Nikki brings to Startland News both community journalism and entrepreneurship experience and she loves being able to tell the inspiring stories of fellow creatives and risk-takers.
Before joining Startland News, she worked for over 10 years writing and editing for daily newspapers in Lawrence, Topeka, Duluth, Minnesota, and Park Hills, Missouri. She took a short hiatus from journalism to pursue her dream of becoming a pastry chef and starting her own baking business.
Recent Stories by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu
Winning element: KU-linked startup mines critical spot-cash support at Pure Pitch Rally
Bri Farris was a little surprised at the backing — and stack of novelty checks — given to Electravera at Monday’s Pure Pitch Rally, she said, even though her startup’s innovative electrochemical process to recover high-purity lithium and cobalt derivatives tracks well with the region’s momentum around critical materials.
How a $10K Folklore grant bloomed at just the right moment for this struggling small business
After her Bloom With Love flower shop flooded in summer 2025, an unexpected grant win from the Folklore initiative served as a sign from the universe to keep going, Olivia Esquivel shared. Her store is now flowering along the KC Streetcar line with new opportunities.
BioNexus KC celebrates ‘regional backbone’ connecting science, talent, tech and momentum
The scale of opportunities within Kansas City’s bio health industry would’ve been challenging to imagine even just five years ago, said Dennis Ridenour, touting a streak of groundbreakings, collaborations, game-changing announcements, and major investments — all rallying together the right people and institutions.
Tire Pig inflates ZOHR founders’ mobile tire service concept with new AI engine, ‘effortless’ installation
Under the hood, ZOHR's reboot as Tire Pig is using AI to make buying tires simple and intuitive, Komal Choong said. On the surface, the company is building a brand that’s fun, positive, and different from anything else in the aftermarket auto sector.
Wearables founder offers a bear hug to KS innovation incentives; here’s why he hopes fellow startups are listening
Bear Clark is proud that he and his EAR Micro team are building the latest in ear computer technology — innovation drawing interest from the likes of Google and Meta, he said — right here in Kansas. But Clark’s pride in the Sunflower State doesn’t stop with geography.
KC artisan apparel brand scores official Chiefs collaboration, stitching charro heritage to Arrowhead
“We make them with small families in Mexico in their houses, in their kitchens. It's about the story," said Jonathan Garvey. "It's not just another garment because we're putting our heart and soul into it.”
Being your authentic self is serious work, founders say; why women need to be in the business of saying ‘no’ more
In a world that’s so focused on AI, now’s the time for entrepreneurs to lean into the authentic quirks that make their businesses different, said Colleen Robertson, encouraging women to “be OK doing something crazy and turning people's heads.”
Billions in development: Royals are just one player behind Downtown KC’s rally, advocates say
The next chapter of Downtown Kansas City, Missouri, isn’t being shaped like just one project, Pat Contreras told a crowd this week, noting a handful of massive projects tell a much bigger story of what momentum looks like when investments connect. “Transportation, entertainment, healthcare, the Riverfront, major civic institutions, neighborhoods — the opportunity now is…
‘Put the matriarchy out front’: Their mission begins with a dance party, but that’s just the gateway
A series of events starting this week that provide a safe space for women isn’t about opposing men, Alex Villalobos-McAnderson said. The goal is to prioritize women in an authentic way that centers the most vulnerable; honors elders and single mothers; and “shows up for all children as our children.”
Surprise inside: Her shop unwrapps ‘treat culture’ for those who never outgrew the joy of toys
Bubble Wrapp KC is more than just a Midtown destination for the latest blind boxes targeted to discerning toy collectors, its owner shared. The space sits at the intersection of creativity, nostalgia, and togetherness, she said, calling it a mission that’s always been bigger than selling novelties.