Taylor Wilmore headshot

Taylor Wilmore

Reporter, Startland News

Taylor Wilmore, hailing from Lee’s Summit, is a dedicated reporter and a recent graduate of the University of Missouri, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Taylor channels her deep-seated passion for writing and storytelling to create compelling narratives that shed light on the diverse residents of Kansas City.

Prior to her role at Startland News, Taylor made valuable contributions as a reporter for the Columbia Missourian newspaper, where she covered a wide range of community news and higher education stories.

Recent Stories by Taylor Wilmore

KC to the World pop-up market: MADE MOBB opens its doors to small biz vendors feeling shut out by World Cup

Not every small business could afford a seat at Kansas City's World Cup table, so the metro’s premiere streetwear shop is pulling up a few extra chairs, said Mark Launiu.

Free kicks with Great Jobs KC: Students develop 3D-printed soccer tee amid World Cup

"We got the idea from rugby kicking tees," said Campbell Higgins, a UMKC student participating in the Great Jobs KC program. "We looked at that and asked, 'How can we improve on it for free kicks?'"

AI uniform designer generates custom jerseys in minutes; its real mission: create clothing that doesn’t destroy people 

Some companies use artificial intelligence to move faster, said MJ Mitchell. His Kansas City-based apparel business sees another opportunity: helping teams sport better work — while paying life-lifting wages that fight exploitative sweatshop conditions and restore dignity in textile manufacturing.

‘Ghana is KC’s home team in World Cup’: How the West African soccer powerhouse matches Kansas City’s story

When Ghana punched its ticket to a World Cup match against Colombia Friday in Kansas City, Nia Webster already knew who she'd be cheering for. The West African country has become a second home to Webster, who first began making trips to Ghana as a child.

Sports entertainment veteran homers with interactive gaming sports bar, baseball outing indoors

Serial entrepreneur Lance Windholz — who spiked a career in tech to build community around beach volleyball in Shawnee — is batting again; this time, taking a swing at sports entertainment and the resurgent popularity of baseball.

Founders urge confidence, not Midwest nice: Stop apologizing for thinking bigger, builders say

Kansas City should be a hotbed for talent and startups, said Usman Wajid, lamenting a trend where entrepreneurs allow themselves to be penned in by a mentality that they’re overlooked locally and need to relocate to raise capital. Sometimes the catalyst for funding is confidence, the Block & Mortar AI founder told a crowd gathered…

Small Biz to Watch: Q39 doubling its footprint, investing in the brand’s pitmaster-forward workforce

It’s one of Q39’s most aggressive periods of expansion yet, said Kelly McGee, describing the barbecue brand’s strategy of opening new locations, investing in team culture, and carrying forward the vision she built alongside her late husband, chef Rob McGee. 

Small Biz to Watch: E-Z Pedicabs expands routes with KC, World Cup visitors along for the ride

With an influx of visitors tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and a wave of downtown development reshaping how residents navigate the city, a young Kansas City pedicab company sees opportunity in the lane ahead.

Small Biz to Watch: Safi Fresh gives resurgent 18th & Vine a new flavor

As new businesses open and foot traffic returns to the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, LaRonda Lanear wants Safi Fresh to be part of what comes next for a neighborhood that has long-awaited revitalization.

Fan Fest food vendor loves the exposure (but she’s missing results); her nearby restaurant sits quiet too

The international soccer tournament has delivered an unexpected one-two punch for LuLu’s Thai Noodle Shop: disappointing sales for vendors at the official FIFA Fan Festival and slower-than-normal traffic at the brand’s Crossroads location.