Minority-Led Stories
Serve good karma, get good karma: How Brian Roberts is keeping coffee shop’s flavor in Year 2
After a caffeinated burst of early word-of-mouth support, Brian Roberts’ new coffee and wine space near Tower East got a months-long jolt of good karma, he said — but as its newness cooled on the counter, the fledgling business began to lose its grip on thirsty customers. “It was really tough, getting people to realize…
‘Feel through it’: Danny Soriano mixes Renaissance mindset with genre-hopping setlist
Music provides more than a safe place to escape, said Kansas City-based artist and entrepreneur Danny Soriano; it’s simultaneously the space between people, and a connection that can tie them together. “It’s really important for my music to spark conversations — or create an atmosphere where people feel safe enough at my concerts to start…
NXTUS is helping five emerging KC innovators gain customer traction; ‘Timing is right,’ startup founders say
A handful of Kansas City startups were among 22 early stage companies gathered in Wichita this week for the opening session of a program aimed at growing strong, sustainable businesses that uplift innovation and opportunity throughout the Heartland. The 2026 NXTSTAGE Customer Traction Cohort program on Wednesday welcomed founders from buildNest and Pitchster, Olathe, Kansas;…
Inside the MNDSHFT: Raw conversations stare into the entrepreneur struggle; strength stares back
A new video series from an acclaimed Kansas City creator dives into the daily routines, mental shifts, and no-BS strategies behind building businesses and lives that matter, said Quincy Lee, emphasizing episodes built to redefine the hustle mindset. The first three features within the MNDSHFT series premiere today — produced by Social Apex Media and…
Want to help KC’s new favorite rapper meme Missouri? This one’s for you
Riverside-born creator Lil String unravels viral comedy from everyday Kansas City destinations; Here’s how internet culture is translating into real-world turnout From his cowboy hat to his boots, Lil String doesn’t take himself too seriously, he said. The rapper, comedian and content creator is rapidly building a local following by blending humor, music and hyper-specific…
