Minority-Led Stories

2025 Startups to Watch: Scout charts early adoption with digital veterinary workflow platform, diagnosing industry burnout

Editor’s note: Startland News editors selected 10 Kansas City scaling businesses to spotlight for its annual Startups to Watch list. Now in its 10th year, this feature recognizes founders and startups that editors believe will make some of the biggest, most compelling news in the coming 12 months. The following is one of 2025’s companies….

Herbalist’s new shop on The Paseo deepens access to natural flavors in east side food desert

Potential customers who were once hesitant to try Rosierra “Rosie” Warren’s sweet Fruity Tutti Tea got free samples of the brew; now it’s one of her bestsellers at Nature Made Me, an apothecary and teahouse on The Paseo. More spicy flavors, like the Golden Milk tea (spiced chai with turmeric, ginger and black pepper), also…

How a humble DIY upbringing sparked this streetwear designer’s minimalist aesthetic

Flaws are part of nature, says Clark Rooseveltte: Go forth and be creative (not normal) Clark Rooseveltte — already known across Kansas City as the man behind the mic (and the mixtape) — is inviting others into his world of creative living through Clvr World Goods and Supply, a lifestyle brand focused on streetwear and…

Early success gave this young entrepreneur the credibility to bridge community, business gaps

At 21, Jonathan Pitallo is already an entrepreneur, real estate agent, and investor, he shared, but community engagement might be his biggest passion, he said. The Kansas City, Kansas, resident and Belton native founded Vive Promo and Print, is an agent at EXP Realty, and owns three properties, but he’s also an ambassador for the…

I am Iron Man: Overland Park startup’s AI mouse brings voice-activated tech to your fingertips

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Tony Stark talks to an artificial intelligence program within his Iron Man suit to get immediate access to information — as if he’s having a conversation with AI. Although Stark is a fictional character imbued with vast powers via such tech, Jerry Hsu said, users don’t have to be a…