News Stories

Alley Gage, Alley Gage Beauty

That purple smokey eye? It’s a mask of confidence, KC beauty entrepreneur says

At first glance, beauty is a superficial industry, Alley Gage admitted, her reflection showing in a nearby mirror as she spoke about her decade-long career in cosmetics. The truth she’s learned about the industry — well, it’s a reality she isn’t willing to gloss over.  “I’ve always loved the concept that a tiny jar of something…

Simone Curls shares the mic with James Watts at a recent Prospect Business Association workshop

Generational wealth is coming to Prospect; meet the business group (and KC woman) leading the charge

As a former small business owner herself, Simone Curls wants Kansas City entrepreneurs to avoid the struggles she experienced. “I did it through the fire,” said Curls, executive director of the Prospect Business Association. “I walked those burning coals.” Curls grew up around the corner from the Prospect Business Association’s offices on Linwood and Prospect….

Ainstein headquarters in Lawrence

How Tiger Woods’ swing at The Masters was influenced by this Lawrence lab

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. This series is possible thanks to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which leads a collaborative, nationwide effort to identify and remove large and small barriers to new business creation. LAWRENCE…

Na’im Al-Amin, SWAGG INC; Torey Crawford, MOS; Brandon Calloway, GIFT KC; Brenan Latimer, Future of Us; and Avrell Stokes, BeGreat Together

Give Black aims for $500K in Juneteenth donations; organizers say public urgency to support Black businesses dropping

Black-led and Black-serving organizations are expected to get a boost this week in the runup to Juneteenth as the Give Black campaign returns in its third year. Organized byKansas City GIFT (Generating Income For Tomorrow) and BeGreat Together, the campaign runs June 13-18 with a goal to raise $500,000. New this year: Give Black also…

Vicky Kulikov, Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce

Community Builders to Watch: Vicky Kulikov embraces ‘Tikkun Olam’ in journey to supporting KC’s small business owners

Editor’s note: Startland News is showcasing five Kansas City changemakers from five local organizations through its second annual Community Builders to Watch series. The following highlights one of the 2022 honorees, selected from more than 100 initial nominees. Click here to view the full list of Community Builders to Watch — presented by Engenious Design. Vicky…