Woman-led Stories
How a Kansas chocolate shop dips into decades of decadence, creativity for timeless treats
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. TOPEKA — Hazel Hill Chocolate embodies a three-generation family tradition that today applies freestyling innovation to craft custom and award-winning handmade chocolate and confections in the heart of Kansas. “I…
Art Garden KC grows maker market from Sunday pop-up to seasonal shopping experience
While unpredictable Midwest weather canceled the outdoor finale of Art Garden KC’s season this weekend at the Berkley Riverfront, the spirit of the maker market will pop up again soon with an indoor event in the Crossroads. Art Garden KC’s Beggars Bazaar — set for 6 .m. to 9 p.m. Friday Nov. 3 — returns…
KU unveils ‘Origin Stories’ of its best-known traditions; project reunites KC artist with her alma mater
LAWRENCE — An installation inspired by a phrase deeply familiar to University of Kansas alumni and fans across the region — “Rock Chalk Jayhawk KU” — is set to be permanently displayed on Mount Oread, diving deep into the origins of the local traditions. “It all began with being interested in the origin stories of…
New mix in the Cauldron: Anti-capitalist storefront with obscure books, vegan food brewing
A worker-owned, community-centered bookstore and plant-based cafe — manifested by Cauldron Collective and Turnsol Books — is expected to fully open soon in the Crossroads. “I’ve thought about the space in various ways for my whole life,” said Olive Cooke, self-proclaimed “cooking witch” and co-founder of the Cauldron Collective. “I believe in manifestation, like when…
A comfy sweatshirt when the world is on fire? It’s just the start for this mental health advocate-turned-entrepreneur
Clever Babes founder Hannah Milks is passionate about building community around mental health and self care in Kansas City, she shared. The Liberty native is using her knowledge of design and somatics — plus her lived experience tending to herself through various mental health stages — to help other people care for themselves and connect…









