Woman-led Stories

Small Biz to Watch: SewKC patches together custom path to growth, sports collaborations

Behind the scenes at a tiki-themed coffee shop in the Crossroads, one couple is stitching together a small business strategy that combines high-profile specialty apparel projects with professional sports organizations and live sew-on-the-go activations in the community. 

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.

This artist’s vision is larger than life; her World Cup installation was created to match

Whitney Manney’s massive KC•House installation welcomes the world to Kansas City, the fashion designer and multi-hyphenate creator said. She’s hanging on hope they arrive with curiosity and an eye for whimsy.

Library’s small biz pitch competition returning with Kauffman backing, cash prizes

The pitch event is now accepting applications for another “Shark Tank-style” gathering. Founder Zoe Mays said the previous competition’s $5,000 grand prize was a game changer for Scream Queens, her vegan ice cream business.

‘Bubbles and Goo’ adds inclusive play to one of KC’s busiest districts

A newly mixed River Market business opens the doors to a bubbly (and delightfully slimy) space where children of all abilities can play, explore, and make a joyful mess together, said Antoinette Redmond, offering families a gathering space during the FIFA World Cup in Kansas City.