Local Services

Why I Started Astra Media Group

Video is everywhere. Every brand, every small business, and every entrepreneur knows they need it. But knowing you need great video content and actually having a reliable partner to produce it consistently, that's where most businesses get stuck.I have been in film for over 15 years. I've seen the full landscape of this industry — the talent, the creativity, the passion. And I've also seen the chaos. Missed deadlines. Overpromised projects. Creatives who can craft stunning visuals but struggle...

Beauty

The Vision Behind STITCH Salon

The Vision Behind STITCH SalonA New Standard for Hair Extensions, Hair Loss Solutions, and Stylist Education in Johnson CountyIn the heart of Johnson County, a new kind of salon is quietly redefining what it means to care for women’s hair.Founded by Kansas City extension specialist Emma Spencer, STITCH Salon was created with a clear vision: to build a salon environment rooted in education, professionalism, and solutions for women who want healthy, natural-looking hair.Located in the Kansas City...

Home + Design

Gather in Style

How to Set a Spring Table That Feels Effortless and Elevated Photography by Janie Jones For a spring gathering, the table becomes more than a place to dine. It sets the tone for the entire experience. This season, a thoughtfully layered tablescape brings together color, texture, and personality in a way that feels both effortless and elevated. At the center of this approach is Rebecca Wood, whose eye for detail and love of layering transforms everyday pieces into something memorable. Her...

Style + Beauty

The Art of Connection

How Sidelines Custom Floral Brings Life to Every Arrangement Photography by Janie Jones In the heart of Martin City, Sidelines Custom Floral is more than a flower shop. Owner Karyn Brooke has built a business that blends artistry, emotion, and community in every arrangement. “I find inspiration everywhere, but it always comes back to what feels natural, how things grow, how colors layer, and that slightly imperfect, organic look,” Karyn says. She draws from seasonal blooms, customer...

Education

From Survival to Calling

A Journey Toward Whole-Person Healing Article by Angela Broockerd | Photography by Provided For this year’s women’s issue, we are honoring leaders who are not only building businesses but reshaping the way their communities experience care. For Jessica Bohlke, the path into healthcare was not linear. It was deeply personal, shaped through adversity, resilience, and a redefinition of what true healing looks like. At just 20 years old, she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive ovarian...

Food + Beverage

The Golden Glow Berry Elixir

with Revival Scalp Wellness Photography by Janie Jones Servings: 1 Prep time: 5 minutes Ingredients ● 1 cup Coconut water (hydration and electrolytes for the scalp) 1 ● 1/2 cup Frozen raspberries or strawberries (high in Vitamin C to trigger collagen production) ● 1 scoop Bovine or Marine Collagen peptides (unflavored) ● 1 tsp Freshly grated ginger (anti-inflammatory to soothe the scalp) 2 ● 1 tbsp Ground flaxseeds (Omega-3 fatty acids for hair luster) ● 1/2 Squeezed lime ● Optional: A...

Food + Beverage

Escape to Cru

Brookside’s Cozy Bistro Photography by Janie Jones Tucked into the heart of Brookside, Cru Bistro & Bottles feels less like a new addition and more like a place that has always belonged. For owners Hannah Koenig and Avery Koenig, that sense of familiarity was the goal from the very beginning. “Brookside is really where it all began,” Hannah says. “We both live and work in the neighborhood, and value the connection here.” That connection shaped their vision for a cozy, intimate bistro that...

Entertainment

Around Town

May Article and Photography by Lenexa Art Fair May 9, 2026 – typically 10:00 AM–5:00 PM  17101 W. 87th St. Pkwy., Lenexa, KS, 66219 A juried outdoor art fair featuring regional artists, live jazz music, kids’ art activities, and food trucks. It’s one of Lenexa’s signature spring events.   https://www.lenexa.com/Events-Activities/Festivals-Special-Events Prairie Village Art Show The Shops of Prairie Village  Fri 4–9 PM | Sat 10 AM–8 PM | Sun 10 AM–5 PM An upscale outdoor art show...

Life + Culture

When Life Changes in an Instant

Brie Bauer’s Story of Resilience Article by Angela Broockerd | Photography by Kathleen Straub and Janie Jones In the quiet and routine moments of  life, we often find ourselves caught up in the small things, from the laundry to carpools, to daily schedules. For Brie Bauer, a nurse and mother of two, life was exactly that. However, as she has now learned, life can change in a second. "I was going through life like everyone else, you know, just the same old things we complain about that aren’t a...

Life + Culture

Johnson County's Women of the Year

Photography by Annalise Houghton Women entrepreneurs are shaping the heart and future of our community through innovation, resilience, and creativity. This roundup highlights a group of women-owned businesses making a meaningful impact.  Name: Paige Meyer Business: Refresh Medical Spa Website: www.refreshhealthspa.com What inspired you to start your business, and what has been most rewarding? I began working at Refresh as a nurse in 2014 and purchased the business in late 2019 when...