Life + Culture

Three Brothers, One Vision

How the Olson Brothers Balance Business and Imagination Photography by Provided For the Olson brothers, building something together has never been a question. It is simply how they have always lived. Long before there was a construction business or a band, they were three brothers learning how to create, compete, and figure things out side by side. “We know each other inside and out,” says Daniel Olson. “As kids, we were pushed by our parents to use our imagination, always building, competing...

Life + Culture

Honoring Tradition at Slabotsky’s

Article by Angela Broockerd | Photography by Annalise Houghton For nearly a century, Slabotsky’s has been part of the fabric of Kansas City style. What began in 1935 has grown into something more than a menswear store. Today, under the leadership of Michael Jerwick, it carries forward a legacy built on service, consistency, and a deep respect for the customer. “We’ve always been very anti-department store,” Jerwick says. “Customer experience has always motivated us. We focus on a very...

Life + Culture

More Than Cosmetic

Dr. Surek’s Patient-First Philosophy Photography by Annalise Houghton In a field often defined by transformation, Dr. Surek approaches plastic surgery with a mindset rooted in precision, restraint, and a deep understanding of what his patients truly want. For him, the goal is not to change how someone looks, but to help them reconnect with themselves. “I love my job,” he says. “Being able to help patients restore their confidence through customized surgical plans brings me great joy.” His...

Life + Culture

Around Town

Article and Photography by World Cup Events FIFA Fan Festival™ – Kansas City Date June 11 – July 3, 2026 (select dates) Time 6:00 PM onwards on event nights — free admission. Location National WWI Museum and Memorial, 2 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO Kansas City's Official FIFA Fan Festival™ transforms the grounds of the National WWI Museum and Memorial into an 18-day global soccer celebration with giant screens, local food vendors, interactive soccer activities, and live concerts...

Food + Beverage

Mean Mule

From Prohibition Roots to Kansas City Craft Spirits Article by Angela Broockerd | Photography by Janie Jones For Meg Evans, building Mean Mule was never just about making spirits. It was about creating something with meaning, rooted in family history, hard work, and a deep connection to Kansas City. “This was a major factor in our decision to branch out and do our own thing,” Evans says of her family’s distilling background. “I was inspired by the culture I grew up in, people working with...

Life + Culture

Built on Trust

How Hometown Pool Is Redefining Backyard Living Photography by Janie Jones For David and Holly Brucker, building Hometown Pool was never just about pools. It was about creating something lasting, both for their family and the community they call home. “We’ve worked together for over 10 years, so building Hometown Pool was a natural progression for us,” David says. “We each bring different strengths. I’m very process-driven, while Holly is focused on the experience. That balance shapes how we...

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...

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...