Life + Culture

Beauty Refined, Wellness Redefined



Orchid Aesthetics and Wellness Article by Allison Swan | Photography by Janie Jones Orchid Aesthetics and Wellness in Lee’s Summit believes that true transformation starts from within. Through personalized bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), Orchid helps clients reclaim energy, clarity, and confidence by addressing the root causes of hormonal imbalance, all within a professional, physician-led environment. 
Founded by Dr. M. Aaron Mehrer, a board-certified anesthesiologist...

Fitness

Adventure Awaits

The Kansas City Climbing Community Article by Allison Swan | Photography by Kate Neuenschwander Kansas City might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of rock climbing, but its climbing community is thriving and growing stronger every year. Thanks to the Kansas City Climbing Community, locals and visitors alike can find their way onto the wall, whether it’s inside one of the area’s many gyms or outside at nearby crags. “Kansas City Climbing Community recently celebrated...

Sports + Recreation

Inside the Crown

One Man’s Devotion to Royals Baseball Article by Lauren Powers | Photography by Nicolette Martin Writer, podcaster, and lifelong fan David Lesky shares the highs, heartbreaks, and magic of the game that raised him.   For David Lesky, baseball isn’t just a sport — it’s the soundtrack of his life. Raised in a home where Royals games were always on the TV or radio, Lesky was destined to fall in love with the game. One moment sealed it: July 4, 1989, when a four-year-old Lesky watched Bo Jackson...

Life + Culture

A Pillar of the Community

The Legacy of Andy Loch Photography by Cody Wheelock Andy Lock’s visionary leadership and passion for hospitality left an indelible mark on Lee’s Summit, and helped transform the local dining scene. Here’s a look at the history and impact of the restaurants he co-founded in the community: Summit Grill – Lee’s Summit (Opened October 2012) Converted a former steakhouse into a chef-driven American restaurant. Its success laid the foundation for expansion across the Kansas City metro area.  ...

Arts + Culture

Once an Art Kid, now Creative Soul

Cody Wheelock shares his talent by teaching and amazing pieces. Article by Judy Goppert   With the support of his family at an early age, Cody Wheelock found the spark that lit his imagination by doodling on the margins of worksheets and creating cartoon drawings of friends and illustrating his own stories.   “In 7th grade, I came across a book in the library about how to draw realistic portraits by artist Lee Hammond,” he explained. “I dived in and learned how to approach values, get...

Style + Beauty

Where Style Meets Sustainability

Article by Lauren Powers | Photography by Janie Jones For 15 years, Clothes Mentor has been a staple in the Lee’s Summit community, offering high-end fashion at a fraction of retail prices. But under the fresh leadership of a passionate, marketing-savvy owner, the beloved resale boutique fuses fashion-forward thinking with a fierce commitment to sustainability. A seasoned marketer with a background in e-commerce, owner Rachel Dicke, saw more than just a successful resale store. She saw an...

Finance + Legal Services

The Mortgage Queen

Article by Allison Swan | Photography by Janie Jones Jill Underwood’s journey in the mortgage industry began long before she ever imagined owning her own company. “I started in the early 1980’s when I was very young. My mother was a realtor, and as a teenager, she taught me about equity, negotiations, and helping people with their home purchases. I quickly fell in love with the mortgage industry, and I have been on the front lines helping people ever since.” Decades of experience led Jill to...

Food + Beverage

Cocktail Creations

from Marina 27 Steak & Seafood Photography by Janie Jones Whether you're lounging in the sunshine or hosting a casual gathering, spring cocktails are all about bright, vibrant flavors that capture the essence of the season. From crisp and fruity to fragrant herbs and floral notes, these drinks are the perfect way to toast to longer days and lighter spirits. Create these refreshing beverages from your home, or come enjoy one of these cocktails at  Marina 27 Steak & Seafood.  Pom-tini :  2 oz...

Life + Culture

Inspiration Beyond the Closets

Article by Alicia Holecek | Photography by Janie Jones For Jen Macias-Wetzel, owner of Inspired Closets KC, providing organized, functional  spaces for her clients is just one part of her mission. She is equally dedicated to creating an  environment where she and her employees can grow, learn and thrive.   Jen’s commitment to personal development stems from her own journey.   Growing up in a blue-collar family, the norm was to enter the workforce immediately after  high school. “College...

Health + Wellness

College Soccer Player's Experience with Bunion Correction Surgery

Bunions can be more than just an inconvenience—they can cause persistent pain and limit your ability to move comfortably throughout the day. If your bunion is causing significant pain, or if conservative measures no longer provide relief, a surgical procedure may be required. Bunion surgery aims to realign the bones in your foot, remove any excess bone, and restore normal function. The goal of surgery is not only to relieve pain but also to allow you to return to your active lifestyle without...