Health + Wellness

Keeping It Real

Ascentist plastic surgeons Dr. Kyle Kimura and Dr. Jeff Markey approach patients with genuine care Article by Victoria Moore | Photography by Emmalee Rathsam Plastic surgery – a field people tend to mislabel and misunderstand. In a time where truth is regularly based on what someone might see on social media and television, the real work of what plastic surgeons can do and how they can positively impact lives is often overshadowed. Determined to break the mold and usher in a different...

Food + Beverage

Steak With Pesto Gnocchi

Dive into a delicious rendition of steak in the summer Article and Photography by Bev Weidner Ingredients: • 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil * 4 beef tenderloin tails * 1 pound pre-made gnocchi * 1 cup Swiss chard pesto (or whatever pesto you prefer!) * coarse salt and freshly ground pepper Directions:  Rub the steaks with the olive oil and season well with salt and pepper. Bring a cast iron skillet to a medium-high heat. Sear the steaks on both sides until your preferred doneness...

Health + Wellness

KC's Family Tennis Shop

The Tennis Set, Kansas City's enduring tennis gear destination Article and Photography by Becca Spears The Tennis Set opened its doors in 1977, after Jane Rodney and her brother John Tidrick had been wanting to start a business, and noticed that there weren’t many places in Kansas City to buy tennis gear for kids. Matt Rodney, Jane’s son, was 10 at the time, and playing lots of tennis. “So out of the blue, (my brother) called one day, and said, ‘You know, we should open a tennis shop'.” Jane...

Life + Culture

Ruby Jean's Garden

How a beloved grandmother inspired a business, book, and community garden Article by Linda Ditch | Photography by Chris Goode and Victoria Moore This past April, people gathered for a ribbon cutting at a newly erected arch, marking the entrance to Ruby Jean's Garden at 2900 Wabash Avenue in Kansas City. Once an overgrown, abandoned one-acre lot, the space is cleared and ready for planting. The city repaired the sidewalks, and new fencing is in place. Soon, the community can pick free produce...

Life + Culture

A Father's Legacy

Two well-known local liquor legends reflect on their family businesses Article by Judy Goppert | Photography by Janie Jones Andy Rieger, President of J.Rieger & Co.  Andy grew up as the last male in the Rieger family line. Throughout his childhood, he knew of the storied past his family had - the forgotten distillery known as J. Rieger & Co.  The business shut down in 1919 at the onset of federal Prohibition. Life came fast in 2010 while living in Dallas and working for an investment...

Life + Culture

You Gotta Meet Andre'!

Living a lifestyle of servant leadership Article by Victoria Moore | Photography by Becca Spears and provided As one of the most regarded business leaders in Kansas City, Andre' Davis takes care of business a little differently. Those who have the pleasure of connecting with Davis in a classroom, conference stage, or perhaps, just casually on the street might hear phrases like: "I never ask for anything before I give something.” “Stop presenting and start listening!” “I have information, but I...

Home + Design

The Power of Flowers

A conversation with Blush & Blossoms Owner Mary Hagemeister Article by Becca Spears | Photography by Emmalee Rathsam “Historically, flowers have been through every single important event in people’s lives,"  Mary Hagemeister, founder and lead floral designer of Blush and Blossoms Floral Studio said. "They’re always at weddings. They’re always at funerals. They’re at any kind of celebration that you’re doing. The reason why we lean so much on them is because they play on our senses. They hit...

Travel

A Beloved Travel Inspired Brand

Locally owned MERSEA sparks memories of vacation and exploration Article by Melanie Bolin & Lina Dickinson | Photography by Raisa Zwart MERSEA’s story began in 2013 with a singular passion in mind: Travel, and the nostalgic scents that come along with it. Fascinated by scent’s ability to transport the body and soul to places old and new, this led its founders to uncover the creations of artisans found in corners around the world. Now, MERSEA is no longer exclusively a destination for scents...

Education

Developing People of Impact

A Conversation with Mary Ricketts of Turning Point Training Article and Photography by Becca Spears “It’s great to be bossy, but that doesn’t make you a good leader”, Mary Ricketts said with a smile, as she sipped her coffee.  What she called "bossiness" was actually an early sign of her leadership potential, and both her upbringing and her experience in business and nonprofit molded and shaped her into the woman who became the founder and CEO of Turning Point Training and Development. She...

Style + Beauty

Sojourn Spa is Accessible Luxury

Kansas City‘s ultimate hotel spa destination offers luxury for everyone Article by Ashley Bebe, Ashley McClellan, and Morgan Saxena | Photography by Rebecca Spears Sojourn Spa has quietly made its mark in Kansas City—welcoming guests with calming spaces and a modern approach to wellness. Conveniently located on the Country Club Plaza in the Cascade Hotel, Sojourn Spa has been fulfilling the promise of "accessible luxury” since its opening in January 2024. This concept was especially important...