Life + Culture

Investing in the Community

How Advisors Excel is Breathing New Life into West Ridge Mall Article by Amanda Knowland | Photography by Lindsey Wagers Since 1988, West Ridge Mall has been an integral part of Topeka’s retail scene. More than a shopping destination, it was a gathering place, a space for shared experiences, and, in some cases, the backdrop to a love story. Now, thanks to the vision and investment of Advisors Excel (AE), the mall is poised for a remarkable revival - a transformation that will not only impact...

Professional Services

EJ’s Sportscards and Collectibles

Passion for sports cards turned business: connecting collectors and fueling the thrill of the hunt Article by Amanda Knowland | Photography by Lindsey Wagers For Eric Finck, business and passion go hand in hand. By day, he’s a Farmers Insurance agency owner, helping people navigate their insurance needs. But outside the office, his lifelong love of sports collecting has led to his second venture—EJ’s Sportscards and Collectibles, a space where collectors buy, sell, and trade memorabilia. A...

Arts + Culture

The Art of Investing

Finding Beauty and Value in Topeka’s Local Art Galleries Article by Kelsey Huber | Photography by Kristol Kumar When it comes to investing, most people think of stocks, real estate, or retirement funds. But in the heart of Topeka, two gallery owners see art as an investment with its own unique rewards—both financial and deeply personal. Stephen Smith of Stephen Smith Gallery and Bob Swain of Beauchamp's Art Gallery believe that while art can hold monetary value, its greatest return comes in...

Real Estate

McFarland Farm

A Lasting Tribute Article by Kelsey Huber | Photography by First Showing Photography To truly appreciate the rich history of McFarland Farm, one must go back nearly a century to the early days of Topeka. The previous owner of the land and patriarch of the McFarland family was Dr. Kenneth McFarland, a nationally renowned speaker and Kansas native. He earned a bachelor's degree from Pittsburg State College of Kansas in 1927, followed by a master’s degree from Columbia University in 1931 and a...

Finance + Legal Services

Finding Your Why:

Running a business is hard. If you’re a business owner, chances are you’ve felt that weight — the endless to-do lists, the long hours, and the constant pressure to grow and succeed. Maybe you’ve even questioned if it’s all worth it. If so, you’re not alone. Many business owners reach a point where the excitement that fueled them in the beginning starts to dim under the weight of day-to-day demands.That’s when it’s time to step back and reconnect with your why — the reason you started your...

Home + Design

Modern Country Living

The Rising Trend of Barndominiums Article by Amanda Knowland In recent years, barndominiums have skyrocketed in popularity, offering homeowners the perfect blend of functionality, affordability and charm. These metal-structured homes, often featuring expansive open floor plans and integrated workshop spaces, have become the dream dwelling for those seeking a rural retreat with modern comforts. One couple who has fully embraced this trend are Mike Brozek and his fiancée, Jill Frakes. Their...

Home + Design

Topeka's Eclectic Furniture Boutique

SOHO Interiors Brings Decades of Experience to Home Design Article by Linda Ditch | Photography by Lindsey Wagers/Wagers Photography The style of SOHO Interiors reflects its New York City borough namesake—innovative, enchanting, eclectic, and clever. The home furnishing boutique opened 17 years ago in the Westboro Mart as an offshoot of Studio Furniture, the well-known store on SW 57th Street. Although both locations are owned by Keith and Vickie Lynch, SOHO was designed to provide customers...

Home Services

Finally, the "Green" is on Your Side of the Fence

Meet Brian Green, Owner of Flint Hills Fence Company Article by Kelsey Huber | Photography by Flint Hills Fence Company Flint Hills Fence Company has been providing quality fence services to Topeka, Manhattan, Junction City, Wamego, and the surrounding areas since 2010. We sat down with owner Brian Green to learn what makes this fence company a homeowner favorite. “I bought the company about three years ago from a good friend who was moving out of state,” Green said. “They had already...

Life + Culture

The Life of a Harvey Girl

Women Were the Key Component of the Fred Harvey Dining Empire Article by Linda Ditch | Photography by Kansas State Historical Society A great deal of romance and nostalgia is wrapped up in the image of train travel. Topeka's railroad history was one of the reasons I fell in love with the city when I moved here almost 15 years ago. As a food writer, I was especially intrigued by Fred Harvey. He transformed dining for rail passengers with the creation of Harvey Houses, which were lunchrooms...

Shopping

Calhoun’s Jewelers

Timeless Pieces, Personalized Service, Expert Craftsmanship Article by Amanda Knowland | Photography by Kristol Kumar Photography Calhoun’s Jewelers has been a trusted name in Topeka for over two decades. Known for their exceptional craftsmanship, personalized service, and stunning collections. Calhoun’s specializes in creating timeless pieces for every occasion. Their expert team ensures every customer feels valued and heard. We asked four of those team members to choose a favorite piece to...