Life + Culture

Event Spaces that Inspire

Article by Allison Swan | Photography by Janie Jones Steve Beaumont is the visionary and owner behind Chateau Avalon Hotel, Avent Orangery, and The Mint, three distinct destinations for unforgettable experiences. Beaumont's entry into development dates back to 1994, marked by a desire to craft spaces that bring people together. His first venture, WestGlen Entertainment Center in Shawnee, was the first center in Kansas City where a movie theater was the anchor, complemented by restaurants and...

Local Services

Refresh Medical Spa

Article by Allison Swan | Photography by Janie Jones Refresh Medical Spa, under the dedicated ownership of Paige Meyer, has carved out a niche by blending passion, personalized care, and cutting-edge treatments. In 2014, Meyer joined Refresh as a nurse injector. Fueling her passion for the field, she approached the previous owner in 2019 with a bold proposition: to purchase the business. At just 27 years old, she took the reins in January 2020. “My dream with Refresh was to have a space where...

Fitness

BioFit

The Client-Driven Gym Article by D. Leon | Photography by Janie Jones The desire to get back into shape following the start of a new year is a common goal shared by many, but easing your way back into the gym can be tough. Injuries, fear of being ridiculed, and accountability are some of the factors that often play against people wanting to adopt a healthier lifestyle.  The problem?  Lack of customization and a one-size fits all concept according to an Overland Park gym who is regarded by...

Entertainment

It’s a Family Affair for These Entertainment Hosts

Meet The Model and The Mad Scientist behind KC’s Award-Winning DJs! Article by Mindy Hargeshiemer | Photography by Janie Jones Chances are you’ve enjoyed the stellar sights and sounds of DJ Joe KC and DJ Ice Kole at any number of prominent events around the metro over the years, some of those including Boulevardia and Irish Fest at Crown Center, Third Thursdays at The Nelson-Atkins, Enchant Christmas at Legends Field, Planet Comicon at Bartle Hall, and the 2023 NFL Draft and Super Bowl Parade...

Life + Culture

Not Good Enough

A Documentary Looking to Change the Game Article by Brad Zollars Launched in 2021, Shut Out the Stigma, a partnership between Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas City and the Kansas City Royals, is an initiative focused on raising awareness about the importance of behavioral health. Their latest effort, the documentary Not Good Enough, boldly challenges parents and coaches to think about how their actions before, during, and after a game can negatively affect the mental health of our youth...

Arts + Culture

 Making Yarn Pretty!

Local fiber artisan creates intricate designs from yarn and imagination. Article by Judy Goppert | Photography by Janie Jones When you see Vonda Miller’s yarn art on canvas, you have to take a second look to realize these lovely pieces are actually woven from yarn. Her signature technique intertwines colorful strands into all sorts of scenes. She has been doing this art on canvas for two years. Vonda has been a business administrator for ten years, and now works at KC Care as a Provider...

Food + Beverage

Healthy Food Cafes

Article by Mindy Hargesheimer | Photography by Janie Jones For some of us, finding a healthy, yet flavorful and fulfilling restaurant option is a much-desired endeavor, but can be difficult to find amongst the wealth of cuisines our city offers. Whether you are focused on a plant-based diet, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, or just simply into the idea of exploring earth’s most natural abundance of edible offerings, these Kansas City-area restaurants have your health in mind!   Ruby Jean’s...

Sports + Recreation

Kansas City’s Best Kept Sports Secret

Lamar Hunt Jr. Expands KC’s Impressive Sports Team Roster With His Investment in the Kansas City Mavericks  Article by Mindy Hargesheimer | Photography by Janie Jones You know by now Kansas City is a Midwest sports mecca, but little did you know that one of our best-kept secrets takes place at an indoor ice hockey arena and offers a wealth of unique crowd experiences inclusive for the whole family! Meet the Mavericks and their incredibly talented team on and off the ice.  Believe it or not...

Fitness

KC Stretch Zone

Growing Kansas City business continues to lead the way in helping achieve health and wellness goals Article by D. Leon | Photography by Janie Jones The New Year is filled with endless goals to become your healthiest self and a Kansas City woman-owned business continues to gain attention by pushing clients to reach new wellness heights.    Stretch Zone in Overland Park was launched by Kelly Harrick  in June of 2019 in Lenexa, Kansas.    With her husband and business manager Scott by her...

Health + Wellness

Local psychiatrist offers promising technique.

Sunrise Psychiatry Inc. is a forward-thinking clinic. Article by Judy Goppert | Photography by Janie Jones Sonni Elliott MD, owner and board-certified adult psychiatrist for Sunrise Psychiatry Inc., grew up in the Kansas City area and has always been interested in people, science and medicine.   “I grew up around amazing physicians and saw their impact on others' physical and emotional lives. I attended Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans for undergraduate studies, graduating with...