WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES CELEBRATING LOCAL
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Here’s to the Lady Bosses Who Elevate Our City
Women Owned IN Kansas City SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | 1 | INKANSASCITY.COM Trendsetting. Innovating. Breaking the glass ceiling. As a majority women-owned and women-run business, IN Kansas City takes pride in recognizing the dedication of Kansas City’s women in business. For the last two decades, women-owned businesses have been the fastest growing segment in the U.S. economy, and every day, across the country, over TABLE OF CONTENTS HOLLYDAY MED SPA + AESTHETICS | HOLLYDAY PV INJECTION STUDIO 2 STEPP & ROTHWELL 3 KARIN ROSS DESIGNS 4 GEORGOUS AESTHETIC BAR 5 DESIGN & DETAIL 6 KOEHLER BORTNICK..........................................................7 PORTFOLIO....................................................................... 8 JENNINGS SOCIAL MEDIA & MARTECH ..................... 9 CENETRIC NETWORK SERVICES ................................... 10 IN KANSASCITY.COM WDS MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS 11 INTERNATIONAL MATERIALS OF DESIGN 11 MAZZARESE 12 JORJY................................................................................. 12 THE GROVE SPA............................................................... 13 STAFFING KANSAS CITY ................................................ 13 MISSION FARMS 14 BILLIE’S GROCERY 14 1,800 women start a new business. The July issue is all about local innovators and influencers, so we wanted to highlight Kansas City women business owners in this special section. After all, support for women-owned businesses fosters female empowerment, gender parity, local economic growth, and vibrant Kansas City communities.
Supporting the Kansas City Women Who Mean Business
Beautiful Results By Expertly Trained Staff
Holly Post has over 25 years of experience in the aesthetics industry, and was voted the Top Injector in Kansas City two years in a row. She founded Hollyday Med Spa + Aesthetics in 2004, and recently launched her first injection studio in the Shops of Prairie Village in October 2022. This new concept was built from the need to bring more highly skilled, thoroughly educated, and safe injectors to the Kansas City area.
Holly believes in treating each patient as the individual they are, and building long-term plans for their specific needs and goals. She utilizes the best and most innovative techniques and equipment, and
Owner: Holly Post Med Spa In Business Since: 2004
hollydayspa.com• 816.333.4430
1 East Gregory Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64114
Injection Studio In Business Since: 2022
hollydayspa.com• 913.585.8995
3937 West 69th Terrace, Suite A, Prairie Village, KS 66208
believes in combining multiple modalities for the most well-rounded approach to aging gracefully—from facials, microneedling, lasers and the highest quality of medical-grade skin care products to neuromodulators like Botox and Dysport, dermal fillers, Sculptra, PRF (platelet rich fibrin) and PDO threads (non-surgical facelift).
The entire staff at both Hollyday locations takes a more conservative approach while still providing jaw-dropping results for the face, neck and body. Remember, her team doesn’t want to change you; they are here to educate you about the aging process, enhance your natural beauty, and help you feel like your most confident self.
Women Owned IN Kansas City SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | 2 | INKANSASCITY.COM
HOLLYDAY MED SPA + AESTHETICS | HOLLYDAY PV INJECTION STUDIO
STEPP & ROTHWELL
More Than 30 Years of Female Leadership in Personal Financial Planning
Kathy Stepp founded her financial planning firm in Kansas City over 30 years ago. Her goal was to provide unbiased, results-oriented advice to help her clients make informed decisions about their future. Building the firm was less straightforward. In her first year, she spent more on childcare than she raised in revenue. “It wasn’t easy. Prospective clients assumed that I must be working from home!” Stepp shared. “I can’t tell you how many times I was asked to give talks to women’s groups about finances.” She wondered, “why wasn’t anyone looking for speakers to explain personal finance to men?”
Dedication to her clients brought the firm consistent growth and a national reach. Stepp found a like-minded partner in Howard Rothwell. The two shared a vision and when they married in 1997, they
Owner: Amy Guerich
Founder: Kathy Stepp
In Business Since: 1992
steppandrothwell.com
•913.345.4800
7300 College Boulevard, Suite 100, Overland Park, KS
merged their firms under the Stepp & Rothwell name.
In 2022, Stepp and Rothwell transitioned ownership of the firm to longtime employees, Amy Guerich and Ken Eaton. Guerich started with the firm in 2005 as an intern and joined Stepp & Rothwell full-time as a Financial Planning Associate a year later. She and Eaton continue the firm’s emphasis on providing objective financial planning for families.
“I am very proud to be a second-generation woman owner of S&R,” Guerich stated. “I feel so fortunate that Kathy Stepp was willing to take me under her wing and prepare me for this role.”
Today the firm has grown to 22 team members working with more than 300 client families nationwide while maintaining the same client focus that inspired Kathy to go out on her own in the first place.
Women Owned IN Kansas City SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | 3 | INKANSASCITY.COM
KARIN ROSS DESIGNS
Your Complete Design + Build Solution
Karin Ross has over 25 years in the field experience when it comes to kitchen and bathroom remodeling and new build projects. Karin’s European background influences her style and passion for clean and elegant looks. She is famous for creating stunning transitional and authentic European styles.
When walking into a new kitchen or bathroom created by Karin Ross Designs, your eye will be pleasantly surprised at the harmony achieved between all the elements involved in the project.
From paint color to the very last detail, Karin goes above and beyond to make sure she captured the client’s desires and needs into the newly created space. “Our designs are elegant but functional” says Ross as the company transforms one kitchen or bathroom at a time. “We listen to our client whether their per -
Owner: Karin Ross
In Business Since: 2006
karinrossdesigns.com
• 816.425.2815
1260 Northwest Sloan, Lee’s Summit, MO
sonal style is traditional, classic, contemporary, or transitional, and we make it our passion to take their ideas and make them into a beautiful and inspiring environment for their homes. We travel extensively to find sources for new products and to continually connect with the best-of-the-best vendors, artisans, and craftspeople. We offer the customer great values on every design element from fine cabinetry to floor covering and the best designs in lighting.”
Services include an in-house designer and a project manager who work together and just happen to be the dynamic duo of husband and wife. Together they ensure every detail reflects your personal style and they create your dream kitchen or bath. Your satisfaction is their goal.
Women Owned IN Kansas City SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | 4 | INKANSASCITY.COM
GEORGOUS AESTHETIC BAR
Your Natural Beauty, Elevated
At Georgous Aesthetic Bar, Georgia Cirese is known as the “OG Injector.” With over 20 years of experience in aesthetics, the owner of the local medspa is nationally recognized for her work in aesthetic injection treatments, such as wrinkle relaxers and cosmetic fillers. In fact, Cirese often travels the country as a national trainer and speaks at conferences. She’s also a Registered Nurse (RN) and Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist (CANS).
Cirese founded Georgous Aesthetic Bar with her daughter, Mary Katelyn, in 2019, hoping to define a new category of boutique clinics. Three years later, Cirese leads a team of licensed and trained providers who produce natural, yet stunning, results and guide patients through the treatment options that best meet each individual’s needs.
Owner: Georgia Cirese, RN, CANS
In Business Since: 2019
georgouskc.com • 816.946.8484
4505 Madison Ave, Kansas City, MO
At Georgous Aesthetic Bar, expect an experience that’s both professional and personal in a comfortable and inviting space—comfort and safety are a top priority. The clinic’s treatments include wrinkle relaxers, such as Botox, Daxxify, Dysport, and Jeuveau; cosmetic fillers; PDO thread lifts; PRP facelifts and facials; bootylift, laser treatments, including BBL/IPL, hair removal, and HALO; microneedling; chemical peels: facials and medical weight management.
Each treatment at the clinic is backed by science and results so clients can rest assured knowing their treatment plan is effective. After all, Cirese’s motto is that the best procedures are the ones that are undetectable. At Georgous Aesthetic Bar, it’s all about elevating each client’s natural beauty.
Women Owned IN Kansas City SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | 5 | INKANSASCITY.COM
DESIGN & DETAIL
Empowering Spaces With Timeless Elegance
Melinda Klinghammer’s journey from finance to the interior design industry has been nothing short of transformative. She embarked on a remarkable venture in 2005, establishing Design & Detail, an exclusive to the trade designer showroom located in St Louis. Today, the showroom has expanded to encompass 10,000 square feet in St Louis and an impressive 17,000 square feet in Kansas City.
Because of Melinda’s upbringing in mid-Missouri and her family’s ties to Kansas City she developed a passion for sports, particularly the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. The excitement and camaraderie surrounding these teams became an integral part of her childhood and shaped her love for Kansas City.
Design & Detail prides itself on fostering a collaborative and inspirational environment for designers and architects. Melinda and her team handpick a curated selection of high-end brands, offering lines that are exclusive to the design trade. Their focus is on collections that
Owner: Melinda Klinghammer
In Business Since: 2005
designanddetailstl.com
•913.218.0012
10513 West 84th Terrace, Lenexa, KS
exude quality and thoughtful design.
Throughout the past two decades, Design & Detail has established enduring partnerships with designers and vendors alike. Melinda’s philosophy revolves around embodying exceptional customer service, becoming an indispensable ally for designers as they navigate their projects.
The showroom is a comprehensive resource that includes furniture, fabrics, wallcoverings, lighting, accessories, carpet, custom area rugs, and window coverings.
Design & Detail stands as a testament to Melinda’s vision and commitment to excellence. Through her showroom, she has created an invaluable resource for the design community, empowering designers to achieve their creative aspirations while providing unmatched support.
At Design & Detail, they believe every space has the potential to become a masterpiece. They are dedicated to helping designers and architects transform their visions into reality.
Women Owned IN Kansas City SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | 6 | INKANSASCITY.COM
KOEHLER BORTNICK
Helping You Fnd Your Dream Home Through Honesty, Exposure, and Results
The Koehler Bortnick Team, a mother-daughter dynamic duo built on a lifetime of trust and appreciation, serves as the foundation of Kansas City’s leading real estate team. Our Team is honored to be a part of the Women-Owned businesses in Kansas City and would like to congratulate Heather Bortnick, President of Koehler Bortnick Team, on her achievements and being selected to be a part of Women Who Mean Business!
Buying and selling a home is one of the most financially impacting decisions a person can make. “I am devoted to guiding and educating my clients, making the decision to buy or sell a home a rewarding one,” says Bortnick. In this real estate climate, it is essential that your Realtor is working for you and has your best
Owners: Kathy Koehler & Heather Bortnick
In Business Since: 1993
kbsells.com
•913.239.2069
5000 West 135th Street, Leawood KS
interests first and foremost; this level of dedication is what I do daily for my clients.
We firmly believe the most important quality of an agent is to listen and meet the needs of the client; this is our #1 goal every time I work with a family or an individual. We pride ourselves on knowing the market and educating buyers on all of Kansas City and then helping them make the best decision for their lifestyle and needs.
“Even after 30 years, one thing is certain, we love what we do. We love working together with our team every day,” Bortnick says. “It’s exciting to watch your team grow and celebrate their successes. and there is nothing more rewarding than watching your cherished client open the door to their new home!”
Women Owned IN Kansas City SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | 7 | INKANSASCITY.COM
PORTFOLIO
Kansas City’s Design Destination
Geri Higgins, Founder and President of Portfolio Kitchen & Home, is known for her innovative and personalized approach to Kitchen and Home Design. Under her leadership, Portfolio Kitchen & Home is recognized as one of the Midwest’s Premiere Kitchen, Bath and Home Design Firms. Recipients of numerous accolades and awards for their work, the Portfolio collection of design services includes renovation, restoration, and new build construction. Their beautiful showroom located across from
Union Station has become Kansas City’s ultimate design destination.
Portfolio’s sophisticated design, combined with their vast array of beautiful, unique materials has established them as Kansas City’s go-to design firm. Their client-driven approach and commitment to excellence has led to lifelong client relationships. No matter the size of the project, Portfolio is committed to honoring their client’s needs and their signature style.
Owner: Geri Higgins
In Business Since: 2004
portfolio-home.com •816.363.5300
215 West Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO
Women Owned IN Kansas City SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | 8 | INKANSASCITY.COM
JSMM
Founder Valerie Jennings Celebrates 20 Years in Business
Valerie Jennings founded Jennings Social Media & MarTech (JSMM) in 2003. Over the course of two decades, Valerie has grown the business into a highly competitive growth marketing agency, using the latest martech and AI innovations to increase revenue for its clients in the automotive industry, transportation logistics, healthcare, beauty, financial services, travel and hospitality, technology, home services, and more.
The agency is excited to celebrate its 20th anniversary this year. Headquartered in Overland Park, with satellite offices in Miami and Southern California, JSMM will open a new office in the fall.
Valerie has been an advocate for women and a leader in marketing since she founded her agency at the age of 24. Her leadership and
Owner: Valerie Jennings
In Business Since: 2003
jsmmtech.com •816.221.1040
10740 Nall Avenue, Suite 350, Overland Park, KS 66210
tenacity as a digital marketer and early adopter of social media has created jobs and mentorship opportunities for women and girls and provided innovative marketing strategies.
Valerie has earned awards and honors from the Stevie Awards, FOLIO, AMBIT and others for her entrepreneurship, industry leadership and excellence. Earlier this year she presented at the 2023 Midwest Digital Marketing Conference in St. Louis.
Valerie supports numerous charities, giving back to nonprofits, including those focused on animal welfare, children and families, women and girls. She invests her time mentoring women and entrepreneurs and is highly engaged in the AI community. A cornerstone of the agency continues to be fostering a positive community through education, technology and career development.
Women Owned IN Kansas City SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | 9 | INKANSASCITY.COM
CENETRIC NETWORK SERVICES
Our Mission is to Support Your Mission
When Brittany Fugate founded Cenetric Network Services in 2008, she had a dream for the company to have a positive impact in as many lives as she could touch, through IT Support services. Computer and network support services such as Helpdesk, Design, Maintenance, Security and Project services have a direct impact on the health and wellbeing of a business, but Brittany wanted to take it a step further and live up to motto, “Our Mission is to Support Your Mission.” Today, these words ring true in everything Cenetric does from helping Small Businesses to achieve their business goals through the use of strategic technology and budgeting, to mentoring and training all levels of support staff, and through continued community service efforts.
The team goes beyond traditional support models by fully supporting their clients in a holistic way. Cenetric believes that to
Owner: Brittany Batbie Fugate
In Business Since: 2008
cenetric.com
•913.210.1950
401 South Clairborne Road, Suite 302 Olathe, KS 66062
support a company through technology, you must fully understand the company, their mission and their staff. By maintaining this level of partnership with each customer, Cenetric can make quicker, better and more well-informed decisions regarding strategic IT Support and identifying the best solutions for each customer.
Brittany has a passion for helping other women in business. Cenetric is an active member of NAWBO, WBENC, WSOB, KC Tech Council, and the Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program. She has also been recognized in 2023 for her contributions towards woman in business as a National Enterprising Woman of the Year and CRN’s Power 80 List.
Women Owned IN Kansas City SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | 10 | INKANSASCITY.COM
Women Owned IN Kansas City
WDS MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS
The Partner You Need
Driven by diligence and ingenuity, WDS Marketing & Public Relations has been optimizing print and broadcast media opportunities, award programs, and special business events to achieve dynamic results for their clients for over 25 years.
Becky S. Wilson, Chief Visibility Officer at WDS, develops campaigns that allow tenacious entrepreneurs to enhance their brands in positive, powerful and highly enjoyable ways. The desired result incorporates greater visibility, credibility, and acclaim for the enterprise and its products and services.
An agency with a unique niche, WDS assists clients with maximizing the attributes of award programs. Providing expertise and insights, Becky and her team guide clients in entering and participating at an elevated level.
WDS’ clients have walked across stages to accept a variety of local, regional and national awards. Honorees include industry leaders, women and minority-led firms, and small business owners, in addition to national nonprofit business organizations.
Owner: Becky S. Wilson
In Business Since: 1987
wdspr.com •913.362.4541
INTERNATIONAL MATERIALS OF DESIGN Design, Creativity, and Absolute Quality
International Materials of Design provides unique tile and stone choices for discerning builders, designers and homeowners. Its foundation rests on consistent quality- quality product, quality design, quality service.
Co-owners Amy Sanders and Cindy Cleveland consistently maintain the unparalleled quality and service standards laid by the founders more than 30 years ago.
Those who seek international flavor, simple elegance, dramatic flare, period motif, and more, make International Materials of Design their first choice.
Clients are welcome to visit our showroom to handle and experience these treasures brought in from all over the world.
Owners: Amy Sanders and Cindy Cleveland
In Business Since: 1976
imdtile.com •913.383.3383
4691 Indian Creek Parkway, Overland Park, KS
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | 11 | INKANSASCITY.COM
Left to right: V. Littlejohn, B. Latha, B. Wilson, S. Sage, and A. DeAngelo celebrate receiving awards during the Stevie Awards for Women in Business gala in New York City.
MAZZARESE
Be One of a Kind
As a lover of fashion and luxury goods at an early age and growing up in the business, Veronica was destined to be the fourth generation to continue the legacy. Following her father’s heritage she continues to bring the finest jewelry and watches to the Kansas City area. The Mazzarese client loves elegance and sophistication yet in an understated way. The Mazzarese client loves understated elegance and sophistication. The designers and artists she brings to the showroom are expert designers who take pride in their craft. Mazzarese also takes pride in designing jewelry, both for the store and custom designs for clients. While Mazzarese offers a large portfolio of designs, many pieces made in-house are one of a kind. She loves to turn old pieces into new treasures that can be worn by several new generations. Jewelry and watches can last forever and cherish a moment in time. You’re invited to stop by and let the experts at Mazzarese style you and provide you with their service and knowledge.
Owner: Veronica Mazzarese
In Business Since: 1981
mazzaresejewelry.com
•913.491.4111
4850 West 135th Street, Leawood, KS 10am to 6pm Monday–Saturday
Living in Color
Pam DiCapo has been a female business owner since she opened baby boutique extraordinaire Lauren Alexandra—named after her two daughters— in 1994. Pam loves bringing sophisticated products and beautiful interiors to Kansas City. In 2019 she opened Jorjy, a lifestyle and home design store named after her beloved dog.
Jorjy brings color and a fresh perspective to Kansas City. The shop exudes a vibe brimming with creativity, originality, and happiness. Located at 320 West 63rd Street in Brookside, Jorjy is a lifestyle shop that offers a fresh take on wallpaper, fabric, art, and accessories for the home as well as interior design and to-the-trade partnerships. Jorjy is next door to Lauren Alexandra, and a shopper can cross from one retail environment to the other while inside either store.
Owner: Pam DiCapo
In Business Since: 2019
Women Owned IN Kansas City SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | 12 | INKANSASCITY.COM JORJY shopjorjy.com •816.561.2272 320 W 63rd St, Kansas City, MO Mon.–Sat. 10am–5:30pm •Sun. 11am–3pm
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Owner: Tammy Sciara-Owner
In Business Since: 2018
thegrovespa.com
•816.834.9100
328 W 63rd Street, Kansas City, MO In the Brookside Shops
STAFFING KANSAS CITY
Personnel Services with a Personal Touch!
Staffing Kansas City is your employment partner, solving companies’ hiring challenges since 1998. Our dynamic team has, collectively, 95 years’ recruiting experience, placing Top Talent with Kansas City’s Top Companies for 25 years.
Staffing Kansas City is independently owned and WBE Certified. With hands-on owners and powerhouse recruiters, clients trust their hiring needs are in the hands of experts.
Shout out to the women at Staffing Kansas City: Roses Ammon, Vice President; Alex Gearin, Recruiter; Michelle Lee, Recruiter; Shelley Seibolt, President; Marie Phelan, Associate VP of Recruiting.
Where Med Spa and Relaxation Become One
A visit to The Grove Spa is unlike any other medical spa in Kansas City. In 2018, local owner Tammy Sciara saw an opportunity to offer advanced skincare in a way that was not being done in Kansas City. “So many times I had visited medical spas that gave me what I needed, but I didn’t experience the ’spa’ element that I so desired,” says Sciara.
With 2700 square feet of space, The Grove Spa offers the comforts of a high-end luxury spa, but with all of the advanced skincare treatments and and esthetic services clients are looking for.
The Grove Spa’s mission is to make every visit to the spa—even a brow wax or Botox—feel like a ‘spa’ experience. The goal is for you to leave feeling beautiful and relaxed!
Owners: Shelley Seibolt and Roses
In Business Since: 1998
Women Owned IN Kansas City SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | 13 | INKANSASCITY.COM
staffingkc.com •913.663.5627 9930 College Boulevard, Overland Park, KS
Ammon
Women Owned IN Kansas City
Blue Koi Owner: Jane Chang bluekoi.net • 913.383.3330
Enjoy Pure Food+Drink Owner: Staci Cross enjoypurefood.com • 913.544.1515
Eye Style Optics Owner: Lisa McDermott eyestyleoptics.com • 913.313.1207
Fusion Fitness Owner: Darby Brender fusionfitness.com • 913.800.1874
Gallery V Fine Arts Owner: Valerie Phillips galleryvfinearts.com • 913.341.3483
Good Vets Owner: Julie Bradford opl@good-vets.com • 913.407.0400
Mission Skin Owner: Jan Miller missionskinkc.com • 913.730.8050
MISSION FARMS’ WOMENOWNED BUSINESSES
The Women of Mission Farms
Did you know that over half of the business at Mission Farms are owned or co-owned by women? These fierce females make it happen in their shops, restaurants, salons, studios, and galleries. Let’s celebrate and support these women-owned businesses.
Conveniently nestled in the heart of Leawood at Indian Creek Parkway (106th Street) and Mission Road.
New You Health Studio Owner: Dr. Shelley Alexander newyoukc.com • 913.213.6900
Páros Estiatorio Owner: Kozeta Kreka parosleawood.com • 913.544.1262
Rye Owner: Megan Garrelts ryekc.com • 913.642.5800
VanBrock Owner: Bonne Illig vanbrockjewels.com • 913.341.7273
Xiphium Salon Owner: Vilma Subel xiphium.com • 913.696.1616
Cuerobella Owner: Trish Church Podlasek cuorebella.com • 913.325.7354 • COMING SOON
BILLIE’S GROCERY
Organic Whole Eats and Treats
Billie’s Grocery is a dietary and lifestyle friendly restaurant, bakery, and cooking school specializing in hands-on culinary classes that teach you how to have fun cooking and enjoying new flavor profiles. Designed by nutritional therapist, restorative wellness specialist, herbalist, and health coach, Billie’s grocery brings nutrient dense whole eats and treats to the community’s ever growing health food scene. With California and Australian inspired dishes, Billie’s menu offerings are made to make you feel good. So, whether you’re grabbing a post-workout bowl or coming in for a happy hour pickme-up with your gluten free love, Billie’s has something for everyone.
Owner: Robin Krause
In Business Since: 2020
billiesgrocery.com •816.683.4400
3216 Gillham Plaza, Suite 100 Kansas City, MO
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | 14 | INKANSASCITY.COM