For the Love of Kansas City
I believe the people of Kansas City and its metro love where they live more than anyone else in the world loves their home. A bold statement, I know, but I am convinced. Granted, I have only lived here myself for three years, but that is all it took to also become obsessed. There is a charm in the air that is simply indescribable, and it is tangible. The friendliness of the people, the absolute fandom that permeates every neigh borhood and the desire to plant roots for life -- those are things you can feel!
If there is a theme that captures this essence in all of its greatness, it is our February “Local Love” issue! Throughout these pages, you will meet some of the most fantastic humans who call this place “home.” They have fully embraced the power of connections and opportunity when it comes to their businesses.
Our cover features a local business celebrating its 10th anniversary. Native Atlas’ owner and aesthetician, Alexia Wambua, meets her clients where they are and uses her products to provide them with love and care. Also, the familiar face of Bev Weidner is back to greet you with a decadent February recipe, plus a few fun facts about her life and home.
In the spirit of local love, we are also shining some light on established and new businesses alike. Blanc Champagne Bar is open for business and already turning heads, while Kansas City classics still make for one of the best date night experiences around!
As you read these stories and get to know our partners, we hope you are filled with extraordinary passion and appreciation for how much the people around you also love where they live.
Take it from me. It’s pretty contagious.
VICTORIA MOORE, EDITOR @MISSIONHILLSCITYLIFESTYLE
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Sarah Johns | sarah.johns@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Victoria Moore | victoria.moore@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATORS
Chelsey Juarez | chelsey.juarez@citylifestyle.com
Rebecca Spears | rebecca.spears@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Bailey Hall, Jenny Vergara, Bev Weidner
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Janie Jones, Kailey Resinger, Rebecca Spears, Ryan Strong, Bev Weidner
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Proverbs 3:5-6
city scene
1 : Kansas City celebrated AGA Productions owners and movie producers Khalid Abdulqaadir and Corey McCartney. 3: Mission Hills City Lifestyle publisher Sarah Johns posed with lead actress Ariana Tolbert. 4: Johns and one of the film’s producers Corey McCartney posed before the premiere. 5: Reggie Banks, owner of Sagii International, provided the shades seen on the big screen. 6: Kansas City-based AGA Productions hosted a premiere for their latest film, My Cherie Amour 7: Friends, family and fans lined the red carpet at B&B Mainstreet in downtown Kansas City.
business monthly
Natalie M. Studio Benefit Fashion Show
More than beautiful dresses and high heels, Natalie M. Studios is passionate about instilling a spirit of generosity into the community. Through its annual benefit fashion show, the prestigious formalwear shop and its models raise thousands of dollars each year to benefit area schools, student scholarships and community organizations. This year’s show will take place on February 2 at the Meadowbrook Clubhouse in Prairie Village. Learn more by thenataliemfoundation.com/
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The Tailored Closet joins Mission Hills City Lifestyle
Take your home’s organization to the next level with a closet makeover by The Tailored Closet of Overland Park. Their organization specialists take the time to understand your family’s needs and put together the best design options to utilize all of your space. Beyond closets, they also make laundry rooms, family rooms and other tight spaces more functional. Schedule a free in-home consultation by visiting their website: tailoredcloset.com/
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Story KC hosts a dinner with renowned winemaker
Book your table at Prairie Village’s Story for a wine dinner on Wednesday, February 26th with winemaker Adam Lee, formerly of Siduri. Lee will be presenting wines from Clarice Wine Company, Dial Tone and Moret-Brealynn paired with a prix fixe menu from Story’s Chef Carl Thorne-Thomsen. The regular menu will not be available. Tickets are available online for $150 per person, not including tax & gratuity: storykc.com/events
New Year, New You!
Kick
15%
ARTICLE BY VICTORIA MOORE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAILEY RESINGER AND RYAN STRONG
NATIVE ATLAS
Kansas City’s Alexia Wambua creates holistic oil blends designed to restore
Living in the Midwest is special. The people are next-level kind, jobs are readily available and the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well. But, just like everywhere else in the world, it has its cons too. If asked, most aestheticians might say one of the biggest cons is what the Midwest can do to your skin. Fixing their dehydrated and lackluster skin is a common need that Native Atlas owner and local aesthetician Alexia Wambua hears from clients seeking her facials. In 2014, this problem gave her motivation to find a solution. Little did she know her attempt to resolve the dryness and dullness in her own skin would evolve into a skincare line that has gained popularity around the world.
Using her background in aromatherapy and oil blending techniques, Wambua began creating her own oils, and it did not take long for her exceptional talent to be noticed.
“The first time I used a face oil I had made on a client she asked, ‘Can I buy it from you?’ More people started commenting on the oil that I was using on
their face, so I started making more bottles and giving some to my friends,” she said. “It took off in a way that I did not anticipate.”
A similar interaction occurred when Wambua’s husband, who is a personal trainer, began using her muscle rub at work. Not only did his dry hands show improvement, but the rub received rave reviews from his clients who wanted to buy the product. Thus began the snowball effect of sales, and Wambua began a dedicated approach to creating Native Atlas.
“Everything is very intentional and not every aroma is for everyone,” she said. “I’m using products that are safe and used at really good levels. You have to be really conscious of that when making products that will go on people’s faces.”
With new bottles in tow, Wambua set out for her first independent beauty expo in Los Angeles. The reactions to her products were highly positive, and she secured her first client, a business out of Hong Kong.
“I want to do things that will assist the body and what it naturally wants to do. Our body makes oil, so it loves oil. My goal is to get those lipids back on the skin, to get people back to their baseline.”
Inspired by the success she has found in wholesale, Wambua is just as overwhelmed by the support in her own city, in both her business and as she grows her family.
“I just love Kansas City. Everybody is just trying to create their dream, and it’s really beautiful,” she said.
“I have wonderful local retail partners (Clairvaux and Welwythn) and that has allowed me to sustain my spa business and be available to my children.”
With both her facials and her Native Atlas products, Wambua maintains her holistic approach and believes in the power of small incremental changes over time to help her clients achieve their desired results.
“I want to do things that will assist the body and what it naturally wants to do,” she said. “Our body makes oil, so it loves oil. My goal is to get those lipids back on the skin, to get people back to their baseline.”
In a city full of incredible aestheticians, Wambua believes there is an opportunity for anyone to enjoy an hour of relaxation. She strives to meet her clients right where they are, even if their needs go beyond the skin.
“I might have a tired mom on my table, and I get to help her feel like she’s just hit the reset button; or maybe, I’ve got a woman who is feeling the weight of her job, and she gets to lay on the table and just do nothing. I love all of those touch points in my job, and my goal is to make them feel amazing and give them glowing skin,” she said.
All products are available online at nativeatlas.com/
BLANC CHAMPAGNE BAR
Kansas City’s brand new bubbles bar named one of the best in the country
There are people in this world for whom every day is a reason to celebrate. These joyful souls raise a glass and make a toast to mark all kinds of occasions, big and small. For these individuals—and those who aspire to join their ranks—there’s Blanc Champagne Bar, located at 3835 Main Street in Midtown Kansas City.
Owner, Jordin Johnson, spent two years transforming the former Canary space into her first bubbly bar and restaurant, which opened last fall. The space retains the original bar and restaurant on the lower level, as well as the unique rooftop bar offering 360-degree views of Midtown, set to reopen this spring.
ARTICLE BY JENNY VERGARA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
The result of her hard work is a space that feels like a playfully shaken bottle of champagne has exploded into a lush, floral garden. Rich teal tones and fanciful pink floral accents take root at the door and grow throughout the space, adorning the wallpaper, upholstery, and curtains. There’s even a piece of floral wall art that seems to grow out of its frame the longer you look at it. Are you imagining things, or is the Champagne already going to your head? Either way, Blanc exudes a deliciously unique charm, and reservations are recommended if you want to experience it for yourself.
Johnson’s love for Champagne began during a trip to Europe, where she discovered her favorite bubbly, Blanc de Blancs—a French Champagne made exclusively from a single varietal of white grapes, traditionally Chardonnay. Inspired by that experience, she envisioned a bubbles bar in Kansas City where people could enjoy Champagne not only for special occasions but for everyday celebrations.
The wine list at Blanc is impressive, featuring over 100 sparkling wines and Champagnes at every price point. In fact, Wine Enthusiast took notice last year, naming Blanc Champagne Bar one of the Best Champagne Bars in the U.S. For those seeking variety, the menu also includes a short list of still wines, craft cocktails, and no-to-low proof drinks, all expertly curated by Sage Monet. A former bartender at Drastic Measures in Shawnee, Monet now serves as Blanc’s bar and event manager, responsible for crafting both signature and classic cocktails.
Champagne pairs effortlessly with a wide variety of foods, and executive chef, Tom Tabone, formerly of Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen, seems to be having a lot of fun with the food menu at Blanc.
Small plates offer dishes like beef carpaccio, ham croquettes, and a burrata cheese and prosciutto board. However, the standout appetizer is the truffle-seasoned potato
CONTINUED >
chips served with house-made French onion dip, that goes beautifully with a glass of something sparkly in your glass. Signature entrée items include buttermilk fried chicken (a classic southern pairing for bubbles), seared scallop risotto, duck two ways, and sticky Korean braised short ribs with basmati rice and kimchi.
Of course, Champagne and caviar are a classic combination, and Blanc delivers with options like a traditional caviar flight or the cheeky “bubbles and a bump.” This playful pairing features 5 grams of Osetra caviar served on either a house-made potato chip or directly on the crook of your hand between your thumb and forefinger. After slurping the caviar, you will sip a glass of Le Mensil Blanc de Blancs Champagne—an experience you can confidently say “TikTok taught me,” since the trend originated there.
Whether you’re raising a glass to toast a milestone or simply indulging in life’s everyday pleasures, Blanc Champagne Bar offers a sparkling escape to celebrate it all in style.
Blanc Champagne Bar, 3835 Main Street, Kansas City, MO, 913-340-6969, blanconmain.com
a local valentine’s date
Plan the perfect Kansas City date night from start to finish
ARTICLE BY VICTORIA MOORE AND SHANNON O’BRIEN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Do you think you have exhausted all date night possibilities in Kansas City? Let someone else plan a special Valentine’s date for you and your person this year! Marketing organization Page Communications curated this local date night itinerary, with everything from a shopping list to a place to lay your head that night. Get ready for a Valentine’s Day to remember!
Page Communications is a full-service public relations and social media agency specializing in the restaurant, retail and lifestyle industries. Based in the heart of Kansas City’s Westport district, their small agency likes to make a big impact. Their employees are die-hard Kansas Citians who love being a part of the growth in their city.
Instagram: @pagecomms | Website: pagecomms.com/about RMCF.COM @ROCKYMOUNTAIN.CHOCOLATEFACTORY
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Shopping at Legends Outlets
A Valentine’s Day staple -- chocolate is sure to melt any heart and sweeten every occasion. While at Legends Outlets, follow the aroma from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and be swept away into their incredible selection of goodies. This time of year only, enjoy a bundle of chocolate covered strawberries together with your sweet. Online orders are also available!
Kay Jewelers
Razzle dazzle your lover and make this Valentine’s Day one to remember with a beautiful bauble from the experts in the jewelry business. Professional assistance is available from the moment you step inside Kay Jewelers Outlet at Legends Outlets, to help you find the perfect piece in your budget. For 100 years. Kay Jewelers has been telling the greatest love story of all time, making it an excellent starting point to elevate any shopping list. KAYOUTLET.COM @KAYJEWELERS.COM
Dining and Accommodations
The Raphael Hotel and Chaz on the Plaza
Make a reservation at the esteemed Raphael Hotel for a night of romance on the Plaza. Known for its award-winning wine lists and dinner menu, Chaz on the Plaza is the perfect choice for dinner and drinks to celebrate Valentine’s Day, complete with jazz music in their lounge every evening from 6:00p.m. to 10:00p.m. Romance packages are available for purchase to complement your stay at the hotel.
RAPHAELKC.COM/CHAZONTHEPLAZA @RAPHAELHOTELKC
Shatto Milk Company
Let the good times roll for the entire family by picking up some delicious Red Velvet milk from local creamery Shatto Milk Company. Available at select grocers in the Kansas City Metro.
SHATTOMILK.COM @SHATTOMILK
Dessert
Betty’s Rae’s ice cream
Plan ahead and pick up a couple of Betty Rae’s specialty ice cream pints from one of their local Kansas City Metro shops. Enjoy their decadent, limited flavors for Valentine’s Day, including Red Velvet Cake, in the comfort of your hotel room.
BETTYRAES.COM
@BETTYRAES
Questions About Your Investments?
- develop customized & holistic financial planning.
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W EALT H
Meet Bev Weidner
GET TO KNOW OUR LOCAL FOOD CONTRIBUTOR AND SOME OF HER FAVORITE THINGS
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEV WEIDNER
You may be starting to become familiar with her recipes each month in Mission Hills City Lifestyle, or perhaps, you already followed her blog, Bev Cooks! No matter how you’ve heard of her, take a few moments to get to know our local food contributor Bev Weidner!
HOW/WHEN DID YOU DISCOVER YOUR LOVE FOR COOKING?
I can tell you exactly when! My friend Laura gifted me a subscription to the little pocket sized magazine Martha Stewart’s Everyday Food. This was like, 2005? Around then. I was freshly married and flipping through the tiny pages, and there was this little tip on how to use trimmed asparagus ends in soups. And my brain exploded. I was equal parts super confused and wildly inspired. The love affair began!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD/MEAL?
This is intensely hard to answer, because it depends on the day, the season, the moon, my hair. However, I can properly sum it up with two go-to foods. Cliché as they may be, pizza and
tacos! We have a running gag in my house of me saying, “Let’s just go grab some tacos!,” because I always say that. And I mean always. And then I was called on it. And now it’s the source of humor for my family. I do also appreciate a good grazing board or Indian food. I’m all over the place, and we’re fine with it.
WHICH RECIPE BRINGS YOU THE MOST COMFORT IN THE COLD WINTER MONTHS?
Soups forever and spaghetti with a rich meat sauce. Hands down. The kids always crave it too, so it’s easy to satisfy the crew, while also making me happy. My favorite soup is Italian sausage, kale, white beans, a bit of cream, tons of lemon and parmesan. That will always win my heart. (Crusty bread is an obvious must.)
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF BLOGGING AND CONNECTING WITH YOUR COMMUNITY?
Blogging has drastically changed over the last decade plus. That said, the pulse is the same for me. I love the connection, reading comments from readers all over the globe, those who
have been with me since the beginning. It’s a special thing, and I’ll always treasure that. Also looking at how my hair has changed over the years is hilarious.
HOW VALUABLE IS THE SUPPORT YOU FEEL FROM THE KANSAS CITY/PRAIRIE VILLAGE COMMUNITY ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND IN PERSON?
It’s always so fun when someone “in the wild” comes up to me and says hi. Or asks for a photo! I’m always so touched. I value the tangible community in PV and KC just as much as the internet family. There’s no way to articulate the value there. It’s just massively special.
Chocolate Ricotta Torte:
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3 egg yolks
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• Cinnamon
• Sea salt
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. In a bowl, whisk the ricotta cheese and cocoa powder until smooth and blended.
3. Grease a small skillet (8-inch) and pour the mix in. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the torte sets.
4. Let cool in the skillet for 30 minutes. Carefully loosen the edges and bottom. Transfer to a plate or cake stand.
5. Dust with cinnamon and flaky sea salt.
6. Makes eight servings.
FEBRUARY 2025
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
FEBRUARY 23RD
The Price is Right - Live at the Midland Theatre
Midland Theatre | 7:30 PM
YOU might be the next contestant on the The Price is Right! This live event features fan-favorite games and opportunities to win an array of fantastic prizes, from appliances and electronics to dream vacations and even a brand-new car. Experience everything you know and love about the game show in person! Get your tickets at midlandkc.com/
FEBRUARY 27TH
Breakfast with Grandparents
Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse 10:30 AM
Toasting Togetherness!
Make memories that will last a lifetime at Breakfast with Grandparents. Enjoy a heartwarming morning filled with love, laughter, and bonding during a funfilled breakfast where grandparents and grandchildren can enjoy quality time together. Breakfast snacks and drinks will be served. This event is open for kids ages 2-5 with an adult for $10 per child or $11 for nonresidents.
FEBRUARY 28TH
Cody Fry with the Kansas City Symphony
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts | 8:00 PM
The Kansas City Symphony is collaborating with Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, composer and arranger Cody Fry for one night of his unique blend of pop and cinematic classical music. Feel a rush of memories overcome you when you hear the familiar sound of old movie transitions from black-and-white to technicolor! Tickets are available at tickets.kcsymphony.org/
