Getting Ready for Global Entrepreneurship Week Kansas City

Are you ready for Global Entrepreneurship Week, November 13 – 17? Jami Stephens is. Jami, founder of Salt and Light Digital, travelled all around Kansas City last week to meet awesome entrepreneurs. And we caught it all on film thanks to the team at the Eighty/80 Rule. You can see that adventure at the GEWKC 10th Anniversary Reunion on November 16. For now, enjoy these first hand recaps from Jami:   

Words Make All The Difference

Laura Schmidt, owner of Notes To Self, has a wonderful smile. It’s so sincere and big, I immediately want to get to know her!

Notes to Self makes socks with feel good messages on them. The business was born when Laura was in the car, feet on the dashboard (NOT driving) and the idea came to her—what if she could put positive affirmations on the place where people would see them first thing in the morning and last thing in the evening. Pure genius!

The genius doesn’t end there. Laura took what she learned in her FastTrac®  class and began laying the foundation for Notes To Self. She started at home, with her family working alongside her, and now operates a thriving business that gives other women the freedom and flexibility to support their families.  

Laura is truly dedicated to helping everyone she encounters love themselves just a bit more each day. 

>>>>>There are tons of #GEWKC events especially for makers and creators. See them all and register now.  

Focus and Flow – Hip Hop on the Rooftop

Not only is Roy a popular Kansas City rapper, but he’s the founder of Healthy Hip Hop (H3) Enterprise.

During our chat, Roy shared how he was inspired by his son to create music that both parents and children could enjoy that would leave a positive impact.  That inspiration birthed a company that not only entertains, but leverages technology to provide engaging educational programming.   

One thing that stuck out during our conversation was when he told me he “never had fear” and I wholeheartedly believed it. Spend just a few minutes with Roy and you’ll see that every move he makes is strategic.

Roy is a shining role model for adults, as well as children, with his focus and hard work. And though I’m still waiting to see if I can become the third member to round out the H3 trilogy, I’m super stoked to have met him and learn about his journey.

>>>>>If, like Roy, you own a growing business, then these #GEWKC events are for you.

Grow To The Max

If there’s one thing I learned from Al Balloqui, it’s to continue to grow, explore and serve others—no matter what stage of life you’re in.

Al and his wife Mary are the owners of several LaborMax staffing offices here in the Kansas City Metro.

The first thing you notice about Al is that he loves to smile. I don’t think a smile ever left his face for the duration of our visit, and it wasn’t a 10 minute shallow small talk—it was an intense synopsis of a life for a guy with true grit!

During the course of our conversation, Al shared how (with loving support from his grandmother) he overcame reading struggles as a youngster, joined the Army, traveled the world and skipped out on retirement in favor of giving hope to those society tends to write off—the unemployed.

Mary feels like her staff are family and she and Al take tremendous care to develop and mentor them, sharing their faith, entrepreneurial journey and method of encouragement and accountability.  

>>>>>Services like LaborMax are great for startups. Learn more about helpful companies in this #GEWKC track.

When Jon Says Get on the Horse…

Jon Ellis, is the founder of Paradise Park. The man is 100 percent heart. As we walked through the vast park and chatted, Jon shared his heart for providing a space for families. He explained how he heard of a need, thought someone should fill it and decided that he should be that someone.  

Jon detailed how the park has evolved several times over the course of its existence and how he continues to bring in new and exciting features to continue to give Kansas City families and businesses what they need to make memories and build relationships.

You really need to see how the man lights up when he explains how he brings in new teen hires and watches them grow in service experience and develop skills that will last them a lifetime. He really endeavors to equip them with skills, so when they leave they’ll be a strong asset in their next career choice.

One of the things I took away from Jon, as a key to his success, is his willingness to listen to what his customers need and make changes in response. He doesn’t assume he knows best. He truly is in business to serve and make sure each visitor has a positive and fun experience.

>>>>>If you’re a young person who loves Paradise Park, then these #GEWKC events are made for you.

Beauty, Harmony, Freedom

There’s no non-fangirl, chillaxed way to put this—I’m mesmerized by the owners of The Laya Center. As soon as I stepped off the elevator and into the space of The Laya Center, the atmosphere immediately took me into peace mode.

It could be that I was greeted by a mirror full of positive affirmations:

It could be that the music was mellow, yet upbeat, with an east coast vibe that made me feel like I was back home in Maryland.

But more than likely, I think it was the fact that LaToyia and Joe Mays are an amazingly welcoming power couple who complete each other in the most beautiful way. Not just because they’re star-quality gorgeous, but because their drive and purposeful movements make you sit up and take notice.

The inspiration for The Laya Center was born out of experience and an awareness that our traditional pill-pushing culture need not stay the norm, instead, preventative wellness alternatives need to be brought to the forefront. LaToyia and Joe wanted to create a space where they could empower people with the freedom to make holistic health changes.

Not only is their wellness game on point (can you say cryotherapy chamber?), but their business savvy is on 1000!  They were able to connect with numerous resources within the KC metro to get the business off the ground and create mutually beneficial relationships with other wellness leaders.

The reality here is that there just aren’t enough words to explain what it’s like to be in the presence of #teamMays. Until I can get them to buy off on doing a TV show (seriously, I want these people in my house at least once a week), you just need to go into The Laya Center and experience them for yourself.

>>>>> Are you ready to network with tons of great folks like #teamMays? Build your #GEWKC calendar now.

You can hang out with Jami at #GEWKC. She’s hosting two events: Using Facebook for Business and Solidifying Customer Connections Using CRM. Check out her blog to read the full versions of these stories and learn more about her business, Salt and Light Digital, on the website and Facebook.    

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