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F E B R UA RY 2 022 | TH E LO C A L LOV E I S S U E

Barnhouse is a family-owned design + build company focused on new construction- from traditional stick-built or modified timber frame homes to pre-engineered steel or pole barn structures.” Specializing in modern farm homes, Barnhouse harvests old barns to utilize reclaimed timbers and barn board to provide an enriching contemporary county feel. After building a foundation on open communication and honesty, Barnhouse helps bring visions to life.

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Letter from the Editor

February 2022 PUBLISHER

Zach Traphagan | zach.traphagan@citylifestyle.com ADMINISTR ATIVE ASSISTANT

Jeron Traphagan | jeron.traphagan@citylifestyle.com

As a native Kansas Citian, I have such pride and love of what our city has to offer and how we have grown to be a destination that boasts a multitude of craft beer, barbecue, art, culture, shopping, professional sports, music, and more. Kansas City pride is a common thread in our community, and sporting our local KC made gear and frequenting our favorite local purveyors is not lacking. As much as I love what our city has to offer, the people are truly what make our town special. That signature Midwest charm and friendliness is what stands out the most to visitors and residents alike. I lived in another state for a few years right after I got married, and while it was an incredibly gorgeous place to live, the people just weren’t the same. You all are what makes this city so special. Our February issue is dedicated to sharing about local makers and artists in our area. As you read about a few local artisans in our community and their stories of passion and self-expression, we hope you are inspired to pursue what you love. With busy schedules, it is easy to let our talents and special interests fall by the wayside. We just have to be deliberate about allowing ourselves time to pour into interests. Remember to give yourself some time to do what you love. Find what makes you feel alive, and don’t forget to share it with us. And while you are at it, don’t forget to shop local and support our local makers and artists right here in our community. Love,

EDITOR

Angela Broockerd angela.broockerd@citylifestyle.com AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER

Jayme Emery CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Angela Broockerd, Emma Balkenbush, Allison Swan, Andee Lamonica CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Janie Jones, Jason O’Rear, Aaron Leimkuehler, Travis Bechtel

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER Bruce Ianni

ANGEL A BROOCKERD, EDITOR @JOHNSONCOUNT Y LIFEST Y LE

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Johnson County City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Johnson County area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Johnson County City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources

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considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 2

inside the issue The Local Love Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

Lifestyle Letter

Local Experiences

Hot Spot

Local Limelight

Locals Only

Artist’s Palette

Our Town

Maker’s Studio

Realty Report

Happy Hour

Local Flavor With A Big City Feel

Even Before The First Bite, Stock Hill Makes A Well-Seasoned Impression.

16 MANICA Architecture

Stunning Design and Innovative Functionality

30 Meet the Artist Introducing Bernie Lee

34 Made with Love

FO O D + B EV ER AGE A RTS + C U LTU R E

EV ENT PLA NNI NG + SE RV IC E S A RTS + C U LT U R E

FO O D + B EV ER AGE HO ME + DES IG N

R EA L ESTAT E

FO O D + B EV ER AG E

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F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 2

local experiences Locals recommending the best places and things to do in the city.

Celebrate the ones you love this Valentine’s Day by treating them to a night out at one of your favorite restaurants or experience something new and find a hidden gem around town. Whatever you are looking for, we have you covered.

Romantic Date Ideas THE TR UITT : Celebrate Valentines Day with a staycation at the historic Truitt House located right off the County Club Plaza. 4320 Oak Street, Kansas City , Missouri 64111 STOCK HILL: Take your sweetie to an evening of mouthwatering food, impeccable service and beautiful ambiance at Stock Hill. 4800 Main St Ste G001 Kansas City, MO AMIGONI WINER Y: Spend quality time with the one you love and enjoy a wine tasting at Amigoni Urban Winery. 1505 Genessee Suite 100 Kansas City, MO 64102 CULINAR Y CENTER OF KANSAS CITY: Take a cooking class with your significant other at the Culinary Center of Kansas City. 7920 Santa Fe Dr Overland Park, KS PAR K PLACE: Enjoy a day at Park Place for Ice Skating and then warm up at Panache with some chocolate truffles and gourmet hot chocolate. 11551 Ash St Leawood, KS

Scan for more photos and the full list. Amigoni Winery

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Local Flavor With A Big City Feel

EVEN BEFORE THE FIRST BITE, STOCK HILL MAKES A WELL-SEASONED IMPRESSION.

ARTICLE BY ANDEE LAMONICA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/J OH N S O N C O UN T Y

According to Stock Hill Founder and CEO Alan Gaylin, “while there is never a perfect day in our business, we have done some great things.” With inclusion on Thrillist’s “Best Steakhouses in America” list and multiple FourDiamond restaurant rankings by AAA, it’s easy to see the industry agrees. But after the pandemic hit this South Plaza hotspot, we had to ask, how do they thrive? Stock Hill remains a local and traveler favorite, even faced with labor and supply chain issues. Here’s what we discovered: Stock Hill inspires local flavor with a big city feel. “The restaurant business has changed dramatically over the last few years,” Alan says. “I tell my team, forget everything we all knew before the pandemic.” What won’t change, according to Alan, are the Stock Hill basics: exceptional guest hospitality, quality and building a great culture for employees. The first ingredient of that hospitality is an unforgettable ambiance from the moment you enter. “We wanted the design to be more modern than traditional steakhouses,” Alan explains. “The bar lends itself to elegance but also comfort. Our team traveled extensively and researched modern steakhouses so we could really give it that ‘big city’ feel.”

H OT SP OT | FOOD + BEV E RAGE

Also apparent is Alan’s personal design style, which can be seen throughout the space, from the open concept of the pantry in the main dining room to the wood colors, fabrics and even lighting elements. Of course, none of that matters without the consistent excellence of Stock Hill’s dining quality. “We use only Midwest-grown cattle and buy the best available,” he confirms and also attributes the steakhouse quality to their cooking method, starting with wood-fired grills and finishing with a special seasoning crafted in house.

“The bar lends itself to elegance but also comfort. Our team traveled extensively and researched modern steakhouses so we could really give it that ‘big city’ feel.”

Challenged to name only one menu item to capture the essence of Stock Hill, Alan offers steakophiles his recommendation: the KC Strip, Bone In (18 oz.). Dry aged and cut from loins aged in Stock Hill coolers, this is the “classic real deal” steak, he says. “We can control the flavor and tenderness. It’s so flavorful but also has a great texture.”

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What’s next for Stock Hill is a hopeful future, inspired by the community it serves. “I am proud of where we are, and we’re in great company,” Alan says, “but we still want to do new and creative food and beverage development. We just have to be patient, expect the unexpected, and adapt. We can do it—we are very fortunate to have a host of very dedicated and talented people here at Stock Hill. The business will not ever be the same as it was, which brings us new challenges but also new opportunities.” Stock Hill Favorite: WOLF OF MAIN STREET +Small batch bourbon +Spiced sherry syrup +Orange & cherry bitters +One large ice cube

H OT SP OT | FOOD + BEV E RAGE

Our

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philosophy

At Elevated Living, we hold the firm belief that life is truly better outdoors. For us, landscaping is more than aesthetics, it means providing you a space to create lasting memories. We pride ourselves on attending to every detail and creating spaces designed to be lived in not just looked at. We invite you to live your life..Elevated.

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Stunning Design and Innovative Functionality MANICA Architecture

ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | A RTS + CULTURE

Photography by Janie Jones

CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/J OH N S O N C O UN T Y

Photography by Aaron Leimkuehler

Photography By Janie Jones Photography by Travis Bechtel

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | A RTS + CULTURE

Photography By Jason O’Rear

David Manica combines stunning design and innovative functionality to create some of the most iconic facilities in the world with his company, MANICA Architecture. With almost 30 years of designing expansive public assembly facilities, David’s experience spans all phases of project development in high profile stadium, arena and convention projects across the globe. David was awarded Sports Business Journal’s “Fifty Power Players in Sports Development” and “40 Under 40” by Building Construction and Design. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects, certified with the National Council of Architectural Registration Board and is an accredited LEED professional for sustainable design. David is president of MANICA Architecture, with locations in Kansas City and London.

Q: CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND HOW YOU GOT TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY AS A SUCCESSFUL ARCHITECT AND RESTAURANT OWNER? A: I was born and raised here in Kansas City. At a young age, I remember being interested in the houses and buildings I would see around me, and I would draw them on blank pieces of paper from time to time. In around 5th grade when I found out there was actually a word for a person that drew buildings for a living, I was excited to be an architect. I did also consider music as an alternative pursuit, but late in high school I decided to go ahead and take the leap to go to architecture school. I graduated from the University of Kansas School of Architecture in 1994 and have been working as an architect ever since. My first job out of school focused on the design of sport venues (stadium and arenas), and I have been focused on the design of those types of buildings ever since. The decision to become a bar owner came to me much later in life. That decision was inspired by my international travels and the opportunity I had to travel to some of the best restaurants and bars in the world. In 2016, I decided to open a high-end cocktail bar on the Plaza with a design and drink menu that rivaled some of the best cocktail bars in the world. The Monarch opened in August of 2017, and in 2018

Photography by Aaron Leimkuehler CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/J OH N S O N C O UN T Y

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | A RTS + CULTURE

we won The Best New Cocktail Bar in the country as voted by NightClub and Bar.

Q: WHAT INSPIRED THE CREATION OF YOUR BUSINESSES? A: The inspiration to open my own architecture business came in 2007 when I left the firm I had started my career with in 1994. I had a vision for a small “boutique” design firm that focused solely on the early design phases of large sport and entertainment projects around the world. My company is very unique as compared to my competitors, but the personal attention and creativity that my team brings to our work really speaks for itself.

Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE PROJECTS THAT YOU’VE WORKED ON SO FAR IN YOUR CAREER? A: I get asked this question often, and I always answer by saying picking my favorite project is like trying to pick my favorite child—I don’t think of things in that way. I love them all equally, and I have learned and struggled and delighted in all of them. I’ll answer instead by highlighting some of my recent projects we are most proud of here in the U.S., including Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas for the NFL Raiders and Chase Center in San Francisco for the NBA Golden State Warriors. Other projects include stadiums and arenas in the U.K., Italy, Russia, China and Japan.

Q: WHAT WAS IT ABOUT KANSAS CITY THAT INSPIRED YOU TO OPEN YOUR THREE BEAUTIFUL RESTAURANT SPACES, THE MERCURY ROOM, VERDIGRIS AND MONARCH BAR? A: The Monarch was inspired as the first of the bars by my travels around the world. Once we found the success and appreciation by the city, we felt confident to open additional concepts. Verdigris in Leawood and The Mercury Room in the Crossroads are both the latest additions to our portfolio and are in partnership with Christian Moscoso, who directs the operations of all three bars. Without a good team and the confidence that the daily operations of the bars would not be a distraction to my primary focus on the architecture company, I would not have opened the additional bars after The Monarch. Christian and the management team of all the bars do an incredible job, and I’m really proud of them and what we have been able to do together.

Q: ARE THERE ANY FUTURE PLANS FOR YOU OR YOUR BUSINESSES? A: In my architecture company, we have some really exciting projects to look forward to both domestically and abroad. Within the bar business, we are looking at some new concepts to unroll in the coming year or two. Stay tuned! For more information on David Manica’s company and projects, visit manicaarchitecture.com.

CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/J OH N S O N C O UN T Y

Photography by Aaron Leimkuehler

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | A RTS + CULTURE

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Compass Realty Group is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions. Rules & Exclusions apply. Compass offers no guarantee or warranty of results. Subject to additional terms and conditions at compass.com/concierge.

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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/J OH N S O N C O UN T Y

Photo Bus KC ARTICLE BY EMMA BALKENBUSH

LOCA LS ON LY | EV ENT PLANNI NG + S E RVI CE S

Photo Bus KC

For John Deprisco, there’s something incredibly special about a photograph. “Everyone cherishes a good photo,” John says. He is the owner of The Photo Bus, which offers a variety of different photo booth experiences. You can find his red and blue Volkswagen buses turned photo booths around big and small events in the Kansas City metro. No matter the event, he has some type of photo booth experience that will be a perfect fit. “We definitely have two sides—the fun, short-term parties like weddings and then we also do activations for bigger corporate clients,” John says. His booths range from his original Volkswagen bus to a life-size kaleidoscope booth for guests to stand in. His Gif booth is one that doesn’t print out a hard copy of the photo but will share the images to social media where guests can apply filters or other features such as boomerangs. “People love them, but there’s also something to be said about actually having a physical copy from a photo booth,” he says. John discovered his love of photography at a young age and said his father and great uncle always had a camera in hand. Taking and talking about photographs became second nature in his family. After the terror attacks on 9/11, he aspired to be a photojournalist. He moved from Cincinnati to study photojournalism at the University of Missouri—Columbia.

He began working as a wedding photographer and wanted to find a way to set himself apart from others in the industry. That’s when he came up with the idea for The Photo Bus. He faced his fair share of doubters about his vision. “I have people who told me, ‘Oh, it will never work, how do you make money?’” John says he chose the Volkswagen bus to house his mobile photo booth because of its mark on history. “I thought, well what’s the most iconic vehicle out there, it’s the Volkswagen bus,” he says. “It’s roomy, you can get four people in there, and everybody has a story about a bus. I can’t tell you how many people come up to us at an event and say, ‘I grew up in one of these, or my parents had one of these.’” He prides himself on being the original photo bus company. “There are hundreds of Volkswagen buses that are photo booths now around the world, and it all started here in Kansas City,” John says. One of his larger clients is the Kansas City Chiefs where he uses a 1966 Airstream Globetrotter trailer that he converted into a photo booth. It’s even vinyl wrapped and branded for the Chiefs. There are also four of his other photo booths inside the stadium for fans to use. “We have fans and season ticket-holders at the Chiefs that have been coming to me for five years, and our printed photo is their souvenir from each game,” he says.

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“There are hundreds of Volkswagen buses that are photo booths now around the world, and it all started here in Kansas City.” John says.

John says that in 2021, the company did about 100 photo booths in an 8-month period with the Chiefs. That, combined with the rest of the events that year, made it the best year yet for him and his team. He says he enjoys working with clients to bring their vision to life for their events and loves that the job allows him to bring joy and happiness wherever his booths travel.

LOCA LS ON LY | EV ENT PLANNI NG + S E RVI CE S

When asked his favorite part about the job, he says, “Making people smile honestly. Everyone loves a photo booth, everyone is going to have fun.” John has since opened several other branch locations in St. Louis, Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Atlanta, Portland, Oregon and Nashville.

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L E E B E R N A D E T T E

A RT F ROM ARCHITECTURE 30

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CULTURE

INTRODUCING BERNADETTE LEE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Local artist Bernadette Lee creates lasting memories with her paintings of Kansas City landmarks and custom works featuring businesses and homes with her company, Art from Architecture. “I was a fine wine sales professional for 30 years until I tore my shoulder and was unable to lift cases of wine, but I was still able to lift a pen and paintbrush,” Bernadette says. “My associate degree in commercial art is my only academic training. Back then, cut and paste meant cutting with an X-Acto knife and spreading rubber cement on the back to paste it to the paper.” Unlike other watercolor artists, Bernadette uses lots of detail in her drawings and paintings. “I begin with a pencil sketch, add pen, and then watercolor,” she says. “My style is ‘old school’ without the use of Photoshop. In the past couple of years, I developed a ‘new style’ by drawing on my cell phone with my fingertip—it just happened organically. While on a shopping trip with my 90-year-old aunt in Galena, Illinois, she said that her back hurt, and to keep shopping. I told her that I would just sit with her and draw on my phone instead. After an hour, I showed my drawing of Main Street to one of the shop owners and he said, ‘I'll buy them, but you can't sell them anywhere else on Main Street.’” Bernadette says she was stunned and got her first order for cellphone art. “My cellphone art takes one to three hours, and my detailed watercolors of iconic Kansas City landmarks, stadiums and some homes can take up to 30 hours.” Her preferred medium is watercolor, but she also loves creating her new style of cellphone art. “Using the Notes App that came preloaded on my Samsung phone, I begin with a blank screen. Where you might write a note to yourself like, ‘don't forget to buy

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A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CULTURE

A R T F R O M A R C H I T E C T U R E . C O M

bread,’ I draw instead, changing the colors and nib sizes to create my drawings. Everyone asks me why I don't use an iPad and stylus to make it easier, but I like the challenge of seeing where the color will land using the pad of my fingertip on a 2.5” x 3.5" screen. With this method, I always have a blank canvas in my pocket whenever I am out and about and get inspired.” For aspiring artists wanting to turn their hobby into a career, Bernadette says to stay true to your style and surround yourself with other artists. “Don't let anyone try to change your process. It is great to paint with Urban Sketchers in group settings because I learn so much by seeing other styles. I've also taken a few workshops from other artists to expand my techniques, hues and color mixing.” During the pandemic, Bernadette has been following the Kansas City Symphony's Mobile Music Box around the city to their outdoor concerts. “I love classical music and painting in time to their music. I only have 45 minutes to begin and finish a painting. One of the musicians told me I was sort of a Symphony groupie—I told her that I was proud to be one. I’m hoping to have a show to hang all of my Mobile Music Box paintings and have a percentage of the sales benefiting the Kansas City Symphony Alliance someday." Buildings, nature, emotional events and beautiful homes all inspire the creation of Bernadette’s artwork. “I draw homes as closing gifts for realtors as well as individuals, and many recipients cry when they receive them. This is a very important part of my business and what keeps me busy on a daily basis when I am not participating in shows or filling retail orders. The holidays are always my busiest time of year with lots of shows, online orders and commissions. I take orders for custom home portraits during this time, and it keeps me busy throughout the year. Once spring and summer arrive, I will have booths at The Strawberry Swing events and Mission Market.” You can purchase Bernadette’s works of art at various local stores, including Naomi’s Hallmark, Made In Kansas City stores, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts gift shop, Browne's Irish Marketplace and Cellar Rat Wine Merchants. For more information and quotes on commissions, visit artfromarchitecture.com.

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Made with

Love

O UR TOWN | FOOD + BEVE RAGE

We’ve all been there, scrolling through social media and finding ourselves succumbing to the temptation of watching something we find fascinating. We become a spectator of another world. Theresa Korte’s Melted KC Instagram page has that effect. Watching her create mouthwatering jewels of handmade chocolates is truly a work of art, and you will find it difficult to tear yourself away. You will watch in awe as she delicately hand paints them with a paint brush. You will find yourself wanting to know her story, her background and most importantly how to get your hands on these delectable morsels of perfection. Turns out this self-proclaimed amateur chocolatier was, in fact, an elementary school teacher. With a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s in literacy from the University of Oklahoma, her students and teaching were among Theresa’s passions. In 2016, after a hiatus from teaching to stay at home and raise her young children, she excitedly began preparing for her return to the classroom, only to be blindsided with the news that has since permanently altered her life. She recounts the day perfectly. “I remember where I was the day I got the call that I have Multiple Sclerosis,” Theresa says. “I was sitting in the car line waiting to pick up my kids from school.” Theresa began treatments every other day that included having to bravely self-administer injections with the side effects including chills, muscle seizing and pain. She suffered numbness, back pain, and even awoke one morning to find herself in a relapse that had paralyzed her and made walking an impossibility. She has experienced extended hospital stays, suffered the side effects of chemotherapy treatments, and endured plasma treatments. After two full years of having to stay at home, grappling with the disappointment of not being able to return to teaching or experience public places with her family, she was hopeful to get back to a new normal.

ARTICLE BY REBECCA STOLTMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/J OH N S O N C O UN T Y

“I remember where I was the day I got the call that I have Multiple Sclerosis,” Theresa says. “I was sitting in the car line waiting to pick up my kids from school.”

Then the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic posed a whole new obstacle for her. What seemed alarming to the rest of us, was truly life threatening for Theresa. Despite receiving Covid vaccines her body is not producing the antibodies she needs to protect herself. Which means every day she faces choices no mother wants to make—the balance between her children’s mental health and her own physical health. Two short years ago, she made the decision that despite being stuck inside she still wanted to make a contribution and to pursue her passions, so she began her blog meltedkc.com.

O UR TOWN | FOOD + BEVE RAGE

“I recognized that I was not strong enough or well enough to serve kids in a classroom setting,” she says. “But I still love connecting with people, and I have a passion for cooking. I feel that I still have so much to share.” She chuckles at the comical transition of going from someone who had little technical savvy, not even having a social media account, to quickly learning how to navigate the cyber world and all the frustrations and humility that accompany it. Since beginning her blog, and through her social media accounts she has been able to share her creative

gifts and talents. Her true passion has been using her talents to support local charities like No Kid Hungry, Braden's Hope, Boddicker Foundation, Blue Valley Schools and, of course, Multiple Sclerosis awareness. When asked what her biggest challenge since her diagnosis has been, she responded, “the constant pressure of navigating as a mom, how to allow my kids to be kids, while still considering my safety.” Hear more from Theresa at meltedkc.com

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ARTICLE BY JESSICA GRACE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

CreatingJoy BOTH TANGIBLE AND INTANGIBLE

Lesa Dailey is a local Kansas City artist who believes that everyone has the ability to create something, whether a physical object or an atmosphere. “We are all born creatives,” Lesa says. “Some people create with words, some do the type of thing I do, and others create intangible things such as an atmosphere of laughter.” This leads her to always be on the lookout for inspiration, for different elements that call to her, depending on the color, shape and texture of materials she finds. She began her journey of creating the tangible when she would work alongside her parents as they made their creations, and then together, they would take both her parents’ and her unique creations to craft fairs to sell.

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M AK E R’S ST U D IO | HOME + DE S I GN

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/J OH N S O N C O UN T Y

It was in this process that she fell in love with creating tangible objects that bring people joy. From a heart inspired by vintage and fingers that recognize the movement of sculpture (clay sculpture was her favorite high school art class), Lesa uses those techniques through mixed media as she sculpts her characters. Whether you pick one of her characters or a vintage candy box, you are going to receive a one-of-a-kind piece because each one is a little different. Although you will always be able to recognize her style with the vintage elements, pastel colors and delicate details, no two are exactly the same, just as no two people are exactly the same. As she begins each piece, her process starts with a sketch and then develops into her own patterns. “I am not good with anybody else’s instructions,” she says. She is self-taught and loves figuring out how best to create something that will make anyone who sees one of her pieces smile or laugh or experience joy in some way. Her creations include Styrofoam bases with overlaid batting, so it appears as though the creature’s body is spun cotton. From there she works on the details of each piece, drawing inspiration from her love of the European style and features. There is an element of surprise to her creations, with ordinary materials such as pipe cleaners, glitter, crepe paper, coffee filters or batting, yet with those ordinary elements something unique is created. Lisa says her favorite medium to use is crepe paper for its versatility and large range of colors depending on where it was made and when. The intangible gift of creating joy for someone else is important for Lisa to communicate. Upon request, she does workshops and retreats where she instructs others how they can create similar pieces. She has traveled across the nation doing different workshops and classes and wants everyone to walk away with their pieces looking like them, not just a carbon copy of her. If you would like a selection from her or would like to contact her, you can do so on Instagram @Lesadailey.

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JAN UARY 2 0 2 2

realty report A sample of recently sold properties in Johnson County. N E I GH BO RH O O D

LIST PRICE

SO L D P RIC E

%SO L D/ O RIG

DO M

B DRM S

B AT H S

OSAGE DOWNS

$3,200,000

100%

5.2

INDIAN HILLS

$2,800,000

$3,100,000

110%

5.2

REINHARDT ESTATES

$2,000,000

$2,400,000

120%

5.1

SIENA OF LEAWOOD

$1,975,000

100%

147

5.3

INDIAN HILLS

$1,700,000

100%

3.1

TUSCANY RESERVE

$1,635,000

$1,615,000

98%

5.1

HALLBROOK SOUTH VILLAGE

$1,400,000

100%

4.2

MISSION HILLS

$1,350,000

$1,352,555

100%

4.2

HIGHLANDS RANCH

$1,150,000

$1,300,000

113%

6.1

HALLBROOK FARMS

$1,175,000

$1,170,000

99%

4.2

Information compiled is from Heartland Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and includes properties listed and sold in the area from multiple brokers. STATISTICS from 11/01/2021 TO 11/30/2021. * DOM=Days on Market

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BOOZY

Botanicals Cheryl Bisbee

Boozy Botanicals was born from Cheryl Bisbee’s love of all things delicious and easy to make. “I love to cook and always try to use fresh, all-natural ingredients in my cooking and my cocktailing,” Cheryl says. “I became interested in the craft cocktail movement and wanted to create a product that would help amateur mixologists like me create fancy cocktails at home that tasted as good as the cocktails in the best bars around town.” The syrups are all natural, nonalcoholic, premium craft mixers that are infused with unique herbs, spices and florals. Boozy is delicious in cocktails but can be added to flavor and sweeten anything—coffee, tea, sparkling water, smoothies, desserts and even savory dishes like marinades, sauces and vinaigrettes.

H AP PY H OU R | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

Passing Control to the

Next Generation

Let’s talk about succession planning… As much as any business owner might want to lead their company forever, the need for an “exit strategy” is essential. Its value is clear for the current owner, for current and future team members, and the individuals, families and businesses the company serves. Have you given thought to what will happen to your business when you’re ready to exit or claim a different role? Even if you’re young and potentially have years ahead of you in the business, the people you serve may find comfort in knowing you have a plan in place to take care of them beyond your years of service.

Plan for Succession The more time you have to prepare and implement your succession plan, the more success you and your successor(s) may find. It takes time - I developed my plan more than fifteen years before it was implemented. Time to find the right people, to communicate your plan and to see it through. Build a Strong Team Back in 1976, I created Searcy Financial and ran it as a one-man shop. As we have built our team over those 46 years, we found that hiring for attitude and talent rather than specific skills helped strengthen who we are. We knew that once you get people on board that have the right attitude,

By Michael J. Searcy, ChFC®, CFP®, AIFA®

motivation, passion and aptitude, they can learn what they need to learn. That’s why today, in addition to finance and economics, you will see a team with backgrounds in communication, economics, politics and international relations working together to deliver nationally recognized wealth management services. We didn’t all start out as “financial planners” but we put in the work, we earned our credentials, we were mentored, and we read/studied to become the team we are today. Identify/Utilize Unique Strengths While there are many skills and attributes that our team members share, each person also has talents and gifts that are uniquely theirs, creating a diverse team. These different strengths allow us to challenge each other, to question ideas and see them from different viewpoints, and to stretch what this company is into more of what it can become.

Knowing who we are and who fits best on our team has led to low staff turnover and increase in tenure has led to greater levels of knowledge, staff being better trained, and having more familiarity with each of our clients and their specific goals and objectives. This helps to preserve the value of a business. Document Your Processes The strategy of documenting your processes can lead to a more

Founding Advisor, Searcy Financial Services, Inc.

efficient transition through succession for the new leaders and your clients. A written process for the routine tasks your employees complete should be updated and revised as you evolve. Without the ability to see how an operation is performed, a new employee or leader may overlook certain steps that your clients find valuable or that are necessary for regulatory purposes. For new leaders, it’s nice to see what has been done in the past. This firm wouldn’t be what it is today if we hadn’t planned for succession so many years ago. It is an honor to introduce the new executive team at Searcy Financial Services, Inc.: Jessica Searcy Kmetty, President and CEO Marc Shaffer,

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Chief Financial Officer John Fales,

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Chief Compliance Officer Ryan Brooke,

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Chief Investment Officer

If you are a business owner who would like to discuss succession planning with an experienced team, call us at 913.814.3800 for a consultation. Pictured Above Back Row: John Fales, Marc Shaffer Front Row: Ryan Brooke, Jessica Kmetty, Michael Searcy