Mission Hills, KS May 2024

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Women's Issue

Women have always had incredible influence in my life. I have encountered so many amazingly strong ladies throughout the years, but the ones closest to me have had the greatest impact. My mom had/has to put up with my dad, brother and myself. My sister has raised five children all while receiving a bachelor's degree, a master's degree and working a full-time job! And of course, my beautiful bride who just days ago gave birth to our daughter. Not only does she put up with me, but she works three jobs, as the editor of the magazine, a videographer, and a graphic designer. As a matter of fact, she was putting the finishing touches on this publication the day we got home from the hospital.

I am only scratching the surface of what these women mean to me, so it was only natural to create space to highlight the incredible women in our community this month. We are so proud to honor the women who have impacted our communities through their businesses and bravery.

As we celebrate them, words cannot adequately explain how grateful we are for all of the women who make Kansas City a wonderful place to live and thrive.

COOPER MOORE, PUBLISHER

@MISSIONHILLSCITYLIFESTYLE

May 2024

PUBLISHER

Cooper Moore | cooper.moore@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Victoria Moore | Victoria.Moore@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Chelsey Juarez | chelsey.juarez@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Itiel Cifuentes, Sabrina James Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

Y O U R F L O O R S A R E I N G O O D H A N D S !

S E R V I C E S

H A R D W O O D F L O O R I N G

R E F I N I S H I N G

I N S T A L L A T I O N

R E P A I R S

C U S T O M S T A I R C A S E S

Owner Amy Appleton Dreyer

Photography by Sabrina James Photography

business monthly

Gift a Mother's Day treat from the newly open Sojourn Spa

Located inside the Cascade Hotel on the Country Club Plaza, Sojourn Spa is the ultimate luxury destination in the city, providing accessible wellness in a relaxed, yet sophisticated environment. During the month of May, Sojourn is offering the chance to pamper the ladies in your life with a Mother's Day special -- a free robe with a $500+ gift card purchase. Inquire online at sojournspakc.com/ to learn about other luxury packages.

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Prime Care offers sports and camp physicals

Spring sports are in full swing and summer activities for the kids are right around the corner! Take advantage of Prime Care's $35 sports and camp physicals this season. Located on Johnson Drive in Mission, Kansas, book a visit with one of their two qualified Doctorate of Nursing Practitioners, DeAnn and Melissa. Walk-ins are also welcome. Visit their website primecareks.com/ to learn more about their many services, including IV therapy and botox.

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Schaumburg Photography owner takes second in national photo competition

Emmalee Rathsam is no stranger to imagery competition this year, adding to her resume a second-place finish at the Icon International Photography Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada last month. Rathsam is the owner of Lenexa-based Schaumburg Photography and received this second-place honor after earning three awards at the International Photographic Cup in Louisville, Kentucky in February. She accepted the Icon award in-person wearing a dress from Natalie M Studio in Leawood.

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THE GREAT KCOOKIE CRAZE

Soft but crispy. Dense and delicious. Meet the six-ounce New York style cookie, compliments of the newly established KCookies in Olathe, Kansas. These heavenly hunks are unlike any other cookie you can find in the Kansas City Metro area. Just ask owner Christina Jokerst, because she has tried.

“When it became clear I couldn’t find anything like that, I decided I would try and make my own!” she said.

The obsession to recreate the perfect chocolate chip cookies began in 2018 after a trip to New York City with her husband, Jeff. While he was occupied with work, Christina would venture the streets of the

CHRISTINA JOKERST’S LIFE-ALTERING COOKIES ARE FIRST OF THEIR KIND IN KANSAS CITY

ARTICLE BY VICTORIA MOORE PHOTOGRAPHY BY ITIEL CIFUENTES

Big Apple and eventually stumbled across Levain Bakery, where she encountered a life-altering piece of paradise.

“I ordered one chocolate chip walnut, paid for the cookie, walked outside and sat on a bench. I could feel the cookie was still warm, so I took it out and broke off a piece. The second I put it in my mouth I thought I died and went to heaven,” she said.

Once she returned to Kansas City, Jokerst searched high and low for something that resembled her experience in New York City. Channeling her inner childhood and the memories of baking with her grandmother, she got to work in her own kitchen before the thought of starting a business ever crossed her mind.

“I took all my knowledge from past baking and started creating the recipe that would later be called ‘The Duke’. I would bake a batch a day for a year, keeping a notebook of each bake, what I did, what I changed, what I liked, what I didn’t like,” Jokerst said. “It was not unusual for Jeff to come home and find a trash can full of cookies.”

One of the ways Jokerst learned to bake as a girl was by using her senses. Guided by her grandmother, she built her base of knowledge upon instinct.

“We did most of our bread baking by touch and sight because she didn’t have any recipes written down,” Jokerst said. “She

“ KANSAS CITY TOOK US IN AND SUPPORTED US RIGHT OFF THE BAT.  ”

would bring me over and say, ‘Feel this, see this, watch for this.’ Eventually, I started to pick up on things and know when to add more flour or water or when the dough was ready to go into the oven.”

Jokerst sought feedback on her chocolate chip wonders from anyone and everyone who would try them – friends, neighbors, family, even Amazon drivers! Eventually, the cost made it impossible to continue handing out free cookies. Thus, the idea of a business was born.

“One night, Jeff saw a credit card bill with the price I was spending on chocolate and butter and choked on his water,” Jokerst said. “He made a website and said, ‘Let's try it for two months and if it doesn’t

go our way, we will never talk about it again.’ That was three years ago!”

In the years since that night, Jokerst began selling a variety of cookies at different pop-up events around the city. Her creations were so wildly popular, people would wait in line for hours and would sell her out in no time.

“Kansas City took us in and started supporting us right off the bat,” she said. “I would wake up at 4:00a.m. to start baking for these pop-ups, and every time I would be worried that no one would come!”

What started as worry is now a state of wonder! Those long lines and community support have not wavered. Now, the lines form in Olathe to support the opening

of Jokerst’s first ever brick-and-mortar store on Harold Street.

“They tell their friends and families about us. They share about us on social media. Local businesses started reaching out and inviting us in. It makes you feel like you’re really part of a community and makes you want to give back to the community that supports you,” she said.

As many business owners would admit, getting started is no walk in the park. The days are long and the hours can be grueling. Jokerst went from solely baking to managing social media and juggling licenses and permits. However, she says the one steady aspect that brings the greatest reward is the connection she has formed with her community.

“ WE BUILT OUR FOLLOWING VERY ORGANICALLY, ONE CUSTOMER AT A TIME.  ”

“It’s amazing how many regulars have become like friends and family. We have people who drive two hours one way to get cookies. Some of these people have been with me since day one. I’ve done their bridal showers, birthdays, weddings, gender reveals, and more. I know their kids and families, they ask about my dogs. It’s really a cool thing,” Jokerst said.

While the future is bright, Jokerst is determined to focus her efforts on making this original store the best it can be, while continuing to foster those community connections and encourage others who are interested in branching out into the business world.

“Start where you’re at and build,” she said. “You don’t need a bunch of fancy equipment or a ton of money to start. We started with my home mixer and kitchen oven. We built our following very organically, one customer at a time. The hardest part is just getting started.”

local

women-owned businesses

Three business owners discuss their courage to become entrepreneurs spotlight on

ARTICLE BY VICTORIA MOORE PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

EMILY WEINS

WHAT LED YOU TO MAKE THE COURAGEOUS DECISION TO OPEN YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

I was drawn to the power of one-on-one connections, the chance to witness a client's confidence soar after a transformation. It became more than hairstyling –it was about empowerment. Taking the leap to open Hive Beauty Collective after the global pandemic has been incredibly rewarding. I'm passionate about inspiring other stylists to prioritize health and well-being in their practice.

HOW HAVE YOU FELT THE SUPPORT OF KANSAS CITY SINCE OPENING HIVE BEAUTY COLLECTIVE?

Kansas City's embrace has been a constant source of inspiration since opening my doors. Witnessing the growth of my hometown alongside other incredible businesses is one of the most rewarding aspects. Community is everything to me, and the outpouring of love and support from KC has been overwhelming.

WHAT IS THE GREATEST LESSON YOU HAVE LEARNED IN OWNING AND OPERATING A BUSINESS?

This industry, like so many others, can be a breeding ground for imposter syndrome. A crucial turning point came with the understanding that there's enough success to go around. We all have a unique perspective and clientele to serve. Life is too short to settle for anything less than what truly inspires you.

TARRAH ANDERSON

WHAT LED YOU TO MAKE THE COURAGEOUS DECISION TO OPEN YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

When I started Whiskey and Bone, it was supposed to be a hobby that filled my time as a full-time, live-in, traveling nanny. My schedule started to fill with pop-ups and stores wanting to carry my things. In 2014, I decided to take the leap and open it as a business.

HOW HAVE YOU FELT THE SUPPORT OF KANSAS CITY SINCE OPENING WHISKEY & BONE?

I wouldn't be where I am now without the love and support of KC! I have been blessed to sell my goods in numerous businesses; participate in many art fairs and craft shows; host and fill many workshops making bracelets and asked to create custom Super Bowl bracelets for the Chiefs' cheerleaders.

WHAT IS THE GREATEST LESSON YOU HAVE LEARNED IN OWNING AND OPERATING A BUSINESS?

It all ebbs and flows. Business is never perfect, but if you can lean into the good when you're going through a hard time, you will make it. Don't forget to ask for help when you need it, and always be grateful.

DESIRAY COLEMAN

WHAT LED YOU TO MAKE THE COURAGEOUS DECISION TO OPEN YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

In 2017, I launched my personal training business driven by my belief in the transformative power of exercise. Guiding my clients towards taking charge of their lives became my passion. Whether it was improving their physical health or nurturing their mental well-being, I found fulfillment in facilitating transformations that integrated every aspect of their lives.

HOW HAVE YOU FELT THE SUPPORT OF KANSAS CITY SINCE STARTING BODY BY DESI?

Let me tell you, Kansas City has some of the most supportive and loyal individuals you'll ever encounter!  I've forged countless friendships, been graciously invited to share my story in various settings, and participated in community events. I owe a great deal of my success to the incredible clients and friends I've had the privilege to meet along the way!

WHAT IS THE GREATEST LESSON YOU HAVE LEARNED IN OWNING AND OPERATING A BUSINESS?

It's crucial to maintain a balance that prevents burnout while enabling me to effectively support others. Establishing clear boundaries regarding my time and energy has been invaluable. Recognizing that I can only guide my clients as far as they're willing to go has also been a significant lesson.

ARTICLE

HANDMADE

BREAKING BREAD

BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Making homemade bread is coming back, and while the convenience of buying a pre-made loaf is readily available, there is nothing like the taste of a warm, homemade loaf right out of the oven. These easy-to-follow recipes are exploding with flavor and are simple to make.

LEMON ALMOND LOAF

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ½ cups flour

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

• ¾ cup milk

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 2 eggs

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon almond extract

LEMON GLAZE ICING:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 teaspoons lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon almond extract

• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350° F. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt and baking powder. In a separate bowl, combine sugar and lemon zest and lightly mix. Stir in flour mixture and set aside. In a separate bowl, mix oil, eggs, lemon juice, vanilla and almond extract. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir. Pour batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 1 hour. Cool for 15 minutes and then carefully remove from the pan. Next, make the lemon glaze by combining all of the icing ingredients and whisk until smooth. Drizzle glaze all over the loaf and sprinkle with almond slices. Enjoy!

SOURDOUGH BREAD

For an added health benefit, try this probiotic-rich sourdough bread known for being easy to digest and a healthier gut-friendly option. To make sourdough bread, you will need a starter which can take anywhere from 7-14 days. To make your own, mix flour and water together in a jar and feed the starter each day until ready. There are many sourdough starter recipes online.

SOURDOUGH STARTER INGREDIENTS:

• 2 teaspoons sourdough starter

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 5 teaspoons water

DOUGH INGREDIENTS:

• ¼ cup active sourdough starter

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 4 cups flour

INSTRUCTIONS:

Twelve hours before you plan to mix the dough, add the ingredients to make ¼ cup of active sourdough starter. Stir and cover and let the starter rise. The starter is ready when it has doubled in size and there are bubbles on the surface and sides.

To make the dough, add ¼ cup sourdough starter and 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of water and stir. Next, add 4 cups plus 2 tablespoons of flour and 2 teaspoons of salt. Use a spatula to work the ingredients together until there are no more dry ingredients in the bowl. Wet your hand with a little water to prevent sticking, and pick up the dough on one side of the bowl and stretch it up and over itself. Turn the bowl a quarter turn and repeat this step until you have turned the bowl a full circle. Cover the bowl and let the dough sit for 30 minutes. Repeat the folding process one more time. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise on your counter for 8-10 hours.

Next, on a lightly floured surface, shape the dough into a ball by pulling the dough into the middle of itself. Turn the ball over so the seam is down. Use your hands to gently pull and cup the dough until it forms a tight skin. Place the dough on parchment paper and transfer the paper and dough to a medium sized bowl. Cover the bowl and let it rise for 2 hours.

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Score the top of dough with a sharp knife. Use the parchment paper to lift the dough up and transfer to a dutch oven. Place the lid on and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Mission Hills City Lifestyle is like an old friend stopping by to give me an update on places and local events

The pages are smooth and pleasant to touch I read Mission Hills City Lifestyle in my quiet moments to ignite in myself a way to flow with change and appreciate my life

Judith Bader Jones

FOCACCIA

This recipe is quick and easy to make with just a few simple steps. It tastes great on its own, but dipping it in olive oil infused with fresh herbs adds an extra level of flavor.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ¾ cups warm water

• 2 ½ teaspoons sugar

• 1 package active dry yeast

• 4 cups flour

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 4 tablespoons olive oil

• Optional:

• Fresh rosemary

• Coarse sea salt

• Fresh pressed garlic

INSTRUCTIONS:

Use a stand mixer with a fitted dough hook, and stir together the water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and stir again. Set mixture aside for 5 minutes. Mixture should be foamy. Next, add the flour and salt and mix on low until a shaggy dough forms. Increase speed and mix for an additional 4-5 minutes. Brush a large bowl with olive oil. Transfer the dough to the bowl and cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Set aside for about 1 to 1 ½ hours until the dough has doubled in size.

Brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of oil. Uncover the dough and rub hands with olive oil. Slide your hands under the dough and fold it onto itself. Continue to work your way around the edge of the bowl, folding the dough onto itself until there is a ball that you can lift from the bowl. Place the dough in the prepared pan and press the dough to the edges. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a damp towel and set aside to rise for about 45 minutes until the dough has doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the dough. Rub your hands with olive oil and use your fingers to make indentions on the surface of the dough. Sprinkle it with salt and rosemary and any desired toppings. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.

GARDEN TO GLASS

DIY COCKTAILS WITH FRESH HERBS

Nothing says spring like the aroma of fresh-cut herbs in a crisp, cold, cocktail. With warmer weather finally here, growing herbs at home can transform your cocktail hour and add a fresh kick to your springtime favorites.

Growing herbs is incredibly easy and can be done in a variety of ways—from a container in a window, to a planter box in the yard. With a container or garden full of fresh herbs, you will be ready to take your cocktails up a notch.

Basil is a bright herb that is easy to grow and perfect for cocktails. Make sure to harvest immediately before mixing drinks and take leaves from the top to ensure a continual harvest. Fresh muddled basil leaves lend a crispness to the Gin Basil Cucumber cocktail.

Sage is easy to grow and does well in containers. The leaves add an earthy freshness to a refreshing cherry-infused Bourbon.

Mint is also easy to grow, but give it lots of room, as it likes to spread out and is virtually indestructible in the garden. Mint is a versatile herb but is especially lovely in the Rhubarb Mint Mojito.

Try recreating these refreshing cocktails with herbs grown at home and take your cocktail game to new heights!

ARTICLE BY TARA NORRIS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADALYN SINCLAIR

MR. BROWN INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz. cherry-sage infused Bourbon

• 0.75 oz. apple brandy or apple jack brandy

DIRECTIONS

• Place over an ice ball in an old-fashioned glass

• Top with ginger beer and garnish with Bordeaux cherries and leaf of sage

RHUBARB MINT MOJITO

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 oz. white rum

• 1 oz. rhubarb puree (2 cups rhubarb, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water)

• 0.5 oz. fresh lime juice

• 8-10 fresh mint leaves

• soda water

• lemon-lime soda

• ice

DIRECTIONS:

• Muddle mint, lime juice, and rhubarb puree in a glass or small cocktail shaker

• Once muddled, add the white rum and ice

• Top with large cocktail shaker and shake for a few seconds

• Remove large shaker and pour everything into a glass

• Top with more ice

• Add soda water and lemon-lime soda (equal parts to your liking)

• Garnish with mint leaf and lime wheel

GIN BASIL CUCUMBER INGREDIENTS

• 2-3 fresh basil leaves

• 0.5 oz. fresh lime juice

• 0.25 oz. simple syrup

• 2-3 cucumber slices

• 2 oz. gin

• tonic water

DIRECTIONS

• Muddle basil, lime juice, simple syrup and cucumber slices together in a small cocktail shaker

• Add gin and ice to cocktail shaker

• Shake well

• Strain over an ice ball

• Top with tonic water and garnish with basil leaf and a cucumber slice

events

Margarita Wars

Downtown Overland Park | 4:00 PM

Downtown Overland Park introduces their very first Margarita Wars, an event surrounding Mardi Gras with 17 different margarita stations voted on by the public! Participants must be 21+ and will receive a wristband for $25, granting samples at each station and access to voting. For a full list of vendors and to purchase tickets, visit downtownop.org/events/margarita-wars/. May the best marg win!

MAY 4TH

Blooms in the Bottoms Plant Sale

Historic West Bottoms | 9:00 AM

Calling all plant people! The Kansas City Plant Collectors is setting up shop on Hickory Street in the Historic West Bottoms with over 25 vendors selling basic and rare plants alike. Make it a whole day of fun with a wide variety of activities, live music, food trucks, bars, shopping and more. Grow your collection or start from scratch!

MAY 4TH

Kentucky Derby at J. Rieger & Co.

J. Rieger & Co. | 3:00 PM

You are cordially invited to experience the 150th Kentucky Derby at J. Rieger & Co., complete with Derby-inspired bites, mint juleps, a giant LED screen to watch the race, live music, photo booth, and more. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Great Plains Adaptive Riding Academy. Pick out your best hat and purchase your ticket at jriegerco.com/kentucky-derby

MAY 12TH

Mother's Day Event - Brunch and Live Music

Bourgmont Vineyard & Winery | 1:00 PM

Celebrate moms and the special women in your life by treating them to a Mother's Day brunch. After a Brancato's catered lunch beginning at 1:00pm, enjoy free, live music by Erica McKenzie from 3:00 - 6:00pm. Moms will receive a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. Tickets for brunch are available online at bourgmont-winery.square.site/

MAY 14TH

She Means Business - KC Women's Networking Event

Bounds Law LLC (Industrious KC) | 4:30 PM

All female leaders and business owners are invited to network with Kansas City's finest during the She Means Business - Women in Full Bloom event at Bounds Law on the Country Club Plaza. Embrace springtime fashion by wearing your favorite floral outfit and invite all of your favorite business gals. Refreshments and drinks will be provided with a chance to win various giveaways.

MAY 26TH

Celebration at the Station

Union Station | 5:00 PM

One of the most anticipated events of the season, start your summer with the Kansas City Symphony during the largest free Memorial Day weekend event in the Midwest. Gather on the lawn of the majestic Union Station and enjoy patriotic favorites with appearances from special guests, followed by fireworks to end the evening. Learn more by visiting kcsymphony.org/celebration/

SPIRIT LIFE’S

Print N’ Sip Party

Print N’ Sip Party is a thrilling 3-hour gathering igniting creativity, joy, and fun! This vibrant event blends artistry and entertainment, allowing participants to craft unique t-shirts with premium materials. Led by expert instructors, attendees enjoy a hands-on experience from start to finish. Whether you’re an artist or a beginner, the party inspires collaboration and self-expression in a lively atmosphere. Join us for an unforgettable celebration of craftsmanship and camaraderie!

SPIRITLIFEGEAR.COM

913-283-8337 | 5925 Ikea Way, Mission, KS

VB @spiritlifeapparel

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ARTICLE BY BAILEY MORRIS

Lavender Vanilla Sugar Scrub

This homemade sugar scrub is easy to make and leaves you with silky soft skin

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup of granulated sugar

• ½ cup of oil (almond oil or olive oil works best)

• ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil

• ½ teaspoon real vanilla extract

• 15 drops lavender essential oil

DIRECTIONS:

Sugar scrubs are amazing for getting rid of dead skin and exfoliating to reveal soft skin.

To make this Lavender Vanilla Sugar Scrub, mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight jar.