KC By Sari

Influencer Jana Meister

With everyone wanting to be on top of the latest trends, many people turn to social media to see what their favorite celebrity or influencer is wearing. This feeling of needing something instantly is matched when influencers share links to their social media of where to find certain articles of clothing. 
Local influencer, Jana Meister, has been blogging about fashion for nearly ten years. She started her blog as an online portfolio to help her land a job in the fashion industry. She was no idea that almost a decade later, she would still be sharing her tips their her own online platform. 
With the holidays right around the corner, Jana discusses some upcoming trends and what she thinks will be hot for this holiday season. She also discusses the stresses of being an influencer and having to balance creating content along with her professional career and personal life. 
You can follow Jana on Instagram at @jana_meister and @janastyleblog. You can read her blog at http://www.janastyleblog.com/ . 
 
Music by Victoria Ball
Logo designed by Alex Cohn 

Blackhole Bakery

For many, baking is a hobby, something people enjoy with friends, to pass the time, or even as a stress reliever. For Jason Provo, owner of Blackhole Bakery, baking was his final destination in a long journey of professional careers. 
Jason opened Blackhole Bakery in April of 2020, just weeks after the first wave of the pandemic. Despite not knowing what the future would hold, Jason opened his doors. At the time of opening, Jason had low expectations of how his business would perform. 
Little did he realize, in the first six months, his pastries would sell out on a regular basis and his bakery would be featured in local publications. Blackhole has been mentioned in a handful of local publications since opening, each pointing to the unique spin on classic pastries. 
Blackhole is open Wednesday-Friday 7:00-2:00pm and Saturday-Sunday 8:00-2:00pm. You can follow them on Instagram at @blackholebakery and check out their website https://blackholebakery.com/ . It is recommended that if you visit, go early in the morning. They often sell out within their first few hours. 
 
Music by Victoria Ball
Logo designed by Alex Cohn 

Mr. D’s Donuts

For those who prefer to get their day started on a sweet note, donuts are often a go-to breakfast item in the morning. With there being dozens of options and made fresh daily, it is easy to see why Mr. D's Donuts often sells out only a few hours after opening. 
This beloved local donut shop has been open for decades but Johnny and Boggie Chen took over ownership in 2017. When the owner was ready to hang up his apron, Johnny and Boggie were eager to take over. Only catch, they had no prior baking experience. They had to learn the "Mr. D's" way of making donuts and doing business. 
Their commitment to keeping loyal customers happy and new customers continuing to come has continued even through the pandemic. Their hard work has paid off as Mr. D's Donuts was named the #74 best donut shop in the country by Yelp. This huge accomplishment has been very exciting for not only the staff but for local donut lovers. 
 
Music by Victoria Ball 
Logo designed by Alex Cohn 

THANKSGIVING SPECIAL

This time of year is filled with food and family.. but most importantly food! Sari, being a foodie herself, has found her perfect match when it comes to exploring the city. 
This week's guest is not only the most requested guest on the podcast but is also Sari's boyfriend, Dan. Dan is originally from the East coast and talks about his first impressions of Kansas City when moving at the start of the pandemic. 
For this special episode, Sari and Dan talk about their top five favorite restaurants in Kansas City. While this list is ever changing, they share what they love about each of their current favorites spots. 
 
Music by Victoria Ball
Logo designed by Alex Cohn 

Carly Rae Studios

Many Kansas Citians have hopped on the bandwagon of filling their home with Kansas City-themed decor and wearing Kansas City apparel. Carly from Carly Rae Studios is one of the amazing local artists whose work can be found all over the city and in many homes. 
Carly Rae Studios specializes in creating art that invites people take a closer look and be able to see the smaller pieces that make up the whole. Carly's artwork is detailed and whimsical, often made up of tiny flowers. She is inspired by color, patterns, Kansas City, sports, and nature: flowers, the ocean, the forest, the sky, animals, sunshine, palm trees and seashells. 
Each floral painting starts with a pencil outline of a shape and is slowly filled in with tiny watercolor flowers. Her favorite part of painting is the process; focusing on a piece for an hour or two and forgetting about everything else around her (sometimes to a fault) and being fully present in that creative space.
Carly's art started on textured art paper has grown into apparel, key chains, hats, greeting cards, totes, mugs and more! You can find her products in Made In KC locations, additional local retailers and on her website, https://www.carlyraestudio.com/ . You can follow her on Instagram, @carlyraestudio. 
 
Music by Victoria Vall
Logo designed by Alex Cohn 

Haven Wellness + Spa

For some, their wellness journey includes regular massages, for others, self-care is getting a facial. At Haven Wellness + Spa, they offer all kinds of services to be your one-stop wellness spot. Their mission is to provide a calming wellness-based environment where individuals are encouraged to re-connect with their body and energy, while deepening their self-care and healing practices.
Owner, Katie Brock, has be recognized as one of the city's best Massage Therapist by multiple publications. Everyone on the team offers services to allow customers an escape and enjoy moments of relaxation. 
Their approach is client-centered, intuitive, body-positive, and trauma-sensitive. They offer Massage Therapy, Cupping Therapy, Energy Healing, Psychic Readings, Holistic Esthetics, Nutritional Therapy, Sound Healing, Intuitive Oracle Card Readings, Medium Readings, Acupuncture and Herbal Healing.
You can book and appointment or learn more on their website https://www.havenwellnessop.com/ or follow them on Instagram at @havenwellnessop. 
 
Music by Victoria Ball
Logo designed by Alex Cohn 
 

Spread KC

Charcuterie boards are becoming increasingly trendy. Who doesn't love a perfectly curated board of meats and cheeses decoratively displayed? That is actually was Spread KC is doing. Owners Taylor and Tara use their interior design background and creative minds to put together beautiful artisan spreads for all occasions. 
Making boards that serve two or two hundred, Taylor and Tara are able to service any party. They try to accommodate any and all requests. That includes being able to provide gluten free, vegetarian and vegan boards and additional dietary needs. 
With the holidays quickly approaching, these busy women recommend getting your custom orders in as soon as possible; they do sell out! You can fill out an order form through their website, https://www.spreadkc.com or follow them on Instagram @spread_kc. 
 
Music by Victoria Ball
Logo designed by Alex Cohn 

The Old Mango

This week on Kansas City Confidential, Sari is joined by Courtney Caldwell from The Old Mango, a locally grown Home Decor, Garden & Interior Design Studio located in Downtown Overland Park. 
After leaving her nursing career of nearly 25 years, Courtney has opened her dream store providing sustainable, ethical pieces to last a lifetime and to be shared throughout generations. The Old Mango believes that a home is one of the most meaningful creations. A home is so much more than where we live. 
You can follow along on their Instagram @the.old.mango or find more information on their website https://www.theoldmango.com . 
 
Music by Victoria Ball
Logo designed by Alex Cohn 

*BONUS* Comedian Jamie Campbell

This week features a special BONUS episode with Jamie Campbell, nationally touring stand-up comedian, screenwriter, and actor.  As a comedian, his solo performances have garnered praise from critics and audiences alike.
During his conversation with Sari, Jamie talks about how the current political state of our country has altered some of his jokes. He has been able to take life experiences and adjust his comedy where he feels his jokes are to help others and lift them up, rather than tear them down. 
Jamie has a handful of performances coming before the end of the year. You can stay in touch with his schedule and where you can find him on his website, https://www.jamiecampbellcomedy.com . 
 
Music by Victoria Ball
Logo designed by Alex Cohn 

Posh KC Blow Dry Bar

This week on Kansas City Confidential, Sari talks to Ashley Patton, owner and founder of Posh KC. As a resident of downtown KC, Ashley recognized a need for hair and makeup services in the neighborhood. After months of extensive industry research all over the United States, Ashley and her team decided to make their idea a reality by opening Posh KC in the Kansas City Power and Light district in April 2015.
Founded on the values of prioritizing customer service and unsurpassed quality, Posh KC has become the premier beauty and bridal provider in all of Kansas City. Voted best dry bar in KC numerous years in a row by both The Pitch and The Knot. 
You can learn more about the services offered or make an appointment at https://www.poshkc.com or you can follow along on Instagram at @theposhkc . 
 
Music by Victoria Ball
Logo designed by Alex Cohn