Wonder Awaits
Holiday Season Premiere
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22 (ALL DAY)
Begin your holiday shopping and family traditions with all the sights, sounds & beauty Park Place brings!
11AM : Arrival of Santa (& The Grinch - The Ice) 11AM - 4PM : Photos with Santa 11AM - 3PM : Skate with The Grinch 2PM - 4PM : Strolling Dickens Carolers 11AM - 10PM : Skating at The Ice
Shop Small Saturday
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29 (ALL DAY)
Enjoy in-store specials, festive tastings, and holiday cheer! Shop small while strolling with Santa, The Grinch , and Dickens Carolers! 10AM : Shops open and ice skating begins 11AM - 3PM : Photos with Santa 11AM - 3PM : Shop with The Grinch 2PM - 6PM : Strolling Dickens Carolers
Strolling Santa Saturdays
EVERY SATURDAY UNTIL CHRISTMAS (11AM - 4PM)
Take photos with Santa and special guests as they bring joy to Park Place every Saturday until Christmas!
Great Santa Run/Walk 5k
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14 (8AM)
Dress festive and start the day strong with a great run/walk through Leawood, all while supporting Operation Breakthrough! Open to all big Santas and Lil’ Elves, alike. KCSantaRun.com to register!
Visit ParkPlaceLeawood.com for more details.
Park Place is located on the northeast corner of Nall Avenue & 117th St., just north of AMC 20 Theatre.
LIFESTYLE LETTER
Letter from the Publisher
This season always reminds me how much there is to be thankful for—not just in the big milestones, but in the quiet, ordinary moments that make life so beautiful. A knowing smile between friends, a cozy evening at home with a loved one, snuggles from children who grow up too fast—these are all simple gifts that make life so beautiful when we take the time to notice them and to savor each moment.
As I begin this new chapter as Owner and Publisher of Leawood City Lifestyle, my heart is overwhelmed with gratitude—for the opportunity to tell stories that connect and inspire our community and for the support system I have at home who loves and supports me every step of the way. My life looks more like a circus than anything else these days, but I wouldn’t trade it, nor the people I share it with, for the world!
Gratitude is more than a feeling —it's a way of life. I hope this edition, in particular, encourages you to pause, breathe deeply, and find beauty in your own everyday blessings—because gratitude turns even ordinary moments into something extraordinary.
“Count it all joy.” James 1:2
With a thankful heart,
DARA WITTE, PUBLISHER @LEAWOODCITYLIFESTYLE
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Dara Witte | dara.witte@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Angela Broockerd | angela.broockerd@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Katie Bode
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Lauren Powers, Allison Swan, Judy Spaar
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Proverbs 3:5-6
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Longtime
Through our partnership with the Shadow Buddies Foundation, the event helps support children facing medical challenges by providing comforting “Shadow Buddies” companions that give them strength and understanding through every step of their journey.
The Man Behind the Mic
Longtime Royals broadcaster gratefully reflects on three decades of storytelling, culture, and connection.
If you ask Joel Goldberg when he “made it” in sports broadcasting, he doesn’t point to the glitter of a Super Bowl press box or the roar of a World Series crowd. Those moments came— Super Bowl XXXIV in New Orleans in 2000, Fenway Park during the 2004 Fall Classic—but the true arrival didn’t happen under the stadium lights. It happened later, in Kansas City, when he realized for the first time in his career that he was right where he wanted to be.
That sense of contentment wasn’t won easily. Goldberg’s path into broadcasting wasn’t paved with connections or shortcuts. He broke in the old-fashioned way, knocking on doors, cold calling executives, sending out demo tapes, and weathering rejection after rejection. “It was never handed to me,” he admits. Instead, he built it the same way he builds interviews, with persistence, preparation, and a knack for finding the story no one else was telling.
His storytelling roots were planted in small markets, where the spotlight rarely shines. Rhinelander, Wisconsin, was first, where high school and community features dominated his workload. In Madison, he added college sports to the mix, sharpening his instincts. St. Louis opened the door to the big leagues: the NFL, NHL, and Major League Baseball. By the time Kansas City called, Goldberg was battle-tested and ready.
ARTICLE BY LAUREN POWERS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
“At each stop, I learned that everyone has a story to tell,” he says. “The under-the-radar or less famous ones are often the most meaningful.”
One of those lessons came courtesy of Albert Pujols. Goldberg was there when the slugger broke into the majors in 2001, but it took eight years to earn his trust. The breakthrough, when it finally came, reshaped Goldberg’s approach. “The biggest names crave normalcy,” he says. “They just want to be treated like regular people.” That perspective has guided his interviews ever since, whether he’s talking to a Hall of Famer, a rookie, or a CEO.
For Kansas City fans, Goldberg is more than a broadcaster; he’s part of the fabric of the Royals experience. His voice has carried fans through both heartbreak and triumph, from the long rebuilding years to the electric 2014–2015 championship run. While many point to the 2014 Wild Card game as a franchise-defining moment, Goldberg’s personal favorite came days earlier in Chicago, when
Salvador Perez squeezed the final out that clinched the team’s first playoff berth in 29 years.
“That celebration was unforgettable,” he recalls. “It felt surreal that one of the losingest franchises in baseball had finally ended such a long drought.”
Kansas City, he says, brings a different flavor to baseball fandom. “There’s a Midwest kindness here that extends to the ballpark,” he explains. “Fans take pride not just in the team, but in the city and the people who represent it. That loyalty shows players they’re embraced as part of the community, no matter the record.”
For Goldberg, the real magic is in the quieter moments. “Interviewing a player after his big league debut never
gets old,” he says. He recalls Nate Eaton in Toronto, hearing only his mom’s voice in the stands as he circled the bases, or Samad Taylor hitting a walk-off in his first game at Kauffman and telling him, ‘This is something you don’t even dream of.’ “I held back some tears hearing their raw emotions and was honored to be a part of their journeys.”
He’s quick to note what makes an interview truly great: humility, honesty, perspective, and passion. “The best interviews come from people unafraid to be themselves,” he says. ”That kind of openness goes a long way with fans and their teammates.”
Among the thousands of stories he’s told, one stands above the rest. In 2011, Goldberg hosted a 30-minute tribute to Royals legend and former broadcast partner Paul Splittorff following his passing. “It was both incredibly challenging and profoundly meaningful,” he says. “He mattered as much to us in the booth as he did to the fans.”
While broadcasting remains his anchor, Goldberg’s work has expanded far beyond the ballpark. After the Royals’ 2015 World Series championship, he began connecting the lessons of winning teams to the business world, launching his Game Changer Speaking Series. The parallels, he explains, are undeniable.
“Championship culture isn’t just about pulling the rope the same way,” Goldberg says. “It’s about trust. When trust is built and sustained day after day, it creates an environment people genuinely want to be part of.”
His speaking events often pull back the curtain on the unseen teamwork that powers a broadcast. “Showing that behind-the-scenes teamwork highlights how every role is essential
to success,” he says. “People begin to see how their own role matters, while others recognize the value of the roles around them. That shift in perspective can change the way a team looks at its culture.”
After 30 years, what keeps him excited? For Goldberg, it’s the unpredictability of the game. “Who else gets to go to a job where you truly never know what’s going to happen day to day?” he says. “Win or lose, I’ve got a job to do and someone’s watching somewhere at home, in a hospital bed, on a military base overseas and beyond.”
For Kansas City, Joel Goldberg isn’t just the man on the screen after the final out. He’s a storyteller who’s built a career on trust, a voice that’s carried a city through heartbreak and triumph, and a guide reminding us that, whether in baseball or business, culture is the true game changer.
To learn more about Joel and the Game Changer Speaker Series, visit www.joelgoldbergmedia.com
H O P E
Begins with YOU A SEASON TO
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
TAKING TRAVELING TO NEW HEIGHTS
Epic Explorations is your ticket to extraordinary adventures
ARTICLE BY JUDY GOPPERT
Robert Riesmeyer, or Santa Claus as he is known around town, (more on that later!) is passionate about his role as experience curator and tour operator, offering travelers unparalleled excursions to every corner of the world through his Epic Explorations travel company.
He is caretaker of the land at his family’s Riesmeyer Farm in Wellington, Missouri. He explained, “The farm was purchased by my great grandfather in 1893, and I am the fourth generation of his, and the third generation to live on this property. My grandparents were married in 1907 and began living here at that time. My father was born on this property in 1912.”
This is why he naturally is drawn to and appreciates the Adventures sustainability program at Salterra, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa on the island of South Caicos (Turks and Caicos.)
South Caicos spans just eight square miles, yet it holds a proud reputation as the “Fishing Capital” of Turks and Caicos, with lobster and conch deeply woven into its’ heritage. The island is also celebrated for offering some of the best Bone Fishing in the Caribbean. Though compact, it carries significant historical importance and welcomes fewer tourists than nearby Providenciales, creating a quieter and more traditional island atmosphere.
“It is a wonderful place for families—beachy, refined and beautifully natural,” he shared. “We visited the coral reef restoration project, where baby corals are being cultivated and replanted to strengthen and restore the reefs damaged by human activity. I truly believe we are caretakers of the earth, and it’s our responsibility to ensure that our children and future generations can continue to enjoy it.”
Salterra's environmental initiatives extend beyond the property's perimeter. Before the resort opened, it co-founded the South Caicos Coral Reef Consortium (SCCRC) to support reef restoration and resilience research. The consortium has established in-situ (underwater) coral nurseries and an off-site coral lab, and hundreds of corals have already been replanted along local reefs.
“SLOW DOWN! MEET PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE AND BUILD THOSE
BRIDGES/CONNECTIONS.”
Other environmental and educational partners include the School for Field Studies Center for Marine Resource Studies, the TCI Reef Fund, The Reef Institute, and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
“It’s more private and secluded so you can unplug from the world and immerse yourself in nature,” he explained. “I love that no matter where we’re going, whether in the middle of a big city or an island paradise, we are able to connect with that location. South Caicos was a big commercial salt producer. Now, the commercial
production has moved to the Bahamas. Salt is only produced for local artisan uses. When we were there recently, our chef actually did a five-course dinner with a different salt in every course!”
Rob cut his teeth in the travel industry 16 years ago. His first business partner was one of the founders of the rhythm and blues cruises where they would put blues acts on the ships. She enamored him with her creative trips.
That is why he strives to offer the same type of creative adventures and show people the world while connecting them to wherever they go. He believes no matter where you go in the world, people are all basically the same, trying to improve their lives.
"I have dined with people in Morocco, Poland, Argentina and more and carried on conversations and gotten to know
them as individuals. That's what I want for my travelers; to have that opportunity to visit with locals and truly connect with the destination." he continued. “For example, you don’t want to just say, ‘there’s the Eiffel tower’ and take a picture and move on. Slow down! Meet people where they are and build those bridges/connections.”
He has destination guides on his website so when people say, “I want to go somewhere,” they can get the facts from a person and not just rely on what social media puts out there.
His role as Santa is one of the great joys of his life. As part of Santa America, an organization that sends trained Santas to bring comfort and cheer to people during difficult times, he visits families in their homes, hospitals, and hospices throughout the year.
“I do corporate events, special gatherings for children on the autism spectrum, and so much more,” he shared. “This year alone I’ll take part in over 50 events. I also work closely with the Shadow Buddies Foundation, which has been creating comfort buddies for children facing serious illnesses for three decades. There’s nothing quite like seeing the joy and love it brings. And at Salterra, I even had the privilege of being Santa on the beach for families—it’s truly magical.”
Visit shadowbuddies.org, epicexplorations.com, salterra.com, SantaAmerica.org
karakerstendesign.com | V @karakerstendesign infokarakerstendesign@gmail.com Renovations | Furnishings New Construction Design
Telling Stories That Move People
HOW KANSAS CITY’S BRAD BURROW BUILT A FULL-SERVICE MEDIA COMPANY THAT BLENDS STRATEGY, EMOTION, AND INNOVATION.
Walk into Real Media in Overland Park, and you’ll immediately sense it’s not your typical marketing firm. Yes, there are cameras, lights, and editing bays. But there’s also a full music studio, a podcasting setup, a photo studio, and, soon, a virtual production set. It’s the kind of creative playground you’d expect to find in Los Angeles or New York, yet it’s right here in the Midwest. At the center of it all is founder and owner Brad Burrow, a musician-turned-entrepreneur whose passion for storytelling has shaped everything his company touches.
“I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs,” Burrow says. “My stepdad owned a well servicing business, and my dad worked for Ewing Kauffman at Marion Labs. I was surrounded by that entrepreneurial spirit.” Music was his personal entry point into creativity. Paying his way through college by playing in bands, he spent hours in recording studios writing and producing original songs. That early love of sound and performance, he explains, eventually became the foundation for his approach to video and storytelling. “Music is still a key element in what we do at Real Media,” he says. “It really impacts emotion in a way most people overlook.”
For Burrow, storytelling is never accidental; it’s intentional. “Audience is number one,” he insists. Every project begins with deep research into who the audience is, what they care about, and where they can be reached. From there, he and his team craft scripts, visuals, humor, seriousness,
and music with precision. “We call it storytelling with purpose,” he explains. “Yes, it’s creative, but there’s always an end goal in mind—whether it’s motivating someone to buy, donate, or simply connect.”
That philosophy has fueled Real Media since its start in 1997. In nearly three decades, Burrow has witnessed the rise of digital platforms, the decline of traditional television, and now the explosion of AI-driven content creation. Yet his guiding principle hasn’t wavered: create content that resonates. “Tools change, but the need to move people emotionally never goes away,” he says.
Real Media is more than a video production shop. It’s a full-service media company with the rare ability to handle every element of communication under one roof. From feature film work, including a project for Lucasfilm, to live streaming events, motion graphics, podcasts, and animation, the team has built a reputation for doing it all at the highest level.
“The great thing about having all of those capabilities in one place is that we can design entire strategies for clients,” Burrow explains. A brand may need a podcast, a series of social media clips, and a live-streamed event—all tied together with the same messaging. Rather than juggling multiple vendors, Real Media delivers everything seamlessly. “There really isn’t anyone else in the Midwest who can do all of this in one place,” he says proudly.
That combination of talent and tools has led to some remarkable opportunities. In 2018, Real Media created an augmented reality opening sequence for NBC Sports’ Super Bowl broadcast, the first of its kind. More recently, the company handled ADR recording for the latest Star Wars film.
One of the projects closest to Burrow’s heart is If Not For Them, a 10-episode documentary series chronicling the untold history of women’s basketball before Title IX. Partnering with executive producer Brenda VanLengen, Real Media has filmed more than 100 interviews with pioneering athletes and coaches who laid the groundwork for today’s women’s game.
“Yes, it’s creative, but there’s always an end goal in mind—whether it’s motivating someone to buy, donate, or simply connect.”
“This is legacy work,” Burrow says. “We’re preserving history. Meeting these incredible women who changed the trajectory of sports has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.”
“This is legacy work,” Burrow says. “We’re preserving history. Meeting these incredible women who changed the trajectory of sports has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.” The project is now in post-production, with plans to land on a major streaming platform such as Netflix or ESPN.
Burrow has seen firsthand how the right story can transform a business. He recalls producing a series of TV spots for ABM, a home services company. By centering the campaign around trust, humor, and relatable characters, Real Media helped the company double its revenue in a single year. In another campaign for City Union Mission, the team crafted a powerful, wordless spot that raised $3.5 million in just 45 days.
“These are stories that don’t just look good,” Burrow emphasizes. “They actually move the needle.”
Though Real Media has collaborated with national brands and global entertainment companies, Burrow is proud of his Kansas City base. “We have Midwest values,” he says. “We work hard, we’re service-oriented, and we give back.” The company supports local organizations and ministries with pro bono work, believing that storytelling is a tool every mission-driven group should have access to.
Looking ahead, Burrow sees growth in virtual set production and larger-scale documentary and feature film projects. But no matter how big the stage, he says his goals remain the same: to tell meaningful stories, to help clients succeed, and to leave a legacy of generosity.
For Burrow, that guiding philosophy fuels both his business and his art. Whether he’s crafting a Super Bowl opener, preserving the history of women’s basketball, or producing a podcast for a local brand, the mission is the same: to create stories that connect, inspire, and move people. And in the process, he’s building not just a company, but a legacy of impact that stretches far beyond Kansas City.
LEADING WITH Purpose
The President of First Business Bank Balances Leadership, Family, and Community
ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
For Justin Mahoney, President of First Business Bank’s Kansas City region, life is all about balancing leadership with family, hard work with community, and even business with the occasional round of golf. A native of Kansas City and proud Loch Lloyd resident, he is deeply connected to the place he calls home.
Mahoney’s career in banking spans more than two decades, though it wasn’t exactly a planned path.
“I have lived in Kansas City my entire life on the 816 side,” says Mahoney. “I graduated from Northwest Missouri State about six months after the 9/11 attacks, and the country was in a hiring freeze which didn’t bode well for recent college grads. After stumbling across a UMB Bank booth at a career fair, my first job ended up in banking by pure accident. I worked as a retail banker inside of a Price Chopper in Gladstone in a full suit and tie for $9/hr every day! For a recent college grad, this was a humbling yet incredibly valuable experience, giving me insight into how the consumer side of banking works.
“A couple years later, I began my commercial banking career that took a very traditional path up the corporate ladder, spanning over a couple decades to my most recent role as President of First Business Bank’s KC region. Now entering my 24th year, my favorite aspect of being a banker has always been the relationships I’ve made along the way with clients and colleagues.”
Today, as president of the Kansas City region, Mahoney leads with the same perspective he’s carried since those early days— relationships come first. Clients, colleagues, and the community are at the heart of everything he does.
That philosophy is reflected in the bank he leads. First Business Bank isn’t a traditional retail bank with a branch on every corner.
“We are a commercial bank, which means we focus solely on banking businesses and their owners and families. Not only that, but our market headquarters is actually in Leawood. Being commercially focused, we don’t have a branch network, so our local Leawood headquarters on College and State Line is our sole location. This business model makes us lean, nimble, and allows us to focus on what we do best: commercial loans, treasury management, and private wealth.” Mahoney and his wife, Candace, have two daughters, Payton and Sofia. They’re expecting their third child, a baby boy named Grant “Banks” Mahoney, in the spring of 2026. Family is central to his life, and Loch Lloyd has provided the perfect backdrop for creating memories.
“The comfort, sense of security, and amazing community are all reasons why I have built two homes in Loch Lloyd over the past decade and why we’ll probably call it home for many more to come. We have a beautiful golf course, peaceful lake, and awesome wildlife—it feels like you’re an hour outside the city, yet you’re literally only a couple minutes from Leawood. I couldn’t think of anywhere else we’d rather live in Kansas City!”
Golf plays a special role for the Mahoney family. The game has become both a pastime and a tool for building relationships.
“As a good friend of mine once said, I’m very fond of the game of golf, but it is not so fond of me. As a “bogie” golfer, I have a lot of fun playing but also utilize the golf course frequently to build and maintain strong business relationships. Golf is also a family sport in our home, as Candace has recently picked up the game (and is a natural) and our girls love playing in the Jr PGA League at our club.”
Whether he’s on the golf course, at work leading his team, or at home with his family, Mahoney embodies the idea of balance and is proof that success in business doesn’t mean sacrificing family or community. Instead, it can mean using strong relationships, a supportive home, and a connected neighborhood as the foundation for both personal and professional growth.
As President of First Business Bank, Mahoney brings that same outlook to his clients. It’s not just about numbers or transactions, but it’s about people, relationships, and building something lasting. Just like Loch Lloyd, it’s about finding a place, and a partner, you can truly trust.
First Business Bank is located at 11141 Overbrook Road in Leawood. For more information, visit firstbusiness.bank.com
City Lifestyle turns magazines into community
City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community. Are you ready to be that spark?
Leawood City Lifestyle
Published by City Lifestyle
Loved by Leawood
ARTICLE BY JUDY GOPPERT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
TAKE TIME FOR TEA!
KC Tea Company is steeped in tradition.
Tea is an essential part of daily life in India and Nepal, where Kansas City residents Karthick Pattabiraman and Parag Gauchan hailed from when they were teenagers. To these guys, there is not a set “teatime,” it is simply a comforting and familiar ritual that slows down busy days and creates moments of connection, friendship and memories.
“Over a casual tea break, we were reflecting on how the tea culture was growing in Kansas City, which sparked an idea to bring our passion and deep-rooted knowledge of tea to help grow the tea-drinking culture here,” explained Karthick.
This vision led to the founding of KC Tea Company in 2019. Although the pandemic caused them to pause for a bit, both feel fortunate to have grown organically while reconnecting with the community.
“KC Tea Company is more to us than blends and leaves. It’s about introducing a familiar ritual to new friends. We are excited to teach and experience through every cup while sharing our passion to help others discover how tea taste, and how grounding, soothing, and full of tradition it feels.” added Parag.
Taking great care in sourcing only the highest quality loose leaf teas from top tea-producing regions in India, Nepal, Kenya, Colombia and beyond ensures every cup delivers a rich, authentic experience. From there, a mutual creative process crafts the custom blends that are inspired by local flavors. As an example, entire lines of tea have been tailored to astrological signs making each blend a tea experience that feels personal, thoughtful and rooted in story.
You can find KC tea company blends on both sides of the state line, not just online. All KC HomeGrown locations’ menus feature two of their signature teas: Golden Monkey and Detox. Urban Egg rotates a seasonal selection of their teas and KC Craft Ramen serves their Japanese teas, Sencha, Houjicha, Genmaicha. KC Tea Company recently collaborated with Of Course to bring a unique touch to their menu - a custom Masala Chai blend created just for them.
Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum Gift shop sells a custom black tea blended by KC Tea Co that symbolizes the colors of her three aircrafts, as well as her favorite cake recipe. Local breweries BrewLab & Cinder Block infuses KC Tea Co blends with some of their seasonal offerings.
Additional partnerships include the Nelson Museum of Art, KC Pink Warriors, GWN and Powell Gardens. “We are so fortunate for
the opportunities and relationships we have been able to build the past few years and with so many possibilities and creativity when it comes to tea and being in such a thriving and exciting city, we look forward to building new relationships moving forward.
We do have some exciting news we can’t wait to share soon!” exclaims Karthick.
Between this fall and winter, KC Tea Co “Director of Steep Relations” Alli Hiatt is working with local businesses to create unique pop-up experiences - like post-yoga tea tastings and more featuring seasonal blends like KC Autumn, KC Peppermint Delight among others.
Karthick notes his favorite is Masala Chai, a tea he grew up with. A fresh cup of masala chai instantly brings him a sense of comfort and it’s extremely nostalgic.
Parag is drawn to lighter Japanese teas like Sencha and Houjicha for their clean, refreshing flavors that awaken the palate.
Alli loves green tea blends like Ginseng Green as she proclaims that it gives her a reset and makes her feel refreshed, cleansed and grounded.
At the end of the day, it’s about bringing their roots to the city they cherish and love — the very heart of KC Tea Company.
Karthick and Parag expressed their passion for this city and tea, noting, “We have always been drawn to storytelling with tea. The way a single blend can capture a mood, place or memory. We love experimenting with flavors that bring out those connections.”
Find more about them and their teas at kcteacompany.com
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