Mission Hills, KS September 2025 by City Lifestyle

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New Construction Renovation Furnishings

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Your Distinct Way Happy September! We love this month at Mission Hills City Lifestyle because this theme is a favorite of our readers. September’s focus is all about “style.” To be honest, the first thing I usually think about when I hear the word “style” is Taylor Swift. Probably because she wrote a song literally called “Style.” But also, because she is a woman with a distinct way of doing things. And wouldn’t you know, that is one of the main definitions you can find if you Google the word “style.” This tells me that style is more than how you dress or what category you fit into. It is intertwined into everything you do. We have a style at Mission Hills City Lifestyle. Yes, we enjoy beauty and fashion and interiors. But, our distinct way of doing things is and has always been wrapped in excellence. Excellence is our style, and we love sharing the best of what we have to offer each month. Each of the businesses you will read about this month have a very defined style. They know who they are and what makes them best. We are so proud to introduce the incredible family behind Vinca Jewelry, the beloved jewelry store that has called the Plaza home since 1987. The love they have for their clients is visible in the way they craft jewelry that tells a story. Sara Svehla Interior Design wants to make your home a dream to look at and live in. Along with her team, Svehla leads the way in functionality before aesthetics. Beth King styles to build confidence in her clients. Her business Lead Through Style sets the tone of your wardrobe by finding the right tones for your skin. Finally, Lisa Carson shares the mission of Kansas City’s formalwear destination Natalie M Studio. While clothing and glamour is beautiful, true style goes deeper than the skin and lies within your willingness to serve. What is your distinct style? We are genuinely glad that we get play a roll in your every month and hope these features challenge you, embolden you and shape you in the way you view your “style.”

September 2025 PUBLISHER

Sarah Johns | sarah.johns@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Victoria Moore | victoria.moore@citylifestyle.com S O C I AL M E D I A C O O R D I N ATO R

Rebecca Spears | rebecca.spears@citylifestyle.com P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R

Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com AD M I N I ST R AT I VE AS S I STAN T

Sarah Elise Seidel | sarahelise.seidel@citylifestyle.com P U B L I S H E R AS S I STAN T

Rita Strickland | rita.strickland@citylifestyle.com STAF F P H OTO G R AP H E R

Emmalee Rathsam | emmalee@emmaleerathsam.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Linda Ditch, Bev Weidner C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Corey Brown Photo, Dani Clark, Adri Guyer, Craig Keene, Emmalee Rathsam, Becca Spears, Bev Weidner

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt COO Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

VICTORIA MOORE, EDITOR @MISSIONHILLSCITYLIFESTYLE Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Mission Hills City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Mission Hills area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

Visit our Instagram CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/MISSIONHILLS

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

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 Mission Hills City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue SE PT EMBER 2 0 2 5 | ST Y L E

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Featured

10 20

24 38 6

The Vinca Way

A Kansas City family crafts beautiful jewelry that is accessible to all

Style That Reflects YOU

38 On the Cover

Departments

Elena Weber modeling Vinca’s Freeform Collection. Clothing provided by Halls.

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Inspired By SHOPPING

Local Limelight ARTS + CULTURE

Trend Setter STYLE + BEAUTY

Home Update STYLE + BEAUTY

Fashion Forward LIFE + CULTURE

Expert Help STYLE + BEAUTY

Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E

Color analyst Beth King helps women take the stress out of building the right wardrobe

Where Function and Aesthetics Meet

Sara Svehla Interior Designs builds beauty on the foundation of livability

BBQ Chicken and Rice Bowls Indulge in one last taste of summer

Photography: Emmalee Rathsam

SEPTEMBER 2025

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

7 6

1 – 7: United Way of Greater Kansas City’s second annual Waymaker Awards took place in July at the Midland Theatre and was an unforgettable night filled with impact, inspiration, and a touch of Wonderland magic.

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ARTICLE BY VICTORIA MOORE PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMMALEE RATHSAM

THE

VINCA WAY

A KANSAS CITY FAMILY CRAFTS BEAUTIFUL JEWELRY THAT IS ACCESSIBLE TO ALL

Every jeweler has a process. The sourcing, the crafting, the customer service–it all tells a story of what they value. From the moment its doors opened on the County Club Plaza in 1987, Vinca Jewelry set a standard of excellence that has been followed for almost 40 years. Founders Simon and Elizabeth Zouein believed jewelry should be personal and accessible, and they built their family business upon this cornerstone. “The foundation is our clients. Good design isn’t just beautiful - it carries sentiment and value, and it’s wearable,” Simon said. “The vision I started with has now grown into something our entire family and team carry forward together. That’s who we are.” Elizabeth and Simon’s four children began learning the art of custom jewelry from an early age. Their son, Christian, recalls always being part of the team, and along with his three sisters, would accompany Simon across the world to source the best stones, pearls and opals for their clients. Watching his father give his best to the business helped shape the way Christian sees beauty and entrepreneurship. “My father has a very strong perception of what beauty looks like. I think it almost hurts him if it is not done correctly. A lot of it is because it is how it is supposed to be,” he said. “That is the mentality I grew up with– going to the ends of the earth to buy stones, going into mines, climbing down ladders in Australia to buy opals.”

“As our children grew up, Vinca became a place where our family could work together, where everyone learned the value of hard work and the art of design. This has always been our space to express our creativity - not just as art, but as functional design with the engineering precision that makes people want to carry their pieces with them through their entire lives,” Elizabeth said. Christian began to emulate this work at the age of 13, melting gold and making jewelry with Simon looking over his shoulder. Now with young daughters of his own, he carries Vinca’s mission, teaching them not only the craft, but the symbolism a piece of jewelry can represent for someone. “It is really not about the piece itself. It is about the meaning behind the piece. The reason the piece is there,” Christian said. “It is a bond between the two people, or a woman who buys jewelry for herself. Oftentimes, it is symbolic for them. They have reached a point in their career, or they want to look beautiful.” The Vinca team found inspiration for their newest collections from this idea of self-expression. Although the collections differ from one another, Christian designed them to match personalities or evoke feelings based on curves, angles and freeform. “Curves make you want to flow cleanly in a situation or environment. Compare that with angles, something much more structured. For me, there is an aspect of protection. Sometimes you want to have a line between you and the outside world—a clean transition between one thing and another. The freeform collection is a bit more whimsical–open to possibility, open to where things might go,” he said. The value Vinca places on people is seen in the way they celebrate life with them. Whether an engagement, a wedding, a milestone, or just another day, Vinca is committed to honoring each person’s story with genuine care, respect and warmth, as if they were a part of the family. “I never anticipated how deeply we’d become woven into the fabric of people’s most precious moments,” Elizabeth said. “We always keep a box of tissues in the store because people cry when they find a piece that’s perfect for them. Those are tears of pure joy.” Christian is incredibly proud of his family’s belief that jewelry is for everyone. Knowing the uneasy feeling many can experience when they enter a jewelry store, Vinca strives to be a pillar of difference, not only in the Kansas City community but throughout the world. “We serve a wide range of customers. We meet them where they are. Seeing the beauty in the jewelry, we see the beauty in the people, too,” Christian said. “Part of the reason that we go to the ends of the world to buy these stones is because it makes jewelry more affordable for people. You are finding these beautiful pieces and making them in such a way that more people can have access. It is special and hard to do.” While trends come and go, Vinca has remained true to its profound style. With another 40 years on the horizon, the entire family believes the foundation that has built Vinca from the beginning will never part from its story–beauty, family and people. “We want to look forward to being part of countless more milestone moments - contributing to people’s joy, satisfaction, and contentment while creating pieces they’ll love and want to pass down through generations,” Elizabeth said. “That’s our legacy, and it’s what we’ll always strive to be.” CONTINUED >

I NSP IR E D BY | SHO P P I NG

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All featured collections are available at Vinca Jewelry’s Country Club Plaza location or online at vincajewelry.com Hair and Makeup Artist: Shani Overfelt Modeling Agency: Voices and Models Models: Jillian Harte, Olivia Beckman & Elena Weber Clothing provided by Halls.

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A Conversation with Emmalee Rathsam Style is foundational in fine art and fashion photography ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMMALEE RATHSAM

FROM A PHOTOGRAPHER’S PERSPECTIVE, DEFINE “STYLE”?

Style is what makes a photograph. Whether it’s the subject’s personal style, the styling that a photographer adds to an image to give it life, or the photographer’s shooting style, “style” plays a large role in photography.

WHAT DREW YOU TO FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY?

As a teenager, I was drawn to fashion photography when I flipped through the pages of Vogue. I was inspired by the images on the covers and in the editorials. I would study each image looking closely at the eyes to see what type of light was used. I could see the reflection of the light modifier in the eyes; typically a beauty dish, soft box or window light. It was a way for me to learn how the image was created.

HOW DOES BEING SURROUNDED BY STYLE IN YOUR FIELD HELP CULTIVATE CREATIVITY?

Style is a huge influence on my work. Not just for my fashion photography, but for my fine art photography, too. The foundation for many of my fine art self-portraits is the style of clothing. The shape, color or pattern of a dress can be enough to spark inspiration for a whole shoot.

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STYLE THAT REFLECTS YOU ARTICLE BY VICTORIA MOORE PHOTOGRAPHY BY COREY BROWN PHOTO, BECCA SPEARS

COLOR ANALYST BETH KING HELPS WOMEN TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF BUILDING THE RIGHT WARDROBE The busier life gets, maintaining your style can naturally slip through the cracks. Rushing out the door every day can place a burden on the idea of wearing the right outfit. Lead Through Style founder and owner Beth King started her color analysis business in hopes to make that process simpler. As a working mom, she understands how feeling and looking your best can affect your day for the better. Especially for women, style plays such an instrumental role in business and play. King’s entire business model is to help women put systems in place to make getting dressed simple, starting with color analysis and leading to wardrobe strategy.

T R E N D SE T T E R | STYL E + BE AU T Y

Photo by: Corey Brown Photo

WHAT IS COLOR ANALYSIS? This is the foundation for style. Knowing the exact tones that flatter your skin and elevate your features produces that natural glow and confidence when shopping. King provides a customized color palette and styling guidance based on the results of your 90-minute color analysis session. You can schedule an appointment in-person or virtually.

Photo by: Corey Brown Photo

CLOSET EDITS How often do you find yourself staring at the mountain of clothes in your closet, unsure if any of them look good? Once your colors have been determined, King can take your style to the next step--cleaning out the closet chaos. Sorting, editing and realigning your wardrobe might be the ticket to help you fall in love with style again.

Photo by: Corey Brown Photo

STYLE YOUR SEASON As fall approaches, it is important to know how to incorporate the current season with your personal style. With this service, King offers a monthly subscription with links to clothing and accessories in your color palette. Eliminate overthinking and look good all year long with this streamlined approach to shopping.

Photo by: Corey Brown Photo

BEGIN THE INTENTIONAL PROCESS. King desires to shift your mindset around style, not just provide a one-time makeover. She has designed her services to lead to effortless shopping and enjoyable styling for the rest of your life. You can plan your next steps by visiting her website: leadthroughstyle.com/

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M A R Y S L O S S . S T A T E L I N E A G E N T S K C . C O M

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Photo by: Dani Clark Photography

Sara Svehla Interior Designs builds beauty on the foundation of livability

ARTICLE BY VICTORIA MOORE PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANI CLARK, ADRI GUYER, CRAIG KEENE, BECCA SPEARS

Where Function and Aesthetics Meet 24

H OM E U P DAT E | STYL E + BE AU T Y

Jena Robison, senior designer

Sara Svehla Interior Design’s Main Street Studio is a harmonious display of natural talent and materials. Her space is full of an intentional mixture of textures. Warm wood tones, mossy green fabrics and strategically placed houseplants scattered along the base of each window create a sense of peace. There is a feeling of invitation and possibility of what a home can be. “I’ve come to value natural materials and timelessness in design,” Svehla explained. “That natural feeling is also a feeling of comfort. We focus on comfort. We want the whole process to be comfortable, and then we want our clients to be comfortable in their space.” As a full-service interior design firm, Svela and her team of designers specialize in renovations and new builds. Starting with Brooke Jones, interior designer

Sara Svehla

Dani Clark, operations and procurement

the bones of a house allows them to improve someone’s quality of life by focusing on functionality. While the aesthetics are important, they care more about how their clients are living. “When you’re in a space that is not working for you, you’re going out of your way to do something that could be much easier,” Svehla said. “We have designed our process to focus on the function first. CONTINUED > S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MI S S I O N HI L L S

You feel more comfortable in a space that you love and that feels appealing to you, just like your clothes. When they’re well-tailored, you feel better. The more your home works for you, the better every day of your life is going to be.” Knowing these large projects can leave homeowners exhausted and stressed, Svehla prioritizes creating a smooth design process. Her meetings add purpose to the project as she seeks to understand how her clients live day-to-day and what they value. The vital information from these interactions help her determine the final look and layout of a home.

Photo by: Craig Keene

H OM E U P DAT E | STYL E + BE AU T Y

“Our process focuses on the function first. The more your home works for you, the better every day of your life is going to be.”

“It is such an important relationship because your relationship with your home is important. We’re finding what inspires them, and the little things that bother them that they may not even realize. We take those pieces and build around them so when they walk into their home at the end, they feel connected to it,” Svehla said. While Svehla is comfortable in her style, she is not afraid to push the limits and be creative. She believes one of the keys to being a great designer is catering to her clients’ unique tastes while maintaining harmony throughout the home. “I want the whole space to feel immersive. I want the rooms to flow from one to the next, with each room having a personality. What I don’t want is for you to feel like you’re walking between houses when you’re walking between rooms,” she informed. “We aren’t a designer who only stays

in one lane. We don’t only do modern or traditional. I think at the base of that is a core knowledge of different design styles and how they go together.” Learning different design styles and having the boldness to implement them is largely influenced by her team. Svehla says it takes more than just her voice for a project to be successful. “We need every single person. We have to have the technical, the beautiful, the functional, all of it. That’s how they make me a better designer every single day,” she said. “They are talented, educated voices working on these projects.” Connect with Sara and her team: sarasvehla.com/ hellohome@sarasvehla.com

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THE Na t a l i e M . M I S SION

MAKING CLIENTS FEEL LIKE T H E B E S T V E R S I O N O F T H E M S E LV E S

FASH ION F OR WA R D | L I F E + CU LT U RE

ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA CARSON

On September 7th, Natalie M Studio will host the Fashion Alfresco show. Thirty-eight young women from around the Kansas City Metro will walk the runway in dresses and gowns perfect for homecoming. This free event will take place in front of Natalie M’s shop at the Town Center Plaza in Leawood, starting at 11 a.m. This show will be the first public event for the Studio’s Style Squad. These are high school girls of all backgrounds who not only have the opportunity to model but also develop skills as role models through community service. Owner Lisa Carson explains, “It isn’t just about being pretty. It’s really about your character and giving back to your community. Things that make you the best woman you can be.” Since 1973, Natalie M Studio has been the city’s premier destination for selecting formalwear. However, there is more to their mission than just selling gowns and tuxedos for weddings, proms, fashion shows, and events. The designer shop believes in making everyone they serve feel magical as well as spreading kindness to various community organizations.

Carson first encountered the store when her daughter was in a fashion show in the late 2000s. These shows allowed kids to earn money for scholarships and support their extracurricular activities. Her daughter was a shy, bookish person who never saw herself as someone who would have a spot on a stage. But she loved it! Carson loved being backstage, surrounded by all the sparkle and glitz, helping the girls get ready. “I also had the chance to spend time getting to know owner Natalie Nearenberg and her vision, ‘Women can decide what they’re capable of. We can’t let other people tell us what we can and can’t do.’ I really felt connected to that vision, so I went to work for them in 2010 and took over the shop when she retired in 2023,” Carson said. Shopping at Natalie M is an experience beyond buying a gown. It is a closed studio, which means clients must schedule an appointment to visit for a one-on-one experience. The stylist takes the time to get to know the client, being mindful of their needs, such as budget, venue, and event. Because of the staff’s knowledge of body silhouettes and types, it is not unusual for a client to walk out the door with something completely different from their inspiration pictures.

Carson says the goal is to make sure the client feels authentic and that what they wear makes them feel like the best version of themselves. “They have to feel beautiful and comfortable. If they don’t feel all those things, I don’t want to sell them that dress.” Also crucial to the Natalie M team is community support. Each month, the Style Squad has the opportunity to serve various nonprofit organizations. If a girl is passionate about a project, Carson will take her along to do the donation so she can learn how to become more involved. Also, the girls can apply for a community grant, which is presented in their name to the organization. Natalie M Studio supports groups like the Veterans Community Project and Operation Breakthrough. Additionally, the shop continues to offer scholarships at its featured prom fashion show in February. To learn more about the Natalie M Studio experience and make an appointment, visit nataliem.com. The shop is located at 4809 W. 117th Street in Leawood, next to Barnes & Noble. Carson notes, “Especially today, I encourage people to shop small and local. It’s so important right now, and every dollar that you spend is invested back into your community.”

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LIVING STYLE

Shoot Credits

THE INTERSECTION OF FASHION AND HOME

ART DIRECTION Amy Appleton STYLING Tyler Amadeus MODELS Amy Appleton and Elena Weber

EXP E RT H E LP | STYL E + BE AU T Y

this unexpected love affair, fashion and interiors are more than just a simple pairing—they are rooted in culture, creativity, and the human desire for self-expression. As conscious consumers of the 21st century, participating in a retail landscape that is oversaturated and struggling to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the modern customer, our purchasing power should not only respond to a feeling of want but also prioritize items that reflect who we are and who we aspire to be. This is clearly visible through the representation of fashion and interiors.

ARTICLE BY TYLER AMADEUS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADRIEN KING AND ALEC WALWORTH

Although we tend to consider cost-per-wear primarily when it comes to clothing, this same principle applies to furniture and the function it brings to the home. Aesthetics and functionality both play a role in this pairing, painting a picture for the rest of the world of who the wearer is and how they live in their space. The woman who wears a blazer with sharp shoulders that makes her feel powerful in her everyday life—or the black dress that gives her a necessary boost of confidence—may naturally gravitate toward sleek, modern furniture that feels equally strong and elevates the space where the modern woman thrives. In the same way, someone who prefers an effortless ensemble—like their favorite white T-shirt and comfortable denim jeans—may also look for home pieces that are functional and make their guests

feel at ease. Even a handmade rug, one that sparks conversation about where it was found and adds a focal point to a room, mirrors how we search our closets for a sweater tied to a cherished memory. Just as we carefully choose outfits to express ourselves, it’s equally important to ensure that our living spaces are designed with the same intention. More than ever, modern buyers are making purchasing decisions based on personal morals and values, forming a new wave of consumers who seek products that are both high-quality and environmentally or socially conscious, whether for themselves or their homes. The following imagery affirms that living a timeless lifestyle across all aspects of life is possible through the thoughtful styling of sustainable clothing and vintage furniture. As the modern retail landscape continues to evolve, it’s become increasingly vital to make conscious consumer choices—ones that allow us to express our truest selves through both our wardrobes and the places we call home.

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Let me be your guide to years of

magical adventures!

KRISTIN SMITH Agent / Travel concierge specializing in Disney® destinations

402-641-6872 KSmith@MomentsOfMagicTravel.com Kristin Smith - Moments of Magic Travel Agent

New Heated Mat Workout at MOJO Cycling Studio MOJO Cycling Studio, a premier destination for expertly taught group cycling classes since 2015, is heating things up under new ownership in 2025. Located on the Country Club Plaza, a dynamic blend of cardio, strength, and core work in a lightly heated room designed to enhance performance is a destination and an experience. MOJO Mat, created by MOJO’s newly appointed Studio Director, Katie Phillipps, is euphoric, effective, and energizing.

VIP European Adventures

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Cheers! Sláinte! Salud! Gomers can take your toast to the next level.

Come to Gomers and find the best selection of whiskey, bubbly and cigars to enhance the celebration! Gomer’s Fine Wine & Spirits Local & Family Owned

2 locations off Stateline: 75th & 103rd (816) 298-7595 | gomers75.com

THE SUITE MOJO’S HEATED ROOM

KATIE PHILIPPS

MOJO’s focus on creating an experience and not just a workout is also evident in the cycling studio. Indoor Cycling, a once-trendy workout, is here to stay and is more inclusive and accessible than ever. A free, weekly Basics ride (Saturdays at 11:30) gives newcomers an approachable entry point to learn the basics and gain confidence to jump into any of the 40+ classes throughout the week. At MOJO Cycling Studio, cardio meets community and strength meets purpose—for a workout that moves more than just your body. mojocyclingstudio.com 816-561-1995 @mojocyclingstudio

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BB Q C H IC K E N a n d R IC E B OW L S INGREDIENTS: • • • • • • • • • • •

5-6 chicken thighs (excess fat trimmed) 1/2 cup bbq sauce 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice 2 cups chicken stock 1-2 cups shredded purple cabbage 1 lime 1/2 cup chopped cilantro Coarse salt Hamburger pickles Ranch dressing Extra bbq sauce

DIRECTIONS: 1. Combine the chicken and bbq sauce in a bowl, along with a pinch of salt. Toss to coat and let it sit as long as you want. An hour up to overnight. 2. Cook the rice in a rice cooker or stove top with the chicken stock and a pinch of salt until done. Fluff with a fork. 3. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cabbage with the chopped cilantro and juice from half the lime. Add a pinch of salt and toss to incorporate. 4. Sear the chicken thighs in a skillet on a medium heat for six minutes per side, until nice and charred. Add a splash or two of water to insure the sauce doesn’t burn in the pan. Let the chicken rest a few minutes, then give a rough chop. 5. In bowls, pile on the rice, chopped chicken, slaw, pickles, and a good drizzle of ranch and bbq sauce. Devour. 6. Serves four.

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Our monthly recipe contributor Bev Weidner is wildly loved in Kansas City and makes cooking simple for anyone. For all of her recipes to date, you can check out her food blog: bevcooks.com Also, get to know her better by following her Instagram account: @bevcooks

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEV WEIDNER

Indulge in one last taste of summer

Why Hire an Applicator When You Can Hire an Artist? YOUR HOME IS OUR CANVAS

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DesigneD to stanD apart.

Because Blending in was never the goal. FIND YOUR GENESIS

For those who lead, not follow. Genesis is built for individuals who seek more than just a vehicle. They seek presence, purpose, and style. With unmistakable lines and carefully curated interiors, Genesis is made to stand out by design, not by chance.

Genesis Of Kansas City 7722 Metcalf Ave Overland Park, KS 66204 913.704.6187 GenesisKansasCity.com