2024 Small Business Awards Finalist - Go Topeka

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2024 Small Business Awards Finalist

Curb Appeal
Jake Taylor

Veteran-Owned Finalist

About The Owner:

Born and raised Topeakan and graduate of Washburn Tech and Washburn University. Married to my high school sweetheart for 23 years and every year better than the last with 2 wonderful kids: Alex and Emma. I learned what hard work was serving in the US Army Reserves, and I learned in years of restaurant management that most people aren’t that good at cleaning. I learned how to serve others as a Pastor. I found out you can serve others with hard work and cleaning and make a business. Add in teaching and mentoring others how to do the same, and you feel great making a living.

About Curb Appeal:

In 2016, from the humble confines of our one-car garage in Topeka, Kansas, Curb Appeal Power Wash was born. We had a simple goal: to clean up our community one project at a time. We had a guiding principle I learned from serving in the US Army Reserves: “You never get ahead by doing the minimum.” As we began to solve more problems for residential and commercial customers, we started adding wash technicians to serve our customer’s needs. We would send wash crews from Wichita to Kansas City to clean up parks and playgrounds, parking garages, and commercial properties. We learned by working in all temperatures and long days to complete our customers’ goals that our guiding principle became a badge of honor: “Wash On”. The principle became a slogan, “Even when the situation may not be ideal, we have been given a talent and called to a mission, so Wash On.”

Today, we have a team of 12 in our home office and in our wash crews to serve the needs of our customers. From wash trucks, Christmas lights installers, and gutter installers, we remain steadfast in our resolve to Wash On, affirming our dedication to excellence and service to the community.

Why I feel I represent this category well:

Serving others is what we do, and my past experiences have helped me serve more people. I am fortunate to live in a city that encourages small businesses to grow and provides opportunities to do so. I didn’t enlist to be recognized, but I am thankful that our team makes a difference in our community, and is worth recognizing. Thank you.

About The Owner:

AO NOLA PRALINE CANDY

(Angelique’-Olivia-New Orleans-Louisiana-Praline-Candy) a small independent woman owned business. I am dedicated in putting lots of love and careful thought into all of my edible handcrafted gourmet products. I do hope that my customers enjoy all the delicious treats, that I have to offer. As my business slogan states:

“AO’s tasty pralines. Bringing the south to your mouth!”

About AO Nola Praline Candy:

As a New Orleans Louisiana native, relocating to the mid-west state of Kansas after hurricane Katrinia in 2005. I have shared these traditional praline candies as gifts with veterans and co-workers at the Topeka VAMC for over 15 years.

Family and co-workers have encouraged me through the years to start a candy business. Therefore, the simple idea of going into business manifested over the years and came to fruition in early 2022 after the death of my dear aunt Sandra J. Victor of whom, taught me the family recipe as a child.

Why I feel I represent this category well:

I am ecstatic to be considered as a finalist in the Micro business entrepreneurs award category here in my new hometown of Topeka, KS. As a prospective winner I plan to continue business growth in Topeka by partnering with other local retailers to shelf my praline candies. And perhaps the expansion will afford me the ability to hire additional help as my business grow.

I have worked hard independently in my business for 3 years now, in advancing recognition of my products and servicing the local community at Farmers markets and Hy-Vee.

Nonetheless, when I joined Greater Topeka Partnership and Omni Circle such partnering played a pivotal role in furthering networking experiences in the community. Such networking experiences allotted me opportunities locally to expound about pralines via CJ online articles, WIBW and KSNT News interviews. I have shared the story of how the confectionery reached the soil of the USA from a French African of Paris, France to New Orleans Louisiana. And how the recipe has been a part of my Creole family for four generations.

I want to also receive this award to honor the legacy of my dear aunt Sandra and my extended family of Greater Topeka Partnership; for having faith in me to represent the organization as a member has enriched my business path with a clearer projected vision.

AO NOLA Praline Candy
Angelique' Taylor

Micro Enterprise Finalist

Automation Controls, Inc.
Paul & Regina Brown

Manufacturing Finalist

About The Owners:

Paul Brown, born in Topeka and raised in Whiting, Indiana, was inspired by Star Trek to pursue engineering, a passion ignited when he fixed an old TV at 11. Graduating from Kansas State University with degrees in Electrical Engineering and Milling Science, he aimed to automate flour mills. After stints at Cargill Flour Milling and Techno-Mation, he founded Automation Controls in 1995, now an authorized FANUC Robots integrator. Meanwhile, Regina Clare, a farmer’s daughter from Meriden, Kansas, excelled in academics. Meeting Paul in high school, she followed him to KSU, where she earned degrees in Bakery Science and Business. Regina worked at Frito-Lay, co-developing SunChips, before joining Paul at Automation Controls. Together, they blend her product development expertise with his engineering prowess, providing industrial control systems to plants. Their shared commitment extends to mentoring future engineers, embodying a holistic approach to manufacturing and education.

About Automation Controls Inc.:
Automation Controls, Inc., an Industrial Systems Integrator located in Topeka, KS., provides behind the scenes support of Inudstrial FAcilities, including several Fortune 500 Manufacturing Plants in NE Kansas. Services include Custom Control Systems: Engineering Design, Build, and Start-up; Upgrades to existing Systems; U.L. Certified Control Panels; OT Servers & Then Clients; HMI’s, Fanuc Robots and 24/7 Emergency Support. Regina Brown is the President and Paul Brown is the Engineeering Manager. Automation controls, Inc. has a team of Engineers and Technicians that strive to serve their customers with the same integrity they have modeled since opening in 1995.

About The Owners:

David and Jackie Vincent have owned Circle Coffee since 2019, starting as a mobile coffee cart and then opening a brick and mortar shop in central Topeka in 2022. They have been business owners in Topeka for over eight years, running a photography business as well. David was raised in Topeka and Jackie nearby in Lenexa and both have a strong desire to change the narrative about Topeka. By choosing to invest in their neighborhood and community they hope to see other young Topekans choose to do the same and creatively transform the places we spend our time with others.

About Circle Coffee Co.:

Circle Coffee is a coffee shop and bakery located in central Topeka. Our mission is to bring excellence to our community through kindness and creativity, and we do that through the quality of both our products and hospitality.

Why we feel we represent this category well:
A big reason we opened Circle was to show other young people that there is plenty of opportunity here in Topeka to be creative and invest in our city. We hope to constantly be innovating and pouring into Topeka to create even more opportunities for the next wave of young entrepreneurs.

Circle Coffee Co.
David & Jackie

Young Entrepreneur Finalist

8 Iron Therapy
Matt Vanderpool

Veteran Owned Finalist

About The Owner:

Matt Vanderpool has golfed since childhood. Playing courses throughout the East Coast and Midwest, golf has always been his “therapy”. Kansas weather is notoriously unpredictable, and a regular golf season typically only spans 6 to 7 months. In his office on a cloudy October day, pining for the course, Matt had the idea for an indoor golf facility. His career in technology, as well as advanced education (BIS and MIS, plus the decade of military training), provided him the background and experience to open 8 Iron Therapy.

About The Owner:

Joe Bloomfield grew up in Alma, KS. Pursuing a military career with the aspirations to become a fighter pilot, he enlisted into the Air Force to begin college classes and eventually becoming an officer in order to apply for pilot training. After the attack on the twin towers, staying in a college classroom became difficult and becoming an officer became less probable with the current plan while active duty. A motorcycle accident radically changed his life and while in a hospital room, began to wonder if being a pilot would ever even be possible. Hitting rock bottom and looking for hope, a physical therapist helped him get out of his hospital bed for the first time during a 17 day hospitalization. To say that he was inspired would be an understatement. This “every day encounter” for the therapist became pivotal for Joe and how his life would continue to unfold. He was discharged from the Air Force on 1-18-2007 and started school at KSU. He applied to Rockhurst and was accepted to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program and graduated in 2013. Having no personal expectation of being a business owner, he met a professional in the wheelchair business who asked him to do his first wheelchair evaluation at Brewster Place in Topeka, KS. This put him on a path and he found his niche in the business of helping people become more independent in their own homes and communities by helping them get the device they need. These devices include manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs or other types of medical equipment. He has built a business with a mobile and remote therapy approach. To date, his company has served thousands in the Kansas and Missouri area.

About Bloomfield Physical Therapy:
The business focuses on helping people get manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, tilt in space chairs, bath benches/chairs, standers or adaptive beds for highly impaired children. This business contracts with multiple therapists serving in multiple states with the most clients served in Kansas being the state of origin. The precision needed to get approvals through insurance companies is paramount. Being able to use clinical judgement to perform an evaluation in order to produce a document that is effectively helping the client get the device they need is essential. Continual training and awareness of ever changing requirements with insurance is also paramount.

Why I feel I represent this category well:

Emerging innovation, the category that I have been nominated for, is essentially the only way that I have been able to scale this business. Through audiovisual technology, I am able to both interview the client while also being able to see them in order to implement descriptions that can only be effectively put into words by visual observation. I’m not necessarily interested in helping them with back pain or with a rotator cuff dysfunction but using those impairments to write up an evaluation in order to demonstrate to insurance that this device is a necessity for daily function and safety. This can be done without being in the room physically or laying hands on this client. This is a very small niche of therapy that really merges well with telehealth. The software that I requested through the grant provided to me by GoTopeka has made these evaluations go even smoother because it takes defined codes that are generated by Medicare and “builds” the wheelchair in a descriptive narrative based on the specific dysfunctions reported by the prospective wheelchair user. This software tool has saved countless hours and is bulletproof if data entry into the tool is accurate.

Bloomfield Physical Therapy
Joe Bloomfield

Emerging Innovation Finalist

cohort.digital
Alissa Menke

Woman Owned Finalist

About The Owner

Alissa Menke, founder and chief digital strategist at cohort.digital, initially began dabbling in social media as Facebook was just extending beyond college students. As more social networks emerged, algorithms evolved and demographics have changed, Alissa moved her focus from organic social media strategies to paid social ad placements and overall digital marketing strategies. Today she runs cohort.digital and leads the cohort crew as they manage campaigns on all of the major social networks and digital platforms – from Facebook to TikTok – to Google, Youtube and more, placing more than 2 million dollars worth of online ads in 2023. Outside of her time with cohort, Alissa is on a field or court somewhere coaching her children’s baseball, softball or basketball teams or trying to get in a game herself!

Description of Business
cohort.digital partners with marketing directors and in-house marketing teams to enhance their digital advertising capabilities. We specialize in digital media placement, optimization and reporting for search ads, social ads, display and video ads, and overall digital strategy.

Why you feel you represent this category well

cohort.digital is a team of mothers, sisters, partners, daughters, friends, allies, advocates, helpers, marketers, and social workers. We know first hand that people, and especially women+ are balancing so much in today’s world. Families, careers, work-life balance, self-improvement, mental health challenges, stigma, oppression–and everything in between. It’s important to us to support our team in being the professionals AND people they want to be, while working with organizations and causes doing good work in the world. We know that when our team is holistically supported, they bring their best selves to work each day and knock it out of the park for our clients.

About The Owner

EcoFresh Power Wash, a local exterior cleaning company, was founded in April of 2021 by Nic Luttman. Nic envisioned a company culture built on strong leadership and an unparalleled customer experience supported by near-flawless systems. At EcoFresh Power Wash, our ethos revolves around education and prioritizing customer needs.

Before launching the business officially, Nic dedicated a year to deepening his understanding of the industry. He pursued classes across various states, obtained certification in a spectrum of courses, and learning on hand by several seasoned buisness owners. These proactive measure, coupled with unwavering motivation, have propelled EcoFresh to a successful inception.

As of 2024, EcoFresh has executed projects for numerous businesses in Topeka and throughout Northeast Kansas. These ventures encompass a diverse range of sites, including iconic landmarks such as the University of Kansas football stadium and other athletic facilities, as well as Kansas State University’s football stadium, parking garages, hospitals, and numerous public spaces. Through our meticulous cleaning services, we not only uphold public health and safety but also safeguard the structural integrity of these esteemed establishments.

EcoFresh Power Wash
Nic Luttman

Young Entrepreneur Finalist

Flying Fish Swim & SCUBA
Tracy Jepson & Chris Lemon

Woman Owned Finalist

About The Owners

Located in the heart of Topeka, Flying Fish Swim and SCUBA is a thriving small business that brings health, education, and adventure to the community through water. With the recent addition of a vibrant swim school, the facility offers fun and engaging programs in swimming and SCUBA diving, taught by expert instructors. Led by Tracy Jepson and Chris Lemon, Flying Fish is dedicated to sparking a passion for the aquatic world, combining skill development with the thrill of adventures both locally and globally.

Why do we fit the category:

Big things can come in small packages! While we may be a small team, our reach is great. We’ve touched the lives of hundreds of local families through our educational and adventure programming as well as internationally by partnering with global brands to expand our reach. Our mission expands beyond the boundaries of Topeka and the drive behind our staff is what makes sharing the mission globally possible. Through the use of technology, our team resources and network, we’re well on our way to breaking through the barriers that can be limiting to small businesses.

About the Owners:

Tracy Jepson and Chris Lemon are renowned for their entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to enhancing Topeka’s business landscape through innovative ventures like Flying Fish Swim and SCUBA. This venture, recently expanded to include a swim school, showcases their commitment to bringing new and exciting opportunities to the community.

Tracy brings a wealth of experience in growing businesses, leveraging her expertise to steer the strategic direction of their enterprises. Her leadership extends into significant community roles, influencing local development and entrepreneurship.

Chris’s extensive background in real estate and services complements his passion for diving and education, focusing on delivering high-quality training and fostering a safe and engaging learning environment.

Together, Tracy and Chris are known for their dynamic partnership and success in creating businesses that not only thrive but also contribute positively to Topeka’s economic and recreational offerings.

About The Owner

Samantha is sole owner & creative director of H&H Designs. An entrepreneur at heart, Samantha operated several small scale businesses throughout her early years, gaining knowledge and experience along the way. Her creativity and passion have paved the way for H&H’s success in the t-shirt industry, with unique designs, non-traditional methods, and a drive for quality and detail.

H&H opened in Fairlawn Plaza in 2022 after 5 years of operating from Samantha’s front porch, and has been thriving since. H&H is custom apparel headquarters for schools, teams, and everything daily wear. Using multiple printing methods, H&H brings design concepts to reality with unique and playful spins on art. With an innovative Build Your Own Shirt Bar™, they are reimagining the way the community thinks of t-shirts & graphic apparel.

As a small business, H&H is working to make a big difference in the Topeka community. H&H is frequently involved in fundraisers for schools & nonprofits, is an outlet for seven small, woman owned businesses, and continues to evolve to create a unique & interactive destination for the Topeka community.

H&H Designs
Samantha Hill

Young Entrepreneur Finalist

King Auto Glass
Roberto Nunez & Nancy Lopez

Minority Owned Finalist

About The Owners

Originially from Mexico city

Roberto Nunez decided to move to Topeka with hes family more than 23 years ago. In 2006 father Roberto and Nancy Lopez decided to open a Auto Glass business that would provide not only excellent customer service but prices that were affordable to the community. We began the business with only $800 dollars to invest.

King Auto Glass is a family owned business. With over 35 years of experience in the glass industry. Roberto Nunez and Nancy Lopez decided to open a auto glass shop here in Topeka 17 years ago. We offer Windshield replacement -side and rear glass replacements , free mobile service. We also replace glass on semi’s , tractors and RV’s as well as window regulator & window motor repair.

Why do we fit the category

We represent this category well, As Mexican immigrants who have become business owners. We understand the challenges that come with being a minority entreprenuers and overcoming unique challenges and barriers. At king Auto Glass we enjoy serving our community this includes our hispanic customers. We hope our story can inspire and empower other hispanic entrepreneurs. We pray we continue to make a positive impact in our community and be able to help other small business that are just starting this journey and making The American Dream come true.

About The Owners

LifeTech is an analytical laboratory with a CLIA-accredited clinical diagnostic division and a food safety division. The laboratory was initially started in response to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. The company provided accurate and timely PCR-based detection of the virus to Topeka and Shawnee County residents.

As an innovator, the company was the only CLIA accredited laboratory in Kansas to develop a rapid PCR method for the detection of several Covid-19 variants which was significantly faster (3 hours compared to 4-5 days) than the prevailing sequencing-based techniques employed by other laboratories in the area.

Since the end of the pandemic, LifeTech now offers other analytical tests for clinical healthcare applications including diagnostic ultrasound, clinical chemistry, hematology, hormones, and cancer markers.

LifeTech is working on developing new diagnostic methods to identify patients with ovarian and colon cancer who would not benefit from platinum-based chemotherapy and who otherwise can be switched to other therapeutic modalities earlier in the process.

The food safety division, on the other hand, is developing and employing new methods for the detection of mycotoxins in complex finished foods and supplements as well as providing microbiological detection of food pathogens and raw ingredient identity testing among other tests.

The company is seeking to grow both clinical and food safety divisions and potentially add another dedicated to veterinary diagnostics in the not-too-distant future.

LifeTech Sciences
Dr. Sam Al-Murrani, Craig Wallace, & Kostas Kontopanos

Emerging Innovation Finalist

King Auto Glass
Bradley Hopper & Nick Love

Emerging Innovation Finalist

About The Owners

Bradley Hopper – Co-Founder & CTO

Bradley has over a decade of experience in founding and building multiple companies across diverse markets. Prior to dedicating his efforts entirely to Love Lifesciences, he founded Hopper Design Works, a bespoke furniture company renowned for crafting premium furniture pieces and artistic designs from 2017 to 2023. Active in various leadership capacities, Bradley serves as a board member of the Topeka 20/30 club and offers strategic counsel to the Compassion Strategies All Hands on Deck team. His commitment extends to mentoring local entrepreneurs through initiatives like Go Topeka’s propeller program. Recognized for his achievements, Bradley has earned the Eagle Scout rank by the Boy Scouts of America and has been honored with the Kansas NextGen Under 30 award. He finds fulfillment in merging his design and engineering expertise, with his business acumen to introduce innovative products that significantly enhance people’s lives.

Nick Love, MD, MBA – Co-Founder & CEO

Nick received his medical and business training at the University of Kansas. Nick serves on the Board of BioKansas, the External Advisory Committee for Startup Central, the University of Kansas School of Medicine Career Advising Group, and is the recipient of the Kansas NextGen Under 30 award. Nick has a research background in medicinal chemistry and pediatric neurodevelopment and has worked with several startup biopharma companies including in R&D, fundraising, and strategic roles.

Why does LLS represent this category well?

Love Lifesciences represents the emerging innovation award well through its continued effort to bring novel medical devices to the market, all with a profound focus on the patient’s well-being. Over the last three and a half years, the Love Lifesciences team has developed a series of innovative medical devices in the injection space, most notably UniPen. In stark contrast to pharmaceutical giants, Love Lifesciences prioritizes patients and their experiences with medical devices, aiming to enhance their health outcomes and ultimately, their lives. With an unwavering commitment to patient-centricity, the Love Lifesciences team anticipates making a lasting impact in a market often plagued by price gouging. Anticipating a full market release by late 2024, Love Lifesciences is emerging as a leading biotech company in the state.

About The Owner:

Darlene is a business owner, blogger and single mom who wakes up each day to challenge herself to do the best she can with God’s guidance. She has 4 children, Brandyn, Olivia, Annie and Clara.

What Defines Her? Experience. A life of ups and downs. From the day she was born needing a complete blood transfusion to most recently grieving the loss of 2 sisters, a brother, her mom and her daughters dad in the last 5 years.

Not only that, but opening a coffee shop on the brink of a pandemic. Perseverance is her middle name.

Darlene has worked in retail, food service, floral shops and in continuing education for attorneys. Her desire was always to be of support to others who may have also endured many storms as her. After some encouragement from close friends she went to Washburn University as a non- traditional student and received her degree in Human Services with an emphasis in Victim- Survivor Services.

She has worked at Family Service and Guidance Center, Shawnee County District Attorneys Office and Midland Care – all of which has allowed her to extend a hand and heart to those in need. Ultimately, her desire was to be an entrepreneur and growing up she has dabbled in many areas such as an artist, photographer, a burrito business, lawn care and now … Coffee Shop Owner.

Something she loves about owning a coffee shop is the community. Being able to meet so many people via in person or through social media. When they pass through while traveling across the US, their stories are often inspiring and can now include a small coffee shop in East Topeka. Not only that, but the locals also have a story to tell and no better place for that then your local coffee shop.

It is remarkable to have a small local spot where people can gather to chat over coffee, for book clubs, fundraisers, vendor markets, bible studies, crochet groups and also be able to rent out the shop for special gatherings.

Darlene now works mostly from home so she can be available to her kids; she handles all the marketing, social media, catering and community outreach. It is truly a blessing. When coffee isn’t on her mind, she is in the yard tackling honeysuckle bushes, hopping on the mower with headphones, playing board games with her kids, walks around the lake and watching her youngest play sports. Her favorite bible verse is Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who gives me Strength. Not because she can DO all things, but because with Him she is able to GET through it.

About Milk & Honey Co.:
Milk & Honey Coffee Co. opened on 3:16:2020

Our name comes from Deuteronomy 2:69 where Moses brings his people to the land of milk and honey. We wanted to have our coffee shop located where there was a need and create a warm welcoming environment with a menu suitable for the area.

We are a small community coffee shop that serves deli sandwiches and baked goods which we make all in house. We strive to use as many local products as possible and partner with Blue Jazz Coffee Roasters who is a local roaster here in Topeka.

Because we opened on the brink of the pandemic it allowed us to find ways to connect with the community. One thing we are known for is writing positive messages on our coffee sleeves. We write inspirational quotes or verses.

We believe in being a strong part of our neighborhood by donating as often as we can to local agencies and schools. A couple of years ago we began a scholarship fund for 3 area high schools. We take a dollar from 3 ‘high school’ special made lattes and place it in a fund for a graduating senior from each school.

Milk & Honey is a small coffee shop where people come to gather for meetings, book clubs, Bible studies and even crochet groups. Our coffee shop is also available to rent out for small social events. We allow local artists to display their work here at no cost. We believe its important for the local artist to have a place where their work can be seen and allow them to help their families through selling their work.

We had full intentions of opening sooner than 3:16, but it never worked out. It wasn’t until a year into our opening that we realized the significance of the date. God meant for us to be here and open during a time of need and to bring hope to a community when all felt lost. The significance is John 3:16. We are here for you.

Why I feel we represent this category well:
Our coffee shop is in an area of Topeka, that does not always gain the attention or priority I think it should, which almost makes it a minority in its own right. Milk & Honey is situated in East Topeka in the Highland Park area. It is co-owned by Darlene Morgan. Darlene is of Mexican heritage and grew up in the Oakland neighborhood here in Topeka and she graduated from Highland Park High School. Opening a shop in an area of Topeka I am most familiar with was important. Being an owner of a Minority Owned Business can mean several things – to me, it means having a business in a an area of town that is not always utilized, it is about being a single mom, it is being a divorced mom and raising 3 girls whose father passed away and raising these strong young women solely on my own, it also means coming from a socio-economic background where we didn’t have tons of money let alone the money to start a business. For me to know I have a small business that can give back to our community and to others of my same heritage and making sure we have a wonderful mix of team and volunteers – that is what it means to represent a Minority Owned Business. Knowing what I truly wanted to do did not come easy. Not until I was divorced is when I felt I could step out of the box and make something happen. As a single mom to 3 daughters, I wanted to show them that as a female we can do hard things and do so during a challenging time of life. Not to fail to mention, opening a business on the cusp of a pandemic. I wanted to be able to take ownership of something and give it to others who also came from similar backgrounds and show them anything is possible. I want my daughters to understand what it means to write their own story regardless of challenges put in their path and never let it hold them back from creating a life they want for themselves and for people where they live. Helping others is such a privilege and brings happiness. A minority business also means planting a local shop in a city where there is much franchise and chains. Local businesses do stand out and we are proud to be represent small, local, family and community.

Milk & Honey
Darlene Morgan

Woman Owned Finalist

Once Upon a Party KS
Jeri Billings-Carpenter

Veteran Owned Finalist

About The Owner:

Jeri Billings-Carpenter resides in Topeka with her husband, their 2 dogs, & cat. She proudly served her country and her state as a Soldier in the Kansas Army National Guard from 2012 until she was honorably discharged in 2022. She graduated from Washburn University in 2016 with her bachelor’s degree and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in social work to serve veterans and/or children struggling with mental health. When she’s not working her full- time job at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas or completing schoolwork, Jeri pours everything else into her small business, Once Upon a Party. She handles the administrative work, marketing, social media, event planning, training, costume and wig prep, manages 12 cast members, and still performs from time to time.

We’re carrying 40-pound rucksacks on our backs and holding our weapons while marching in lines. We had to be quiet, noise discipline they called it. But I started whisper singing the song from the movie Mulan, “Let’s get down to business, to defeat the Huns.’ I got a few buddies in front of and behind me to join in whisper singing that song, but I think even at that point this Once Upon a Party journey was already written in the starts for me. I took the need to serve others and added my own little enchanted twist. I traded my boots for tiaras but continue to live what I learned in those boots while donning the tiara. And if singing princess songs in the midst of the worst parts of military training doesn’t make me a unique representative of the veteran-owned business category, how many other business owners can say they’ve doubled as a U.S. Soldier and a princess?

About Once Upon a Party KS:
Once Upon a Party is a character entertainment company that focuses on bringing beloved fairytale characters and superheroes to life for children’s parties and special community events in and around Topeka. We bring the magic to our clients, whether that be a celebration within their home or at a public venue. Memorable experiences are created through character impersonation and live performances in addition to high quality costumes and wigs that give families that theme park magic feel right in their own backyard. All of Once Upon a Party’s performers are experienced in working with children of various ages and abilities, and all performers work and live right here within the Topeka community.

Anytime we can go above and beyond to create a special moment, we do. Anytime I get a last-minute request for a character to appear at a child’s birthday party, I will always do my absolute best to make it happen. We volunteer often for non-profits that work specifically with children that could use some extra love and a special moment like KVC, Baby Jay’s Legacy of Hope, and Children’s Miracle Network to name a few. We partner with other local small businesses like Clipeez, Linked by AEA, Evergy Plaza, Paper June, Rogue Event Studio, Rhea Lana’s of Topeka, CGA, Mommy & Me, and My Gym to name a few to create more affordable or sometimes even free public events to give more kids the chance to encounter our characters. Not only do I feel Once Upon a Party selflessly serves the Topeka community, but I also strive to selflessly serve my performers.

Despite popular belief, portraying a princess or a superhero is not a glamorous job by any stretch of the imagination. It’s hot, the costumes are restrictive and heavy, kids are climbing all over you and wiping their cupcake frosting all over your sleeves, your boss (Jeri) is scatter-brained even on her best day, it can be complete chaos. I respect them. I advocate for them. I take their thoughts & opinions into consideration. I respect their time. I respect how well they fill their roles, making it seem so effortless even though I know it’s not. Teamwork makes the dream work and without every single last one of them, we would not have anywhere near the kingdom we currently have.

Why I feel I represent this category well:
My business Once Upon a Party and I represent the veteran owned category well because I know what it means to selflessly serve and that is a deeply ingrained character trait that continues to lead me in every business decision I make. In the Army, one of the very first things that gets hammered into your brain are the Army values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. In Army terms selfless service is putting the well-being of your comrades and your country before yourself. In Once Upon a Party terms selfless service is how many little lives can I make a positive impact on by portraying myself as their favorite character, acting silly for a little bit, and inspiring them to be who they are.

About The Owner

I absolutely love my career! I have been in the salon industry since 2000. I attended the Paul Mitchell school in San Diego California, and then continued on to work at Jet Rhys a Vidal Sassoon Salon. I was so blessed to receive an amazing education at Jet Rhys through my apprenticeship followed by a 6 year career as a cutting specialist and educator. Born and raised a southern California girl, I came to Topeka in 2010 and it has become my home. There are so many amazing things happening with NOTO and Downtown Topeka I just really wanted to be a part of it all! Being able to build my dreams here has truly been an amazing experience.

I bought my first building in NOTO in 2017 and went through a 15 month renovation process. While I was under construction for Onyx Salon and Wellness Spa, I was also a finalist in the Top Tank competition for a juice bar restaurant. The salon opened in late November 2018 and 2 months later I purchased the building next door to build my juice bar. Covid changed the trajectory of Onyx but in such a positive way. The salon grew through Covid and we needed more space. So we expanded the spa into the building next door and built Onyx wellness cafe in the front half of the spa. In 2022 We had filled both spaces and were looking for another space to grow into. Onyx Salon and Wellness Spa Downtown opened in August and in 5 short months we had filled that space as well. We are a clean salon offering organic products and services. My cafe offers cold pressed juices, a variety of vegan protein snacks and coffee. We also house 11 other local female owned businesses as a place to sell their goods and pursue their dreams. 19 of the women that work at Onyx own their own businesses as well. I also have 5 women that are employees working up to owning their own business.

It has been a pleasure watching Onyx grow into a beautiful place to empower women and nurture growth.

About Onyx Salon, Spa, Wellness Cafe & Boutique:

Onyx Salon, Spa, Wellness Cafe and Boutique is a beautiful space filled with talented women and local goods. We are a full service salon and spa with top knotch stylists and service providers. We use all natural haircolor, styling products and skincare. Onyx is at the cutting edge of health and wellness services as well. We have an infrared sauna and halo salt therapy. Our cafe has a delicious menu of tasty house made protein bites, which are all vegan and free from gluten, dairy and soy. We are the only business in Shawnee County to have cold pressed juices and carry acai bowls paired with an amazing local coffee selection. Onyx also has one of the cutest trendy boutiques that is size inclusive with affordable pricing.

Why I feel I represent this category well:
I feel like Onyx represents this category well because we are a business full of women owned businesses. At Onyx I mentor all of my ladies into becoming their own business owners. I absolutely love witnessing women come into their strenth of entrepreneurship. I am always there to help guide and grow them and their business. Women are the backbone of the economy and the home. I love pouring into them and seeing how they make Topeka a better place. We proudly have 24 service providers working at the salon, spa and cafe. As well as 11 local vendors in the boutique. It is an incredible blessing to be a part of the journey with these women.

Onyx Salon
Heather Graves

Woman Owned Finalist

Patterson Family Child Care Center
Melissa & Tierra Patterson

Minority Owned Finalist

About The Owner

Melissa Patterson-Owner
Hello, I am Mrs. Melissa the Owner/Director of Patterson Family Child Care Center LLC and soon to open Patterson Family Infant and Toddler center LLC. I am the wife of Dr. Eric Patterson Sr. who is the Pastor of Living Truth Christian Church. We have 3 children and 4 grandchildren. I started my early education program in 1997. I hold Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Along with a teaching license in Education for Birth to 3rd Grade. Teaching and caring for young children is my ministry. My goal is to equip children for success in higher education by building a foundation with the word of God and love of God.

Tierra Patterson
Tierra Patterson is an early child care professional, worship leader, artist, poet, and wife of Eric Patterson Jr. As a former Sunday school and dance teacher, and daughter of two paraprofessionals, she has loved working with children for nearly a decade. She has been in child care for four years at Patterson Family Child Care Center LLC. After working up from a float to assistant teacher, to lead teacher, to assistant director, she is now beginning her journey as a director and future owner of Patterson Family Infant and Toddler Center LLC. She is excited to share her passion for her faith, the arts, and literature with children and families for years to come.

About Patterson Family Child Care Center:

Patterson Family Child Care Center LLC and Patterson Family Infant and Toddler Center LLC program is to build an educational foundation for infants to 5 years of age. The program focuses on a total learning experience that promotes creative, emotional, physical, social, and cognitive development. A variety of evidence base curricula will be used along with, for example: Frog Street, Creative Curriculum and Fireflies Christian Supplement, which introduces each child and family to God’s love through non-denominational materials. The program will be small in numbers. This will allow staff to give your child the quality education and attention they need. We feel children learn best in a creative, natural learning environment. Teaching them patience, sharing, responsibility, compassion for self and others, communication, and teamwork will be practiced through participation in daily routine. Most importantly, we want to help prepare your preschooler for kindergarten, but also understand the importance of “BEING A CHILD”.

Why we feel we represent this category well:

The first responsibility that any person has is to walk in love before God, and before their neighbors. To walk in character and Integrity. If a person can do that they will shine from whatever community or background they come from. The past 27 years in this field, I tried to the best of my ability to do that every day. The Gift that God has given me is from Proverbs 22:6 that say, “Train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old, they will not depart from it.” My second responsibility is to love the children and their families. John 13:34 says, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” I am located in one of the lower income neighborhoods and with higher numbers of minorities in the city of Topeka. The children at the child care center represent a variety of backgrounds. However, they are predominantly minority families. Outside of helping with children’s education. Food donations are given to families and assistants with small household bills. We have a library at the center that allows families to check out items to bring developmentally appropriate activities home to engage with their children. Lastly, as being part of a minority group myself, I understand a lot of the struggles with building a business. Representation matters which is exemplified in my staff. The majority of my staff are of minority decent. I support them with their education to create a better future for them and generations to come. I want to leave behind a legacy that impacts the community beyond my life year on earth. Joshua 13:1 says, “when Joshua was old and well advanced in years the Lord said to him, you are very old and there are still large areas of land to take over……” Tierra Patterson is the one I need to equip to continue what God has started out at me. These are just a few reasons why we deserve this award.

About The Owner:

Joe Pennington was raised in a metal shop, sweeping floors and swinging from electromagnets. “As a grandson and son of metalworkers, steel just runs in my blood,” he says. He applied his engineering drafting skills at Topeka Metal Specialties, and then product design ingenuity at Stevenson Company, Inc. Now he operates the family-owned business, where he works alongside his wife, Erin Bess, and a brilliant team of craftsmen.

About Stevenson Company Inc.:
Stevenson Company, Inc. was established after World War II to meet the industrial needs of Topeka’s manufacturing industry. Its flagship product is a spiral chute – think a playground slipper slide but sized for potato chips – that eliminates breakage of fragile product. The popularity of spiral chutes has led to wide usage in production plants around the world, saving candy, snacks, and pasta from certain disaster. Last year, the pharmaceutical industry adopted the product-saving qualities of spiral chutes and invested in the integrity of their product by outfitting several distribution centers with Stevenson spirals.

Why I feel I represent this category well:
Our small-but-mighty outfit punches above its weight. Demand for our food-safe chutes has exploded across the United States, and the pharmaceutical industry outpaced even that. Somehow our badass mechanics keep up with the call for more. Still, we keep lean and focused on craftsmanship, quality, and innovation.

Stevenson Company Inc.
Joe Pennington

Manufacturing Finalist

The Brownstone
Abbey Brown

Woman Owned Finalist

About The Owner:

Abbey Brown, a native of Topeka, Kansas, is a driven entrepreneur known for her ownership of The Brownstone, a wedding and event venue. Her journey began at Kansas State University, where she displayed entrepreneurial spirit by launching her first business while still in college. After gaining experience in the corporate world, Abbey joined forces with her family to establish The Brownstone in 2017. Over the years, she asserted her leadership and dedication to the business, eventually becoming the sole owner in 2022. Under Abbey’s guidance, The Brownstone expanded into a multi-brand enterprise, showcasing her strategic vision and innovative mindset. Beyond her professional endeavors, Abbey plays multiple roles in her personal life as a wife, mother of two young boys (ages 3 & 5), and a dedicated runner who values experiences over stuff and lives by the motto, “If serving is beneath you, then leadership is beyond you.”

About The Brownstone:

If you are looking for an elegant and charming event venue in Kansas that makes you proud, then The Brownstone is for you.The Brownstone is a wedding and event venue that specializes in holding exceptional experiences in our one-of-a-kind venue. The Brownstone provides personal coordination, ceremony packages, premier bridal lounges and historic architecture all while staying within your budget and leaving your friends and family raving for years to come. We also provide event design services through our sister company The Brownstone Design Studio and custom balloon displays through The Milestone Market.

Why I feel I represent this category well:

I am honored to be recognized in this category along with many other amazing business owners. I believe that I represent this category well because I have not only ran and operated a business for over 7 years but have grown the revenue and team substantially in that time. We have expanded into multiple revenue streams and sister companies allowing us to continue to enhance the value we are providing to the Topeka community and beyond. In an industry with 75% turnover, I am most proud of being voted best place to work (1-100) in 2023 and having team members that stay with the Brownstone for years because they feel connected to the work, serving our clients well and the culture we have built.

About The Owner:

As parents of 8 children, Anthony and Tereasa Whayne constantly worked overtime. Mostly 7 days a week and always 12 hours. (8 hours to these hard workers was a mere delicacy.) They still managed to make some time for family events, children’s sports, and most importantly their health. Not to say they were gurus, but together they stayed active, took their children to the gym, ate healthy based on their knowledge, and had many supplements. The journey to entrepreneurship started for this family when a family friend introduced the superfood, Sea Moss. After taking it they felt the effects almost immediately. The energy drinks and grogginess were replaced by natural energy and focus. This drastic change brought to this family’s lives was enough to want it for a lifetime. With that passion, WH&NP was founded. Since then this family has changed to an all-plant diet and is constantly working to improve their health knowledge.

About Whayne’s Herbs & Natural Products:
Whayne’s Herbs & Natural Products started in 2020 and is a limited liability company. The business is based around health products such as Sea moss gel, capsules, and infusions. They also sell black seed oil, herbal teas, dog treats, face and body oils, soap, shampoo and conditioner bars, lip butter and oil, plus so much more. Currently, WH&NP LLC is home-based. They have an online website listing their products and services which include personal overviews.

Why we feel we represent this category well:
We, Whayne’s Herbs & Natural Products LLC, represent the Micro Enterprise category well because we strive to stay organized and fixate ourselves on the betterment of our company. Not only do we work to increase the standard of our company, but we also strive to give the community what they ask for. As a family business, we take pride in teamwork and hold a soft spot in our company for hard work as we know the meaning very well. Not only do we hold great principles and work hard to please our customers, but we strive to offer quality. Providing authentic products along with personal advice for all of our customers is important for us. We strive to use quality ingredients and love in everything we create. Our goal is to provide each and every customer with their own unique experience based on their specific needs. When we expand our company we plan to create even more opportunities to better the community and bring an even larger positive impact wherever we step. All together we always look for ways to revamp our company and bring an even greater performance to our market!

Whayne's Herbs & Natural Products
Anthony & Terease Whayne & Family

Micro Enterprise Finalist