Stories of
Innovation
Relentlessly Original Blog
This is where you'll find the nitty-gritty, behind-the-scenes look at the Wichita lifestyle. Read about diverse choices in homes and neighborhoods where you can live how you want. Discover how innovation is part of all careers in Wichita. Receive the inside scoop on the foremost places to eat, drink and play. Still have questions? Reach out to any one of our Insiders that are already living out the relentlessly original life in Wichita.
What began as a military assignment for Steve Smart, turned into a commitment to Wichita. It’s the place he and his family chose to call home after a permanent change of station from the Pentagon to McConnell Air Force Base in 2014. Click here to read his story.
From Portland’s wine country back to her roots in Wichita. DeAnna Ornelas brings Cosecha—a Latina-owned wine and Mezcal pop-up—to the North End, celebrating culture, community, and connection through every pour. Click here to learn more about DeAnna and Cosecha.
After years away, engineer Chad Miller returned to Wichita for career opportunities and community charm. Now shaping the future of microchips at Integra Technologies, he finds big-city amenities without the congestion. Click here to discover his journey back to the 'center of everywhere.'
From the West Coast to the Heartland, Jerusha Finster found more than just a new home in Wichita—she discovered a welcoming community, exciting opportunities and a vibrant city full of growth. Click here to read the full story.
Wichita is a vibrant, affordable city with a thriving arts scene and diverse dining options, making it a hidden gem of the Midwest. As the artistic director of Music Theatre Wichita, Brian Marcum praises the city's ability to produce Broadway-caliber productions with exceptional talent and creativity. Click here to read the full story.
From new businesses opening and a riverside amphitheater to new housing options and record-breaking enrollment at local universities, 2024 was a BIG year for Wichita! Our local success is catching national attention! Check out the region’s latest accolades by clicking here.
From Hollywood to the Heartland, Wichita’s Village Coach crafts luxury tour buses for stars like Snoop Dogg, Hugh Jackman, and Sheryl Crow, embodying the city's famed craftsmanship. Click here to learn more about this Wichita-based company.
Four Tanganyika Wildlife Park employees, each from diverse backgrounds and regions, have chosen to call Wichita home. Drawn by the city's unique opportunities, they appreciate its accessible amenities, vibrant community pride, and dynamic blend of culture, nature, and affordability. Click here to read.
From vibrant murals to craft breweries, Wichita’s downtown energy captivated New Yorker Heather Schroeder right away. Click here to meet the new Executive Director of Downtown Wichita—she’s eager to foster the city’s welcoming, artistic, and lively community.
Searching for an event or experience in Wichita? Wichita Mom, one of the city’s most trusted resources for family-friendly living, has you covered! The creator and Wichita boomerang herself dishes on why she considers Wichita the best place to raise a family. Click here to read more.
”There is an entrepreneurial spirit.” A pair of Wichita brothers have returned to Wichita, making their mark on the city’s culinary scene. Read why they chose to share their love for food with the ICT.
Why travel far when you can experience an unforgettable vacation right here in Wichita? Use this guide to explore Wichita's rich tapestry of activities, attractions, and hidden gems that make it the perfect destination for your next staycation.
From inspirational speakers to discussions on talent recruitment strategies our Choose Wichita Summit was a true celebration of the possibilities of Wichita. Click here to read the full recap.
Wichita Public Schools employees participate in externships across a variety of industries. Click here to read how these opportunities are providing a bridge between the classroom and business sector.
Coming to downtown Wichita this weekend, Elsewhere Fest is a two-day event with so much more than meets the eye. Click here to read more about the festival that's drawing regional and national attention.
Wichita isn’t just a city; it’s a haven for professional development and advancements, according to Luke Stenzel, abusiness services manager at BHC + Savoy. Click here to learn how moving from the Kansas City metro to Wichita has opened doors for Luke and his fiance, Nora.
The Wichita Asian Night Market is a distinctive cultural celebration aiming to unite and empower our community. Click here to learn about the event embraced by many throughout the region.
Nine Gordon Parks Academy students are preparing to embark on a journey of a lifetime – a hands-on learning trip to Paris, France. Click here to read more.
The Nomar District has become one of the city's most vibrant cultural gathering places showcasing the growing and diverse population of Wichita. Click here to learn how this area is being activated.
From following his artistic passions in California and New York, Rayvon T.J. Moore now shares his musical talents with the vibrant community of Wichita. Click here to read his story.
She had a successful career in Nashville, so why did Rachel Bruce decide to return to her home state of Kansas? Click here to read the wealth advisor’s inspiring story.
Upgrade your flowers and chocolate this Valentine’s Day for an unforgettable romantic experience in Wichita. Use this guide to celebrate your sweetheart in a #RelentlesslyOriginal way.
It's getting easier to travel to and from Wichita. The newest daily nonstop flight from the ICT to Washington, D.C. has officially taken to the skies. Click here to read how increased connectivity to the Air Capital of the World is boosting business and tourism opportunities.
California native Sofia Schoenhoefer moved to Wichita earlier last year, her parents joining soon after. Click here to read more about the family's experience in ICT.
Wichita native Dr. Harrison Black followed his passion for dentistry to the East Coast. After completing his pediatric residency in Florida, Black and his family moved back to the ICT. Click here to read why he choose Wichita.
Despite residing more than 1,600 miles away, Adi Jain, a California teen, is one of Wichita’s biggest fans. Click here to read why.
Why did Audra Dinell, a Wichita native and the founder of The Thread: A Women's Leadership Collective, choose Wichita over Hawaii? Click here to read how a life twist led to an unexpected blessing.
Did you know Wichita is home to some of the finest flavors? A Wichita native, who boomeranged to the ICT after several years in Austin, is taking her social media followers on a tasty ride. Click here to hop on.
With dozens of educational institutions to choose from, one might wonder why Dallas native Iris Okere dared to venture to the heartland. Click here to learn what piqued her interest and why she chose Wichita.
Dive into a world of sizzling tacos, try on some sneakers that redefine coolness or taste a tantalizing mojito. But wait, who is the visionary behind these sensational Wichita experiences? Introducing Nnanna Okpara, the founder, owner and director of Festive ICT. Click here to read more.
Wichita is home to an overwhelming number of exceptional festivals and new in 2023 is the nine-day Lao Festival full of food, dancing, art, cultural activities, religious experiences and live entertainment! Click here to read more.
With more than 150 students, Textron Aviation is home to the city’s largest high school internship program. Click here to read more.
What role does a thriving music scene play in enhancing the livability of Wichita? Experts and musicians alike will tell you a whole lot! Click here to read more.
A six-minute commute by foot? You can’t beat that! A pair of Illinois sisters say they’ve discovered a slew of hidden gems since moving to Wichita. Click here to read more.
Recruitment and talent acquisition are experiencing significant transformations in response to shifting job market dynamics and the evolving expectations of candidates. To thrive in today’s globalized and highly competitive market, companies must adapt their hiring practices, according to RecruitAERO co-founders Gemma and Jessica. Click here to read more.
In Wichita, you'll find a culture of vibrant arts, passionate pursuits and community pride. Use this guide to get a glimpse at the #RelentlesslyOriginal life here.
A sports-loving couple from the Los Angeles area says they chose to relocate and raise their family in Wichita because of the vast career opportunities, community atmosphere, and easy access to lifestyle amenities such as restaurants, zoos, sporting and concert venues. Click here to read more.
A new scholarship program is helping Kansans reach their education goals while filling high-wage and high-demand occupations. Click here to read more.
A California teenager and aviation enthusiast says Wichita is one of the only places that offers aerospace internships for high school students. Rather than stay in his home state for the summer, he is choosing the Air Capital. Click here to read more.
From New Braunfels to Wichita. Texas native Olivia Hayse, who has lived in different parts of the Lone Star State, Tennessee, California, and Missouri refers to her new home in the Greater Wichita region as “magical.” Click here to read more.
Surreal. Life-changing. Unforgettable. Eva Weber, 24, never thought she would be on track to attaining her dream job in her dream city of Wichita until an encounter at the Greater Wichita Partnership’s annual meeting presented a bold opportunity. Click here to read more.
Why Wichita? Darryl Kelly would say why not Wichita? The Virginia native and his family, a wife and three children, moved to the Air Capital in 2009 after getting stationed at McConnell Air Force Base. After completing his military service in 2015, Kelly and his family chose to make Wichita their home. Click here to read more.
Located in the heart of the country, Wichita is a launching pad for those seeking to excel in a variety of engineering fields. Wichita State University students, Kylie Meier and Taylor Cazabat, share what inspired them to pursue their engineering degrees in Wichita. Click here to read more.
With a supply chain network of more than 450 companies, Wichita has a diverse need for engineers. Talon Sullivan, a senior engineer at Textron Aviation, shares with us what inspired her to become an engineer and what she enjoys about Wichita. Click here to read more.
Dead Center Vintage (DCV) is a locally owned vintage shop focused on sustainability and ethical consumerism through secondhand shopping. Owned by four friends — Lazarus Massey, Gabrielle Griffie, Morgan Goodwin and Kenzie Borland — the store launched in February of 2020 and this year is celebrating its three-year anniversary. Click here to read more.
Growing up in Michigan, I always wanted to move to California to pursue a career in technology and live by the beach and palm trees. After living in Silicon Valley working for Apple and living in Santa Barbara working for cybersecurity firm Novacoast, I decided to move to Wichita to help open a new Novacoast location. Click here to read more.
I knew I’d be in for a change when I moved to Wichita from Dallas for a summer internship. I had no friends or family in the area and zero idea of how I was going to meet people and find things to do. I was welcomed with open arms to a city full of unique restaurants, events and ways to get involved. By the end of the summer, I realized it’s a big city with a community vibe. Click here to read more.
As a transplant to Wichita, my journey has been nothing short of amazing. I encountered new and challenging experiences when I moved from Chicago to Wichita, including a career transition from the private to the public sector. I became deeply connected to the community, discovered ways to engage with people and found avenues to give back in meaningful ways. In no time at all, I recognized that this was the place my family could call home for years to come. Click here to read more.
I started at AGH during my senior year at Wichita State University. When I received my bachelor’s degree in finance as a first generation Asian-American college graduate, I explored the different career paths that finance could bring. I decided to stay in Wichita after I was offered a full-time associate position at AGH. I didn’t realize that by pursuing this opportunity, I would grow to love my community, profession and find belonging here in Wichita. Click here to read more.
If you’re looking for average gifts, step aside. With family and friends across the globe, you want to give them something relentlessly original – something unique to the Wichita region that they can’t get anywhere else. If that’s you, read on. Use this as a tool to make your holiday gift-giving the best it’s ever been. Click here to read more.
The arrival of autumn is an opportunity for shops, restaurants and local businesses to get even more creative than usual. In Wichita, business owners go beyond the PSL (although, there are some delicious pumpkin spice options around here). They take the best parts of fall and create an experience you’ll be thinking about year-round. This is your bucketlist of must-try fall activities in the Wichita region. Click here to read more.
When I moved back to Wichita after being away for five years, many people asked me why. Looking at different opportunities in Dallas, Houston, Miami, Kansas City, Beijing and Milan, it never crossed my mind that Wichita would be at the top of my list – but I quickly realized the city is spearheading the charge in innovation. Click here to read more.
Over the past decade, Wichita’s craft beer scene has grown from one brewery to nine within a 30-minute drive of downtown. While friendly competition is common among small business owners, Wichita’s breweries take it to the next level. Click here to read more.
I remember growing up in Wichita and thinking “I will always live downtown.” The district’s art, culture and events were magnetic, even back then. After graduating from K-State in 2018 and moving to Texas and New Mexico, I returned to Wichita and knew exactly where I wanted to be. Click here to read more.
In the museum district along the Arkansas River is a place that literally grows beauty. Botanica, the Wichita Gardens, is the second-most visited cultural venue in the state – and it’s easy to see why. Nearly 30 different gardens dot the grounds and unique attractions welcome families and visitors of all ages. Discover what makes Botanica a one-of-a-kind experience you can only have in Wichita. Click here to read more.
The future of work is bright at the brand new headquarters of Hutton. Located in the central Wichita neighborhood of Delano, with Instagrammable views of downtown just across the river, the next-generation office building is a masterclass in Hutton’s architecture and construction expertise and a showcase of its purpose to “build life.” Click here to read more.
My girlfriend Maggie and I had some serious FOMO when it came to life in Riverside. We knew the neighborhood was historic and peaceful, but we didn’t know just how much we were missing out on until we settled in. That’s when we noticed the many nuances of Riverside that make it so original. Click here to read more.
COVID-19 has changed the world in a lot of ways. One effect that’s projected to stick around? Working from home. Fortunately, The Hive has been perfecting the remote work experience since 2018. As a women-focused community and coworking space in Wichita, it’s a sanctuary for professionals and entrepreneurs alike. Click here to read more.
During my junior year of high school, I joined the Real Men Real Heroes Teen Hero program. This program would do more for me than I thought possible – and even make me reconsider where to start my career. Click here to read more.
Now more than ever, people are on the verge of burnout – or maybe you waved past it on the chaos train headed to the “new normal.” Use these local products, resources and activities to help prevent burnout and get back on track to taking care of your #RelentlesslyOriginal self. Click here to read more.
I always questioned, of all places, why was I born and raised in Wichita, Kansas. It wasn’t until I discovered my passion for aviation that I realized how incredibly lucky I was to grow up in the Air Capital of the World. Click here to read more.
Wichita is turning 150 years young this summer. It’s seen a lot in the last century and a half, but one thing remains the same – Wichitans are tenacious, determined and innovative. In honor of the city’s sesquicentennial, here’s a list of 50 reasons why this is the #RelentlesslyOriginal place to work, live and play. Click here to read more.
A lot can happen in three days. You could travel to the moon, watch this video more than 4,000 times or attempt to eat one of everything off of Doo Dah Diner’s menu. Local company Automation-Plus managed to complete a vital task in only three days: its team developed a crucial component of COVID-19 testing kits. Click here to read more.
Whether you’re a party of one or six, this is your ultimate guide to having the best day trip from Wichita. Destinations range from 30 minutes to an easy hour and a half drive, but all are great ways to make the most of your summer while maintaining social distancing. After you decide where to go, use the handy packing list at the end of the blog with local food, drinks and goods to enhance your day trip experience. Click here to read more.
Stella Hankins is the founder and owner of Bella Bonita Designs, a Wichita-based fashion label with a line of silk scrunchies, twillies and scarves. Her ultimate goal has always been to help people, specifically by hiring women in recovery like herself. When she realized the inevitable impact of COVID-19, Stella did just that and pivoted her business to sew face masks, while empowering the community to do the same. Click here to read more.
This is not the first time Wichita has experienced difficulty, nor will it be the last. Through all the trials and uncertainties in this city’s history, there is one constant. Wichita does not back down from a challenge – it embraces it. Difficulty allows Wichitans to show the world what they’re really made of: grit, passion and innovation. Click here to read more.
Whether you're staying at home with kiddos or doggos, finding things to do is the name of the game. Consider this your COVID-19 bucketlist with activities to do in and outside of your home, including entertainment just for kids (and the young at heart). Click here to read more.
Whether you’re down the street or across the globe, you can experience what makes the Wichita region #RelentlesslyOriginal. Local artists, musicians, makers and entrepreneurs sell one-of-a-kind products online, so you can discover and support the region during COVID-19 and beyond. Click here to read more.
Wichita is not getting pinched this St. Patrick’s Day. With a plethora of green initiatives, residents and businesses find innovative ways to give the earth some love. From apartments to local produce, here’s a glimpse at a few of the region’s sustainability efforts. Click here to read more.
Eddie Sandoval’s family is from Chihuahua, Mexico. Growing up, he would take trips twice a year to visit and bring home pinole, a multiuse, nutrient-dense mixture of roasted ground maize savored by his family for generations. Little did he know it would become his life’s work. Click here to read more.
The road that I live on has been named by some as “the prettiest road in Harvey County.” Within five minutes of arriving home after a long day of teaching, I can be walking on this road with my dog Blue, taking in the tall trees and sprawling fields that surround us. Click here to read more.
When Kansas wind is surging and hunger strikes, the name of the game is comfort and warmth. Skip the microwave Ramen and try one of these relentlessly original Wichita restaurants, each boldly remastering the meaning of comfort food. Click here to read more.
Imagine a workplace created with you in mind. No lonely cubicles, dugout vibes or fluorescent lighting. Instead, there is an employee café, a rooftop terrace and numerous wellness rooms. That’s Cargill Protein, one of the top two largest privately-held companies in the U.S. When it built its new headquarters in Wichita’s urban core, its top goal was to create a workspace that brought in the best and brightest minds to tackle challenges. Click here to read more.
At the start of the holiday season, a 7-foot tall bigfoot suddenly appeared in downtown Wichita. He’s been spotted at local shops and restaurants in the urban core, meeting new people and posing for photos. What’s the deal? Here are five things to know about the #RelentlesslyOriginal Bigfoot Brian roaming downtown. Click here to read more.
Wichita is a hotbed for diverse and affordable living spaces. You can live in a luxury apartment facing the Arkansas River, in a tucked away upscale neighborhood or in a historic home with tree-lined streets. For those that long to be in the middle of everything with an original living space, Innes Station is a must-see. Click here to read more.
There are a plethora of places in Wichita to take a one-of-a-kind photo, but the change in season makes some spots particularly fantastic. At these three locations, you can savor some of your favorite things about fall – warm-colored leaves, spooky vibes and cozy drinks – and get those Insta-worthy and #RelentlesslyOriginal snapshots. Click here to read more.
The next big thing, a hidden gem and the best kept secret are all vast understatements for the Wichita region’s tech industry. How do you describe a sector that has deep roots in the local economy, thriving start-ups and an ever-growing list of diverse job opportunities? “Relentlessly original” is a start. In Wichita, you can pursue a successful career in tech your way. Click here to read more.
One of our family’s favorite things about Kansas is the mash up of different people, personalities, and possibilities. No matter where we go, we run into people from different backgrounds with different interests – with something to suit just about anyone. The Kansas State Fair is no exception. Our family ventured out on opening weekend to see what this year's Fair was all about. Click here to read more.
This district is iconic: brick-paved streets lined with lofty trees and homes ranging from mansion-like and historic to cottage-esque and modern. Not only are its houses remarkable, residents relish the lifestyle and amenities the neighborhood offers, too. Discover a #RelentlesslyOriginal day in the life of a College Hill resident. Click here to read more.
I’m convinced that the people who claim “there’s nothing to do in Wichita” have never actually been. I moved to Wichita for a summer internship with Koch Industries. While I was busy innovating and creating value during the day as a business systems analyst intern, my evenings were spent with fellow interns exploring the city. Click here to read more.
The dog days of summer call for sweet, cool relief. In Wichita, savor relentlessly original creations of ice cream, shaved ice, popsicles and more – all created by local innovators. What are you waiting for? Try these three can’t-miss eateries to beat that summer heat. Click here to read more.
If you want to be like the great outdoorsman Ron Swanson, now's your chance. Within a half hour drive (or less) of downtown Wichita, you’ll find your sweet spot. Build the workshop that you’ve been meaning to get to. Be the person in the office that owns chickens. Wear work boots and flannels one day and a suit the next. Why not build a gazebo or grow a garden? Click here to read more.
There are certain words and phrases lost in a Wichitan’s vocabulary: “all talk and no action” and “someone else will do it,” to name a couple. Fidelity Bank, Spirit AeroSystems and Textron Aviation break the mold of complacency brought by that mindset. Click here to read more.
Riverfest is the largest and longest continuously running festival in the state and one of the largest outdoor festivals in the state. If you’re new to Wichita or need a recap, here are three things to know about one of Wichita’s most #RelentlesslyOriginal events. Click here to read more.
Wichita offers the best of both worlds: bold city life and peaceful neighborhood vibes. Enjoy a tree-covered neighborhood during the day and rock out at Public at the Brickyard in the middle of downtown after dark. Uncover downtown’s first-ring neighborhoods Riverside or College Hill for an unexpected mix of historic homes and new developments. Click here to read more.
Living in downtown Wichita is an unparalleled experience. It’s for the live-music lover, the art enthusiast, the trendy professional whose office is a block away and the urbanist who wants to be in the middle of it all. With thirty residential properties to choose from, there’s a place to live your best life. Click here to read more.
In January 1925 four aviation pioneers — Clyde Cessna, Lloyd Stearman, Walter Beech and Olive Ann Mellor Beech — joined forces in Wichita to form Travel Air Manufacturing Company. It was the beginning of Wichita’s global leadership in corporate, commercial and defense aerospace; leadership that earned the city the title, “The Air Capital of the World.” Click here to read more.