From Beyoncé Backup Dancer to Kansas City Powerhouse: Elaina Paige, Founder - Next Paige Agency

What does it take to go from dancing on stage with Beyoncé to becoming one of Kansas City’s most influential powerhouse leaders? In this episode of the Kansas City Bucket List podcast, host Mindy Hargesheimer sits down with the ultimate local trendsetter, Elaina Paige! Elaina is a Next Gen Leader, the CEO and founder of Next Paige Talent Agency, and the Community Engagement Director for Xavier Worthy's foundation, The Worthy Ones. From skipping college classes in Chicago to land a life-changing audition with Queen Bey, to returning home to build a brick-and-mortar arts empire right here on Troost Ave, Elaina is proving that KC is anything but a “B-market” when it comes to talent! Get ready for an inspiring, high-energy, and fashionable deep dive into the hustle behind the hats. Key Topics Covered: The Hustle Behind the Hats: How a simple accessory unlocked Elaina's ultimate boardroom confidence. Dancing with Queen Bey: The wild 5:00 AM audition story that led to sharing the stage with Beyoncé. Putting KC Arts on the Map: What Kansas City needs to do next to maximize its massive film tax credits and upcoming World Cup momentum. Building a Local Legacy: How Next Paige Talent Agency and Next Paige Foundation are creating accessible, no-cost programming for local youth creatives. Influencer vs. Woman of Influence: Redefining what it truly means to use a platform to connect people and drive community change. Learn more about The Next Paige Talent Agency: https://www.nextpaigellc.com/ Support the youth through the Next Paige Foundation: https://www.nextpaigefoundation.org/ Check out Xavier Worthy's foundation, The Worthy Ones: https://www.shoptheworthyones.com/ Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor, and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full-service audio and video production! ✨ Follow Kansas City Bucket List for More Local Adventures: 👉 Instagram: @KansasCityBucketList 👉 TikTok: @KansasCityBucketList 👉 Sponsor Spotlight: Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor, and media partner, Real Media! Visit their website to learn more about their full-service audio and video services! Are you ready to cross another incredible local story off your KC bucket list? Drop a comment below with your favorite part of Elaina’s journey, hit that SUBSCRIBE button, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode celebrating the amazing people shaping our city! 🥂🏙️ Chapters 0:00 – Intro & Meeting the Coolest Woman in KC 1:08 – The Secret Power of the Hats 3:05 – Skipping Class for Beyoncé: The Live Audition 6:23 – Backstage with Oprah, MJ, & Pop Royalty 8:02 – Leadership Lessons from Queen Bey 9:54 – Solo Touring in China & Freelance Hustle 12:06 – Driven Since Childhood: The 3rd Grade Blueprint 14:04 – Growing Up in Lee's Summit & Overcoming Mistakes 17:05 – Launching Next Paige Talent Agency on Troost 24:44 – Is KC a "B-Market" for the Arts? 25:35 – Business Journal Next Gen Leader 27:52 – Sound Stages & the Massive KC Film Tax Credit 41:11 – How Next Paige Discovers KC's Best Talent 53:12 – World Cup Momentum & Union Station Collabs 57:34 – 3 Ingredients to Level Up the KC Entertainment Scene 1:01:21 – Providing No-Cost Youth Arts Programs 1:03:46 – Influencer vs. Woman of Influence 1:05:17 – Heartfelt Advice to Her Younger Self