Dear Kansas City
Thank you for a truly incredible 6.5 years. It was pretty hard for me to put into words what a ride this has been, but buckle up—this is a long one… (with a fairytale ending).
Seven years ago, I was working a job I loved in Chicago with no plans of leaving when the company decided to outsource their marketing department. At the time, I was dating a guy—a pilot in the Air Force stationed in Missouri—whom I had known for only eight months. Putting every last egg I had in the same basket, I made the most daring decision of my life: I took a new job in Kansas City.
Although moving to KC was never on my bingo card, I accepted a job offer as a Digital Marketing Specialist at TITLE Boxing Club, an international franchise fitness concept headquartered here. When I first floated the idea to my now-husband, I had no real intention of actually moving. But when I interviewed, I was drawn to the enthusiasm and energy of my hiring manager, so I took the chance.
Packing up my entire life into a 15-foot U-Haul, I was optimistic about my career and relationship but had incredibly low expectations. When I landed in KC in September 2018, my husband, Kyle, was on a deployment in Hawaii, and it hit me just how hard this transition was going to be. I had always been surrounded by my friends, and suddenly, I was in a new city, alone. And at this moment, I was honestly shocked that I had actually gone through with it.
However, on my first day at TITLE, my boss, Brooke, took our team out to lunch. Not only did she introduce me to the best salad (the OG Nourish at Enjoy) I’ve ever had, but she also gave me every recommendation I could possibly need—from where to hang out to the best hair stylist in town—she had me covered. Over the years, she became more than just an incredible mentor—she became a close friend. I knew from that very first day that I wanted to follow in her footsteps. My goal became clear: to lead the marketing department of a national franchise brand.
When TITLE was acquired during COVID, our team went separate ways, but Brooke always kept me in her corner—a phrase that holds special meaning in boxing. In the ring, having someone in your corner means you’re supported, coached, and encouraged no matter what. And through every career pivot, she has been there.
I worked about 20 different jobs to get to where I am today—account manager, Pure Barre instructor, nutrition school graduate and business owner, PR and marketing consultant including stints with a pickleball company, a hot tomato oil brand, and an aesthetics manufacturer. I even worked two full-time jobs while raising a one-year-old and a four-month-old. These Kansas City years were years of grit, learning, and taking every opportunity I could to grow (even when I became a mom).
In my final interview at TITLE with Brooke, she told me how brave it was to move away from my friends and family for a relationship. I had never seen it that way. I thought following a guy to a new city was impulsive—maybe even a little weak. But she was right. It was a brave decision, one that shaped my career and my family’s future in ways I never imagined.
TODAY, the Cassady Crew is headed back home to Columbus, Ohio—the town where both Kyle and I grew up—to raise our children. And just this week, I accepted a promotion as the Marketing Director at VIO Med Spa, a national medical aesthetics franchise concept. It’s a true full-circle moment, achieving the goal I set for myself years ago when I first started at TITLE. The risk, the hard work, the sacrifice—it all paid off.
Kansas City, you will always have a piece of my heart. And no matter where we go, we will be Chiefs fans forever.
With gratitude,
Laura
If you ever find yourself in KC, here are our favorites:
💅 Nails: Nail Noir
🐶 Dog walking/sitting: Katie’s Kennel - Miss Claire is THE best
💋 Make-up: Maria Morris
🎥 Photo/Video: Courtney Marie Productions
🌸 Tox/Filler: Laura Murff
🏨 Facials: Holly @ AesthetiCare
🍳 Breakfast/Lunch Spot: Enjoy and Hemma Hemma
🌟 Spray Tan: Shade Spray
🍔 Favorite Restaurants: Rye, North Italia
🏢 Apartment Complex: Mission 106
🏍️ Kids Attractions: Kansas City Zoo, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Inspired Play Café, Powell Gardens, Science City
💇♀️ Hair: Hannah Williams