Creating Space for Connection: Danica Leporte’s Journey from Corporate to Campfires

What does it look like to build a business that blends creativity, hospitality, and deep-rooted purpose, while raising a family and building community in a new city?

For Danica Leporte, founder of Under the Stars KC, it started with a craft table and a mom’s group.

In the latest episode of The Entrepreneur’s Blueprint, I talk with Danica about how she launched a luxury glamping and picnic company after moving from Arizona to Kansas City—without a single local connection. What she did have was a desire to create memorable experiences and the determination to figure out the rest.

Starting from Scratch (Literally)

Danica’s journey began when she moved from Arizona, leaving behind a corporate career and stepping into life as a stay-at-home mom. Her creativity naturally found an outlet—first in birthday party crafts, then in assisting a slumber party rental business in Arizona. When the family relocated to KC, she saw an untapped market and decided to launch her own version of that concept.

With no local network, she jumped headfirst into the Kansas City small business scene, attending multiple networking events per week and connecting with groups like Wise Women and Monthly Merriment. One key relationship early on? A boutique owner who prayed for Danica in her shop and invited her into a web of female entrepreneurs.

What She Offers: More Than Just Pretty Tents

Under the Stars KC now offers:

• Backyard glamping (complete with real beds and luxe decor)
• Themed indoor slumber parties
• Movie nights under the stars
• Luxury picnics
• And faith-based retreats like Camp Connect

Camp Connect, a three-day women’s retreat hosted on a farm in Hamilton, Missouri, may be Danica’s most powerful endeavor. She prays over each tent assignment, decorates with intention, and helps facilitate transformation. The results? Real connection, healing, and lifelong memories.

The Hard Stuff: Physical Labor & Profitability

Danica doesn’t sugarcoat the physical demands of her work—hauling tents, setting beds, coordinating themes. But she also shares how implementing the Profit First method saved her business from burnout. By dividing income into key buckets (profit, taxes, personal pay, and operating expenses), she’s learned how to scale intentionally and sustainably.

She’s also focused on building a reliable team of contractors to help her reduce the load—literally. Her hope for 2025? The same amount of revenue… with less personal labor.

For the Mom, Dreamer, or Solo Founder

Danica’s story is a playbook for starting with what you have, trusting your gut, and using every open door—whether that’s a free business coaching session at JCCC or a divine introduction at a boutique in Lee’s Summit.

Her advice?

• Don’t underestimate the power of local resources like your Small Business Development Center.
• Learn Profit First before it’s too late.
• Trust that slow seasons aren’t signs of failure—they’re space to regroup.

Under the Stars KC is more than a business. It’s a reminder that beauty, celebration, and connection matter—and that you can build something meaningful from the ground up.

Want to connect with Danica or book your own luxury celebration?
Find her at underthestarskc.com or @underthestarskc. And keep an eye out for her next Camp Connect retreat every September.