We’re WMNKND, of COURSE we support small woman-owned businesses in Kansas City!
As a small, woman-owned business ourselves there is no energy we’d want to put in the world besides enthusiastic support for the women in KC who run their own shows. Woman-owned businesses account for about 40% of businesses nationwide and were statistically more affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (source).
Next time you’re looking to make a purchase, check one of our favorites out before heading to a big box store:
1 Sierra Winter Jewelry – designed by Sierra Otto, Sierra Winter has been worn and loved by celebrities like Greta Van Fleet and Kacey Musgraves. Sierra’s designs are inspired by the Prairies she grew up in, involving natural elements and stones throughout her work. Find her adorable shop Brookside, open Tuesday-Sunday.
2 Wandering Bud – Beautifully designed and thoughtfully handmade, Wandering Bud is a local artisan ceramic studio that creates smoking accessories. Owned by Riley Brain, a former teacher, their social media presence is clever and far-reaching, offering education on everything from the ceramic process to the social justice aspect of cannabis. From trays and ashtrays to bubblers and bongs, Wandering Bud hosts a catalog of stunning pieces that are as functional in your hand as they are on a shelf decorating your space. Order online or follow them for the announcement of their next seconds sale at their space in Midtown.
3 SOAP KC – A Waldo-based refillery, SOAP offers Kansas Citians an opportunity to reduce their waste and refill clean, dry containers with high quality, non-toxic cleaning products of all kinds. From shampoo and conditioner to glass cleaners and laundry detergent, you and your home can sparkle while eliminating single-use plastics. Opt for scent-free products or add your own favorites into them at the oil bar. To refill simply bring your existing containers or snag a free, clean one that has been donated. At the register they will weigh the container so that once you fill it they can subtract the weight from the cost of the product. Then simply fill your container, pay, and you’re done!
4 Café Cà Phê – Featured everywhere from Forbes to Torani, Café Cà Phê and owner Jackie Nguyen brought awareness and a loud, proud love of Asian culture to KC. The first Vietnamese coffee shop in KC, Jackie and her team bring education about AAPI culture, celebration of our differences, and new flavors regularly. Dedicated to their craft, their baristas regularly taste and create new and exciting drinks that you simply cannot find anywhere else. I don’t even know of another place to get a latte made with sesame milk! Find them at their brick and mortar in Columbus Park or their Baby Girl location on weekends + first Fridays, located inside West Bottoms Plant Company (we featured them for Pride Month!).
5 Bliss Books and Wine – founded in 2019 by sisters La’Nesha Frazier and La’Nae Robinson, Bliss Books and Wine encourages a love of reading and meeting with friends to foster that love. Independently owned bookstores are incredibly important resources and are regularly being put out of business by online booksellers like Amazon. In addition to supporting woman-owned businesses, it’s vital that we keep indie bookstores like Bliss in business! They’re on a mission to offer a community space for KC and regularly host events such as Game Nights and Mixers. Find them in Old Hyde Park (Midtown) Wednesday through Sunday.
6 For Strange Women – Completely woman owned, FSW is a stunning natural perfumery founded in 2009. Using botanical essential oils and plant-based scents, they craft some of the most unique perfumes around. In addition to traditional perfumes, you’ll find solid versions, candles, and lip balms as well. A well-loved indie brand, they’re also known for their periodic limited releases marking things such as special full moons or solstice celebrations. Closed on Saturdays and Mondays, you can visit the Crossroads-based shop 5 days a week or order online 24/7.
If you’ve never heard the term, “vote with your dollars,” know that it means every single one of us has the power to keep these women in business. If each of us shift our daily purchasing to a small, woman-owned business we could see them survive and thrive for years to come.
