Discover Kansas City's Thriving Maker Community: Locally Crafted Goods
Kansas City's maker community is thriving.
Small-batch goods and locally produced items are more than just buzzy phrases used by retailers to attract the eyes of consumers. It’s about knowing where a product was made and who made it, possibly even buying directly from the person who put their time and effort into creating what you’ll use, wear or apply. This local touch matters to Kansas Citians—and demonstrates to visitors what matters most in KC's shopping culture.
Soaps and Other Apothecary Items
Stay fresh with locally made soaps and other everyday items, like the mustache wax made by KC Beard Co. There's also 1740 Beard Balm, which has exactly what you need to keep your facial hair looking clean and healthy.
Exfoliate with Wild Wash Soap Co.’s face wash and other hand-cut soaps, plus all-natural deodorant to help you keep clean. Meanwhile, Messner Bee Farm uses beeswax in its lip balm, lip tint, insect repellent and more. All-purpose company Indigo Wild is well-known for its wide assortment of Zum soaps, candles, sprays, baby products and more. Search for their products in area shops or at the Zum Factory store near Union Hill.
Deck Out Your Home
From keeping your place smelling nice to decorating with touches of KC style, plenty of retailers have your back when it comes to home furnishings.
5B & Co. Candlemakers in Brookside produces candles with quirky names and aromatic flavors. Charming cloth napkins and fun screen prints from Ampersand Design Studio add stylish flair wherever you put them. Pop tops with mounted bottle openers from 928 Woodworks and then keep your surfaces safe with the company’s coasters, both made from previously-used Boulevard Brewing Co. pallets.
Spice Up Your Menu
Elevate bites and sips with local market goods. Steadfast Shrubs uses real fruit for its complex cocktail mixers while Boozy Botanicals crafts not-so-simple syrups perfect for dressing up drinks.
KC Canning Co. makes preserving a high art thanks to complex flavors in its vegetables and preserves, such as cider mustard, sriracha pickled green beans, 7-pepper jelly and more. And considering that Kansas City is the capital of barbecue, you know there's plenty of hometown-made sauces ready to adorn or accompany any smoked meal.
Plus, with popular farmers' markets located in The City Market and Overland Park, visitors and locals can track down fresh, regionally made spices, produce and other ingredients needed for that next great dish or snack.
Look Good with Local
Up-and-coming designers can be found all over Kansas City, oftentimes in collectives and boutiques such as The Garment District in the Power & Light District, the aptly named Made in Kansas City (found in Overland Park, the Crossroads Arts District, Downtown KC, at the Country Club Plaza and in The Village at Briarcliff) and handmade/locally sourced goods retailer Mid Coast Modern.
Brands like EB & Co.—which crafts simple-yet-beautiful accessories and recycles leather to make eco-friendly clutches—and Lost & Found Design’s affordable KC-themed jewelry can instantly upgrade your style. There's also Sandlot Goods and Foxtrot Supply Co., both of which craft leather goods like belts, watchstraps and wallets.
Local designer brand Coki Bijoux creates fine jewelry and charms as well as exclusive collections, many featuring organic, earthy elements. Handmade bracelets, cuffs, rings and more from Lily Dawson Designs are must-haves as well. But Kansas City fashion extends well beyond jewelry, as hot designers, events and more make KC threads trendier than ever.
