These shoes are made for girls combat sports; now you can buy a pair down the street
September 1, 2022 | Startland News Staff
A Kansas woman’s mission to bring girls’ athletic gear to traditionally male sports scored a big win this week as Yes! Athletics announced its move from online-only sales to local store shelves.
Furthering its reach beyond the Yes! Athletics website, the shoe brand can be purchased at three Jock’s Nitch Sports stores in Kansas — including in Lenexa and Topeka — starting Sept. 12.
Deb Tomkins North, Yes! Athletics, at the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 Small Business Celebration
“I am excited about this partnership to have a retail location where girls can try and purchase the shoes,” said Deb Tomkins North, founder of Yes! Athletics. “Kansas was a trailblazer in women’s wrestling when they officially sanctioned in 2020 and we have seen tremendous growth in the sport.”
Click here to read more about North’s journey with Yes! Athletics.
Jock’s Nitch is owned by Phil Minton and is headquartered in Pittsburg, Kansas — where Minton founded the chain 32 years ago while a freshman at Pittsburg State University. Jock’s Nitch operates six locations across eastern Kansas.
The Pittsburg store is among those carrying North’s brand.
“We are very excited to partner with fellow Kansas Company Yes! Athletics,” Minton said. “Our business with girls and women’s sports continues to grow and are looking for innovative new companies and products like Yes! is producing.”
Can’t wait? Click here to shop Yes! Athletics online.
Shoes like Yes! Athletics’ Defiant 1 line are breathable, lightweight, and eco-friendly options for athletes in wrestling and other combat sports such as MMA. boxing, kickboxing, and powerlifting.
The shoe’s high-top design allows for excellent stability when jumping rope or lifting weights, according to the company.
UFC Fighter Miranda Maverick is expected to join an official Yes! Athletics launch event for autographs and a Q&A on her journey from wrestling to MMA. The meet and greet, along with product launch, is set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 at the Lenexa location, 13358 College Blvd.
This story is possible thanks to support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, a private, nonpartisan foundation that works together with communities in education and entrepreneurship to create uncommon solutions and empower people to shape their futures and be successful.
For more information, visit www.kauffman.org and connect at www.twitter.com/kauffmanfdn and www.facebook.com/kauffmanfdn
2022 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
This retro arcade and restaurant is revitalizing downtown with more than just flavors of nostalgia
Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. TOPEKA — In the capital city of Todd Renner’s youth, he could ride his skateboard through downtown and not be bothered by anyone if he picked the right time of…
The Loop KC deepens leadership bench as it expands Millennials professional network to new cities
With a transition in leadership in the mix, a still-budding network for young professional in Kansas City — and beyond — is just getting started tapping into its potential, The Loop KC’s founder said. “Nothing is really by young people, for young people. Networking groups can be exclusive or cost too much for some people…
ULAH merging stores, moving women’s brand into seamless, new one-stop shop experience
Fans of LUNA by ULAH — a retail shop featuring an on-trend mix of ready-to-wear women’s apparel, accessories, gifts and home accents — will soon find the brand’s curated offerings two doors down in the Woodside Village live/work center on Rainbow Boulevard. The store is in the final planning stages of relocating to a space…
‘We’re all in it together’: Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop wraps family flavors with team work ethic
A staple of Kansas City’s emerging food scene for 27 years, Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop’s growth and popularity wouldn’t have been possible without Malisa Monyakula’s team, the chef and owner said. “I’ve had amazing people working with me since the beginning; people continue to gravitate toward helping me with my vision,” said Monyakula from the…