Shop Small: 5 gifts supporting creators of Color in KC (KC Gift Guide)
November 23, 2022 | Nikki Overfelt Chifalu
Editor’s note: This feature is the third in Startland News’ five-part holiday gift guide showcasing Kansas City makers and their products. Check out the featured maker below, then keep reading for five gift ideas to get started.
When she was 14, Kyana Bowers unwrapped a Christmas gift that ignited a lifetime love. The Kyana Laine designer received her first sewing machine and she’s been making clothes ever since, she said.
“That’s when I made my first pair of wide-leg pants,” she explained. “I had a home-ec class. Because I’m tall — I’m 5-foot-10 — I’ve never been able to find clothing that fits me. So that’s how it all began.”
Under her recently-launched Kyana Laine label, Bowers — who is a business development officer at the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City — makes custom sports teams skirts, wide-leg pants, and aprons, including Chiefs, Royals, KU, and MU, plus teams outside of KC (30 percent off for Black Friday).
For those who aren’t big sports fans, she also sells other colorful-print designs (10-15 percent off for Black Friday).
Supporting local makers of color when selecting gifts is especially important for exposure, Bowers said.
“Let people know that we have a variety of retail products available,” she continued. “Just being able to spread the word.”
Click here to check out more gift ideas from Kansas City makers.
5 gifts supporting creators of Color in KC
Kyana Laine Sports Team Skirts – Full-Length $315, Mid-Length $245, Mini $200 – and Wide-Leg Pants — $315
These custom, made-to-order designs are perfect for the classy sports fan. They will walk around Arrowhead Stadium or Mizzou Area in one-of-a-kind style. The brand offers a variety of skirts in classic prints to wear in the office or on a night out on the town
For the non-skirt wearing sports fans, Kyana Laine also has aprons ($75) to kick your kitchen-style up a notch. For Black Friday, all custom designs are 30 percent off.
Click here to shop Kyana Laine online.
Whitney Manney X’s and O’s Napa Leather Fanny Pack — $170
This KC-designed, street art-inspired fanny pack will make anyone cool enough to hang out with the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Hands-free in luxury is the way to be, according to the product’s description.
Click here to shop WM Studio online.
Related: How one KC designer’s life got flipped-turned upside down by a call from ‘Bel Air’
Culture Thread KC East Side Tee — $30
The perfect gift to rep your favorite side of the city. Show off your Kansas City spirit through this luxury streetwear design brand.
Available at Black Pantry. Click here to shop Culture Thread online.
Kyrie’s Creations Bows — $8/$12
These handmade bows make an adorable gift for the little one in your life. Inspired by the maker’s own baby, they are made with love right here in KC.
Available at Shop Local KC. Click here to shop Kyrie’s Creations online.
Associated Humanity Love Heals Sweatshirt — $60
‘Tis the season for love and giving back. Associated Humanity prides itself on connecting clothes with cause, so 25 percent of the proceeds from this crewneck goes to The Halo Foundation, which supports and provides resources to homeless youth.
Available at Made in KC. Click here to shop Associated Humanity online.
Bonus (Stocking Stuffer Idea): Fieldsville Seasonings and Rubs — $12
These KC-made spices make a great gift for the foodie or hostess with the mostess in your life. Each seasoning blend is named after a member of the Fields family and their flavorful personality.
Available at Made in KC. Click here to shop Fieldsville online.
More ideas from the 2022 Gift Guide
5 gifts for people who are always cold
5 gifts for someone who needs a little self-care — even if that’s you
5 gifts for the KC sports fans on your ‘nice’ list
5 gifts made locally that don’t scream ‘Kansas City’
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
Featured Business
2022 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Murals by Sike Style, JT Daniels paint ‘One KC’ across state line, Plexpod locations
Economic momentum in the Kansas City region has never been stronger — no matter which side of the state line a business operates, Gerald Smith said. A colorful pair of murals now splash that reality across two of the veteran entrepreneur’s Plexpod locations. Reflecting a border war “truce” — called in August between the governors of…
Novel Growth announces new $12M+ fund, expansion to Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis
An oversubscribed first fund for Novel Growth Partners will help the Kansas City-based financing firm expand its tech investments in Chicago, Indianapolis and St. Louis. With more than $12 million banked for the fund, Novel is poised to use its unique revenue-based financing model to focus on boosting B2B software startups, the firm said in…
Boddle scores $25K AT&T Aspire audience award thanks to tough love on duo’s most difficult pitch
Just because a pitch is tough doesn’t mean it won’t payoff, said Clarence Tan. “Smiles will take you miles,” Tan, CEO and cofounder of Boddle Learning, said of his and co-founder Edna Martinson’s latest pitch at the AT&T Pitches and Purpose contest in San Francisco — the pair’s most difficult presentation to date, they said…
H&R Block plans $3.5M in KC investments to combat social isolation, boost entrepreneurs
H&R Block filed its intentions Thursday to contribute $6.5 million over the next five years to support neighborhood revitalization and the success of small businesses nationally — with $3.5 million slated specifically for Kansas City. “Make Every Block Better” teams the Kansas City-born tax preparation giant with five key partners in the local entrepreneur and…