Shop Small: 5 gifts supporting creators of color in Kansas City

Editor’s note: This feature is the fourth in Startland News’ five-part holiday gift guide — presented in 2023 by nbkc bank — showcasing Kansas City makers and their products. Check out the featured maker below, then keep reading for five gift ideas to get started.

Embracing one’s roots is at the core of ParaMi’s identity, said Veronica Alvidrez, noting the name itself — “for me” in Spanish — establishes the apparel and home goods brand as a maker movement meant to spotlight and uplift Latina voices in KC. 

Grounded by beloved holiday memories, co-founder Alvidrez described a favorite Christmas moment that ultimately laid the groundwork for ParaMi’s mission. 

“The deep red poinsettias sitting on my grandmother’s table over the handmade white, crocheted tablecloth is an example of the types of memories that inspire what we do, ” said Alvidrez. 

With ParaMi, she recognizes that culture and what home looks like to a person are not only integrated, but also play a part in forming who a person is or becomes. 

“We know culture and the feeling of home are an important aspect of our identity,” she said. “We exist to create moments in your life that remind you of home and of the culture you come from.”

Alvidrez stands firm in her belief that supporting local creators of color is critical during the holiday season, and year-round.

“I believe we are better when we all thrive,” she said. Recognizing that creativity has no bounds, she emphasizes that artistic expression is universal. 

“Creativity is unbiased; it belongs to everyone, and everyone should have a shot at sharing their creations,” said Alvidrez.

Veronica Alvidrez with her mother at the grand opening of ParaMi in September 2023; photo by Tommy Felts, Startland News

RELATED: Early buy-in from Latinx shoppers pushes paraMi toward surprise storefront; here’s where you’ll find them soon

She also acknowledges the existing disparities in opportunities for creators, but believes in the power of consumer choice in driving change.

“Until we have equity in opportunities available to all creators, we, as consumers, must be equitable in our approach to whom we support,” she said. 

Embracing diversity intentionally not only enriches consumers’ lives by integrating other cultures and perspectives, but it also creates a sense of collective purpose, said Alvidrez, who in addition to being an entrepreneur is the director of youth and community programs for Startland Education, a sister program of Startland News. 

“I think this level of intentionality is not only what we need in our role as informed consumers, but it is also a lot of fun to be part of something bigger,” she said.

Keep reading for a selection of gift ideas from Kansas City creators of color.

Click here to check out more gift ideas from local makers.

5 gifts supporting creators of color in KC 

¡No toques mis cosas! tote by ParaMI  — $25

‘¡No toques mis cosas!’ translation: ‘don’t touch my things!’ This tie-dye ParaMI tote will be your new favorite grab and go! Vibrant and colorful just like you. 

Available at ParaMI. Click here to shop online.

Vladimir Victorious by JQ Sirls  —  Hardcover $22, eBook $8

Young readers can join Lucy Brown’s magical transformation in ‘Vladimir Victorious’ by JQ Sirls as she enters the whimsical world of Fantoria—the cradle of imagination and birthplace of imaginary friends.

Available at The Black Pantry, Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Click here to shop books by JQ Sirls online.

RELATED: JQ Sirls is the king of his own universe; his new book puts a distinctly Black hero at the center of it

Twin Volcanoes Blanket by Pancho’s Blanket   — $135

This Mexican blanket, handwoven on century-old foot pedal looms by dedicated artisans, is a unique and timeless piece that you can take on your next adventure. 

Available at Pancho’s Blanket. Click here to shop online.

RELATED: These brothers brought artisan Mexican designs to the streets of KC; now Pancho’s Blanket is opening a Crossroads shop

Skincare Gift Bag by Herban — $47

Treat your skin to the best selling skincare products by Herban. Each bag includes African Black Liquid Soap, Mystical AF Massage Body Oil, and African Black Bar Soap.

Available at The Laya Center. Click here to shop Herban online.

RELATED: Laya Center expands with ‘Herban’ product line; earns top 50 honors from Square

Black Drip Coffee Renegade Blend — $16

For coffee enthusiasts – The Black Drip Coffee Renegade Special Blend, features medium-roasted whole beans sourced from Guatemala, Colombia, and Brazil. All harvested, washed and dried by farmers.

Available at The Blank Pantry. Click here to shop Black Drip coffee online.

Bonus stocking stuffers

Studio Lo Revolution Card Deck by TBP Studio  — $30

This traditional deck of 54 playing cards has a powerful spin. This deck is meant to inspire by featuring the faces of iconic black figures from Malcolm X to Michelle Obama.

Available at The Black Pantry. Click here to shop TBP Studio online.

Smokey by Nature SmokeyDopalicious BBQ Sauce — $12 

Smokey By Nature’s small-batch BBQ sauce, SmokeyDopalicious, lives up to its name with a sweet, smoky, and delicious flavor blend—an ideal complement for your BBQ meats and veggies.

Available at Made in KC. Click here to shop Smokey by Nature online.

About nbkc bank

At nbkc, we’re making banking what it should be: simple, transparent, and efficient. And we’re doing it across all of our services — checking, savings, business accounts, loans, and more. Simply said, what you see is what you get. Great customer service, awesome rates, and smart technology backed by smarter people. Named the strongest large bank in the Kansas City area¹ and voted a Kansas City Business Journal Best Place to Work for six consecutive years. Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender | NMLS# 409631

¹ From an analysis published on April 17, 2023, by the Kansas City Business Journal, comparing all banks with a presence in Kansas City and assets of $1 billion or more. The study used 2022 year-end data from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to evaluate banks on eight metrics which, together, reflect banks’ financial wherewithal.