KC needs elevated ambience, founder says; how her soon-to-open Westwood home store sets the table for ‘touches of trend’
December 6, 2024 | Joyce Smith
The moment local shoppers — aspiring to better entertain friends and loved ones — heard what Sarah Brown’s online store was offering, her home and lifestyle business “just blew up,” she said, detailing the demand now pushing the brand’s jump to brick and mortar.
Place setting by Blair & Blythe; courtesy photo
“It showed that people in Kansas City need and want what I’m offering,” said Brown, founder of Blair & Blythe, which focuses on traditional merchandise for the home with “touches of trend” — European brands, vintage, and other items unique to the metro.
“People in the South are just masters of hosting,” continued Brown, who spent time in Texas working in retail. “Seeing that hole in the market, I wanted to bring it here.”
Through its three-year-old online shop, Blair & Blythe carries “elevated tabletop” items including fine china, flatware, drinkware, cocktail and dinner napkins, tablecloths and table runners, and candleholders, as well as stationery, lamps, Mahjong game accessories, and furniture (currently swivel chairs, bar carts, Winchester chests, rattan coffee tables and more).
Click here to check out Blair & Blythe on Instagram.
Blair & Blythe’s popularity with locals online inspired Brown to explore a physical space in the metro — ultimately leading her and her husband to purchase a two-story, nearly 6,000-square-foot building at 4812 Rainbow Blvd. in Westwood in 2023.
View this post on Instagram
Renovation work on the building — formerly Ambience Furs, also owned by a local couple, which had long operated in the space, but closed last year when the owners retired — is near completion with Blair & Blythe tying up inspections and other finishing touches.
“It’s a very old building, built in 1930, and we are giving it new life,” said Brown, who is trained as a professional counselor, primarily working with adults with personality disorders, and substance abuse issues, as well as couples counseling.
Rehabbing the Westwood space — which includes a new floor plan, design consultation room, and shipping and receiving dock — gave Brown a new creative outlet from the counseling job; a diversion that also fueled the initial creation of Blair & Blythe, she said.
An opening date for the brick and mortar has not yet been announced.
Click here to follow Blair & Blythe’s journey to opening.
The mid-renovation Blair & Blythe storefront at 4812 Rainbow Blvd. in Westwood; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News
Place setting by Blair & Blythe; courtesy photo
The shop will have a gift and wedding registry, and Brown wants to launch her own luxury curated line of table linens and tabletop pieces.
For the holidays, Brown already has pulled together stag head serving sets and bowls, Candy Stripe & Checks lumbar pillows, and tartan check assorted dish towels.
“After COVID we all understand the importance of coming together,” Brown said. “To have a story laid out on your table I think is just so special.”
Startland News contributor Joyce Smith covered local restaurants and retail for nearly 40 years with The Kansas City Star. Click here to follower on X (formerly Twitter), here for Facebook, here for Instagram, and by following #joyceinkc on Threads.
2024 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Well Played, KC: How an overseas Chiefs game inspired designs that brought Lindsey Hall off the bench
Her apparel brand’s timeless style echoes Ralph Lauren’s aesthetic, with a KC twist Kansas City’s fashion scene has gained a new player in Well Played KC, a lifestyle brand blending classic Americana style with local pride. Founded by Lindsey Hall, the business is gaining momentum with versatile, throwback-that-doesn’t-feel-dated apparel that resonates with on-the-go Kansas Citians. …
This top maker got his start with a social push; but the real influencers behind the Craft E brand: his wife and family
Enrique Hernandez, the creative force behind Craft E. Embroidery, proved that dedication and creativity can transform a hobby into a thriving business — earning him the title of Made in KC’s top maker for 2024. “It hasn’t really settled in yet,” Hernandez said about winning the award in mid-December. “But it feels good.” ICYMI: Made…
Stand out and stand tall: Father of Tech N9ne, two of KC’s favorite chefs inspired their drive from his Kansas City hair salon
Hassan Khalifah only had to look to his elders for entrepreneurial inspiration, he said. They were a family of bakers, moonshiners, salvagers, restaurateurs, grocers, pool hall operators, and nickel-and-dime candy shop owners. After a short time working for the city, Hassan opened several small businesses before a three-decade career as a salon owner. Four of…
Malisa Monyakula wants to welcome you home for the holidays; she already has an igloo waiting
Adding pop-up holiday experiences at her popular Kansas City businesses is a way for Malisa Monyakula to bring back nostalgic memories of her childhood in Thailand, the restaurateur behind Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop said. “Christmas is everywhere in Thailand,” she said, noting the classic American holiday celebrations are vibrant despite the country’s predominantly Buddhist population.…