Fund Me, KC: ULAH asks Kansas City to help save Westwood menswear store as pandemic debt looms

Startland News is continuing its long-running “Fund Me, KC” series to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses or lend a helping hand to others. This is an opportunity for business owners and innovators — like menswear retailers and trendsetters Joey Mendez and Buck Wimberly — to share their crowdfunding stories and potentially gain backing from new supporters.

The campaign is wholly led by the entrepreneur and not affiliated with or endorsed by Startland News.

Buck Wimberly and Joey Mendez at ULAH, 4707 Rainbow Blvd, Westwood; courtesy photo

Who are you?

We’re Joey Mendez and Buck Wimberly, life partners and co-owners of ULAH, a lifestyle boutique located in Westwood, Kansas. For nearly 9 years, we’ve curated apparel, gifts, and accessories, but more importantly, we’ve built a space where people feel seen, supported, and connected.

What does your campaign hope to accomplish?

We’re hoping to save ULAH from closure by giving our community the opportunity to help us rebuild and come back stronger. We’ve launched a GoFundMe as our last chance to stay open, recover from pandemic-related debt, and continue doing what we love, creating community through style, events, and storytelling.

Click here to watch a video announcement for the campaign on Instagram.

What’s your ‘why?’

ULAH has always been about more than just retail. It’s a space where we’ve hosted live concerts, Pride block parties, fundraisers, and pop-ups for local brands. We’ve loved supporting others over the years, and now we’re humbly asking for support in return. We believe Kansas City needs places like ULAH, spaces that reflect authenticity, creativity, and community.

How much do you hope to raise with the crowdfunding campaign?

Our goal is to raise $280,000.

How do you plan to use the funds?

The funds will help us:

1. Pay down vendor debt and restock our curated inventory
2. Cover essential operating expenses during recovery
3. Reinvest in marketing to reconnect with our community

Anything else our readers should know about ULAH or this effort?

We know it’s a lot to ask, and we don’t take it lightly. But we also know that if enough people chip in, even just $20, we can reach our goal. ULAH has always been about lifting others up. We’ve made mistakes, we’ve learned a lot, and now we’re ready to rebuild the right way. We just need a little help to get there.

Click here to explore ULAH.