Made in KC crowns first-ever ‘Maker of the Year’ (plus the local-first retailer’s best new product)

Kansas City’s thriving maker community received a festive boost this holiday season as Made in KC unveiled its first-ever Made in KC Awards — a celebration of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. 

Made in KC’s Best New Product: Handcrafted, framed paper illustrations of Kansas City’s iconic shuttlecocks by Andrea Cira, ACira Studio; courtesy photo

The awards highlight more than a dozen standout makers and innovative products, with two big  winners — KC New Maker of the Year and Best New Product — crowned as part of the company’s mission to inspire local talent.

“This is our 10th holiday season, and as we approach 10 years as a company next spring, we wanted to use our platform to acknowledge and encourage both new makers and established ones creating fresh, exciting products,” said Keith Bradley, co-owner of Made in KC. 

“We’ve seen so many makers come and go,’ and it’s tough out there,” he added. “This is about encouraging the artist and maker world to keep creating.”

Nominees were selected using sales data, creativity, and team feedback, Bradley said. Made in KC’s buying team identified standout products, then more than 150 team members, from sales associates to delivery drivers, voted on their favorites.

Seeing the response from makers has been rewarding, said Bradley.

“The (nominees’) gratitude was incredible,” he said. “Then, when we notified the winners, it was so fun to see their excitement. Our hope is this recognition spurs them to keep going and inspires others to follow their passion.”

Enrique Hernandez, Craft E. Embroidery, Made in KC’s New Maker of the Year; photo by Blake Hamilton, Made in KC

KC New Maker of the Year

Enrique Hernandez was named Made in KC’s New Maker of the Year for Craft E. Embroidery. His embroidered crewnecks took Made in KC by storm this fall and have been a top seller since.

Bradley emphasized the importance of trends, paired with authenticity in helping makers stand out. 

“Our top maker capitalized on the resurgence in vintage embroidery but did it in a way that felt true to both Kansas City and his business. It’s about balancing what’s trending with making it your own,” he said.

Second place KC New Maker of the Year was awarded to Hart & Lux, selling bracelets, hats, ornaments, and wrapping paper. Absorb Lumen, won third place, creating KC themed extra absorbent towels, dish cloths, and more.

Other finalists of top maker: Lunar Base, Shea Lettering, Squints Apparel, Stellar Gifts & Goods

Best New Product

ACira Studio’s framed paper illustrations – handcrafted by Andrea Cira – were named the top new product by Made In KC.

Andrea Cira, ACira Studio; courtesy photo

“It feels amazing,” she said of the award. “I created this series with the goal of offering affordable and unique art for Kansas City residents. Each buyer gets a one-of-a-kind piece that includes a mini certificate of authenticity, making it even more special.”

“None of the pieces are identical; each one was crafted with love and dedication,” she continued. “I can vividly remember creating every single piece, and it brings me so much joy when someone purchases one, knowing they see it as a special item.”

From the archives: Heart by hand: Paper illustrator crafts intricate designs with an evocative pop of culture

Cira currently has two products available at Made In KC, mini paper shuttlecocks and mini paper Western Auto buildings and she’s already feeling the impact.

A framed paper illustration of the iconic Western Auto building by Andrea Cira, ACira Studio; courtesy photo

Framed paper illustrations of the Western Auto building by Andrea Cira, ACira Studio; courtesy photo

“This is the first batch of products I’ve had at Made In KC, and the income from these sales will allow me to afford a larger studio space outside of my apartment and cover the rent for a year,” she explained.

Second place was awarded to Carly Rae Kansas City Crew Socks, socks for game days or everyday wear, with kid’s options to match. Third place went to KC Labyrinth KC Heart Puzzle Cube, a puzzle cube created in collaboration with Charlie Hustle featuring the KC Heart in different colors. 

Other finalists of Best New Product were: Squints Apparel Mr. Swift Tee, Mission Driven Heart Hands Sweatshirt, Viral sensation EB & Co Taylor’s Ring, and Sara Cramer Friendship Bracelet Kits.

 

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Cultivating local talent

Tyler Enders, Keith Bradley and Thomas McIntyre, Made in KC owners; photo by Natalea Bonjour

While this year marks the awards’ debut, Made in KC plans to make it a yearly tradition. Applications for vendors will remain open year-round.

For entrepreneurs looking to be part of the program, Bradley offered simple yet impactful advice: “Be open to feedback. Ask customers and peers what they think of your designs and learn from it. Also, pay attention to trends, but make them unique to you and your market.”

As the local creative scene continues to grow, Bradley is confident that programs like this will help cultivate even more talent, he said.

“This is about inspiring the next generation of makers and ensuring Kansas City’s creative heartbeat keeps going strong for another 10 years — and beyond.”