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.
[divide]
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.
[divide]
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.
[divide]
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.
[divide]
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’
[divide]
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
Video: KC women in tech talk challenges, engagement
While Kansas City ranks as a top locale for ladies in technology, there’s still work to be done to create more gender diversity in the industry. This video — created in collaboration with Kansas City Public Television and videographer Brad Austin — explores some of the challenges that women face in a male-dominated field and how to engage more women…
3 local businessmen named EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year
Three Kansas City area businesspeople recently snagged one of the most prestigious awards for entrepreneurs. EY announced Monday the winners of the Entrepreneur of the Year 2015 for the central Midwest, which included three businessmen from the Kansas City metro area. Those receiving the commendation included: Jody Brazil, CEO of FireMon; Matthew Perry, President of…
Women flex their tech muscles at KC conference
Framed by a LEGO guitar and robotic vehicle, Rheanne Walton and Emma Howard anxiously review notes at their podium as dozens of technology experts await their pitch. The middle-school students are visiting the Kansas City Developers Conference to share the story of their all-girl robotics team, MindSTEM, and how it competes in the FIRST LEGO…
New lab hopes to boost digital inclusion in Kansas City
A new computer lab in Northeast Kansas City hopes to serve as a tech oasis in a digital desert among low-income households. Google donated and opened the new lab Monday in Chouteau Court, furthering the company’s mission to help bridge the area’s digital divide through education about computers and Internet use. Rachel Hack Merlo, Google…