Tag: Matt Bramlette

Mid Coast Modern closing Westport shop, relocating Bear Soap brand to west coast

By Tommy Felts / May 28, 2024

After nearly a decade as a local retail staple, Mid Coast Modern is closing, founder Matt Bramlette confirmed. The Westport Road gift shop — which opened in 2015 and supports makers/artists and indie businesses — is expected to shut its doors at the end of the month.  Sales have declined since the pandemic — especially…

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Shop Small: 5 gifts for someone who needs a little self-care — even if that’s you (KC Gift Guide)

By Tommy Felts / November 22, 2022

Editor’s note: This feature is the second 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. Christmas Eve was always a childhood favorite for Matt Bramlette. The Bear Soap Company and Mid Coast Modern…

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Toilet Bombs by Bear Soap Co., Soap Bar in Westport

Toilet bombs dropped less than two weeks ago; retailers can’t seem to keep them on the shelves

By Tommy Felts / December 4, 2021

Bear Soap Co.’s latest bestseller might have begun as an accident, but the bath bombs for toilet bowls are making a splash as shoppers discover a cheeky new stocking stuffer that fizzes beyond the holiday season, said Matt Bramlette. “The toilet bombs can be a fun novelty gift; or they can be something that people…

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Shop small: Five gifts you didn’t know you needed at the just-opened Made in KC Lenexa

By Tommy Felts / November 23, 2021

Editor’s note: Startland News explored Made in KC’s new marketplace at Lenexa City Center in Johnson County as part of the newsroom’s five-part holiday gift guide that highlights locally owned shops and the makers within them. The items identified here were curated by Kendall Kloster, manager at Made in KC Lenexa, and Startland News. Featured…

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Mid Coast Modern illustration by Elyssa Bezner

Shop small: Five buys at Westport’s Mid Coast Modern to help support KC makers

By Tommy Felts / November 23, 2020

Editor’s note: Startland News explored Mid Coast Modern’s Westport storefront as part of the newsroom’s five-part holiday gift guide that identifies locally made goods and supports the call to shop small. Click here to read the multi-day gift guide as it develops. Westport streets aren’t filled with as much cheer in 2020, Matt Bramlette said, entering…

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