Meet the People Making Kansas City Special:
The KC Originals series will help you discover the stories, passion, and people behind your favorite local spots across the Kansas City metro area.

Why Local Businesses Matter to Our Community
Hey there, Kansas City! We’re super excited to announce our brand-new blog series, “KC Originals: The Faces Behind Our Favorite Places.” This series highlights the amazing local businesses that make our city special and the hardworking people who run them.
Think about it – when was the last time you walked into your neighborhood coffee shop and wondered about the person who created that perfect latte art? Or maybe you’ve been curious about how that excellent boutique on the corner got started? Well, get ready, because we’re about to take you behind the scenes of Kansas City’s vibrant local business scene!
What You’ll Discover in the KC Originals Series
In this series, we’ll introduce you to local business owners from all across the Kansas City metro area. You’ll meet real people with real stories, including:
- Restaurant owners and chefs creating amazing food in our neighborhoods
- Artists and makers crafting unique products right here in KC
- Family businesses that have served our community for years
- Entrepreneurs who took risks to build something special
- Shop owners who turned their passions into successful local stores
Each post will dive into their personal journeys – the ups, the downs, and everything in between. You’ll learn how they got started, what keeps them going, and why they choose to do business right here in KC.
Get to Know Your Neighborhood Heroes
Every business has a story, and these stories connect all of us in Kansas City. When you shop at local businesses, you’re not just buying products or services – you’re supporting real people who live right here in our community with real dreams.
The friendly face behind the counter at your favorite bakery might be saving up to send a kid to college. The person who cuts your hair might have overcome considerable obstacles to open their salon. These stories make our city special; we can’t wait to share them with you!
Shopping KC Originals Is More Than Just Business – It’s Personal
What makes the “KC Originals” series different is our focus on the people, not just the products. Sure, we’ll tell you about that famous BBQ sauce or those handcrafted jewelry pieces, but we’ll also tell you about:
- The moment they decided to take the leap and start their business
- How they picked their location and what they love about their neighborhood
- The biggest challenges they’ve faced and how they overcame them
- Their favorite customer stories and memories
- What makes their business unique compared to big national chains
- Their hopes and dreams for the future of their business
Why Supporting Local Matters Now More Than Ever
When you shop at local businesses, your money stays right here in Kansas City. Local business owners are more likely to:
- Hire local employees
- Use other local businesses as suppliers
- Support community events and charities
- Create unique products you can’t find anywhere else
- Provide personalized service that big chains can’t match
In an article in FORBES magazine, they quote multiple studies that show that shopping locally helps keep more of your money in the local economy. This creates a ripple effect and benefits the whole community. Plus, local businesses give our neighborhoods character and make Kansas City truly one-of-a-kind!

Join Us on This Journey Across KC
Every week, we’ll introduce you to another amazing KC Original. We’ll travel to different neighborhoods throughout the metro area – from downtown to the suburbs, from the Kansas side to the Missouri side, and everywhere in between.
We hope these stories will inspire you to explore new areas of our city and discover hidden gems you might have missed. You might even find your new favorite restaurant, boutique, repair shop, or service provider!
So subscribe to the newsletter, follow us on social media, and get ready to meet the incredible people who make Kansas City a fantastic place to live, work, and play. The first KC Original will be featured next Monday – you won’t want to miss it!
If you have a favorite business that you’d love to see featured in this series, click the button below to nominate them! And YES, it’s perfectly fine to nominate your own business!
What local business are you most curious about? Let us know in the comments below!