TRENDSETTING. INNOVATING. SHATTERING CEILINGS AND RESHAPING INDUSTRIES
Across Kansas City, women entrepreneurs are building companies, creating jobs, revitalizing neighborhoods, and redefining what leadership looks like in our community. As a majority women-owned and women-run publication, IN Kansas City takes particular pride in recognizing and amplifying the voices of the women who are driving our local economy forward
The impact of women in business is not just inspiring—it’s measurable. For the past two decades, women-owned businesses have been the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. economy. Every day, more than 1,800 women launch new ventures nationwide, contributing innovation, resilience, and fresh perspectives across every industry imaginable. Here at home, those national trends translate into thriving boutiques, creative studios, professional firms, restaurants, nonprofits, and startups that strengthen the
REGAN ROMERO DESIGN
Impactful Design, Expertly Crafted
At the intersection of creativity and clarity stands Regan Romero, founder and principal designer of Regan Romero Design, a women-owned interior design firm known for its bold yet intentional aesthetic and client centered approach. With an eye for detail, Regan has transformed residential spaces around the Midwest, ranging from thoughtful room makeovers to full scale remodels and new construction projects.
Regan’s journey into design is rooted in more than just aesthetics; it’s built on a passion for elevating the everyday and a deep commitment to collaboration. Her work is characterized by clear communication, thoughtful planning, and a belief that good design should feel both personal and timeless. Whether she’s guiding clients through finishes, furnishings or architectural layouts, Regan champions a process that welcomes clients into every step of the creative journey.
Beyond her craft, Regan advocates for women in design and construction industries—where female leadership is still emerging. Inspired by the strong women she worked with early in her career, she actively fostered opportunities for women in the field by sharing her
fabric of our city.
March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the trailblazers who opened doors and the leaders who continue to widen them. In this special advertising section, we are proud to spotlight Kansas City women business owners who are not only succeeding in their fields but also mentoring others, reinvesting in their neighborhoods, and building legacies that will endure for generations.
When we choose to support women-owned businesses, we do more than make a purchase. We champion equity. We fuel local economic growth. We help cultivate gender parity and create opportunities for future leaders. Most importantly, we invest in a stronger, more vibrant Kansas City—one shaped by the vision, determination, and talent of the women who call it home.
We invite you to meet them, support them, and celebrate them.
Owner: Regan Romero In Business Since: 2022 reganromerodesign.com •773.682.5974
8119 Robinson Street, Overland Park, KS
Live Well // Dress Well
Founded in 2020 by Joni Johnson, Clairvaux is a specialty women’s fashion boutique focused on emerging and heritage designers that reflect Johnson’s signature blend of Parisian chic and California cool.
Driven by a vision to help women look and feel their best, Clairvaux offers an unhurried, inviting environment featuring thoughtfully curated ready-to-wear, shoes, handbags, and accessories. Clients are supported by a dedicated, knowledgeable team prepared for everything from personal styling sessions to full closet reviews and edits.
Johnson travels the world attending markets in New York, Los Angeles, Copenhagen, and Paris to bring exceptional designers to Kansas City. “I love curating collections that inspire,” she says. “When
Owners: Joni Johnson
In Business Since: 2020
shopclairvaux.com
•913-499-6660
Fairway: 2710 W 53rd Street, Fairway, KS 66205
Hawthorne Plaza:11934 Roe Avenue, Overland Park, KS 66209
you come into Clairvaux, you can always expect to discover emerging talent and best-in-class pieces across a variety of price points. No matter your age or budget, you’ll find something you love.”
Clairvaux currently serves the Kansas City metro from its Fairway and Overland Park locations—and they’re excited to share that the Fairway store will be relocating to Prairie Village in Spring 2026. Clairvaux’s new home will be just steps from Café Provence, and they’re looking forward to welcoming you into this beautiful new space. ShopClairvaux.com carefully packs and ships designer styles nationwide. They invite you to join them in discovering your personal style and living their mission to Live Well // Dress Well.
CLAIRVAUX
Founder: Melanie Bolin and Lina Dickinson Year Founded: 2013
The Corner Candleshop Thrives Under Female Leadership
Lori Block has owned The Corner Candleshop, a staple in Brookside boutique storefronts, for 23 years. After migrating from St. Louis to Kansas City to attend Rockhurst University, Lori eventually opened her shop in 2003.
Though she originally began a career in elementary education, Lori has always felt called by an entrepreneurial spirit and a strong independent streak. “I was always that kid selling items to the neighbors in my driveway,” Block recalls.
The shop specializes in fragranced, hand-poured container candles and votives. Their wax is USA sourced, a combination of coconut and veggie wax, and boasts over 175 different scents. With clever names like Serenity Now, Tomato Vine, and City of Fountains, the shop also features vintage treasures, custom pouring, and wholesale orders.
Crafted for the Journey. Anchored in Friendship.
The MERSEA story began on a Kansas City playground, with swings and schoolyard mayhem in the backdrop when founders Lina Dickinson and Melanie Bolin first met. After years of friendship as West Coast transplants and a shared desire to create something outside of motherhood, they launched MERSEA in 2013—proving it’s never too late to start a good thing. Since its inception, the duo has guided the brand’s evolution from nostalgic coastal scents to an apparel and lifestyle brand all with the spirit of a sailor ready for adventure.
MERSEA is more than just a business–it’s a journey of making friends all over the world with stories to tell. Lina and Melanie personally visit the factories in their supply chain to ensure safe, sustainable practices, forming a trust so deep they’ve even sent their children to intern at these global facilities. This network of makers has become an extended family—from Moroccan weavers and Paraguayan denim experts to artisans in dyeing and applique in Turkey, to name a few.
As a WBENC-certified women-owned business, Melanie and Lina continue to create a brand that champions adventure, integrity, and artisanship, crafted entirely with your journey in mind.
Owner: Lori Block In Business Since: 2003
MERSEA
Leading and Growing a Championship Restaurant
As cofounder, CEO, Kelly Magee is the driving force and heart behind Q39. She has more than three decades of experience in developing, and building businesses and strong, inclusive teams. Kelly was instrumental in developing and launching Q39 with her husband and barbecue champion, Rob Magee. With the belief that great restaurants are powered by great people, she’s led Q39 to become the most reviewed and highest rated restaurant in all of Kansas City
Q39 was founded in 2014, but it was envisioned long before by her husband, Rob Magee, a Culinary Institute of America trained chef. When Rob moved to Kansas City, he became passionate about barbeque, competing nationwide over ten years. He led his team, Munchin Hogs, to achieve top honors to become true champions of barbecue.
Rob’s innovative approach to a barbeque restaurant included brisket sliced fresh to order, a full-service dining room and bar, and an open, scratch kitchen with no microwaves for an Always Pit to Plate experience.
CEO and Co-Founder: Kelly Magee
In Business Since: 2014
The Legacy Continues: When Chef Rob passed away from cancer in 2021, Kelly decided to carry on his legacy with the same standards of excellence. Her dedication to competition quality barbecue, chef-driven menus and elevated hospitality earned her recognition as 2024 Restaurateur of the Year from the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association, a Kansas City Barbecue Society Ambassador Award, and a Kansas City Women of Influence honoree.
Kelly continues to lead the Q39 brand, growing in 2026 from two locations to four locations. She’s built a collaborative leadership team and together they are extending Q39’s impact far beyond the walls of the restaurant. Q39 is poised to be the top world-class BBQ and national destination.
Kelly is deeply committed to giving back to local communities, forging meaningful partnerships, and using the brand as a platform to create positive impact. One plate, guest, and restaurant at a time.
q39kc.com •Midtown: 1000 West 39th Street, Kansas City, MO •816-255-3753
Overland Park: 11051 Antioch Road, Overland Park, KS •913-951-4500
Lawrence: 1639 New Hampshire, Lawrence, KS •785-330-5830
Owners: Kristen Christian & Lisa Foley In Business Since: 2015
beeorganized.com •913-735-6409 4350 W 107th Street, Overland Park, KS
BOOTLEG BOURBON BALLS
Made with Love in Kansas City
Tucked away in Riverside, Bootleg Bourbon Balls is The Sweetest Little Chocolate Speakeasy in Town . With a playful nod to Kansas City’s Prohibition-era reputation, owner and founder Lisa Fitch invites guests to indulge in handcrafted, bourbon-infused confections that are as daring as they are decadent. Each small-batch, hand-rolled creation pairs fine couverture chocolate with local and regional distilled spirits, delivering a perfectly balanced flavor that lingers long after the last taste. Each bourbon ball is cleverly named after Prohibition-era slang, giving every piece a backstory as rich as its flavor.
As a woman-owned and women-run business, Lisa built Bootleg Bourbon Balls on grit, creativity, and a passion for doing things differently. These aren’t just chocolates—they’re conversation starters, celebration centerpieces, and unforgettable moments. In a city that values heart and hustle, she proudly raises a glass—and a bourbon ball—to innovation, community, and sweet rebellion.
BEE ORGANIZED
Organizing Solutions Designed for Real Life, Every Season, and Every Home and Business
Best friends since junior high, Kristen Christian and Lisa Foley turned their shared passion for organizing into Bee Organized in 2015 with one simple goal: help people move from chaos to calm. Built on friendship, trust, and a love for creating functional, simplified spaces, their small business quickly began transforming homes, businesses, and lives. What started as a local idea soon grew beyond anything they imagined. Today, Bee Organized is a nationally recognized franchise with more than 40 Hives across the United States, all rooted in the same people-first approach. Headquartered in Kansas City, Bee Organized offers professional organizing, moving and life transition support, and customized systems designed to bring clarity, peace of mind, and lasting simplicity to homes and businesses.
Owner: Lisa Fitch In Business Since: 2017
Owner: Cindy Barnhill
In Business Since: 2002 peartreedesignantiques.com•816-333-2100 303 E. 55th Street, Kansas City, MO Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm
How One Woman Led the Rise of a Midwest Fashion Powerhouse
Teisha Barber has been shaping the Midwest fashion landscape since helping create Kansas City Fashion Week in 2010. After more than a decade of guiding its growth, she purchased the company in May 2023, solidifying her vision for a professionally produced, designer-focused fashion platform in Kansas City and beyond.
Her mission is centered on elevating emerging and established talent, strengthening creative industries, and championing fashion as both an art form and an economic driver. That mission expanded in June 2025 with her acquisition of St. Louis Fashion Week, creating new opportunities for designers across the region and further uniting the Midwest fashion community.
Now celebrating its 28th season, KCFW S/S 2026 runs March 20–28. Tickets available at kcfashionweek.com
A Taste of European Charm
Located in the historic Crestwood Shops, Pear Tree Design & Antiques has been a destination for French and English antiques for many years. Owner Cindy Barnhill has a passion and an eye for antiquities for the home and garden along with a lovely selection of gift lines, many from abroad as well.
The shop is brimming with treasures that Barnhill discovers on her frequent buying trips to Europe and England where she unearths pieces that find their way to Kansas City’s homes and gardens. Along with her team, she provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere in the shop with excellent customer service, a strong on-line presence, and shipping that’s never an issue. Follow Cindy’s travels on Instagram @ peartreeantiqueskc!
Whether you are drawn to traditional or contemporary design, Pear Tree has that touch of European charm that will be the pièce de résistance in your home and garden.
KANSAS CITY FASHION WEEK kcfashionweek.com
Owner: Teisha Barber
In Business Since: 2010
Owner: Jen Macias-Wetzel
In Business Since: 2018
InspiredClosetsKC.com•913-730-3000
13745 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, KS
INTERNATIONAL
MATERIALS OF DESIGN
A Global Collection, a Local Legacy
International Materials of Design is a locally owned tile showroom spanning five decades specializing in luxury, designer, and custom tile sourced from around the world. From heritage European manufacturers to skilled American artisans, every collection is carefully curated for quality, craftsmanship, and enduring style. They partner with homeowners, designers, architects, and builders to transform spaces with materials that feel intentional, timeless, and one of a kind. Their commitment is simple: bring the finest tile to the community and provide expertise that matches the quality of their products.
INSPIRED CLOSETS
Calm Your Chaos
As the owner of Inspired Closets Kansas City, Jen Macias-Wetzel thrives in transforming often-overlooked yet frequently used spaces into luxurious, functional areas that enhance everyday living.
Life gets messy—your home doesn’t have to. Whether you crave a closet overhaul, a garage transformation, or a multifunctional guest room/office with a space-saving Murphy bed, Inspired Closets delivers custom solutions tailored to your lifestyle and budget.
Tame chaos in entryways, laundry rooms, and pantries with smart, stylish organization designed for real life. Macias-Wetzel and her expert team blend premium materials and innovative layouts to turn cluttered spaces into serene, functional retreats.
Ready to reclaim your home? Schedule a free consultation today and let Inspired Closets bring order—and peace of mind—to every corner.
