Profile: The Dear Collective
The Dear Collective is shining light on small batch female makers and designers.
Photo courtesy of the The Dear Collective
From the ladies behind Dear Society comes The Dear Collective– this gorgeous space in Midtown is thoughtfully curated with female artists, makers, collectors and entrepreneurs. We had the chance to sit down with founders Maria and Chanel to learn more about their newest concept.
Maria and Chanel - congratulations on the recent opening, especially during such a difficult time! What was the inspiration behind The Dear Collective?
Maria: Thank you so much! Through the years that we’ve owned Dear Society, we have met so many incredible female business owners and we wanted to think of a way we could highlight women in our city (and beyond) who are making exceptional things and curating awesome collections. Building a collective shop idea seemed like a beautiful way to make this happen. The idea is that all of these businesses can be found in one place, with their products woven together in a way that enhances each business. We hope that bringing them together in this way helps them all to grow. Dear Society came from Chanel and I merging our businesses together, and I know we are both so grateful to the people that helped us and gave us chances along our journey— and we hope we can do the same for these business owners.
Chanel: Since the beginning of Dear Society, Maria and I have always focused on shining light on small batch female makers and designers. The Dear Collective is another platform we can give to our sisters who are creating, designing and curating pieces we love!
What makes The Dear Collective different from its sister concept, Dear Society?
Maria: The collective combines a more broad range of styles together, adding some more color and fun to the mix. But because we put a lot of time into the merchandising, it still feels very cohesive. There is also a bigger selection of home goods at the Dear Collective because we have a few phenomenal vintage home goods vendors as well as a ceramicist.
Chanel: At Dear Collective, we curated the designers and vendors and they get to choose what items they want to bring in. Dear Society is very much my and Maria's vision, but the Dear Collective is a vision of over 15 females coming together.
Photo by Abi White
We love that Dear Collective is so thoughtfully curated and features a variety of female designers, artists and entrepreneurs. How do you go about selecting vendors? Are there certain vendors you're looking for?
Maria: We chose our vendors very carefully based on our love for what they are curating or making and also how well they would fit together. We chose women that are passionate about their hustle. Though we are nearly running out of room, we are always looking for new vendor submissions and are excited to see how the shop evolves over time.
What has been the most challenging part about owning your own business? How have you navigated during the pandemic?
Chanel: I think the most challenging part about owning your own small business is how much work you constantly have to keep up with. Most days it feels like I have 100 things on my To-Do list, but when you have an excellent team and love what you are doing, it's all worth it!
During the thick of the pandemic, Maria and I knew we had to hustle extra hard to keep money coming in. We really focused on keeping the online shop looking fresh and new for customers and making sure we were creating new content each week. We knew everyone was at home on their phones or computers so if we could get on their screens, we wanted to make sure it was inspiring and enticing!
Photo courtesy of The Dear Collective
What advice would you give those looking to start their own business?
Maria: I know it may sound trite but I would say one of the most important things is believing in your vision. There will be rough days when you doubt yourself but if you are able to keep believing that your idea is excellent and will make the world better, that confidence will take you far. Surround yourself with likeminded people who will push you towards your goals and speak truth to you when you have doubts.
Chanel: Start it because you love it and believe in it, not because you’re looking to make money. When you enjoy working on it all day long and can't wait to get to it again in the morning, you'll know that's what you are supposed to be doing. Everything will align for you when you are working on your passion. Keep believing in it. People feel authenticity and want to get behind it.
What local businesses can you currently find at Dear Collective?
Ballad Vintage (vintage clothing)
Shop Kiku (vintage clothing & handmade goods)
Shop C (sustainable clothing)
Picked by Lily (vintage clothing)
Market Collective (vintage clothing)
Maud Essentials (vintage clothing & home mid century home goods)
Laid Bare (Clean skin care)
Fern and Willow (sustainable lifestyle wares)
Ripe for the picking (vintage clothing)
Reishi and Rosewater (Natural tinctures, teas and skin care)
Cava Cats (handmade pottery)
Second story view (vintage home goods)
Astra Julerie (handmade jewelry)
Paulina Otero (handmade accessories and textile art)
Mack Becks (handmade jewelry)
Woodwose & Me (vintage clothing)
Photo courtesy of The Dear Collective
As Kansas City business owners, what are some of your other favorite local businesses to support?
Maria: I love Westport Cafe & Bar, Kanso, Verdant, Etiquette, Monarch Coffee, and Bella Patina.
Chanel: There are so many wonderful small businesses in Kansas City, too many to count. But some of my favorites are Monarch Coffee, Ruby Jeans Juicery, Goathill, all the shops and businesses on our 18th St. block, Etiquette (thoughtful beauty), Hand & Land, Billie's Grocery, Cellar Rat, Cottage Rose, Duet and so many more!
