KC Black Owned Keychains
KC Black Owned is back for an interview about their latest offering– keychains that support Black owned businesses in KC!
Throughout the business-building process, Black business owners face economic, market, sociocultural, and institutional barriers, which are all linked to racial discrimination in the United States. A recent study by Harvard (2023) asserts that Black entrepreneurs are less likely than their white peers to have exposure and access to lucrative business opportunities. Consumers and Entrepreneurs have the opportunity to come together and alter this narrative, through the resources and support provided by KC Black Owned.
Congratulations on going full time with KC Black Owned-- you've accomplished so much since you first launched in 2020. What are you most proud of?
I am so proud of the GROWTH! All around growth within myself, the type of businesses I've helped and the trajectory of where we are to go! I promise that in 2020, I had no idea that we would be where we are at this moment. I am truly grateful and blessed to do this work--very hard work everyday, unlocking the potential in Black entrepreneurs.
When did you come up with the idea for the KCBO keychain?
I came up with the idea in February while dealing with an overwhelming response from business owners who mentioned that they had noticed a delay in traffic in stores. I had already been thinking of ways that I could impact brick and mortar businesses as they face the ebbs and flows of the economy. I also wanted to ensure that I was challenging consumers to try a variety of businesses outside of their usuals.
Who are some of the first businesses that signed up to participate?
Ruby Jeans Juicery, Tirza Design, Deep Rooted Clothing, Vegan Crave Burgers and Bakery (Iron District), Brown Suga Bakes KC (Olathe), B Royal Boutique, Matties Foods, just to name a few. There was no hesitation, once I gave the information and let them know it was a free program to be a part of, they jumped!
What do you want your audience to know about the keychain?
I want the audience to know that KC Black Owned is still here helping consumers create a lifestyle change that includes the ability to shop Black Owned. This Kick Starter Program enables consumers to be a catalyst that enhances the visibility and awareness of our brick and mortar spaces. This program allows consumers to get rewarded as well; business owners choose 10,15, or 20% off, it's a win-win for everyone involved.
How do you think this program will help businesses reach customers?
This program will enable business and old/new consumers to create/sustain their relationship. This idea was a spinoff of the entertainment books that we grew up with with paper coupons inside, more modern now– this approach involves a keychain with our kick starter logo to increase visibility and awareness of businesses, which is our overall mission!
Be sure you’re following along with @kcblackowned for all the latest on how to support your local Black-owned businesses! You can find the most up to date list of locations participating in the keychain program below:
https://www.kcblackowned.org/kick-start-participating-locations
