March is Women’s History Month, and each March 8 is International Women’s Day, an occasion set aside globally to celebrate women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements.
To commemorate, we want to recognize the women-owned businesses in Overland Park that help to make us an inclusive, diverse, and vibrant community to visit. From boutiques to coffeehouses, ice cream shops, and restaurants, these must-visit spots are either owned or co-owned by women.
The Golden Scoop
Local sisters Amber Schreiber (president & CEO) and Lindsay Krumbholz (vice president) formed this nonprofit in 2020 to provide supervised workforce development training to young adults with developmental disabilities. The all-female managing staff also includes Kim Manford, social media director, and Susan Goldberg, program director of the Golden Scoop University training program.
The Golden Scoop‛s first shop opened in 2021 in Overland Park; a second is scheduled to open this year. You’ll find made-from-scratch premium ice cream, coffee drinks, and baked goods served by super scoopers—adults aged 18 and up with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, and other developmental disabilities. Every scoop of Charlie’s Chocolate, Lucy's 41 Dairy-Free Vanilla, or other rotating flavors can bring joy and purpose to all involved.
KC Bling Designz and Babes
Mother-and-daughter team Dana Hanley and Lilly Criarimboli run a collective boutique in southern Overland Park where they collaborate with local women makers. At KC Bling Designz and Babes you’ll find as many as a dozen local shops under one roof. Expect an ever-changing selection of clothing, custom denim creations, handmade jewelry, including upcycled rings and necklaces, high-quality tea and accessories, candles and other décor items, and permanent jewelry.
Clairvaux
Clairvaux has been empowering women to live well and dress well since 2020 when co-owner Joni Johnson drew on 16 years as a women’s buyer, retail director, and personal shopper to create a vision for her retail concept. She travels the world to curate from 100-plus emerging and heritage designers to create her fashion destination in Overland Park. Find a mix of Parisian chic with California laid back cool in the categories of ready to wear, shoes, handbags, gifts, and accessories.
Taco Naco
Fernanda Reyes embraced her Mexican culture while studying at the Instituto Culinario de Mexico and honing her skills at hotels and restaurants in her native Mexico. She met her future husband, Brian Goldman, in Mexico and eventually moved to Kansas City to be closer to him. Once married, they built a culinary concept around her skill and interest in tacos.
The duo launched as a catering business in 2019, then established a popular stall at the Overland Park Farmers’ Market in 2020 that evolved into the current Taco Naco brick-and-mortar restaurant on the outskirts of Downtown Overland Park. They sell chef-designed tacos, burritos, salsas, dips, margaritas, cocktails, and great seasonal specials.
Cardboard Corner Cafe
Madeline Davis was a regular customer at TableTop Game and Hobby. Then, she joined the staff in 2018 and was asked in 2020 to open the adjacent Cardboard Corner Cafe, giving newbies to veteran gamers a place to gather, game, and eat. As co-owner of the cafe (alongside her husband) and operator, you’ll likely find her slinging waffles—the menu is stacked high with a variety of sweet, savory, and even spicy waffle dishes, including gluten-free, low-carb, vegetarian, and vegan options.
You can also order drinks at the family-friendly spot, from coffee and tea to nerdy-themed cocktails, beer, and wine. There’s no cover charge for the use of hundreds of curated board games and tabletop role-playing games.
Summer Moon Coffee
Mother-daughter pair Shelly and Kiersten Graham fell in love with the smooth, distinct flavor of oak-roasted coffee (versus air-roasted beans) they tried while visiting a Texas-based coffeeshop. They decided to bring Summer Moon Coffee home to KC with them and opened in 2021 in Overland Park.
In addition to the exclusive roasting process, Summer Moon is known for its proprietary sweet cream. Called Moon Milk, the cream is crafted from a secret blend of seven ingredients, and customers can choose their level of sweetness. They also serve locally sourced pastries.
More Women-Owned Spots to Visit
We’re proud to spotlight just a few of the female-owned and co-owned small businesses in Overland Park. You’ll find more highlighted in our blog post on Black-owned companies or by getting out and exploring our city. Whether you’re in the mood to shop or eat, these enterprises are worth your support year-round.
