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ast year, the very night the Kansas City Royals made it to the World Series, KCproud was born. “It was always a dream of my wife pr oud. KC L Amy’s to have a small T-shirt company that also represents her love of her town,” Partner Chase Ashurst said. The business is actually owned by three sets of other small local business owners. • theRYEstudio, owned by Chase and Amy, is a photography company in Stilwell, KS, that's been in business for nearly 10 years. • Hill Cattle is a grass-fed cattle company in Louisburg, KS, owned by husband and wife Josh and Alicia Hill. • Sgroup is a post-production, production and motion graphics design company. Specifi- cally, the company creates content for Royals’ game-day entertainment. It’s owned by Ryan Stadlman and Stephanie Gazonas. The design for KCproud’s shirts is simple, yet bold. “It isn't something we wanted people to try and figure out,” Chase said. “We didn't want it to be ambiguous. It's as plain as the beaming pride that flows through this city!”
We know you already love Kansas City. Wear your pride on your sleeve ... er ... your chest with this local T-shirt designer.
The company wanted the shirts to repre- sent the "Everyman," from the mayor to the local farmer selling his crop at the City Mar- ket. It’s a fitting goal for a city such as this. “Kansas City welcomes all! People who visit love our positive attitude and our humble spirit,” Chase said. But for the humility the city is becoming known for, Kansas Citians are passionate about their town. “It shows at tailgating events, and all over the growing downtown scene,” Chase said. “That passion inspires more small businesses to believe in their dreams. This city allows their creative and innovative juices to flow.” And those creative folks are easy to find and always willing to help out. “The best part of KC is its size,” Chase said. “We are big enough to be on the big stage, yet small enough to have a family type atmosphere. You can make connections in this town so fast—it seems everyone is connected somehow. When we started, so many people had advice or knew someone who helped. Those connec- tions were lasting and furthered our business. In turn, our growing business has helped
others. We use an amazing local KC printing company called Bandwagon. Their hard work and customer service is unmatched.” Even KCproud’s models are local talent—or in the case of the guys, a KCPD officer, Inde- pendence firefighter, and a local artist. Pride sometimes comes with a negative connotation, but this team is all heart. “To be proud of something, as we are of our town, means you put your heart and soul into it and want it to thrive and be the best it can be,” Chase said. “That's what KCproud is about. It's what is felt by every small business that makes this city innovative, progressive and relevant in national conversation. We aren't the biggest, but we will always give our best. And do it with a smile.” And their advice for small business owners? “If you have a passion, let it grow,” Chase said. “Express yourself and don't hold back. Most of all, just go for it! This isn't about making money. We really are having a lot of fun with it. And oddly, when our focus is on the fun and the pas- sion behind it all, the success follows!”
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For more information, visit kcproud.org.
46 vintagekc summer 2015
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