What It Means to be Kansas City MADE

I'm a Kansas City girl through and through. There isn't another city quite like my hometown. We're best known for our BBQ, fountains and dare I say crime rate. Yikes. But to me... KC is home and always will be. I'm sure you're wondering what it means to be Kansas City made and I'm eager to spill the tea.

I could go on and on about memories at Bannister Mall, staying up late to listen to the quiet storm on Hot 103 Jamz with my sisters and brother, splitting a Gates mixed plate in the middle of the night and so much more. But what it really means to be Kansas City MADE to me is to be humble at heart with big city dreams.

KC is full of humble hearts with dreams to move to either LA or NYC, but few actually have taken that jump and stayed gone. There’s something special about “the town,” but there is also something safe about it. I’d like to say that there weren’t days I longed for the hustler spirit that NYC brings or nights I wished for warm Cali temps, but I’d be lying.

That’s where travel comes in. You don’t have to leave Kansas City for good to get that big city experience. I’m sure in a few years, I’ll be packing up to follow my big city dreams, but there’s no doubt Kansas City will always be home.

I’ve learned to build, love and bloom here. Kansas City is for dreamers and subtle risks takers. To be Kansas City MADE means you don’t make excuses for your environment, rather you use that to fuel your passion. I have so many young, creative friends of color who are doing the dang thing right here in Kansas City. We’re slowly, but surely “putting the city on.” I take pride in knowing that my peeps are making moves in their own lanes. If you don’t start now with humble beginnings than you’ll never make it to those big city dreams.

The safety net of home should not be a red light to ambition. I say use home to kickstart your dream career and to build lifelong friendships. I’m proud to be Kansas City MADE. Major shoutout to MADE Urban Apparel for my crewneck.

The MADE brand is a true testament to humble beginnings growing into something magical. I’ve watched the brand grow from it’s 3 founding members to 10+ in something like 3 years. Each event they throw is always full of mad love, no matter how big or small. That’s what it means to be Kansas City MADE, to never lose touch with the inner circle as you gain klout.

Questions

1. What do you love about your hometown?
2. What’s your favorite part of Kansas City?

Home will always be home and I will always be Kansas City MADE, tried and true. Thank you so much for reading. Please do me a favor and share this post with your friends. Also, follow me on instagram and twitter @thejasminediane. You won't regret it. Peace.