Innovative LGBTQ Marketplace, one of the first of its kind, provides valuable resources in the heartland of America.
Checking off his list, Eliot Wiersgalla, founder and owner of Pansy, reflects on the process. “I won’t have everything I want right away. But being focused on getting the marketplace right first is the goal right now,” said Wiersgalla. Pansy is Kansas City’s first established LGBTQ marketplace. Having just been launched in January of 2020, Wiersgalla is throwing his company’s presence in cyberspace. “I’ve spent a lot of time establishing my social media presence. So people know they can come to us,” said Wiersgalla. Another early deciding factor for Pansy is the volume of consumers that Pansy would attract. I am dependent on just how busy the neighborhood Pansy will be. One neighborhood, Wiersgalla, is looking to rent a space in the Crossroads Arts District. “We have been currently working with the Crossroads Association on projects recently,” exclaimed Wiersgalla. First Fridays attract many artists year-round. Kansas City doesn’t have an established LGBTQ marketplace that could cater to such events in the metro. Potentially, Pansy’s Crossroads location could help contribute to the burgeoning Kansas City arts scene. Wiersgalla wants to represent his own business that will provide a platform for underserved artists in the community over time.
They are providing a unique marketplace.
“I want a place that will have something that no other place would offer,” said Wiersgalla.
The right location. The right people are involved.
“If we do end up in the Crossroads Arts District, we will end up doing a whole ‘First Fridays’ event. Currently, our artwork is housed in the old Bauer building. So we are familiar with First Fridays,” said Wiersgalla. One such Kansas City artist who has frequented First Fridays over the years is Stephanie Bloss. The current merchandise on the freshly launched website highlights Kansas is City natives’ artistic talents earlier this month.
Kansas City artist, with local flavors.
“The first featured collaboration is from Kansas City artist, muralist, and designer Stephanie Bloss. That collection is available now online for a limited time,” said Wiersgalla in a press release.
The Shop. The Studios.
“The shop will be a for-profit business,” said Wiersgalla. However, the LGBT community will be able to produce artisan crafts. Handmade goods that will help benefit and illustrate the incredible artistic talents of Kansas City’s LGBT community. “The community center and art studio will be nonprofit 501c,” said Wiersgalla.
You are purchasing LGBT artisan goods.
“It’s really about supporting people who haven’t been supported in the past,” said Wiersgalla. Wiersgalla believes a part of the artisan community hasn’t been given its platform to produce its products. “I just think there is a plethora of creators and makers out there who aren’t getting the same sort of exposure as some that have already been established,” said Wiersgalla. The foundation is being laid for Pansy’s future. But, Wiersgalla has kept his cards close to his vest. “I want to focus on purchasing as much inventory as I can for these wholesale artists so that they can get the money so they can continue to keep making,” said Wiersgalla.
Most importantly, Wiersgalla wants to push forward and bring more positivity to the Kansas City startup community. He plans on doing that through education.
“The lectures are for anyone who wants to come in, and positive lecture messages or educational events are welcome,” said Wiersgalla.
They are providing a platform for artisans to speak from.
Pansy, a unique voice that has joined the burgeoning Kansas City startup community.
Eliot Wiersgalla, Pansy Founder.
