Mark Launiu
Three months’ rent in 24 hours: How Chiefs’ Super Bowl run already MADE one brand’s 2020
Super Bowl Sunday was a holy time for members of the MADE MOBB, but it was hardly a day of rest for the team behind Kansas City’s most iconic streetwear brand. After prepping the custom T-shirt press in the back of MADE’s Crossroads storefront late Saturday — in hopes of a new, limited drop celebrating…
Chiefs’ Super Bowl run ‘like Christmas’ (and Royals’ big win) all over again for KC apparel startups
The Chiefs heading to the Super Bowl isn’t just a good look for the team — it’s a win for small business owners as excited Kansas Citians buy local to keep the party going, said Mark Launiu. “I was really stoked for the city obviously, but I just texted my friends like, ‘Man, if you…
Photos: Culture pops as Kritiq puts KC’s fashion family on the runway
The evolution of the Kritiq fashion show — from a one-night event to a full weekend showcasing up-and-coming artists and fashion designers in streetwear and high fashion — was an intentional effort to reflect Kansas City’s booming creative landscape, said Mark Launiu. “The culture [of Kansas City] is changing and we have to be a…
Play It Forward reunites South Kansas City-inspired brands, startup leaders
A bright and sunny pre-autumn day silhouetted the shadows of basketball fans lining up last weekend to enter Smith-Hale Middle School. As the smells from a food truck and sounds of laughter filled the parking lot, players inside readied themselves for a South Kansas City showcase. “We wanted to involve many entities that are directly…
Startup synergy: Native Hemp Co opening retail store in former downtown MADE flagship store
A grand adventure awaits Kansas City-baked Native Hemp Co., as the cannabis company reaches new heights and sets up shop with its first retail location. “I have a family all across the world now and it’s been so much fun,” Rich Dunfield, founder of Native Hemp Co., said of the company’s trajectory and success ahead…
