When strolling around art fairs, I always stop at the jewelry booths. There are so many different styles and types of metals—and usually a wide range of prices. Due to the pandemic–no Brookside/Westport or Plaza art fairs this year…However, last week I stopped by Sierra Winter Jewelry, a unique shop at 7017 Oak next to Eclectics to get my jewelry fix. This showroom has been open for several months now, but somehow I missed it!
Owner Sierra Otto had the urge to make jewelry early—she started back in high school. At KU, she studied metal smithing and jewelry design. She spent several years designing for Silpada (a now-defunct KC company) and finally went out on her own. She sells direct to consumer via her website and to wholesalers around the country. Earlier this year she opened this showroom and now operates the business just a few blocks from her Armour Hills home, where she lives with her husband and young daughter.
Sierra explained her designs are “globally inspired” and she releases a new collection two times a year that consist of about 15 pieces—her next one will debut in October. I asked Sierra about her best selling pieces, and she says the simple and classic “Eclipse” is very popular, along with the “Easy Rider” horseshoe ring and the “Mama” collection, featuring rings, necklaces and bracelets often given to new Moms as shower and new baby gifts. All of her pieces are sterling silver or 18K gold vermeil, and some feature precious stones such as turquoise, lapis and opal for a special focal point. In addition to jewelry, the shop also sells specialty bandanas, candles, incense, cards and nail polish for sale.
Business has been brisk, despite the pandemic and Sierra plans to host private events and trunk shows once we return to a more ‘normal’ lifestyle. In the meantime, stop by the store—or website. Sierra Winter Jewelry is open Wednesday through Friday from 10am-5pm, and noon-4 on Saturday at 7017 Oak St.
Beginning today, Aug 20, 2020 through Saturday–many shops and restaurants are offering special discounts, clearance items and some dining deals. Participating stores include COCO, LEOPOLD Gallery, LadyBye, Brookside Toy and Science, Brookside Party Warehouse, The Roasterie and Michael Forbes. Check 
Supporting our local merchants is more important than ever at this time…please considering checking out the annual Brookside Sidewalk Sale this weekend! Many shops will be offering special discounts and sales–some eateries as well–starting Thursday July 9 through Saturday July 11. A partial list of participants include 5B&Co Candlemakers, Tuesday Morning, Lady Bye, COCO Brookside and Charlie Hooper’s. 
Owner Spencer Woodard is a wholesaler by trade, owning Geo’s Foods. He’s been in the cheese business for fifteen years, was born and raise in Kansas City, and lives in Waldo. Spencer says he’s always wanted to open a gourmet cheese place in Kansas City, and after looking at a few other locations, decided on this spot at the corner of McGee and Gregory. “The word ‘cheese’ draws so many people” he explained. “ I always thought Kansas City needed a cheese shop. We love the neighborhood and being here, everyone is so supportive.”
As with just about every other locally owned Brookside/Waldo retail shop, there is an emphasis on personal service here. Chances are Spencer’s longtime friend Gary Seabaugh will greet you at the door and offer his assistance. If you call ahead, Geo’s will put together a special gift bag of cheeses, crackers, etc you can pick up ready to go. Or just stop in and browse—bring something special home for that last minute meal on a warm night!
So here’s how it works: bring in your jar, bucket, bottle, whatever (you can also purchase them at the store or take from the donated containers basket) and browse the shop, filling up on what you need: there are cleansers for your face/ body, laundry, and home. Weigh the contents on the scale and pay by the ounce—you can purchase as little as one ounce of product just to give it a trial run at home, or stock up large jugs to last several months. All soaps have no artificial scents and many are allergen free. There is also a “house brand” line of products that are mixed in Springfield. Annie and Adam also carry several essential oils if you do want to scent the soaps you buy. Both are very customer service oriented and will walk you through the options as to what would work best for your specific cleaning needs. This shop is perfect for your own personal shopping or to purchase special, unique scented gifts for friends and family. And of course, it’s very environmentally friendly!
Anne says ” We firmly believe that what we are doing is making a difference. We just want to be a utility for those who are already trying to make less impact on the planet. In less than two years our three shops together have kept over 30,000 containers out of the landfills, waterways, and even recycling centers.”
Inside Brookside (And Waldo) 