Waldo is welcoming yet another new, locally women owned shop just east of McLain’s Bakery!   It’s exciting to report small businesses are thriving in our neighborhood!  Read on to find out more about Ampersand Design Studio at 211 E Gregory. There are so many attractive and colorful items here for sale; you will see why the owners describe the shop “where color and pattern come to play”.

Owners Morgan Georgie and Carrie Kiefer met in design school at KU.  Both got jobs with Hallmark, in the creative department for gift wrap, photo albums and party goods.  After leaving the company, Morgan and Carrie started Ampersand, initially designing invitations and wall art and selling via their own website and Etsy.  Eventually they sold their colorful art and prints to Crate and Barrel, West Elm, Minted and other national companies.  They decided to open a storefront, and picked the Waldo location.  “We really love the close knit neighborhood here, the constant flow of foot traffic and everyone has been so warm and accepting” says Morgan.  They opened this space in April and business has been steady.  Future plans include special classes and workshops plus pop up events.

So what can you find in Ampersand?  There are useful and practical items like all cotton blankets, napkins, glassware, planters, KC branded tee shirts, some kids’ items and greeting cards, all featuring eye catching designs and bright colors.  Here, you’ll find just the right special and unique gift:  a decorative serving tray, pillows, hand towels, wall art, —or pick up a new pair of fun earrings!  In the back of the store is where the magic happens—Morgan and Carrie have their design studio set up there.  What inspires their art?  “We are inspired by exposing ourselves to new things” Morgan says.  “It could be an interiors magazine, a beautiful movie or even an artistically displayed plate at a favorite restaurant.  We get inspired by color, pattern, and typography everywhere we go.  We love what we do!”

Stop by Ampersand Design Studio the next time you need ideas for a gift or personal special something. Hours are 9am-6pm Monday through Friday; Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 9-4. Make a note to visit later this year when Morgan and Carrie promise “a lot of great holiday themed items.” Thank you for supporting our small businesses in Brookside and Waldo!