There is a new Brookside shop to check out—especially if you like to pamper yourself! SKIN opened last week at 6247 Brookside Blvd, on the same block as Foos and Shopgirls.
Owner Stephanie Simkins is a native of Kansas City, and started out as a nutritionist and wellnesss coach. She progressed into skin care, doing consultations for her clients. Eventually she started making her own products and selling them online. She had retail stores in San Francisco and on the Country Club Plaza; currently the Broookside shop is the flagship operation.
SKIN products are formulated in Overland Park and are ‘created with healing in mind’, according to Stephanie. Everything is made with organic ingredients and oils, with a specific healing component in mind. For example, there is the Seaberry Anti-Aging Face Cream and Apricot Berry Clay Face Mask. If you are planning a trip to the beach, try the After Sun Aloe and Coconut Body Lotion. Other items include soothing lip balms, soaps and bath products, make up lines and a special section for men’s grooming. There is also a large ‘lazy susan’ tray with samples of most products to try before you buy. Stephanie emphasizes that she operates a vegetarian, gluten free, certified green company, registered with EWG and PETA.
Like so many Brookside shops, Stephanie offers friendly, personal service to every customer who walks in. She encourages browsing and can tell you about all products displayed. In addition, she does special events at the store: yoga workshops, designer trunk shows and a once a month special promotion only offered to clients on her email list.
Stephanie chose Brookside as a location for this shop as she feels “it’s a good fit. There aren’t many walkable neighborhoods in Kansas City. “ Current hours are 11-5 Monday through Saturday and noon-5 on Sunday. She hopes to expand to evening hours as well.
SKIN products make great gifts—everyone appreciates special products that are locally made without chemicals, even the guys you know! Stop by SKIN, 6247 Brookside Blvd and find something for yourself—and a special someone!
The organizers behind 
Like so many locally owned Brookside businesses, Coco makes you feel welcome the moment you walk in. Abi Wagner, Manager, Enabler and Empowerment Queen (yes that is her official title!) –greets you with a big smile, ready to help you navigate around all the pretty and practical goodies on display. Abi is on the left in the photo, and Abby Flores is on the right.
Abi explained the store’s concept to me: “It’s minimalist but not basic. We have brands that fit all body types—from small to 3XL. And our prices are very reasonable. Most items fall in the $30-$50 price range”. Browsing the racks you’ll find tops, pants (including ‘magic denim’ Judy Blue jeans for $39), dresses, bralets, jewelry, purses and some gift items. The tag line for the store is “style, community and empowerment” and the clothes are selected so that the wearer will feel “amazing in your own skin, no matter what your body type” per Abby. To fulfill their commitment to the community, Abby and Abi host classes for women with options that include calligraphy, weaving, making your own bath bombs, and plans are in the works for a book club.
Owner Abby Flores has a masters in art history and worked in merchandising for the Target corporation. She has a keen visual eye as her shop is serene, color coordinated, comfortable and attractive. Although she opened Itsy Bitsy Buns in 2010, it was always her goal to have a women’s clothing store as well. And like the shop next door, this one is very customer focused and on trend with what buyers are looking for now.
Tomorrow is the day for the 37th Annual Brookside St Patrick’s Day Warm Up Parade! Rescheduled from last week (due to weather), the forecast for tomorrow is for a high around 60 degrees–much better!
Centered Spirit
Inside Brookside (And Waldo) 