Inside the Mash Handmade boutique in Westport, you'll find just about everything. You'll also find plenty of girl power.
Amanda Long owns the store with her mom.
"Yeah, she's my partner; we're 50-50," said Long. "I know for a lot of people it would be nuts to do that, but for us it works."
They're leading the way in a Kansas City renaissance - booming business for businesses owned by women.
"I think Kansas City is so supportive of local businesses, of people making their own thing," said Long.
A new study from WalletHub.com gives Kansas City high marks for the percentage of women-owned businesses and the average revenue they pull in, resulting in an overall ranking of 7th best in the nation for women-owned businesses.
At Mash Handmade, Long said they don't feel burdened by city or state taxes.
"No. That's part of any business and that's something that comes into play when you start something like this," said Long.
After they first opened six years ago, their initial fears were quickly erased by a city that welcomed two ladies with open arms.
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Justin Wilfon can be reached at justin.wilfon@kshb.com.
