Morgan met Ampersand co-founder, Carrie Kiefer, in college. They both worked at Hallmark Cards for almost a decade before deciding in 2009 to follow their longtime dream of starting a business creating patterns and artwork for modern, everyday living.

These days, Ampersand Design Studio sells goods out of their Waldo shop, but they also license art to partner companies, including Crate & Kids, Blue Sky Planners, Target, West Elm, PBS Fabrics and more.

Nothing compares, however, to having their own storefront.

“We love hearing the little bell on the shop door ring and popping up front to see who stopped in,” Carrie says. “We love seeing the same families walking by and stopping in for gifts on the way to kids’ birthday parties. We love helping people shop and trying to solve all kinds of gift-giving.”

“Waldo has been the best home ever for Ampersand,” Morgan adds. “Our neighboring restaurants and shops have been nothing but supportive. It’s a dreamy location with an incredible community, and we feel fortunate to have made it our new home.”

Some of Ampersand’s most popular products feature their “retro KC” logo on products from T-shirts and sweatshirts to mugs, beer can glasses, stickers and totes. Other customer favorites include home decor items such as hook pillows, rugs and tabletop accessories.

This spring, Morgan and Carrie are expanding their stationery and home decor range, offering a new service of design retainers for graphic design services, and continuing product collaborations with like-minded companies.

“Ampersand is becoming a really diverse design house offering so many possibilities,” Morgan says. “It’s a really exciting time!” 

211 E. Gregory Blvd.

Kansas City, Missouri

ampersanddesignstudio.com

@ampersandstudio