Pansy LGBTQ

Pansy LGBTQ

Innovative LGBTQ Marketplace, one of the first of it's kind, provides valuable resources in the heartland of America.

Checking off his list, Eliot Wiersgalla, founder and owner of Pansy, reflects on the process. “I won’t have everything I want right away. But being focused on getting the marketplace right first is the goal right now,” said Wiersgalla.  Pansy is Kansas City’s first established LGBTQ marketplace. Having just been launched in January 2020, Wiersgalla is establishing its company’s presence in cyberspace. “I've spent a lot of time establishing my social media presence. So people know they can come to us,” said Wiersgalla. Another early deciding factor for Pansy is the volume of consumers that Pansy would attract. Depending on how busy the neighborhood Pansy resides in will be. One neighborhood, Wiersgalla, is looking to rent a space in the Crossroads Arts District. “We have been working with the Crossroads Association on projects recently,” exclaimed Wiersgalla.  First Fridays attract many artists year-round. Kansas City lacks an established LGBTQ+ marketplace that can cater to such events in the metro. Potentially, Pansy’s Crossroads location could help contribute to the burgeoning Kansas City arts scene.  Wiersgalla aims to represent his own business, which will, over time, provide a platform for underserved artists in the community. 

Providing a unique marketplace. 

“I want a place that will have something that no other place would offer,” said Wiersgalla. 

The right location. The right people are involved.

“If we do end up in the Crossroads Arts District, we will end up doing a whole ‘First Fridays’ event. Currently, our artwork is housed in the old Bauer building. So we are familiar with First Fridays,” said Wiersgalla. One such Kansas City artist who has frequented First Fridays over the years is Stephanie Bloss. The current merchandise on the newly launched website, released earlier this month, highlights the artistic talents of Kansas City natives. 

Kansas City artist with local flavors. 

“The first featured collaboration is from Kansas City artist, muralist, and designer Stephanie Bloss. That collection is available now online for a limited time,” said Wiersgalla in a press release.  

The Shop. The Studios.

“The shop will be a for-profit business,” said Wiersgalla.  The LGBT community will be able to produce artisan crafts. Handmade goods that will help benefit and illustrate the incredible artistic talents of Kansas City’s LGBT community.  “The community center and art studio will be a nonprofit 501c,” said Wiersgalla.  

Purchasing LGBT artisan goods.

“It's really about supporting people who haven’t been supported in the past,” said Wiersgalla. Wiersgalla believes that a part of the artisan community hasn't been given the platform to showcase their products. “I just think there is a plethora of creators and makers out there who aren’t getting the same sort of exposure as some that have already been established,” said Wiersgalla. The foundation is being laid for Pansy’s future. But Wiersgalla has kept his cards close to his vest. “I want to focus on purchasing as much inventory as I can for these wholesale artists so that they can get the money so they can continue to make,” said Wiersgalla.  

Most importantly, Wiersgalla wants to push forward and bring more positivity to the Kansas City startup community. He plans on doing that through education. 

“The lectures are for anyone who wants to come in and deliver positive messages, or educational events are welcome,” said Wiersgalla.  

Providing a platform for artisans to share their voices. 

Pansy is a unique voice that has joined the burgeoning Kansas City startup community.