Hi, I’m Kansas City Karen, it’s nice to meet you! Come follow along!

I’m Karen, the face and voice behind Kansas City Karen! After my role was eliminated in spring of 2023, I was inspired to start content creating. As a born and raised Kansas Citian, I love sharing more about KC’s local places and unique finds. The best part includes my husband and son enjoying the fun of our city adventures. 

Before I became a content creator, I grew up in the greater Kansas City area and attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City. With a passion for creativity and helping the community, I graduated with my degree in Secondary Art Education. I then moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, and educated students as a(n)(art) teacher. Later, I worked as an assistant principal while earning my master’s degree in __ at North Carolina State University. 

While living in Raleigh, I met my husband online (doesn’t everyone these days?), and wanted to return to home. We packed our bags and I brought him to Kansas City. I learned to love my roots even more when I was away! 

 

Back in KC, I got to know lots of hidden gems by traveling from school to school. I worked in education non profit my whole career, and I frequently worked downtown and all around the greater Kansas City area. Becoming more involved in the community deepend my connection with the features Kansas City has to offer. 

Today, I’m out and about frequenting local coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, and more. You can always catch me in glam makeup and my signature beachy waves whether I’m taking my kiddo to an art museum, grabbing a treat at a delicious donut shop, or a date night with my husband. There is so much to explore and enjoy right here in Kansas City. Welcome, and cheers to your exploration of our beloved heartland home.

Here are some fun facts about me!

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I spent over 10 years working in retail, from high school through earning my master’s degree. Throughout that time, I developed a deep love for fashion and styling. I approach style strategically—mixing high-end investment pieces with affordable fashion and thoughtfully sourced thrift finds. I regularly shop at places like River Market Antiques, Hillcrest, and Savers to discover unique vintage pieces.You can explore all of my curated fashion and home finds on LTK, where I share direct links to everything I style and love.

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I met my husband on a dating app and eventually convinced him to move back home to KC with me. Is this how everyone meets these days? When we relocated to my hometown of Kansas City, I was determined to make him fall in love with it the same way I always have. Naturally, that meant taking him to as many games as possible—cheering on the Kansas City Royals, Kansas City Chiefs, Sporting Kansas City, and Kansas City Current.

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I'm the reigning little Miss Parkville 1991! I grew up around pageants with my big sister and fell in love with big hair and sequins.

Favorite places to frequent!

Attractions

  • Nelson Atkin’s Museum of Art
  • River Market on the weekends
  • All KC sports games; Royals, Current, Chiefs, Sporting, Maverick’s
  • Loew’s Hotel patios

Restaurants

  • Osteria Bianchi
  • District Biskuits
  • Scratch
  • Jasper’s
  • KC Craft Ramen
  • Magic Noodle

Coffee Shops

  • Mildred’s
  • Messenger
  • City Market Roasters
  • Ollama
  • Cafe Corazon
  • Hitides