Kansas City, Missouri, August 17, 2025
The Blueprint KC
The Blueprint KC is a local fashion boutique based in Grandview, Kansas City, co-owned by designer Sheraz Pompey. Established on the foundation of creativity and originality, the boutique specializes in creating unique clothing pieces that challenge fast fashion trends. Sheraz Pompey’s journey began in his teenage years when he styled outfits from his siblings’ clothes due to financial constraints. His passion was further ignited during his high school fashion design class, leading him to design and sew garments early on. The boutique gained recognition after Pompey showcased his collection at the ‘Coldest Winter Ever’ fashion show, which attracted client requests for custom pieces. Despite challenges such as sourcing materials and attracting foot traffic, The Blueprint KC remains committed to fostering community engagement and showcasing innovative designs inspired by Kansas City’s culture.
News Summary
Local fashion designer Sheraz Pompey shares his journey in Kansas City’s fashion industry, highlighting his aspirations, challenges, and commitment to originality. Co-owning The Blueprint KC, he emphasizes unique designs and community engagement while addressing sourcing and foot traffic challenges.
Kansas City—Local fashion designer Sheraz Pompey reflects on his journey, aspirations, and the unique challenges of the fashion industry in Kansas City. Pompey, who has been immersed in fashion for over 11 years, started his creative journey in his teenage years, often styling outfits from his siblings’ clothes due to financial constraints.
Pompey’s passion for fashion was further fueled when he took a fashion design class at Paseo High School, where he discovered his aspiration to become a fashion designer. By the time he graduated, he was already designing and sewing his own garments, setting the stage for a blossoming career.
Opting to remain in Kansas City rather than moving to larger fashion hubs, Pompey found his breakthrough moment at a local fashion show, “Coldest Winter Ever,” held at the Jackson Museum. His successful collection from this event sparked interest and requests from others wanting custom pieces, propelling him into a full-time fashion business.
A Focus on Originality and Trends
Co-owning a boutique called The Blueprint KC in Grandview with his sister, Pompey focuses on creating unique clothing that challenges the norms of fast fashion. His design philosophy is centered around creativity and originality, with an emphasis on one-of-a-kind pieces that aspire to set trends rather than follow them. His first collection was characterized by vibrant colors and a showcase of a dress in multiple hues to highlight variety.
Challenges in the Fashion Industry
Despite his success, Pompey faces numerous challenges in the Kansas City fashion scene. Sourcing materials has grown more challenging due to the decline of local fabric suppliers, which has had a direct impact on his business operations. Moreover, he reports difficulties in attracting foot traffic to his boutique, which is situated outside the central area of the city.
Diverse Clientele and Community Engagement
His clientele includes a diverse mix, with a significant portion being high school students seeking prom dresses as well as individuals looking for evening wear and wedding attire. Recently, Pompey partnered with another local designer, Terrell Ray, to put on a Met Gala-inspired event, marking a significant opportunity for local designers to showcase their talents. He designed his outfit with a theme inspired by “City of Fountains,” featuring flowing elements and a focus on the color blue.
Visibility in the Community
Pompey also gained visibility by hosting the black carpet at the Kansas City People’s Choice Awards, where he designed striking outfits for attendees. The designer emphasizes the importance of young Black creatives in the local fashion industry, acknowledging the unique obstacles they often face. He encourages aspiring designers to persevere through challenges, take risks, and continuously seek knowledge to grow their skills.
Networking and Connection Building
Pompey strongly advocates for the importance of networking in the fashion industry, urging new designers to establish connections that can help propel their careers forward. His journey exemplifies the blend of creativity and business acumen required in the modern fashion world.
Conclusion
As Sheraz Pompey continues to carve out his niche in Kansas City’s fashion scene, he serves as an inspiration to many aspiring designers. His commitment to originality and community engagement underscores the vibrant potential of local fashion in a broader marketplace.
FAQ
What inspired Sheraz Pompey’s interest in fashion?
His interest in fashion was sparked during his teenage years through styling outfits creatively with borrowed clothes and fueled by his fashion design class at Paseo High School.
What challenges does Pompey face operating his boutique in Grandview?
Pompey faces challenges in sourcing materials due to the decline of local fabric suppliers and struggles with attracting foot traffic to his boutique located outside Kansas City’s central area.
What type of clientele does Pompey serve?
Pompey serves a diverse clientele, including high school students looking for prom dresses, as well as those needing evening wear and wedding attire.
What advice does Pompey give to aspiring fashion designers?
He encourages them to persist through challenges, take risks to advance their creativity, and emphasize the importance of networking to build a successful career in fashion.
Key Features of Sheraz Pompey’s Fashion Journey
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Early Inspiration | Started styling outfits from siblings’ clothes due to financial constraints. |
| Education | Took a fashion design class that ignited his passion for fashion design. |
| Business | Co-owns The Blueprint KC boutique, focusing on custom clothing. |
| Design Style | Creative, original designs that challenge fast fashion norms. |
| Clientele | Diverse clients, mainly high school students for prom and evening wear. |
| Industry Challenges | Limited local fabric suppliers and attracting foot traffic to the boutique. |
| Community Engagement | Partnered with local designer for a Met Gala-inspired event; visibility at local awards shows. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Kansas City Article 1
- Kansas City Article 2
- KCTV5: Kansas City Fashion Week Coverage
- The Pitch: Kansas City Fashion Week
- Wikipedia: Fashion
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
