New to 63rd Street – Brookside Real Estate Company wants to welcome EB and Co.!
The perfect addition to Brookside, EB and Co. owner, Emily Bordner, has a mission to, “celebrate all the ways accessories empower confidence and inspire individuality.” We recently spoke with Emily to learn more about her new business and why she chose to open in our favorite neighborhood – Brookside!
Tell us a little bit about your background: Are you from Kansas City? What made you decide to open your own shop?
I grew up in Lee’s Summit, but have lived in the KC area most of my life. I’ve been in business for seven years working with different local retailers. Then I had my first personal location as a booth in the Made in KC Marketplace on the Plaza. We’ve been there for just over a year. I have loved having a space there and after getting a taste of that, I knew I had to save up to open a store of my very own. It just felt like that was the next natural progression.
Do you design/create your own jewelry pieces? If so, do any of the pieces have a story behind them?
It’s really a combination. I’ve designed some of the jewelry myself in addition to wholesale many pieces. I’m most proud of the collaborative pieces, which I design with local bloggers and have handmade in Los Angeles. The bloggers and I sit down and think about what’s missing or lacking in the market right then.
Our Shelby pieces were fun. We were trying to come up with something dainty with minimal sparkle that works great for the office or if you’re looking to hit a happy hour. They’ve been our best-selling pieces of jewelry so far! I also design all of the the leather goods, which are all currently manufactured in Kansas City.
What can customers expect when they shop at EB and Co.?
We want people to have a chill experience in a modern but welcoming environment. We want people to not feel pressured and take the time to try things on as much as they want. We were able to capture this relaxed and fresh feeling with our hand painted mural, a space to have an Instagram moment and tons of approachable stylish pieces. We aim to have a range of options. We have classic, trendy and multigenerational pieces. We also offer complimentary gift-wrapping which people seem to really like.
Why did you decide to open your shop in Brookside?
I have always loved Brookside and spent a great deal of time there in college when I worked at Bella Napoli, which was such a rewarding experience. Supporting local businesses is a real matter of pride in Brookside. It’s just a fun, exciting place to be. When the space became available, I just had to move on the opportunity to be part of this great community.
What’s your favorite thing about having your shop located in this area?
I love being among so many long-term shops that span generations from Design in the City to World’s Window to Brookside Toy and Science. As the new kid on the block I have so many wise mentors for neighbors to learn from.
Next time you’re in the neighborhood, be sure to stop by Emily Bordner’s new shop and see for yourself why we love EB & Co.! While you’re here, pay a visit to your friends at Brookside Real Estate Company located at 9 W 63rd St – when the flag is up, we’re open!