Building a Business That Feels Like Home: The Story of Monstera’s Books | Kansas City MomCast Episode 94

Today on the show, we’re excited to welcome Katie Wieners, the owner of Monstera’s Books in Downtown Overland Park! Katie lives in Overland Park with her husband, Justin, and their two daughters. 

Before opening the bookstore, Katie spent nearly 15 years in software sales, building a successful career that many would consider the “safe path.” But after becoming a mom for the second time, she realized something important: the work that once energized her no longer felt aligned with the life she wanted to build. So she made a bold shift.

In March 2024, Katie opened Monstera’s Books, a beautiful blend of books and plants that quickly became a neighborhood favorite. Then in summer of 2025, a fire forced them closed. After extensive rebuilding the store and inventory, they reopened in time for the holidays.

We’re talking about what it looks like to pivot careers as a mom, follow a dream that feels a little scary, build something from the ground up, and create a space where other people can feel at home. Katie’s story is such an inspiring reminder that motherhood doesn’t close doors — it can actually open the right ones.

Follow Monstera’s on Facebook and Instagram.


What We’re Loving In Kansas City

Santa’s Secret Shop at Mama and Me Boutique in Liberty

Does your kid have a list of friends, family, and special teachers they’d love to surprise for

Christmas? Inside Santa’s Secret Shop, your child can experience independence by shopping with a Helper Elf with affordable gifts priced from $3-$20. Shopping dates include:

December 15-19: 2pm-6pm
December 20: 11am-4pm
December 21: 11am-1pm
December 22-23: 11am-5pm
December 24: 10am-1pm
This fun little pop up is located inside Mama and Me Boutique in Liberty, MO.

Ice Skating at Chicken N Pickle

Grab your crew and head out for some seasonal fun at the ice skating rink at Chicken N Pickle in Overland Park (also a location in the Northland)! Weather permitting, the rink is open Monday–Friday from 4 p.m. to close and Saturday–Sunday from around 10 AM to close- perfect for afternoon family time or a spontaneous weekend outing. Skate passes are typically $11 with skate rentals around $4 (and kids 3 and under skate free!). There are lots of food options there, as well. Mom tip: don’t forget to sign the waiver before you hit the ice!


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Megan Coffey
Hi! I'm Megan and I host the Kansas City MomCast podcast! Chris and I are both K-Staters and have been married for 16 years- time flies! Our daughter, Peyton, is 11 and our son, Gage, is 8. In our home also resides our insane lab, two cats (one with PICA), and two guinea pigs. You can find me substitute teaching (former full time elementary teacher), doing live sales on Facebook for locally owned kids' resale store, KC Grow Co, reading informational and self-help texts, and listening to podcasts. I also love decluttering/organizing, spending time with friends over margaritas, thrifting, and staying up way too late to have peace and serenity. I love people and hearing their stories and look forward to connecting with KCMC readers and listeners!