In this episode, we’re joined by Kansas City entrepreneur Emily Bordner, founder and creative director of EB and Co., a modern accessories brand known for its effortless, elevated designs that spark confidence and celebrate individuality.
We talk about the early days of building her brand from scratch, what sparked the initial idea, and how her pop-up shops turned into a thriving business. Emily shares the reality of juggling motherhood with entrepreneurship and the pivotal moment she realized EB and Co. was really taking off—yes, there’s a Taylor Swift story!
Emily’s journey began back in 2012 when she couldn’t find the perfect handbag: something modern, simple, affordable, and high quality. So, like many great startup stories, she decided to create her own. What started with a line of handmade leather bags quickly grew into a full collection of jewelry, cards, and hair accessories—now sold in boutiques across Kansas City, Colorado, and Texas.
Whether you’re dreaming of launching your own venture or simply love hearing real, inspiring stories from women making bold moves, this conversation is packed with heart, hustle, and helpful insights.
In this episode, Emily shares:
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What inspired her to launch EB and Co.
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Whether entrepreneurship was always part of her story
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The very first product she ever sold—and what she remembers about that moment
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The biggest challenges she faced in the early days of her business
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How she balances being a mom while running a fast-growing brand
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The “pinch-me” moment that proved EB and Co. had arrived (Taylor alert!)
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What this journey has taught her personally and professionally
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Her No.1 piece of advice for young women ready to chase big dreams
Also, don’t miss Emily’s book coming out soon, The Retailer’s Play-Book!
“Let’s be real — you didn’t open your store to cry over QuickBooks, drown in dusty inventory, or wonder if your receipts spark joy. You opened it to build something fun, profitable, and totally you.
Enter The Retailer’s Playbook — the no-fluff, no-debt, all-heart guide to running a brick-and-mortar biz that actually works (and wows). Emily Bordner went from digging through leather scraps to seeing Taylor Swift wear her jewelry — and she’s spilling everything she learned along the way.
Inside, you’ll find ten juicy, tried-and-tested ways to:
- Make more money (without selling your soul or your sanity)
- Find your niche and shout it from the rooftops
- Master merch like a pro — no design degree required
- Delegate like a boss and stop doing all the things
- Turn browsers into superfans and foot traffic into paychecks
Whether you’re dreaming of your first storefront or scaling your next empire, this book is your permission slip to do retail your way — with strategy, soul, and staying power.
Warning: May cause spontaneous confidence, clarity, and “holy crap, I can actually do this” energy.”
What We’re Loving In Kansas City
Back to School Shopping Hack
Margaritaville
Sarah got to check out Kansas’ new Margaritaville! Margaritaville Hotel Kansas City is now open in Kansas City, KS, bringing island vibes to the Midwest. Located on the former Schlitterbahn site near the Legends, the six-story resort features 228 rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, live music, and multiple dining spots—including the popular LandShark Bar & Grill. With event space, cabanas, and local discounts, it’s a tropical escape just minutes from home. Check out KCMC’s sneak preview here.
Connect with Megan and Sarah
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