Pink Antlers: The Story of One Family’s Women and Their Entrepreneurial Journey

By Joanna Goodman

It started out as a spoken dream from the front seat of the family car. The abandoned brick and mortar on the corner was begging for use, stirred an idea, and expressed itself in a mother’s word. Opening up shop together was always a possibility. The three sisters in the backseat knew it whenever they drove that road with mom.

Years would take them across miles, but the dream was always there. Julie Wenger and her daughters Erica Kellenberger, Morgan Campbell, and Claire Kempin would continue to grow in their strengths. When Morgan discovered a love of all things party decor and paper goods, it naturally combined with her mother’s love of home decor. With Morgan’s move back to Kansas, the retail store featuring impeccably curated paper, party goods, and gifts came to life.

Entrepreneurship runs deep in the family’s heritage. The name of the store came from the girls’ treasured past time of walking the fields with their grandfather. They’d find antler sheds, which would become crafts at home. Many of the antlers were painted pink. Pink Antlers had its name, and boasted the first all woman owned business in their heritage. Just as was spoken years earlier, mother and daughters had joined forces and turned idea into reality.

The women collectively buy what they love for the shop. Luxury meets design in the collection of items each would readily have in their own homes. At their core lies the belief that your home should be filled with things that bring you joy, that practical things can be beautiful, and beautiful things should be used!

Visiting Pink Antlers today, you’ll see it sits as a corner brick and mortar, natural light streaming in to highlight the girls’ latest finds. You might run into Morgan or Claire adjusting some displays. Mother and daughters found their dream journeying together and building a connective community with their customers. Creating their inventory as a true reflection of what they love, Pink Antlers considers it an honor to be part of your daily living and special celebrations.

Maintains one customer, Pink Antlers is the “Most darling, beautifully and thoughtfully curated shop in KC!…a must visit!”

Visit Pink Antlers in Leawood’s delightful Park Place outdoor shopping district. 

As a Kansas City photographer, I LOVE doing brand photography for KC businesses with big hearts, just like Pink Antlers. If you’re a small business in need of branding or headshots, let’s chat. Fill out the inquiry form so we can tell your story through intentional photos.