Gingko Embroidery at GEWKC and The Silk Road by NAAAP-KC
NAAAP-KC members Zabeth Chang and Nita Norris co-manage the nonprofit’s retail shop The Silk Road, featuring goods from Asian artists, makers and entrepreneurs such as Hao Quach of Gingko Embroidery.
Asian Entrepreneurship in Action
New to GEWKC 2026, Gingko Embroidery will host a popup at Maker Fair in Union Station as part of the free weeklong entrepreneurship event. Attendees will be able to meet Gingko Embroidery owner Hao Quach and purchase patches and other merchandise as part of the live mobile activation event.
Register for GEWKC and view the full schedule of free sessions geared toward entrepreneurs and startups.
Quach, president of nonprofit National Association of Asian American Professionals – KC (NAAAP-KC), also sells his patches and offers custom embroidery work through The Silk Road.
Culture + Commerce at The Silk Road
Operated by NAAAP-KC at 201 Westport Road, The Silk Road is more than a retail boutique that specializes in Asian gifts, functional art and home decor. Hand-painted artwork adorns the glass storefront. Customers entering the store will find a curated space run by diverse small business owners and local entrepreneurs selling Asian crafts, art and products.
What makes The Silk Road unique is its connection to a local nonprofit, lease agreement with a neighboring church and the shop’s multicultural programming and events.
The Silk Road opened in mid-June 2026. At its core, NAAAP-KC promotes the career advancement and leadership development of Asian American professionals and entrepreneurs. Specifically, the Kansas City chapter’s Asian American members participate in professional development, social networking and community service activities.
NAAAP-KC sought to extend its brand presence and create opportunities for local people from the Asian diaspora to share their culture and sell their work. The Silk Road highlights a wide array of Asian cultures. The shop fosters economic opportunities for numerous artists, craftspeople and entrepreneurs in Greater Kansas City. Revenues from sales are split with artist-vendors and NAAAP-KC.
As store co-managers and NAAAP-KC volunteers, Zabeth Chang and Nita Norris share responsibilities for developing and leading in-store operations for the retail concept. Norris took the lead on design from interior decor to graphics for social media and other needs.
“I used a vintage antique look for the branding with red as the primary color, a nod to the many Asian cultures that feature red,” said Norris.
Chang focuses on finding vendors managing retail inventory. Hosting goods from 36 local vendors, offerings include hand-poured candles and home fragrances from Kindle & Made Co., and floral goods from Pink Peony Florists. Keiko Furoshiki’s reusable fabric wraps are inspired by a Japanese tradition. Other products range from NguyenCreates’ crocheted cuteness influenced by kawaii culture and handcrafted ceramics from We’re Ok Studios. From clothing to stickers, books to art, the shop’s vast selection makes browsing gifts and treats a charming adventure.
Community Connection, Business Activation
NAAAP-KC secured the retail space through a grant from the Open Doors! Program. Led by the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City in partnership with KC BizCare, the program connects local businesses, property owners and creatives to activate temporary storefronts.
“Westport Presbyterian Church owns the space we’re in. The church collects our rent through the program. The grant enabled NAAAP-KC to set up a retail shop, something we had not done before. We intend to also be a meeting place for community events,” said Norris..
As a partner of Open Doors!, Contract Furnishings donated some of the furniture and fixtures in the shop. AirBnB and Spectrum also provided services and consulting. The Open Doors! program winds down overall in October. With the holiday season ahead, NAAAP-KC plans to operate its storefront through year-end and most likely through 2027, due to its popularity and intention to support its vendors’ ability to sell to the public.
The Silk Road’s location and arrangement with the church has proven mutually beneficial. Church patrons discover the retail space, thanks to its close proximity. The shop’s varied cultural events and boutique offerings also draw people to the area.
“We partner with the church for events. We bring traffic to this part of Westport and to the church. It’s a great block for shopping at local businesses in the area,” said Chang.
The retail shop has boosted awareness of NAAAP-KC as well. “Our social media following doubled after The Silk Road opened,” added Norris.
Beyond its retail function, The Silk Road hosts cultural and social events such as a run and walk club, Korean language classes, Diwali celebration and more. The cultural exchange builds on the roots of the original Silk Road in China and the Far East, where people traveled trade routes and connected through goods, food, stories and art. The shop also creates professional development opportunities for artists and entrepreneurs to learn more about running a retail business.
“We’re a community center for development, social fun and cultural exchange,” said Chang, who first became involved with NAAAP-KC and The Silk Road to make friends with similar interests. “We’re creating a platform and opportunities for people to promote their brand, attend classes and events and sell merchandise.”
NAAAP-KC support to vendors includes business advice, social media exposure and other resources as well as building a community that extends beyond the shop’s front door.
“Through their work, they strengthen connections, promote career advancement, celebrate our heritage, and create opportunities for our community to come together. Their unwavering support and genuine interest in our community create something even more meaningful: a strong sense of belonging,” wrote Keiko Kira, owner of Keiko Furoshiki, on LinkedIn, citing NAAAP-KC and its shop as a source of support.