Life & Work with Aerial Brown of Kansas City

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aerial Brown.

Hi Aerial, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Hustle and Heart KC was created in 2022 with a very personal purpose. At the time, I was looking for a way to generate additional income to help cover the growing medical expenses for our son, Cruz. Born with multiple complex medical conditions, Cruz spent over 100 days in the NICU and underwent three major surgeries before he was even three months old.

Despite every challenge, Cruz has shown an incredible amount of strength and resilience. He continues to persevere with courage and determination, and he inspires me daily. He is, without a doubt, the strongest person I know.

That strength became the driving force behind this business. It’s also where the name Hustle and Heart KC comes from. The “hustle” represents the long nights, the dedication, and the unwavering commitment to building something meaningful. The “heart” is Cruz—my reason, my motivation, and the inspiration behind every step of this journey.

What began as a small venture quickly evolved into a growing business centered on community, creativity, and Kansas City pride. Today, Hustle and Heart KC is proud to offer high-quality, custom apparel designed to bring comfort, confidence, and connection to every customer we serve.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s definitely been a journey, and like most small business owners, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges. Running a business as a one-woman show is no small feat. People often see the final product, but they don’t always see the behind-the-scenes effort it takes to keep everything running.

It’s not just taking an order and making a product—there’s creating content, posting on social media, uploading new items to the website, maintaining the site, ordering and tracking inventory, bookkeeping, answering emails and messages, and constantly planning ahead for the next big event or season. And that’s all on top of daily life and being a full-time mom.

The biggest challenge by far is managing the day-to-day upkeep and staying on top of everything. Some days feel heavier than others—but then I look at my kids, and I’m instantly reminded why I started this. They’re my “why.” And on top of that, I’m incredibly grateful for my customers. Many of them have become true friends, and their support keeps me going, even on the tough days.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in custom apparel, with a strong focus on Kansas City pride—but I’m not limited to just that. I love supporting other small businesses, local events, and teams. The heart of my brand is all about celebrating Kansas City—everything from our sports teams, to local businesses, to schools and neighborhoods. If it represents KC, I’m all in.

What sets Hustle and Heart KC apart is exactly that—the heart behind the hustle. This isn’t just about clothing; it’s about connection. Every piece I create tells a story, supports a cause, celebrates a moment, or brings a community together. I work closely with my customers to bring their vision to life, and that personal touch is something I never want to lose.

One of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to take someone’s idea—whether it’s fully formed or just a rough concept—and turn it into something they’re proud to wear. I don’t stop until they’re happy with the final product. I believe that level of care and dedication is one of the reasons this business has grown beyond what I ever imagined.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Creating brings me so much happiness. Whether it’s designing a new piece, bringing a customer’s vision to life, or seeing someone proudly wearing something I made—it’s incredibly fulfilling.

But what truly brings me the most joy is my family. My children are my biggest inspiration and the reason behind everything I do. They remind me every day why I hustle and why this business means so much to me.

And I couldn’t do any of this without my husband. He is my biggest supporter—the one who keeps pushing me forward when I need encouragement, the person I bounce every idea off of, my cameraman, and my go-to for the heavy lifting (literally and figuratively). He’s always behind the scenes, making sure I have what I need to keep going, and I’m so thankful for his unwavering support.

At the end of the day, happiness for me is rooted in family, creativity, and connection. That’s what fuels Hustle and Heart KC—and what keeps me grounded every step of the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.Hustleandheartkc.com
• Facebook: Hustle and Heart KC or my Facebook group, Hustle and Heart KC VIP