Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Hans.
Hi Julie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After starting our first business venture, Mission:Boardgames in December 2016, along with my husband and 2 adult kids, we opened Urban Prairie Coffee in September 2018.
Mission:Boardgames is positioned in downtown Mission and there was an existing coffee shop next door. 1.5 years after opening the game store the owner of that coffee shop, Twisted Sister Coffee, had decided to retire and approached us about taking the space. We thought about it and ultimately decided to take on the challenge of revamping that shop and coffee concept.
It has paid off because it turns out the coffee loving community and game playing community are a good match!
We have enjoyed watching our businesses grow. Now we include a second Mission: Boardgames location in North Kansas City, Mo., The Primrose (cocktail bar) and The Common Tiger (pizza and speakeasy joint) both in Mission, in our business portfolio.
I love the community aspect of our shops. We get to see old friends and meet new ones daily!
People love it as a 3rd space. It’s not home and not work but a comfortable space to meet with friends, family, work associates or even first dates!
I’m hoping we continue for many more years and even look to expand if the right opportunity presents itself!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Overall we’ve been lucky with a dependable staff and supportive customer base. Covid was challenging but we managed to make it through.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Gaming Enterprises is the over arching business that owns Mission:Boardgames, Urban Prairie Coffee, The Primrose, The Common Tiger.
We are truly a locally owned small business. We source a large percentage of our products from other local businesses.
I am a co-owner along with my husband and 2 of our grown kids. I am personally involved with making quiche and yogurt bowls, selecting artwork to be displayed, hiring and generally cultivating a cohesive environment along with teaching mahjong and curating mahjong products.
I’d say we’re known for our small local vibe along with quality and thoughtful food, beverages and games.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Definitely look for inspiration in people and businesses that you admire. Find out what has and hasn’t worked for them!
I know I have done this!
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