Daily Inspiration: Meet Hanna Haupt

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hanna Haupt.

Hi Hanna, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have always had an artistic side and a passion for DIY. I had seen some emerging trends of hand-painted denim jackets and decided to try making myself one to wear to the Chief’s Home Opener in 2019. It ended up being fun to paint, and it turned out how I had imagined, so I wore it to the game (even though it was raining).

I had a lot of fellow Chiefs fans stop me and ask me about the denim jacket I had painted and ask if I could make them one. I exchanged numbers with a few and that is how I started my small business! My process has changed drastically since the very first jacket I painted, it takes a lot of time and a lot of love but I enjoy seeing the reactions from my customers when they see their visions come to life as wearable artwork!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
KC Denims has definitely had its fair share of ups and downs. I started painting jackets for actual customers when I was still in college, and I do it now on the side of my real estate career. It takes a lot of planning ahead, time management, and having the willingness to pull all-nighters to get orders out the door if I need to. It’s been a struggle to figure out a process to manage all of the orders that come in, how to fill them, and get them back out in a timely manner especially since I’m a one-woman show!

Since the Chiefs have been doing so well, it has definitely boosted my business. The week of Super Bowl LV, I had an overwhelming number of orders, with a short turnaround time, for a lot of my customers who were attending the game and wanted a custom jacket to take with them! I stayed up until 3:00 or 4:00 am almost every night the days leading up to the Super Bowl making sure that the orders I had were done and ready to go for the game.

It was really stressful and overwhelming at the time, but getting the pictures back from my customers who were wearing the jackets I created at the Super Bowl was such a rewarding feeling, I would do it all over again (and hopefully I get to).

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
So, KC Denims is a company that I created to demonstrate my combined love for art, sports, and fashion. I paint all different sports teams and designs denim jackets for customers to wear to support their favorite teams! I love coming up with new designs and being creative. I produce my best work when customers give me creative freedom.

I paint everything from jean jackets, jean skirts, jeans, and now canvas shoes! I think what sets me apart from others that paint clothing items is the fact that I take so much more time to make sure the quality of work that I’m sending out is something I’m proud of. I also go above and beyond with my process to make quality products that last and can handle various conditions!

Who else deserves credit in your story?
My mom and grandma are a huge reason that KC Denims has been able to grow to what it is today. They truly are the behind-the-scenes of KC Denims. Whenever I’m in my busy season (football season), they always help me paint, pack orders, and keep things organized. If I wasn’t able to rely on them for extra help, I would be swamped!

I also owe credit to my dad! My dad is a really talented businessman and has gifted me with my entrepreneurship genes. He’s sparked my desire to be successful and work hard for what I want. KC Denims would not be here today without him. He’s one of my biggest supporters.

My fiancé is also someone who helps me with my business. He keeps me sane. He’s not too good at the painted aspect so he’s not allowed to touch the jackets, but he’s always around to give me words of encouragement and keep me going!

Pricing:

• Custom Denim Jacket $200+
• Send Your Own Jacket $150+
• Custom Air Force 1’s $225
• Send Your Own Shoes $100
• Shipping $10

Contact Info:

• Email: kcdenims@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kc.denims/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kc.denims

Image Credits
Andy Sievers