Georgina Herrera moved to Kansas City from Mexico in 2006. She couldn’t have landed in a better spot.
In 2015, Herrera launched Georgina Jewelry. She designs her pieces in Kansas City, has them manufactured in Mexico, then personally ships them near and far. “I design everything, I sell everything, I pack everything,” and with some intern help, “I do everything,” Herrera says with a laugh.
You’ll find her jewelry—often striking, bold, and metallic—in a few local stores and online, but you’ll also see it adorning celebrities on red carpets and on models during international fashion weeks. Quinta Brunson of Abbott Elementary wore Georgina Jewelry earrings in her feature in The New Yorker. Those are giant platforms, but Herrera is still working hard to make it.
“We are getting the celebrities, it’s true, we are getting on runways, it’s true—but the numbers are not like people believe where you are making millions and millions. It’s a business, I am an entrepreneur, and I’m working every day to succeed,” she says. “It’s a pain, and you have to work for 24 hours. I’m very proud, but there’s a lot of way to go.”
She attributes much of her success to the city that welcomed her 18 years ago. “This city is very humble, nice, kind—people in the Midwest, people in Kansas City are still very nice; they’re still very loyal. We support each other. In my experience, there’s no envy, it’s more happiness that you succeed. The success that I can have now is because I started here. I truly believe it. I truly, truly believe it.”
Learn more about Herrera—and her philanthropic brand, Lola’s Bag—on her website.
Georgina’s essentials...
Hidden Gem: One place that more people should know about is the new location for Red Kitchen KC: Cien Por Ciento Mexicano in downtown Overland Park. It offers 100 percent authentic Mexican food made from scratch and is open for breakfast and lunch. It’s a wonderful spot that truly showcases the rich flavors and warmth of authentic Mexican cooking.
Fashion Fave: My go-to place for fashion is Halls. I absolutely love this amazing store because they carry the best high-end brands in fashion. The team at Halls is fantastic; their attention to detail and dedication to helping customers find exactly what they need sets Halls apart as a top destination for luxury fashion in the city.
Local Maker: My favorite local maker is Amina Hood. Her handmade hats are unique, stylish, and of great quality. My favorite hat she’s made is a custom monochrome wide-brim fedora. Wearing it adds a perfect touch of elegance to any outfit, making it a standout piece in my summer wardrobe.
Caffeine Fix: My favorite café drink is a cappuccino, and I love getting it at French Market in Prairie Village. Their coffee is exceptional, with the cappuccino being a standout—rich, smooth, and perfectly crafted.
Shopping Small: My favorite local boutique is Alysa Rene Boutique. It’s a fabulous women’s boutique that stands out with its amazing, stylish, and sophisticated collections. Her personal attention, engaging personality, and genuine care for her clients make the shopping experience truly one of a kind.
Best Bites: Kansas City has so many fantastic dining options, but two of my absolute favorites are Novel and Earl’s Premier. Novel is incredible for its unique and fresh dishes. The gnocchi dish is a standout on their menu. Earl’s Premier offers a similarly curated menu with amazing food—especially their ceviche, which is fantastic.