Elizabeth Orosco
Northeast News

Dulce Ortuno Medrano has owned El Bazar de Dulce at the same location at 6510 Independence Avenue for three years.

Specializing in women’s casual clothing, Dulce said she started the business because she has a passion for fashion.

Inside the bright pink building, Dulce offers a variety of high-quality women’s tops, bodysuits, dresses, blazers, shoes, jackets, purses, handmade jewelry, and her most popular item— Colombian jeans.

Some of the items, including a soft, black top with a brightly-colored calavera skull on the front, are made in Mexico.

Working out of her home for two years, Dulce said she had built up a loyal client base, so moving into the brick-and-mortar storefront was a smooth transition.

“It was easy for me when I moved into this building,” she said. “Still, sometimes business is slow, but it does pick up very quickly.”

When asked how it has been owning a business in the Northeast the last few years, Dulce said she has really enjoyed the community.

“I like this area; it’s a diverse community with different cultures,” she said.

El Bazar de Dulce is a member of the Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, which she said has been a huge help to her and her business since the very beginning.

“I love the Northeast Chamber; they help a lot with my business and they support me all the time,” she said.

Speaking of her relationship with Northeast Kansas City Chamber CEO Bobbi Baker-Hughes, Dulce said Baker-Huges has been an incredible asset to her.

“She helps me so much by inviting me to events and helping me with anything for my business,” she said. “I try to bring more people to the Northeast Chamber events to get involved.”

El Bazar de Dulce is one of the businesses represented at the Third Friday events, a gathering of local pop-up shops and artists that is hosted at the Economic Growth Gallery.

The next Third Friday event will be Friday, Nov. 15 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 2659 Independence Avenue.

As a female business owner, Dulce said she knows that it’s traditionally been difficult for women to become entrepreneurs, but she is excited to see the growth of women entrepreneurs in Kansas City.

“I know it’s harder for women to start business because they are usually concerned about their homes, family, and kids, but now, it’s good to see that women are starting to open more and more businesses,” she said.

Her favorite part of her work? Dulce said she loves putting smiles on people’s faces.

“I love doing what I do. I love when the girls come in, look around and tell me they like the style of clothing; I love when they leave happy.”

For more information on El Bazar de Dulce, find her Facebook page, “El Bazar de Dulce Boutique.”