While We Wait for the Results, We Keep Building

The Work Continues with Purpose, Passion, and the Next Generation

The votes are in.

On June 1st, voting closed for the Kansas City People’s Choice Awards — and Material Opulence is officially in the running as a finalist for Best Clothing Apparel Line.

I wish I could say I was cool, calm, and collected when it ended, but honestly? I’ve been a mess. I’ve refreshed that website so many times I’m surprised I haven’t worn out my browser. Every email notification has me jumping, thinking maybe — just maybe — they decided to announce the winner early.

We won’t know the results until Sunday, July 27th at the Kauffman Performing Arts Center. Doors open at 2 p.m., red carpet from 2 to 3:30, ceremony at 4. My stomach gets butterflies just typing that.

But here’s the thing about waiting — it can either paralyze you or fuel you. And this week, something incredible happened that reminded me why we do this work in the first place.

When Six Young Women Changed Everything

Monday morning, June 2nd. I’m sitting in my office, thinking about the brilliant young scholars walking in for their first Professional Development (PD) day as our Pro X Summer Interns.

You know that feeling when you meet someone and you just know they’re going to do something amazing? I had that feeling six times over.

These aren’t just interns we’re giving busy work to. These are future leaders, creators, and changemakers from schools across Kansas City. And honestly, they showed up with more energy and vision than some adults I’ve worked with.

Tuesday, June 3rd — our official kickoff at the Kansas City Public Library Plaza Branch. I walked in thinking I’d be teaching them about our brand, our process, our vision. But what happened was so much better than that.

They started teaching me.

The Questions That Made Me Think

When I asked them about their goals for the summer, their answers hit different. They weren’t just thinking about padding their resumes or getting work experience. They were thinking about impact. About legacy. About how they could contribute something meaningful.

One talked about wanting to understand the psychology behind color choices in fashion. Another wanted to explore sustainable materials and their cultural significance. They weren’t just there to learn — they were there to create.

And when we dove into Week 1’s theme of Metacognition — thinking about how we think — they went deep. Really deep.

“How do you approach your work when no one’s watching?” I asked.

The room went quiet for a moment. Then they started sharing their processes, their struggles, their breakthroughs. Some work best with music, others need complete silence. Some sketch first, others research for hours before putting pen to paper.

What struck me wasn’t just their self-awareness — it was their willingness to be vulnerable about their creative process.

The Work That’s Already Happening

Within 48 hours, my phone became a constant stream of GroupMe notifications. Vision boards, Fall/Winter sketches, TikTok strategies — they weren’t waiting for assignments. They were creating.

One intern sent me a vision board after 5PM with the note: “I know this is late, but the whole tornado think pushed back my time.” These interns are motivated, even in face of natural disaster. That says a lot about them.

That’s the kind of passion you can’t teach. You can only nurture it.

Growing on All Fronts

While they’re creating the future, we’re also living in the present. Our Spring/Summer collection is rolling out, and watching these interns get excited about pieces like The Heritage Crown has been incredible.

This bucket hat represents everything we’re teaching them about intentional design. Made from 100% recycled materials, with an embossed leather patch and clean structure — it’s sustainable luxury without compromise.

When one of our interns held it for the first time, she said, “This isn’t just a hat. It’s proof that you can stand for something and still look good doing it.”

Exactly.

The Bigger Picture

You know what’s wild? Six months ago, Material Opulence was stagnant, and only a few saw the vision. Now we’re nominated for a major award, mentoring the next generation, and dropping pieces that people actually want to wear and represent.

But it’s not the external validation that gets me excited — it’s moments like yesterday when one of our interns texted the group chat: “I finally understand what you mean by ‘building something bigger than product.’”

That’s it. That’s the whole point.

We’re not just creating clothes. We’re creating a movement. A mindset. A way of showing up in the world that says: I’m here, I matter, and I’m building something that will outlast me.

The Waiting Game

So yes, I’m still checking my email obsessively. Yes, I still get nervous thinking about July 27th at the Kauffman Center. But I’m not just sitting around hoping for the best.

We’re designing. We’re mentoring. We’re launching. We’re growing.

Because here’s what I’ve learned: you don’t wait for the world to validate your vision. You live it. You share it. You pass it on to six incredible young women who remind you why you started in the first place.

Win or lose on July 27th, we’re already winning. Every day we show up, every piece we create, every mind we help expand — that’s the real victory.

To everyone who voted, shared, supported, or simply believed — you’re not just supporting a brand. You’re supporting a vision that’s now being carried forward by six incredible young women who understand what it means to build something meaningful.

This is just the beginning of our story. And honestly? I can’t wait to see what we build together.

🖤
— Renauld Shelton II

📍 Kansas City People’s Choice Awards — July 27 @ Kauffman Center
🎓 Pro X Interns: June 3 — July 11, 2025
🧢 The Heritage Crown coming soon
#WhatsYourMO #ThatsMyMO #ProXSummer #KCPCA #HeritageCrown


Compartir esta publicación