Westport’s new gourmet milkshake, DIY craft studio, workshop will be a ‘happy place’

Kelly and Dell Ann Upp and their daughter, Annie, now 9 years old, couldn’t stop talking about the gourmet milkshake shop they visited on their Florida vacation. So they went back two more times over the next two days.

It was Annie’s idea to bring the concept to Kansas City.

Now they plan to open Creative Culture at 207 Westport Road on June 12, pending COVID-19 restrictions.

It will offer hand-crafted milkshakes (eight custom flavors such as key lime and s’mores, along with seasonal flavors) served in a mason jar with a variety of toppings — donuts, cookies, cotton candy and more from local vendors. Garage doors in front will open to patio seating.

But that’s not all. Dell Ann had previously had craft workshops, so she is adding that to the mix.

Customers will just be able to drop in and the studio will provide kits with instructions, tools and materials. A terrarium kit ($25) will have the jar, dirt, rocks, air plant, moss and twine to tie around the top. It also has kits for macrame wall hangers, cement coasters, canvases and more. Employees will be on hand if the customers need guidance. Classes will be for all ages and skill levels.

For more complicated crafts, they can sign up for workshops led by local makers and artists offering step-by-step instructions.

Customers can order a milkshake to sip on while they work, or they can bring in their own wine or beer.

The studio also will be available for private events such as birthdays, bachelorette parties and corporate team building.

The crafts bring people together and encourage a sense of community, Dell Ann Upp said.

“It is just a very family-friendly outlet for people to come and create something,” she said. “Just seeing how excited people are when they create something. This is just a happy place.”

A wedding planner, photography studio and florist will take back spaces so flower arranging and photography workshops also are planned.

This story was originally published May 11, 2020 at 12:23 PM.