At ULAH, we love showcasing local businesses that not only create unique products but also give back to their communities in meaningful ways. This month, we're excited to feature Pancho's Blanket, a brand deeply rooted in both Kansas City and the rich traditions of Mexico. Founded by two brothers with a vision to keep people warm while supporting artisans in Mexico, Pancho's Blanket represents a perfect fusion of heritage craftsmanship and modern design.
We sat down with one of the co-founders to learn more about the story behind the brand, their mission, and what it means to stay true to their roots while evolving with their audience. From their creative process to their charitable endeavors, Pancho’s Blanket is more than just a fashion brand—it's a vehicle for positive change, both locally and internationally.
After starting our community kitchen / nonprofit in Mexico ( Feed a Family), me and my brother Joseph wanted to keep the nonprofit going and we were originally going to sell ponchos and blankets. For some reason we had the idea of redesigning baja sweaters and went to a town called Contla to see if we could find an artisan that would be willing to work with us since we were trying to redesign a product that was already made. We struck up a conversation with the first two old men we saw on the street and they were artisans and willing to help us with our new designs. Since then we haven't been shy about creating new designs pairing them with old concepts.
What is the mission or guiding philosophy behind Pancho’s Blanket?
Our mission is "Keeping Others Warm" as is our slogan. We keep others warm and fed through our business. And that is our philosophy, to do good unto others.
How do you ensure that your products stay true to their Mexican roots while appealing to a modern audience?
Our methods of production, for certain items, are over 500 years old and the looms making our blankets and made-to-order coats are over 125 years old. The modern audience, in any era, finds great appreciation in art and history. We like to think that we are praising the artistry and the methods by designing loud yet functional pieces that are testament to heritage.
What does a typical day in the life of running Pancho’s Blanket look like for you?
The storefront in the Crossroads is only open Thursday - Saturday but we are focusing on online business structure, which we are still figuring out. My brother Joseph is the one overseeing production in Mexico. That is the challenging part. Since we work in such small batches, every delay is huge. Our artisans and seamstresses work from home so there is only so much they can do.
Can you share how Pancho’s Blanket has evolved since it first launched?
Our "image" has stayed on the same channel, if that makes sense. I've evolved as a business owner learning so many things about logistics, taxes, shipping... but on the side of our products, I've learned our limitations in production but found that our creativity is only scratching the surface. We have so many ideas but due to us wanting to keep the production in Tlaxcala and use old methods, that really holds us back from all the things we want to do.
How do you balance the creative and business aspects of running a brand like Pancho’s Blanket?
I don't lol. I'm an unbalanced person in that regard. I'm creative forward and business later which is something I'm wanting to get better at.
What role do Mexican artisans play in the production process, and why is it important for you to work with them?
They play a pivotal role. Some coats are loomed by them, others will stitch the fabrics together, and some will do both. Our seamstresses will either do the lining or overall assembly depending on the product.
It's important to me to work with them for several reasons. It genuinely is a dying art; looming on foot pedal looms. It's not practical and won't be here much longer because machines do better work, frankly. But that's like saying AI can paint a better picture than Van Gogh in less time. Art derives its value off of what people attribute it to and people attribute worth, many times, based on WHERE it comes from and WHO made it.
I have a soft spot in my heart for humble people. Many of the artisans do not know how to read and are underpaid for their work yet they are so kind. I want them to know their work is appreciated, not just in small markets in Mexico but around the world. I want to contribute to their economy and make them feel warm too by our appreciation.
How does Pancho’s Blanket give back to the community, both locally and in Mexico?
We have given hundreds of sweaters away to the homeless in KC and Mexico. We've had much more impact in Mexico because that is where Feed A Family is based out of, however, we have donated products to multiple nonprofits here in Kansas City for their fundraisers including Big Brother Big Sister, Hope Haven, Folds of Honor, etc.
In Mexico we have provided over 60,000 meals since we started!
What are some of the most rewarding moments you’ve experienced through Pancho’s Blanket so far?
It's a conglomerate of many things but truth be told, it has been more humbling than rewarding and that can be a reward in itself. One of the most impactful moments is when I had just concluded some business with an artisan and I was walking down the street to my car when I saw this man, his wife, and three kids. They were sitting on the sidewalk having lunch. I could tell they were selling bubble gum and candy since they had baskets with assorted items. I thought to myself, "Thank you God that you've blessed me and that I'm not in that man's situation". I felt God speak to me then, "What makes you think you have more than he does? You are poor, naked, and blind and don't even know it". At that I had to reevaluate the meaning of riches and poverty. I came to the realization that if the man with his family selling gum on the streets is more content than I, he is the one who is blessed and I am the one impoverished with hunger that won't be satisfied.
Where do you see Pancho’s Blanket heading in the next few years?
I would love to have our products in stores around the country and even start selling in Mexico!
What’s the best compliment you’ve received about your products?
I can't pinpoint a singular time but ANYTIME someone likes our product and says, "these are awesome", it makes me very happy.
What’s your favorite way to style one of your jackets for a Kansas City winter?
I love layers. I like to get an oversized Saco and wear it over a shacket and still show a little skin with a deep V neck heritage stripe shirt ;)
What’s one surprising thing people might not know about running a brand like Pancho’s Blanket?
Everything is designed by us and it takes so much work! We made around 10 prototypes for the OG Saco and we are still trying to evolve it.
If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
Marcus Auralius for sure. He had deep meditations and pursued meaning beyond conquering the world yet he was so gifted at it. And I'm obsessed with the board game RISK and I think I'd be able to beat him at it.
How has Kansas City influenced your brand and its growth?
Kansas City has been very welcoming to the brand, despite it being in the midwest. Some people like the loud colors while others love the neutrals, but everyone loves the idea of preserving the methods the artisans use in making the products and of course everyone loves the idea of helping others with their purchase.
What do you love most about being a part of the Kansas City business community?
What are some of your favorite local spots to shop, eat, or hang out in Kansas City?
My favorite bar is Monarch Bar and they have great food too. I'm always going to Barame Thai because it's right around the corner from my shop but they also have the best Thai in KC in my opinion. I love Farina's, Bar Medici, Crossroads Hotel... So far those are my top. Mildreds is my top coffee shop I frequent because it's also close to the shop, and Cafe Corazon! I love those places. Cafe Corazon holds a special place in my heart because that's where we did our first pop up ever.
What has surprised you the most about how Kansas City has embraced Pancho’s Blanket?
I'm still waiting for a big embrace once Patrick Mahomes wears a Pancho, then I will know Kansas City has adopted us as their own lol. But on a serious note, Kansas City is very "local" oriented. Kansas City loves Kansas City, so creating a bridge between my two homes, Kansas City and Tlaxcala has been so interesting and, creatively speaking, challenging. But so far so good! We are as much a Kansas City brand as we are a Mexican one.
How do you see Pancho’s Blanket contributing to the Kansas City community in the future?
I want to get more involved in the nonprofit scene by contributing more to local nonprofits but also Feed A Family doing more outreach here. I mean, I don't want there to be people who are homeless or hungry, but if there's a need I want our brand to contribute to helping there.
Pancho’s Blanket is more than just a brand—it's a celebration of heritage, creativity, and giving back. By preserving centuries-old artisanal methods, the brothers behind Pancho’s Blanket are not only keeping their Mexican roots alive but also creating opportunities for future generations of artisans. Their commitment to community, both in Kansas City and Mexico, is inspiring, and their unique products serve as a tangible reminder of the power of collaboration and giving back.
Whether you’re drawn to their vibrant designs or their heartwarming mission, Pancho’s Blanket is a brand that stands out for all the right reasons. We can’t wait to see where they go from here and how they’ll continue to make an impact, one blanket—and one warm heart—at a time.
