SCORE Fosters Support of LGBTQ Store, Safe Space

One of her regular customers makes the eight-hour roundtrip trek from Tulsa, Okla. to Christy and Charlie Vincent’s Kansas City, Mo. one stop shop for goods and personal care services.

“I knew the place was needed,” Vincent said of her 1,300-square-foot retail space, MOC BOD, which features her handcrafted body washes, as well as candles, décor, clothing and more from a dozen LGBTQ artisans, and an LGBTQ-affirming tattoo artist, massage therapist, and hairstylist. “Everybody needs a safe space to go.”

Since Vincent, and her wife, Charlie, opened the business on Feb. 10, 2024, the couple has made use of every bit of the space to welcome the queer community and allies alike. Visitors enjoy cozying up on the couch and chairs, warming by the fireplace and enjoy putting together puzzles and coloring in coloring books to pass the time.

“It’s just our vibe,” Christy said. “People say they feel right at home. So many people said they can breathe here.”

A former nonprofit organization director, Christy had been contemplating starting the business for about seven years. Encouragement from her wife led Christy to establish MOC BOD LLC in July 2023 and open the store about two years earlier than she had originally projected.

“We like to share our space,” Christy said, adding that she has collaborated with a behavioral health organization for a toy drive; offers space for a twice-monthly book club; held a clothing swap which drew more than 100 people; and partnered with KC Pride Alliance to create the first-ever wellness tent at Kansas City Pride. “People could just come in and learn about where they could go that’s safe for the queer community.”

In an effort to bring the store and its offerings to a larger audience, Christy participated in SCORE’s 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition and was one of 45 finalists. SCORE is a nationwide nonprofit supporting small businesses.

More than 2,200 small businesses applied to compete in the five pitch events. Contestants were pared down to 60 contenders who presented their pitch live before panels of judges at the five events. Leading up to the competition, participants were matched with a SCORE mentor to help refine their pitch, strengthen their presentation and hone their business plan.

Christy teamed with SCORE mentor Maria La France, of the organization’s Des Moines chapter.

“It was my first pitch competition,” Christy said. “She was very helpful in coaching me on what to expect.”

Although Christy did not win a cash prize, she earned invaluable insight.

“The main thing was the connections I made,” she said. “I met a lot of kind people who gave me good advice.”

Plus, as her wife watched from home, online orders poured in for Christy’s body washes.

“I never expected that,” she said. “It was humbling.”

La France shared how the service providers came about “serendipitously” to fill Christy’s storefront, while simultaneously expanding her offerings and helping to cover the overhead costs.

“That was a synergistic fit,” La France said.

Looking ahead, Christy’s goal is to purchase a building once funding is available.

“I’ve got it picked out,” she said of a potential new space. “The service providers all want to expand because they’re doing so well.”

In the meantime, she’s ready to celebrate the first anniversary of MOC BOD on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Ship, 1221 Union Ave., Kansas City, Mo. The event features entertainment, door prizes, a silent auction and is open to all ages. Learn more.

To learn more about SCORE, request a mentor or volunteer to be one, visit score.org.

About SCORE

Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 17 million entrepreneurs start, grow, or successfully exit a business. SCORE's 10,000 volunteers provide free, expert mentoring, resources and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories. Visit SCORE at score.org.