Maria Morris grew up on the Kansas/Missouri border in Deerfield, MO.
“I bar tended at Sharkey’s Pub for eleven years,” Morris said. “A year ago, I decided to start a different career. I always loved fashion, so I decided to follow my dream and own a clothing store.”
She started her venture in Nevada, MO in 2025.
“I was talking to Dean Striler (co-owner of the new space she is leasing in Fort Scott), and he presented the opportunity to open in Fort Scott. I always loved the community of Fort Scott and wanted to be a part of bringing customers to the area.”
The new space is 6 North Main, the former Tribune storefront.
The name of her new venture is Midwest Runway.
“I am really excited to be a part of the community,” she said. “I believe clothing is more than what we wear, but is also a unique part of who God created us to be.”
The next two weeks are the last weeks at her location at 14182 E. U.S. 54 Hwy, Nevada, and also starting the move to the new location in downtown Fort Scott.
Once she gets moved in, there will be a grand opening on Saturday, August 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Normal hours will follow: Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. The business is closed on Sundays.
Morris said she likes to “make women feel empowered and beautiful on the outside and the inside.”
The selection ranges from lounge wear to special-occasion clothing.
“Outfits you can take from day to night,” she said.
Sammie Barner will be the store manager, and there are some part-time employees as well.
The business can be contacted on its Facebook and Instagram pages or at midwestrunwayboutique@gmail.com.