Check Out Shannon D’Arpino’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon D’Arpino.

Hi Shannon, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
In 2019, we moved back home to Tucson, and I was searching for shops to sell my handmade items. There were not many options for small business makers to showcase and sell. I had belonged to various cooperative shops in Minnesota, and at the time, in Tucson, there were only antique malls or live event markets. So, I began to dream about creating a collaborative space.

In 2020, Colliope Co was born. We opened our brick-and-mortar doors in January 2021. It was a scary time to start a business, especially when it was all based around local, small business makers. Since opening, we have grown immensely. What once was eight makers in one thousand square feet is now over thirty in a newly built and expanded space. I pride myself on the beauty that is created in our store. Our main shop is a collaborative mix of all the makers in each beautiful scene we design. I often struggle to explain what we carry because we have something for everyone! We are an eclectic emporium carrying upcycled furniture, unique home decor, handmade gifts, vintage and antique finds, and a market full of locally curated food items. Not only do we offer space for all these local small businesses, but we also offer classes to teach customers how to do what we do!

I strive to bring talented small business owners who are new or up-and-coming to the shop. The more we lift others and strive to work together, the more we benefit our community. Each of our makers works in the shop and is invested in making it a “happy place” for people. I love for our customers to feel welcome and appreciated as they walk through our doors!

It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Any business owner would be dishonest if they said it was all smooth sailing! In the Spring of 2022, a fire in our original location unhomed us for a few months. Fortunately, our business suffered no harm, but it became obvious that we would need to find another home. At that time, I looked at many different building options and decided to invest in a brand-new building that could be designed and made exactly how I wanted it to be. Unfortunately, this build took over eight months and caused me lots of stress and anxiety while I tried to keep the business afloat in a temporary space. While we waited for our new building to be completed, my community of makers was so positive and supportive of me. I realized how special Colliope Co was for all of us. I was also so blown away by how amazing our customers were! They cared for us during this transitional time and continued to shop and show us love. Not just Tucson but Arizona amazes me with their pride in helping their community. Their passion for supporting locals is felt every week at Colliope Co!

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Not only am I the owner of Colliope Co, but I am a maker in the shop as well. I make most of the sewn children’s items, custom paint furniture, and create handmade home decor items. I love making things! I love customizing items for my clients as well. When clients have a unique piece of furniture they want renovated to fit their aesthetic, I enjoy helping them make that a reality. Our custom painting and renovating is so popular I am generally booked out months in advance. I take great pride in quality refinishing and designing. It is gratifying to take something very old, sometimes a hundred years or more, and make it “new” so it can live on for many more years. I am passionate about renovating to avoid creating more waste in our world. When people upcycle or recycle items, we save our environment one piece at a time. I also love that once I am done with a piece, it is truly one of a kind!

What do you think about happiness?
My family and friends make me so happy! I have the most supportive family and friends; without their love and support, Colliope Co could not shine. They cheer me on, put in hours in the shop with me, and spend their hard-earned dollars supporting me and my makers. They always help me celebrate my hard work and efforts; I am so incredibly grateful for that.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.colliopeco.com
• Instagram: @colliopeco
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/colliopeco
• Other: https://findyocal.com/listing/colliope-co.html