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Meet Lauren Castro of Hammer & Stain Phoenix in Central

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Castro.

Lauren, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I originally moved to Arizona for a teaching job. Over the years, I felt like more and more things about education would put me in a negative state of mind. It became exhausting so I would look for outlets where I could recharge and focus on the positives life has to offer. One day when I was visiting back home in NJ, I decided to take a DIY workshop my friend was having at her studio. I left there with a customized doormat that I loved but also with a new sense of creativity. I went home and started making all kinds of things. I realized that this is what made me really happy! However, I wasn’t quite ready. My path led me to a new school where I met my [now] husband! Over time, he convinced me that the time was right to turn my dream into a reality. I’ve been open less than six months and am excited to see what the future holds!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting this business has not been easy. If it was, everyone would be doing it, right?! Everything out of my teaching realm has been a huge learning experience for me. It started with finding a location (realizing commercial real estate is a very slow process) and branched out to learning how to market myself. It has taken me out of my comfort zone at times but I find that everyday I learn something new.

Please tell us about Hammer & Stain Phoenix.
Hammer & Stain is a DIY paint and sip Workshop Studio where we help you turn unfinished wood (and other mediums) into beautiful pieces of home decor. We host public workshops where you can sign up to take a class and we guide you through all of the stages of creation. If you aren’t into taking a class with other strangers, you can get your friends together for a private party where you still get the guidance but the studio is closed to the public. We also host birthday parties, bachelorette parties, bridal showers, fundraisers, team building events, and kids workshops. Once a month (at least) we have Open Paint hours where you can walk in and choose from a variety of projects that are ready for you to make.

What sets us apart from other sip and paint places is that you can customize everything. Your design doesn’t have to be the same as the person sitting next to you but you all leave with wall-worthy pieces of artwork! You don’t have to have any artistic talent to make something amazing. Plus, we are a kid-friendly establishment!

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory is playing board games with my family. I loved the competition and the laughter that poured out when we all were together.

Pricing:

  • Projects usually cost between $35-85 with the average being around $50
  • There are host incentives for Private Parties up to $50

Contact Info:

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