We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Stephanie Christou. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Stephanie below.
Alright, Stephanie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
The spark for Bottom of the Bin Secondhand Art and Craft Supplies came from my own crafting chaos at home. I’ve always been this enthusiastic hobby hopper, diving into every craft that caught my eye. Over time, this meant amassing a mountain of crafting supplies — I wanted every color and pattern, and if there was a tool for it, I needed it! Soon, my craft space at home became overwhelming, and I had just adopted two kittens that would attack every new project I started. I knew it was time to look for studio space. When I realized how expensive studio space could be, I decided to upgrade a bit and pair it with a storefront instead. Years back, I owned a secondhand clothing store where people traded unwanted clothes for store credit. I thought, “Why not do the same for art supplies?” Sustainability is something I deeply care about, and with this new idea, not only could I give artists and crafters amazing deals, but we’d also be reducing waste in our community. When the idea struck I instantly started crying. I knew it was something unique and special and much needed. I immediately started to look for retail space, and everyone I encountered – from random people on the streets, to landlords – all said it was a genius idea and couldn’t believe it didn’t exist in our community already. I knew I was on to something and it lit a fire under me to go into this venture full force and invest every last penny I had to my name. And speaking of names, the store name, Bottom of the Bin, has two meanings. In secondhand stores, the best treasures are usually found at the bottom. Plus, when crafting at home and you reach the bottom of the bin, you know it’s time to go shopping! Hence, Bottom of the Bin was born.
Stephanie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Stephanie and I’m a lifelong crafter and self-proclaimed “hobby hopper.” Ever since I can remember, I’ve been diving headfirst into every art and craft project that I found interesting. But with passion comes… well, a mountain of supplies! Realizing I wasn’t the only one with a stash overflow, and wanting to help promote sustainability, Bottom of the Bin was born. It’s more than just a store; it’s a heartbeat in our local artistic community. Think of it as a swap hub for craft enthusiasts – bring in supplies you no longer want, and pick up something fresh for your new project.
My vision for Bottom of the Bin was not only to create a store, but to build a community of like minded people. I wanted to cultivate inspiration, foster connections, and essentially become a haven for creativity. I opened my doors to local artists and crafters who want to host classes and workshops, so we always have fun and fresh ideas and sources of inspiration. I also created a free Sunday Social event. Every 2nd and 4th Sunday, customers can bring their own supplies and snacks, and spend the day crafting together. I’ve also created a wonderful Facebook group, “Bottom of the Bin Artists and Crafters”. (Facebook.com/groups/bottomofthebin). It’s a space to share, learn, and inspire each other. We quickly realized many members of our group had a love for ATCs – artist trading cards. Now, we have a dedicated Sunday each month for ATC enthusiasts to craft and swap. At the heart of all these efforts is a simple mission: to elevate arts, promote sustainability, and foster a tight-knit community. So, if you’re looking to be part of something more than just a store, if you value sustainability and community as much as creativity, come be a part of our story at Bottom of the Bin.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
When it comes to growing our clientele, the answer has consistently been by the power of word-of-mouth. From the very beginning, when the idea was just taking shape and I was hunting for the right retail space, I spoke to everyone I met about it. They immediately thought it was a brilliant, much-needed concept in our community. That immediate positive reception was my first hint at the potential.
Starting small, I set up shop at a local flea market to test the waters. The response was undeniable, and it was clear that we needed more room – not just for the growing inventory but to truly embrace the community spirit by taking trade-ins and hosting classes. As soon as my store was ready to open for business, I joined various Facebook groups from local artists and crafters to business networking. Most of the posts went viral, and word spread like crazy!
It’s our loyal customer base that has pushed that forward, from telling all of their friends, to pitching our story to local news channels – resulting in two features that boosted our visibility immensely. We even had a local blog reach out to come film a reel at our shop to share on their Instagram, and that helped boost us to levels we couldn’t even imagine were possible! By continuing to foster our online presence and by collaborating with other teachers and businesses for our in-store classes and workshops, we aim to keep the momentum going. At the end of the day, it’s about genuine connections and a shared love for creativity and sustainability that drives Bottom of the Bin forward.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Life for me has always been a game of pivoting when needed. I’m that person who dives headfirst into passions, turns them into businesses, and when things start feeling a little too routine, I’m already looking for the next big thing. I’ve done everything from from buying and selling used cards, running eBay stores for video games and trendy hair accessories, to creating a store for secondhand alternative clothing. I also spent many years as an influencer and content creator, ranging from live streams to videos. I’ve taken everything from my past experiences and combined them with my current passion of arts and crafts, creating Bottom of the Bin Secondhand Art and Craft Supplies. My passions always drives me. If I wake up and the idea of the day’s grind doesn’t get me excited, I know it’s time to shake things up a bit, to re-invent myself. This isn’t about hopping from one venture to the next aimlessly, it’s about chasing that rush of excitement, and ensuring my work always aligns with my evolving passions.
Now, as I’m building Bottom of the Bin, I’m taking a slightly different approach. I want to ensure its longevity. That means hiring a solid team to handle the daily retail grind, giving me the space to strategize, grow the brand, and yes, be ready to pivot as needed. This setup isn’t just for what’s best for the business; it’s for me, ensuring I have the freedom to chase new passions when the next spark ignites, building my own empire!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bottomofthebin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bottomofthebin_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bottomoftheBin
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/bottomofthebin_
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5g0RE99QvSZaKV5NiGH97w
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bottom-of-the-bin-seminole
- Other: Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bottomoftheBin