Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tori Martin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Tori, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What can you share with us about the story behind how you found your key vendors?

One of the best parts of owning Studio 223 is getting to interact and support local small businesses and give them a permanent store front where they can sell their creative goods! We started with just a few local vendors and now we have almost 50 under our roof! Our vendors are always making unique items and we receive new products almost every day. Each time you come into the store you are going to find something new that you can’t find anywhere else. Many of our vendors also teach workshops in our store. We love being able to teach others through their expertise and create projects that they can take home after the class. Our workshops are always changing and evolving with the trends and we mix it up each month to keep it fresh.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I have always been someone who loves a good project! My grandma used to make all types of crafts and she would even sell some in a local store in Utah. I think I caught the creative bug from watching her make and sell so many different products. When it comes to home decor, if I can’t find what I have in mind, I will make it with the help of my husband. I spent many years working in the optical industry but always made time to be creative. When the opportunity came along to own a store that combined my passion of creating with owning my own business, I was sold! I love watching people find that perfect gift in our retail space or seeing customers in our workshop make something with their hands that they never thought they could. It is so rewarding to see others succeed! Our little store in downtown Gilbert not only offers workshops ranging from sourdough bread making to candle making and everything in between but we also sell locally made goods. In addition to all that we also host kids birthday parties and private parties for everything from baby showers to team building events. Adult private parties can choose the project they want to do and bring in food and drinks to create the perfect event. We love hosting parties at Studio 223!

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When the pandemic hit our little shop was only a couple of years old. We were just reaching a good stride and our workshops were flourishing. When everyone had to shelter in place we had to close our shop and our workshops were non-existent because no one wanted to be out in public. Thanks to a good website manager, we decided to put our workshop projects online and allowed our customers to buy kits so that they could create at home. It was a hit and our customers were so supportive! My family and I would package up all of the supplies needed and deliver the kits to their cars in the parking lot. It literally kept our business alive during a time when we couldn’t follow our normal business plan.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

There are definitely days that owning a small business is difficult and you wonder if all the hard work is worth it. I have found that your brain never really shuts off and it is hard to separate work from your personal life when you love what you do. There was one day in particular last month that really left me wondering why I was doing this. A few minutes later the phone rang and it was a customer who had been in the store earlier in the day who said it had been on her heart all day to call me and thank me for what I do and what we offer. She was truly appreciative of all of the hard work and said it meant so much to her to have a place to come to and attend classes and learn new things. It honestly made my entire week and helped me to realize that I really am doing something that people want and appreciate.

Contact Info:

• Website: studio223az.com
• Instagram: @studio223az
• Facebook: studio223az
• Yelp: Studio 223