We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Virginia Arrisueno a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Virginia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

My name is Virginia Blanca Arrisueño, and I’m the owner of Steadfast Supply DC.

I believe that every purchase is an investment, not just in a product, but in the dreams and aspirations of the people who made it. When you choose Steadfast Supply, you’re choosing to support a community of passionate makers, artisans, and entrepreneurs who pour their hearts and souls into their craft.

But it’s more than just economics. Steadfast Supply is about building bridges, fostering connections, and celebrating the unique stories behind each item on our shelves. We believe in the power of community, and we want our shop to be a place where people can come together, share stories, and discover something special.

So, when you walk through the doors of Steadfast Supply, you’re not just browsing for gifts; you’re joining a movement. A movement that celebrates the power of small business, the beauty of handcrafted goods, and the importance of human connection.

Virginia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Back in October 2016, it started as an idea: a pop-up space to give talented but under-the-radar artists a platform to shine. I, a daughter of Peruvian immigrants and the youngest of four, always dreamed of building something beautiful, inspired by my family’s spirit and my dad’s love for travel and art, while channeling my mom’s effortless style.

My journey began with yarn and needles, weaving stories into fiber art at the University of Maryland. Internships at museums like the Hirshhorn and galleries like Vertigo in London fueled my passion, and awards like the Sadat Art for Peace (presented by Nelson Mandela himself!) and the Viridian Artists National Competition were like gentle nudges from the universe.

But I yearned for a different kind of art – to create a space where creativity could bloom, not just on canvas, but on shelves and racks. So, I dipped my toes into the fashion world with DeNada, a line of knitwear inspired by my Peruvian heritage. Watching skilled artisans bring my designs to life with traditional techniques, filling stores like Isetan in Japan with a little piece of my Latin roots, was pure magic.

But somewhere along the way, it dawned on me – I wasn’t just building my own dream, I yearned to help others build theirs. That’s when the seeds of Steadfast Supply were sown. We started small, a temporary haven for independent designers like me, but somehow, it just… stuck. Now, nestled in The Yards in DC, Steadfast Supply isn’t just a shop; it’s a family, a vibrant ecosystem of dreamers and makers, supported by our community.

That’s what we do at Steadfast Supply. We’re not just a gift shop; we’re a curator of dreams, a bridge between passionate artisans and appreciative customers. We offer a vibrant selection of:

-Handcrafted home accessories.
-Unique accessories: Statement jewelry, hand-dyed scarves, and ethically sourced bags.
-Beautifully designed cards and journals.

and more!

But beyond the products, we solve a deeper yearning for connection. In a world dominated by mass-produced sameness, Steadfast Supply offers a touch of the extraordinary, a reminder of the human hand that shapes stories into things you can hold and cherish.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Let’s talk about March 2020. My gift shop, a vibrant haven of handcrafted goodies, felt the rug pulled out from under it. Foot traffic evaporated, shelves sat heavy and silent. Overnight, the familiar joy of ringing up happy customers transformed into the cold fear of mounting bills and an uncertain future.

But giving up wasn’t an option. My team and I, we’re not built that way. We pivoted fast. We dusted off our website, created an online shop, and learned the intricacies of video to help sell products. Days morphed into nights, fueled by coffee and sheer determination. The shop floor was quieter, but our virtual doors swung open wider than ever.

There were plenty of hiccups. And yes, I was exhausted to the max. Packages that went astray, tech meltdowns mid-stream, and moments of utter doubt. But for every obstacle, there was a triumph. A customer’s surprised shout of joy on Yelp and Google My Business. A surge in online orders driven by our heartfelt Instagram stories. The slow, steady climb of sales figures proved that even in a lockdown, people craved connection and the joy of giving.

COVID wasn’t a vacation, it was a bootcamp. It pushed us to our limits, tested our resourcefulness, and ultimately, made us stronger. We emerged leaner, meaner, and infinitely more adaptable. We learned to embrace technology, listen to our customers like never before, and find the silver lining in every cloud like curb-side pickup and personalized delivery messages. Most importantly, we discovered that the core of our business wasn’t just selling gifts, it was building moments of joy.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

For us, word-of-mouth works great! Word-of-mouth marketing can be a slow burn, not a quick fix. But its impact is undeniable. By building genuine connections, fostering a community, and focusing on creating outstanding experiences, it can definitely help your business flourish!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.steadfastsupplydc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steadfastsupplydc/

Image Credits
Emma McAlary