Today we’d like to introduce you to Bridget Mazzuco.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was always the girl that said, “I can’t craft! I can’t do it!”, even though I enjoyed it. One day, I went to a public workshop to create a porch leaner, but I did not have high hopes it would be good. I came out fabulous. I felt so empowered that I was able to accomplish it, that I I start knew I wanted to bring that the other people in my community. That’s where it all began!
I instantly started my journey into looking at Franchise Opportunities with AR Workshop, and lucky for me, they were looking for someone to open in the north tampa/Pasco area. Sadly, after searching for lease space for about 9 months, and finding everything way over budget, it wasn’t going my way. They came to me with a new opportunity of going mobile, and being their first pilot model of what they call the Crafty Cruiser, and I happily accepted. Being the first store that opened as a Crafty Cruiser and being fully mobile had it challenges as everything was new, but gladly I had other stores that were converting into Crafty Cruisers, so I wasn’t by myself. I’ve grown the business into what it is today, servicing hundreds of guests in the area over the last year, and can’t wait to continue to grow and bring the love of DIY to the area.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Does any start-up small business have an easy time getting started? If so I’d love their number. Ha
It has not always been smooth, but it has been enjoyable and I am always up for the challenge.
The first couple of months were difficult as I had to go around the community and sell myself, which wasn’t easy for me coming from a background in healthcare as a Cardiovascular Technologist. Luckily for me, I’ve met some awesome people and companies in the area who I have partnered with, some that I am still with today such as Thirsty Buffalo Brewing Co. and Florida Avenue Brewing Co., who have really helped me grow and took a chance on me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about AR Workshop Wesley Chapel, operating as a Crafty Cruiser ?
AR Workshop Wesley Chapel is a mobile DIY boutique that brings the love of DIY to the N. Hillsborough and Pasco communities.
We specialize in teaching others how to DIY….everything!!! From Chunky Knit Blankets, to embroidery, to anything wood such as wood signs, porch leavers, trays, to Mosaic ARt lamps and candle holders…we do it all.
We host public workshops where we partner with other local businesses and go into those businesses and host there. We host private events such as bachelorette parties, team building events, and birthday parties where we come to you, making it truly magical and personal. We also host summer camps, afterschool art programs, and get involved more in the community at community markets.
I think what really sets us apart is that we have the opportunity to come to you, and a lot of people are looking for that accessibility.
The AR Workshop brand is something I am very proud of. We aim for quality, success, and the standards that the company goes by is top notch. We use the best quality supplies, vendors, and materials to bring a quality experience to DIY’ers.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Ha! Great question. I was the girl who always got in trouble for talking too much in class! Almost smart, inquisitive, wanting to know more about whatever topic I was learning. I was a fan of science and history.
My family always told me I needed to learn what the word “tact” was, and in my adult years, I can say I’ve gotten better at it.
I have always been a free thinker, not afraid to say what I think or how I feel.
Pricing:
- Our pricing is based on project. It ranges anywhere from $20-$99 depending on which project you are looking for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.arworkshop.com/wesleychapel
- Instagram: @arworkshopwesleychapel
- Facebook: @arworkshopwesleychapel
Image Credits
My Gym- Tampa
Thirsty Buffalo Brewing Co.
