Curio - Concept Store and Creative Studio

WHO ARE WE:

Sarah and Joslyn currently own and operate separate businesses, but are merging as “Curio” to fulfill a greater need in their community - a space to cultivate connection and curiosity. Sarah currently runs a ceramic studio out of her home (Agora) and Joslyn owns a clothing and goods store (Stella Clothing).

ABOUT THIS PROJECT/WHAT IS CURIO:

Curio is a Lincoln-based concept store and creative studio focusing on ethical clothing and lifestyle brands, collaborative endeavors and building community through workshops and events. The retail portion of Curio consists of women’s and men’s clothing, home goods, and apothecary items from ethical, independent brands, as well as curated vintage and consignment items. Curio will also produce and sell its own in-house pottery line. The creative studio will offer art workshops and special events.

Customers will feel warmly received into the space, whether to shop mindfully made goods, create in a workshop, or simply feel inspired and take intentional time to slow down in a welcoming and restful environment.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT:

As we all go about our busy day to day of responsibilities and adult life, sometimes our hobbies and relationships drift away. We believe the sense of wonder and easy friendships that enveloped our lives as children is a powerful thing but is often lost to not knowing how or not having a place to facilitate them as adults. This is a driving force behind the concept of Curio, to foster discovery and connection through objects and community-building experiences.

Another main component of Curio is uplifting artists/designers/makers and creating more memorable experiences. We want to give customers a place to purchase or create something completely one-of-a-kind – with an emphasis on quality, not quantity. Thus creating a special connection between the receiver and the maker. We believe all objects and individuals have a unique story to tell, and we want to help facilitate and share those stories as well as provide a sacred space for connection.

WHAT YOUR SUPPORT WILL CONTRIBUTE:

We are asking for your help to fund Curio as we come together and create a new gathering place for the community. In short, and like many other small business owners, the pandemic impacted the trajectory and success of our businesses. We are both still struggling to come back to a place of sustainability. To continue operating and growing our businesses, we decided to pivot and merge to support one another.

Throughout many after-hour shop conversations, dreaming and worrying simultaneously, we were surprised to find that the visions we both had for our businesses aligned beautifully. So we decided to take a leap and team up to create something new. Curio was born out of a desire to maintain physical spaces of connection and inspiration in our community. We now have the keys to our dreamy light-filled shop at 33rd and B.

To open the new space, we are seeking support for build-out and material costs. We are trying to be as conscious and savvy as possible, buying second-hand and reusing materials, but there are underlying costs we don't currently have the funds for including:

Building improvements

Updated fixtures, shelving, lighting, and technology systems

Tools and workshop materials

The total expense breakdown roughly comes out to $15,000.

REWARDS AND GRATITUDE:

Your support will help get us on our feet and the doors open, so we want to thank you. We are excited to have five levels of giving with intentional rewards connected to them.

“Create Community” Level $25+

Help with expenses. You’re donating because you want to support small businesses and brands. You believe in building places to foster community and creativity.

“Curio Tote” Level $50+

Help with expenses and receive a limited edition Curio Tote Bag.

A reusable, carry-all tote bag is our favorite accessory for everyday use and conscious shopping. We illustrated some of our favorite “curiosities” to create this limited edition Curio Tote. These totes are made from a thick natural canvas and printed by hand right across the street by our shop-neighbor, Little Mountain Print Shop.

“Curiosities Workshop” Level $125+

Help with expenses and receive an invitation to a special workshop.

Our first official Curio Workshop will be a time of gathering, meeting new people, enjoying refreshments and working in clay to craft something meaningful to you. In this workshop, we will build a unique vessel with pressed treasures on the surface to make a truly one-of-a-kind piece of art.

Several workshop dates will be available (September 2 and September 16 from 5:30-7:30pm) You'll receive a message from us with further details and coordinating which date works best for you to attend.

“Curio Patron” Level $300+

Help with expenses, receive a limited edition Curio Tote Bag and become a Curio Patron. We will be hosting a private Patron Party for you to celebrate the beginnings of Curio with us. An intimate gathering over refreshments, conversation and a fun clay-making activity. Patrons will create their own clay stamp that will be used to make their mark on a special wall within Curio and a piece to take home later. The Patron Party will be on August 26 from 6:00-8:00pm. You'll receive a message from us with further details.

“Curio Sponsor + Patron Party” Level $1000+

Help with expenses and support our small business in a big way. At this sponsor level, you’re invited to the Curio Patron Party in addition to having a private workshop at Curio for up to 10 people. This workshop would make a great office party, bachelorette party, or holiday gift experience for friends or family. This workshop can be tailored to your interests! Special thanks will be given to Curio Sponsors.

*Any gift that doesn’t fall under one of the specified levels, will be assumed as a full donation. We will contact you directly to coordinate events and rewards.*

Curio is set to open in mid-August 2023 thanks to your steadfast support and encouragement!