Today we’d like to introduce you to Stefanie Allison.
Hi Stefanie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
For much of my career, I worked for a large organization in marketing and retail. I loved the work, but it required frequent travel and long hours, and as a mom of three young children, I found myself wanting more flexibility and more time for the moments that mattered most.
One day, I took our oldest daughter to Wine & Design as a customer. During our visit, the owner casually mentioned that the studio was for sale. I had always loved coming there, and something about that conversation stuck with me. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Looking back, it felt like one of those moments that was simply meant to happen.
In 2019, I took a leap of faith and became the owner of Wine & Design in Williamsport. What started as a paint-and-sip studio has grown into so much more. Today, we offer dozens of creative experiences, from stained glass and glass blowing to hat burning, resin art, ceramics, and community events.
My passion has always been connecting others and by creating a space where people can connect, celebrate, learn something new, and leave feeling better than when they walked in leaves me with that sense of fulfillment I was missing.
Looking back, walking into the studio that day as a customer changed the course of my life. It reminded me that sometimes the biggest opportunities appear when you least expect them, and all you have to do is be willing to say yes.
I still wake up excited to create new experiences, support other small businesses through collaborations, and help people discover that art isn’t about being an artist—it’s about making memories.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the greatest challenges I faced came just one year after purchasing the business, when the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill. As a business built around gathering people together, celebrating, and creating connections, it was hard to imagine how we would survive. I quickly realized we had two choices: close our doors or find a new way forward. I chose to pivot.
We created take-home paint kits that allowed families and friends to continue creating together from the safety of their homes. We also began hosting live Zoom painting classes, giving people an opportunity not only to make art, but to stay connected during what was an incredibly isolating time— by choosing to pivot 2020 was not such a bad year for us.
Looking back, that experience reinforced one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as a business owner: challenges are inevitable, but creativity and adaptability can turn obstacles into opportunities.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
When I purchased Wine & Design, it was primarily known as a paint-and-sip studio. Over the past seven years, I’ve worked to transform it into a creative destination where there truly is something for everyone. Today, we offer everything from painting, hat burning, stained glass, glass blowing, resin art, ceramics, hat burning, chunky knit workshops, and seasonal specialty classes to corporate team-building events, kids’ camps, fundraisers, and private celebrations.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just the growth of the business—it’s the impact we’ve had on our community. We’ve created a welcoming space where people celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, bridal showers, reunions, and even difficult seasons of life. Art has a unique way of bringing people together, and we’ve been fortunate to be a small part of so many meaningful memories.
I also believe collaboration over competition is one of the biggest reasons we’ve been successful. We partner with local farms, breweries, florists, bookstores, nonprofits, artists, and other small businesses to create unique experiences that support not only our business but our entire community. Those partnerships have allowed us to continually innovate while helping others grow alongside us.
What sets us apart is our commitment to constantly evolving. We don’t simply offer art classes—we create experiences that people can’t wait to come back to. Whether it’s introducing new workshops, listening to what our customers want, or finding creative ways to bring people together, we’re always asking, “What’s next?”
I’m proud that after more than a decade in business, people don’t just think of Wine & Design as a place to paint. They think of us as a place to connect, celebrate, create, and make memories.
More than anything, I’m incredibly proud of the team we’ve built. Their passion and willingness to embrace new ideas have made it possible for us to continue growing while maintaining the welcoming, personal experience our customers have come to expect.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is creating a life that our children are proud to watch. I want them to see that success isn’t measured only by financial achievements, but by how you treat people, how hard you’re willing to work, and the impact you have on your community.
Owning a small business has given me the opportunity to show our children what resilience, perseverance, and service look like. They’ve watched me celebrate victories, navigate challenges, work long hours when necessary, and give back whenever possible. I hope they grow up knowing that meaningful work should not only provide for your family but also strengthen the community around you.
Community has always been at the heart of everything I do. Whether it’s partnering with other small businesses, supporting local nonprofits, serving on community boards, or simply creating a welcoming space where people can gather, I believe we’re all responsible for helping our hometown thrive. When one business succeeds, our entire community benefits.
At the end of the day, I hope the legacy I leave isn’t just a successful business. I hope it’s that I raised kind, hardworking children, helped make Williamsport a little stronger, and reminded people that connection, creativity, and generosity can make a lasting difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wineanddesign.com/calendar/williamsport-pa
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wndwilliamsport
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19A2mViSga/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanie-allison-42b7a512?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios
