Today we’d like to introduce you to Dianna DeStefano.
Hi Dianna, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story with Pine + Quill began in 2020 with a dream that had been brewing for quite some time. I’ve always been one to take a risk and an opportunity landed in front of me that couldn’t pass up. After a short search, I found the beautiful storefront in West Chester that I call my second home. And decided to work as hard as I could to launch the opening of Pine + Quill right before the holiday season.
Since opening, the shop has evolved and grown in ways I didn’t expect. I guess I didn’t know what to expect when opening but I knew I wanted to bring something beautiful to West Chester. Small towns NEED stores. online shopping is so impersonal and a waste of time. I wanted to create something that was beautifully curated and inspiring.
We bring to you a space full of furniture, artwork, curated home accessories and gifts. We have a lower level that used as a creative gathering space where you can take a painting class, calligraphy or jewelry. We update our events calendar quarterly. Many of our products are locally sourced and we love to feature local creatives so you will also see pop ups on our calendar – a local maker set up in our store on a weekend day!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s not been a smooth road at all. In fact, being a small business owner is the hardest job I’ve had – it’s unpredictable and it can seem like every day there is some challenge to overcome. Weather, economy, rising costs, BIG BOX stores. Aside from those variables, it’s always been a struggle to find good staff. Small businesses don’t have the cash flow to hire a big team, to hire full time employees, to offer benefits, so it leaves us wearing all the hats every day, needing to be available 24/7, and putting our life aside at the drop of a hat. We love what we do so SO much – otherwise it really wouldn’t be worth it!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My background has been a journey itself! I studied ecology and resource conservation and had a career as an Environmental Scientist for about 15 years. I worked in the corporate world and learned I didn’t love it. After having my child in 2014, my career changed because my personal life changed and the corporate world was unforgiving. I was laid off in 2017 and decided that was my swift kick to start something new and really create the career and life I wanted in the creative world. At the time, I didn’t know what it looked like, but I knew I was bound for better things. I was doing calligraphy as a hobby for a while, and threw myself in the wedding industry pretty quickly. I no sooner found myself nice and busy, then COVID hit. All weddings canceled. Before I knew it, this storefront presented itself and I was well on my way to creating something even bigger than I ever imagined.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Know that owning a small business is DEMANDING. And every risk falls on you. And read contracts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pineandquillshop.com
- Instagram: @pineandquillshop
- Facebook: pineandquillshop
- Other: TikTok @Pine&Quill
