Cassandra Liuzzo, 30, multiMedia Artist & ENTREPRENEUR
When you’re done reading a book, you can resell it at a used book store. If you’re a college student, you can sell your books back at the end of the semester. If you’re an artist though, there has been no option for you to return unwanted art supplies at the end of a semester or when you’re finished with a project.
While attending Appalachian State, Cassandra Liuzzo knew there had to be a way to deal with unwanted art supplies.
After college, Cassandra, now 30, spent four years making art and working for her parents’ e-commerce company, gaining the tools to open her own small business.
“I first set up an Etsy account and started selling my old college art supplies. Not long afterward, I was offered my first space underneath Geeksboro, on Lawndale, and opened up in October 2014.”
Shelf Life Art & Supply Co. was born. Now located at 2178 Lawndale Ave., Cassandra sells artist-quality brand-new fine art supplies, in addition to used art & craft supplies. She accepts pre-owned supplies in exchange for store credit, where those are then sold at affordable prices.
“I give store credit, which makes art supplies more affordable for students and working artists.”
In addition to just art supplies, Shelf Life Art & Supply Co. offers art classes and workshops, and professional custom framing services.
“I’m currently working on expanding our class offerings. Right now we offer watercolor and drawing classes with local instructors, as well as various workshops and summer camps. Every couple months, I like to have a project that is free for the community to come and participate. I want to have projects that are accessible to everyone.”
“I wanted to stay in Greensboro to help create a culture that would attract other young people and encourage them to stay. The way community is developing around our creative culture, people seem to be much more connected, and there are so many more opportunities than there used to be.”
