Kelly Sanders and Monica Yope were on similar but divergent paths when they met at a tech event in 2017. Their creative, non-tech backgrounds in a sea of tech savvy participants drew the two of them together. After sharing stories and ideas of what they were both working on, Kelly and Monica quickly realized that they shared a common passion for the local maker scene. Within a few months of meeting, they were forming a partnership and making plans for what would become love, Pittsburgh. After four years of establishing a delightful and originative brand, their three exquisitely curated stores have become a favorite destination for artisans, creatives, visitors to our region, and lovers of all things local.
In 2017, Kelly Sanders and Monica Yope met at a tech conference. As the two lone, non-tech creatives in the room, they quickly became friends. As they got to know each other, they discovered their common passion for supporting local makers. Inspired by a shared vision, they realized that the city needed a physical space to showcase the abundance of talent in our region. So, they decided to turn the building that Monica found in Mt. Washington into their first love, Pittsburgh location.
Fast forward four years and Kelly and Monica now operate three locations throughout the city of Pittsburgh. Their initial lineup of 40 artisans has grown to over 100, and their stores have also achieved a GOLD Certification from Sustainable Pittsburgh for their work in reducing their carbon footprint. Love, Pittsburgh has become a home base for some of the best artisans in the area, and it has also become a favorite shopping destination for visitors and locals alike. In fact, Kelly and Monica created the name “love, Pittsburgh” to invoke the feeling that everything in their stores is like a gift to us from our beloved city.
If you have any questions or if you’d like to chat, you can reach me at my contact info below. The purpose of this podcast is to share ideas, inspire action, and build a stronger small business community here in Pittsburgh. So please say hello, tell me what you think, and let me know how I’m doing. It means a ton!
YOU CAN REACH ME AT:
Website: https://www.proprietorsofpittsburgh.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darinvilano
Phone: 412-336-8247
YOU CAN REACH KELLY SANDERS & MONICA YOPE AT:
Website: https://lovepittsburghshop.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovepittsburghshop
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovepittsburghshop
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lovepittsburghshop