Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Cannella.
Gina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always been an artist, a collector, and a lil’ business owner at heart. Those are the three recurring themes in my life!
Before Super Mix, I had dreamed for years about running a brick-and-mortar shop “someday” where I could showcase my love of art and vintage – and while I had in many ways been learning relevant skills throughout my life, I never actively pursued that dream of opening a business.
Instead, the opportunity came to me in 2018 when I was very much consumed by grief after the death of my boyfriend. The owner of the property where I’ve worked for 6 years as an event coordinator told me there was going to be a small retail space available in the new “Cookhouse Food Hall” that was opening in a few months and asked if I’d be interested in putting together a shop selling local art and handmade goods.
I mean, at this time, I was barely getting out of bed on days I didn’t have to go to work.
Not to mention I had no experience owning a business or education. I knew it was going to be hard, but still the answer was so obviously yes – I needed hope and something to work towards. So, every day after that, with an opening date only 5 months away, I figured out how to run a business piece by piece. In June 2019 Super Mix was open and we’ve been here now for 3 years.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Not always! The biggest struggle is time. Like many people, I have 3 separate jobs that each require time and dedication. I run Super Mix; I am an artist and an event coordinator as well.
My jobs are all solo ventures – so basically, the work week never ends, there’s always something that needs to be done, and it can be a wild ride keeping all my responsibilities met.
But I am so grateful to have a chance to try and make my way in life living ‘creatively’ and doing things that truly make me happy. It’s worth the effort!!! I love every part of the process, the experience, and the people I meet through Super Mix. Also, I have to shout out my family that is ALWAYS there for me – especially my mom, Eve, who works at the shop (if you visit, say hello to her!) And the artists, makers, collectors, and customers at Super Mix – I am beyond lucky to have their support!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
At Super Mix, we sell art, vintage, and handmade items from over 40 contributing vendors. We love to work with smaller and local brands and provide a space for them to grow their business.
What I would like people to know first and foremost is that no matter who you are, you are welcome at Super Mix. I strive to make our shop an inclusive, fun, and safe place for all people.
We specialize in everything colorful, pop, psychedelic, retro and kawaii. You’ll find gifts, accessories, artwork, home décor, clothing, and more.
I personally love collecting ’60s–’90s era vintage toys and decor items from all over the world, and you can definitely see that influence throughout the items I select for the store.
Something we’ve become known for is our holiday/seasonal displays and our pop-up shop – which is a single room at the store that changes nearly every month and features an artist or small business who is not one of our regular sellers at the store.
I think one of the things that sets us apart from other shops is that we are always changing. A lot of the items that we stock are super limited in quantity, so between that and all of our contributing vendors, seasonal displays, and pop-up shops there will always be something new to see when you visit Super Mix.
Throughout the year, we also host events such as sketch nights, art shows, parties, and outdoor markets that are always free to attend!
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Well, as I mentioned, I’m just learning about business as I go along! So, I have no idea where the retail industry on the whole, will be headed in 5-10 years.
But what I hope we continue to see is more and more people supporting artists and small business.
In the future, at Super Mix, I would absolutely love to work with up-and-coming artists and makers from outside the US.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://supermixmercantile.com/
- Instagram: @supermixmercantile , @G_REXX
Image Credits
Gina Cannella
