Part-time to Ownership: Jessica Armstrong of Pistachios
In the 57th episode of Perceived Value host Sarah Rachel Brown is excited to welcome a new sponsor to the podcast, Pistachios. As Sarah was communicating with the gallery owner Jessica Armstrong, she realized there was a story to tell there.
Sarah and Jessica met nearly 10 years ago at a conference and have kept in touch sporadically since then. The two friends sat down to reconnect and discuss the difference in tuition waivers VS scholarships, the impacts of COVID, and how Jessica, once a part-time employee, came to be the owner of this well-established gallery.
Pistachios + COVID Rescue Fund
PISTACHIOS NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT!
In 2021, Jessica, the gallery’s owner, made the decision to run as a fully virtual gallery, closing the downtown Chicago location until a new space will be found.
To help her get back on track and to reopen a new Chicago location, she’s currently in the process of trying to get a grant through the COVID Rescue Fund.
You can show the gallery support by making a minimum donation of $5 HERE.
More about COVID Rescue Fund:
The Covid Rescue Fund awards grants up to $100,000 based on a monthly vote and the finances of the business that the applicant lost. Grants are awarded monthly. To maximize a business’ chances of getting the grant, they need as many people to vote on their behalf as possible.
As this podcast is being released, I am very excited to announce that the voting for the month of May is closed and Pistachios is one of the businesses that will be awarded a grant.
What Pistachios needs now is donations because the grant matches the money the small business is able to secure whether that be through loans or donations.
Jessica Armstrong received her BFA from Eastern Kentucky University and MFA from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in Jewelry and Metalsmithing. She has exhibited her work nationally and internationally along with winning various scholarships, grants, rewards and artist residencies. She currently owns Pistachios Jewelry and Crafts Gallery in Chicago, where she is also the buyer along with curating in store and online exhibitions.
Instagram - @pistachiosjewelry
