Keeping Busy and Creating Memories this Holiday Season with AR Workshop Westfield
I’ve noticed during this pandemic that folks are just searching for a way to stay connected and keep themselves busy during the continued restrictions and more time at home. Our community is so thankful for the resource found in AR Workshop Westfield at 226 North Avenue West in Westfield NJ.
From making projects together at home, to creating memorable sentiments for loved ones, or bonding with your COVID Crew at a private craft table – this crafters dream has a little something for everyone! It seems everyone is a DIYer these days -we have more time, more patience, and a “let’s do it” attitude! And did you know that inside the front of the store there’s the BEST curated gifts from local artisans? It’s your one-stop shopping at AR Workshop!
In this latest community business post, I’ll introduce you to Westfield franchise owner Joanna Rapuzzi, tell you about their new “DIY to Go” line, and then reveal a special, exclusive offer for 365CWNJ followers! Get excited!
Meet Joanna Rapuzzi! (she’s a fellow Staten Island girl!)
Joanna grew up in Staten Island, NY and she and her husband now live in Westfield, NJ with their two boys, ages 9 and 5. They started their search for a home after their second son. They were looking for a better commute to NYC, great schools, and a nice downtown area and they landed in Westfield! Joanna always wanted to own her own business, but she never knew what it would be and if she would take the risk! After getting her MBA from Pace University and specializing in international business and entrepreneurship, she worked for seven years as a project manager for a real estate developer in NYC followed by a change in careers to administrative director in the department of psychiatry at a hospital.
Joanna found the right fit with AR Workshop!
I found AR Workshop and it was a combination of my passion for crafting along with my entrepreneurial business background. In my free time, I love to craft! I love a good project whether it be refinishing an old piece of furniture, interior design, DIY fire pits, planning a party, you name it – I am always up for the challenge!
How the AR Workshop franchise came to Westfield, NJ
The downtown sold me on moving here to live with my family, so it only made sense to open a business here. After having both of my children, I was feeling really stuck and wanted to make a change. I had been commuting to NYC for nearly 10 years and was feeling very absent in my children’s lives. I was missing major events, so I really wanted to find something more local. Secondarily, while I loved all my various roles, I really wanted a profession that was more aligned with my passions. After visiting family in NC, I came across an AR Workshop and knew this was it. We had nothing like it by us and I knew that it would be a great addition to the community. It really is the perfect work/life balance that I needed!
Women Empowering Women
I love that AR was founded by two women that met at a preschool orientation – two minds that were passionate about crafting and wanting to share it with others. Being part of a women-run organization is so empowering! We have cultivated such a great group of people among our customers, staff, and community and our mission is clear!
We want to lead a DIY movement that inspires and empowers others through creativity. It is the best feeling in the world when someone comes into a workshop feeling very timid amount using power tools and by the end they are Googling where to buy it! Or when a customer is just so proud of their project, they cannot wait to hang it up (they share the photos, too)! It makes us feel so great knowing that my staff and I had a part in sparking that creative side of a person.
When did AR Westfield first open its doors?
May 18, 2018
The pandemic and the creation of “DIY to Go”!
When the pandemic hit in mid-March, we had to shut our doors! We had to think quickly, wrangle a skeleton team, and come up with ways to reach customers other ways in order to stay afloat – “DIY to GO” came about! This is all while our team, including myself, were feeling the full range of emotions with all the unknowns and hardships to our families. But we did it! We came together and we provided the community with an outlet of creativity, something to do, a stress reliever while we are all going through this difficult time (and we still are!).
Welcoming back patrons indoors
In July we were back to in-person workshops, but at a much lower capacity. We used to be able to have 40 in a workshop and now it’s 12 on good day. But this crisis allowed us to open another branch of business – DIY to Go is here to stay and we are so grateful that our customers loved the concept.
Social distancing and safety at AR Workshop Westfield
We are so happy to have our customers back in the shop, so safety is a top priority. Some of our guidelines that we updated in order to do so is:
- All staff will be wearing masks at all times. Masks are required for adults or kids in the workshop. We have masks {in FUN prints} available in our retail section for $10-$16.
- There will be social distancing in the workshop. Crafter workstations will be 6ft apart and we will have markings on the floor to showcase distance. In addition, anytime crafters move around the shop, we will ask that to adhere to the social distance protocols.
- There is enhanced cleaning and sanitizing throughout the workshop.
- There will generally be no sharing of supplies or tools that we provide each guest. Each guest will be provided with their individual tool and supply needs for the event. Tools will be sanitized after each workshop. If a tool does need to be shared, it will be sanitized between uses and all tools will be sanitized.
- Each crafting station will have a hand sanitizer for use throughout the session. Handwashing and/or hand sanitizer use are encouraged.
- If any registrant is experiencing symptoms, THEY SHOULD NOT ATTEND. We will make accommodations per our COVID-19 cancellation policy. Just call or email us to let us know of any registrants who will no longer be attending.
- We also installed a new air purifying machine into our HVAC system!
Introducing “Make it for Me”!
AR Workshop Westfield also launched “Make it for Me” on our website – an easier way to place an order for yourself or as a gift. We make it for you with the colors you want and have it ready with a bow for pickup within a week! While we have always done this, the addition to our website makes it easier to see and order! Here is the link for ordering: AR Workshop Westfield: Make if for Me!
Book AR Workshop Westfield with your Quarantine Crew!
Right now, you can book a seat at public workshop, book a private table, or private workshop – depends on the amount of people and preferences. Our maximum capacity at this time is 12. Our workshop calendar can be found here: AR Workshop Westfield: Workshop Schedule
Crafting in the Comfort of your Own Home
With everyone literally “Home for the Holidays,” we have created lots of fun holiday kits for all ages to enjoy. They can be found here: Take and Make and our popular ornament kits that can be found here: AR Workshop Ornaments!
A 365CWNJ EXCLUSIVE from AR Workshop Westfield!!!!
We want to offer an exclusive New Years’ 2021 promotion for your followers/subscribers! Use CODE 365CWNJ for $10 off any DIY to Go Kit or Workshop -starts January 1, 2021 and expires January 31, 2021.
The BEST local finds gift shop!
Warm gloves, furry hats, holiday candles, giftables, jewelry, decorations, and so much more! We have so many of your favorite local artists and companies represented in the gift shop! We sell a lot of our retail project online too! (In-store pick up or free local delivery within 10 miles). You can find our online store here: https://www.arworkshopwestfield.com/
If you do need shipping, just ask – we can make it happen!
Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @arworkshopwestfield. We share so many fun ideas, retails items, and projects as they come in!
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