Of Aspen, "Artists Supporting Artists" around the globe since 2019

Always a fan of great design and stationery art products, Caroline Stockman (26) had an idea while still in High School—to have a store that sells "the best of the best, from artists and designers around the world. One place where you could grab all the cool stuff." As she says, "I've run across some amazing artists over the years. I pick those that fit our creative vibe and market their products to our community of like-minded, art—and nature-loving individuals."

Of Aspen (https://ofaspen.com/), named after Stockman's birthplace, Aspen, Colorado, is an eclectic stationery gift shop full of items that embrace art and nature, along with more untapped themes like science, space, aliens, cryptids, and spooky.

After launching in July 2019, and running the online store from her college dorm room, she opened a small storefront next to the Swarthmore, Post Office to support her growing online sales. The same week, Stockman graduated from Millersville University with a bachelor's degree in Fine Art. That first store - just 350 square feet - became too small within just a few months, forcing a move to a much larger space around the corner at 23 South Chester Road in Swarthmore, PA. "As you can imagine, trying to rehab two retail storefronts (in the midst of COVID) was challenging due to supply issues. The "Big Store" rehab, which included a new floor, ceiling, lighting, etc., took a total of 15 months, and during that time, we expanded two more times, taking over the basement space under the store (to support online sales), and adjoining storefront (for shipping and receiving) to keep up with growth. I wasn't sleeping much, but I'd rather work 24/7 to achieve my dream than 9-5 for someone else."

If you visit, the Of Aspen retail store is a wonderland of creativity, with dozens of antique pieces of furniture displaying a wide selection of notebooks, pens, pins, tote bags, posters, puzzles, cards, and more. "We want to display our artists' products in pieces that complement the quality of our collection - no plastic displays, no fluorescent lights, no boring tile floor, all antiques, and lovingly hand-restored wooden pieces. We actually encourage our "Little Leaves" (Stockman does not call them Customers) to get involved with our products, open a drawer, test our pens, or even take a break in our comfy window book-nook. There's nothing worse than seeing all your favorite things and not being comfortable enough to dive in and touch them!" She reminisces about her childhood exploring places like the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, Winterthur Gardens in Delaware, and the URBN Headquarters in Philly's Navy Yard, "I've always wanted to design a place that was a sensory experience, where you can interact with your surroundings and your imagination is allowed to roam wild."

As Stockman says, "Of Aspen is a community of individuals who share a love for all things creative, artsy-fartsy, and nerdy." Here, nerdy is a good thing! They must be on to something, as in 2024, Of Aspen again fulfilled and shipped over 10,000 orders to their "Little Leaves" across the country, many of whom order repeatedly as the online store has monthly new product drops released by a once-per-month email.

On their "Artists Supporting Artists" movement: "Of Aspen is a win-win for artists. We pay them upfront for their products, and they get to continue making their art. Our goal is to help artists grow and be able to do what they love full-time while we market their work to our global community and handle the shipping/marketing side of things." Of Aspen also supports the arts locally, having sponsored music events at music venues WaR3house3 (https://warehouse3live.com/ and The Community Arts Center (https://communityartscenter.or...), and promoting local businesses on their inclusive events calendar: https://ofaspen.com/pages/even...

"I am beyond lucky to do what I love. The greatest way I can make a positive impact on the world is in the art space. I study different art mediums so I can better understand the artists I work with. The real talent lies with my community of artists, who continue to blow me away. It makes my job easier when I collaborate on new projects with such talented individuals. I have a vision, but they make it happen."

In October 2024, Of Aspen opened a new backroom experience -"Stones, Bones and Unknowns." Here, under flickering lights and a black ceiling, you will find dozens of tarot decks, crystals, some specimens, and one-of-a-kind items that are found, restored and put up for sale. The room is a haven for anyone looking for things that might seem a bit more spooky or dark. The green velvet sofa is ready - with a tarot deck ready to use - make your way through the red velvet curtains in the back... if you dare.

Visit Of Aspen's retail store at the gateway to Swarthmore, just off the roundabout in front of the Swarthmore College / Inn at Swarthmore / Broad Table Tavern:
23 S. Chester Road, Swarthmore, PA 19081
Fri / Sat / Sun 10 AM-5 PM
www.OfAspen.com