Meet Cyndi Cote | Owner & Manager

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cyndi Cote and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cyndi, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
We have been open 6 months now and I am still working on work life balance. I feel like I am missing time with my littles, but the store is like a new baby. Burn out is no joke. Some nights I force myself to leave because there will always be “one more thing” to do and it CAN wait until tomorrow. Thankfully, I am slowly growing a customer base and can afford more employee hours. This means that I am not opening and closing (10-11 hour work day) 5 days a week. I am getting home in time to tuck my kiddos in and make it to their sports games. I am not comfortable enough to take a vacation or anything like that yet, but that is my goal for the summer! In the meantime, my husband has done a great job holding down the fort.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Pinspiration is a craft studio like none other. We are not workshop based, meaning customers can come on their own time and make any of our 55+ projects. Couples can paint and sip (BYOB) and choose canvas from our collection of 250 choices. We keep with what’s trending on Pinterest! This means that our inventory is INSANE, but it is all worth it for customers to have the space to be creative at their own pace. I am very excited about this business model because it makes Pinspiration stand out among the competition. We also have a Jackson Pollack inspired splatter room. It was the first of its kind! Starting a new business is never easy. We opened 6 months later than originally planned. And now, having our doors open for 6 months, things are beginning to pick up. We are seeing repeat customers and people are telling their friends. Employees are seasoned and our customer service is on point. I have learned that I cannot run the entire business alone. I have finally hired a bookkeeper, a media company and have enough creative assistants to where I am not working open to close every day. I want the world to know that in your 40’s is not too late to start a new adventure. Believe in yourself and your skillset. Love what you do, but it should never trump your family. Balance is really hard early on but I am learning that it’s possible.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Of course we would go to Pinspiration! We would hydrodip for sure and maybe create a door hanger for spring. We would have to eat at Liberty Market and walk downtown GIlbert one evening. Another evening we would dine at DC Chop house and stroll Boston Street in downtown Chandler. We would have to go hike South Mountain and eat at the Farm. One weekday schedule a Pink Jeep Tour in Sedona! I love the Tlaquepaque shops and restaurant there. If there was time, I would take her to Cottonwood for a wine tasting day and stay in a cabin up that way. Organ stop pizza is always a neat place and so is Rustlers Roost. Bar hopping in downtown Scottsdale listening to live Jazz and other bands is also at the top of my things to do. Since it is Arizona, we must spend a day by the pool- no matter what the weather! The natural bridge is a fun and easy hike as well. I’d try to squeeze in a day in Prescott just relaxing on the grass in the town square. I’ve found the best icecream and burger shop there. They are always hosting craft fairs and live music.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to thank Wendy for being positive and listening no matter what stresses I throw at her and Alyson for filling in wherever and whenever I need her. I also want to recognize my husband for taking over the role of Mr. Mom in the evenings.

Website: www.pinspiration.com/mesa

Instagram: www.instagram.com/PinspirationMesa

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PinspirationMesa

Yelp: Pinspiration Mesa

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