From canvas to keepsake! Shannon Zimolong, my friend and entrepreneur is here today to share the story of how she founded Greystone Needlepoint. Shannon is a Main Line local who grew up in Bryn Mawr, PA and is an Agnes Irwin graduate so I love that she also founded her business here.

Shannon went to school out West but knew at heart she was an East Coast girl and returned after graduating from school in Colorado. It was during her time in Denver that she learned how to needlepoint but it would be many years before she turned that skill into Greystone Needlepoint.

We chat about her previous clothing line, Dakota Martin that she launched with fellow AIS alum, Lizzy Stall and the challenges & successes (sold globally in over 300 boutiques, including Intermix) they experienced while running a business as young 20-something year olds. We talk about the decision to close that business, her work in event planning and how she's always embraced the side hustle especially during early motherhood days.

Then we get a lesson in needlepoint and how Shannon's own search for a curated, modern needlepoint experience led her to found Greystone Needlepoint. Here's what I learned and now love about needlepoint..it is for everyone, you can put it down and return to it months later & begin again, it uses your hands and you can create something special for yourself or a loved one. There are so many benefits to needlepoint..including the community that Shannon has built over the last 4 years.

Shannon gives us a lesson in the many reasons why needlepoint is such a cathartic and creative outlet - my personal goal is to learn this January. I also love the community that she has built through needlepoint - there are stitch groups, travel opportunities, a book club and she will soon host local group events. We are so lucky that the new shop is located right here in Bryn Mawr and will host events but Shannon also has free guides available on her website so that anyone can download and begin to learn.

I hope that you check out Shannon's beautiful website and if you're local go see her brand new location!