Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Pfaff.
Hi Sydney, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started my business in 2013 in San Francisco. It was called Legion then, and we had clothing, home goods and hosted friend’s art shows here and there. It’s now called And Friends and is located in Santa Cruz. The business has gone through many iterations along the way—from clothing to perfume to home design—but it has remained a shop-gallery hybrid throughout all the years. Our art shows rotate every month and the shop side features unique home goods that are ever evolving.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There are few smooth roads in small business! 🙂 I spent many years working solo and burnt out multiple times. Now, I have a small team who I can rely on, which is a game changer. Small business is a constant rollercoaster on every level, but I love it and wouldn’t want to do anything else.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I studied fashion and got my Bachelors of Fine Art with a focus in fashion. I worked in that world for many years, but when the time came to open my own space, I was elated. I love having my own business. It’s not always stable and I probably work too much, but I love the connection with people who walk through my doors.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The art industry is its own little world, but I try to stay on the outskirts and just do what feels authentic to me. I show art I love. I sell goods that I love. The people I work with are people I like spending time with. I’m sure retail will keep seeing more shifts to living online, but I will always believe in in-person experiences and shops.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.andfriends.space
- Instagram: @andfriends.space
