The Unknown Artist
The Story.
The Unknown Artist was founded by Chanel Melendez in October of 2010. She was struggling to decide where she wanted to go in life - with a quick engagement, halfway through school, and juggling a career/job choice. One evening she sat down and watched Julie and Julia - a movie about a blogger. She thought to herself...hey! I blog. Ive written novels. I paint. I write advice columns. I have small businesses. I DO A LOT. Her longtime boyfriend has been pushing for her to find herself and do something worthwhile. In one night - it all came together.
It started off as a slight joke -- from searching for commercial properties to seeing what all it entails...within one week - she had a business plan, name ideas, an interest sparked on Facebook - and discussed it with friends. Everyone loved the idea. And there it went. Within 4 weeks - she searched over 25 studios, met with 40+ artists, ripped through Ikea.com and their magazine - creating collages of themes for the design, playing on Sherwin/William website with paint colors, spending hours upon hours thinking of a name, a logo, picking a website host, deciding on the right POS system, doing tons of paperwork and more.
Now. This store is the real deal. Opening December 2nd of 2010 - just in time for Annapolis' Midnight Madness! It's over 45 artists strong, tons of networking and lots of interest from the community.
At 22 years old, Chanel is running her business with the help of friends, family and her lovely artists. Please follow this blog to keep updated on the store, follow this blog for her guide through starting a business, email her with questions or if YOU want to be an artist! Less than 6 months after opening - she decided to move this forward even more and find a storefront boutique and a month later was moving in and decorating for her opening.
On June 15th of 2012 - she will be converting the store into an online shoppe only -- as well as by appointment shopping. On July 30th 2011 - she opened her new location on Maryland Avenue in Downtown Annapolis! She's had a total of 80+ artists in the gallery since opening in December of 2010.
*This is a women/minority owned and operated business in Annapolis Maryland.
What makes us a great place to shop or visit? Its more than just making a sale - its about making it an experience you'll enjoy and want to treat yourself to again!
- Free Wifi
- Support Local Artists, Designers and other small businesses
- We keep you updated - E-Newsletters, Blogs, Facebook, Website & in store announcements
- Not into Art? We've got you covered with a GUY section -- full of bar, drinking, poker/gambling, sports and "rec" related -- wanna know more? Come see it for yourself!
- Events every month
- Offering Private Shopping Passes, Wine Tastings from various locations around Annapolis, come sample new products when they are introduced to the store AND be a store model!
We support ALL local businesses - even if they aren't "art" based
- We care about our community
- Monthly Charity Events
- Monthly Events
- We are all about small businesses and buying local!
- Community Board for the public to display notices, offers and more!
- We are a GREEN company:
- Recycle all paper/plastic/aluminum products
- AC/Heat are used minimally
- We do not handle paper receipts -- our POS system allows us to email them to you for less trash, easier management for your wallet and less clutter in your pocket/purse.
Want to be involved? Many ways to do so! Became an Unknown Artist or donate to help our business grow or volunteer at events OR promote your company with us!
LIST OF CHARITY EVENTS:
Toys for Tots - December
MSP Polar Bear Plunge - January
