This Small Biz Spotlight is brought to you by Spectra Credit Union

Story by Liesel Schmidt | Photography Courtesy of AR Workshop

While AR Workshop Alexandria has been a familiar face on King Street, the DIY boutique craft studio has been under new ownership since February.

The AR Workshop franchise was created in 2016. Alexandria welcomed its first location in 2017 on N. Fairfax Street. In 2019, the studio moved to King Street. “The concept behind it is one designed to empower and inspire creativity,” says new owner Stephanie Woodland Kelly. “The environment is a huge part of what makes it such a unique experience for shoppers and DIY-ers. It's not just about creating custom home decor and beautiful craft items—it's about building a vibrant community where people can come together to explore their creativity and forge lasting connections.”

AR Workshop Alexandria offers various craft workshops, as well as a wide selection of unfinished projects, including custom wood plank signs, framed signs, canvas pillows, round signs, lazy Susans, centerpiece boxes, chunky knit blankets, porch signs, canvas tote bags and bottle paintings. The retail boutique sells items such as books, glassware, completed wood projects, jewelry and fashion accessories.

"It's not just about creating—it's about building a vibrant community where people can come together to explore their creativity and forge lasting connections.”

- Stephanie Woodland Kelly

“Customized, handmade and DIY items are popular for a number of reasons—chief among them being the feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes in knowing that you've completed a project from start to finish with your own hands and you love the end result!” says Woodland Kelly. “It's also a fantastic way to socialize with friends and make new ones.”

Much like AR Workshop Alexandria encourages creativity, Spectra Credit Union encourages entrepreneurial dreams through their small business loans and the support they offer entrepreneurs.

AR Workshop Alexandria is located at 1212 King Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314.