Small Business Spotlight: love, Pittsburgh

love, Pittsburgh opened its doors on the Fourth of July, 2017 at 301 Shiloh Street, Mount Washington by Kelly Sanders and Monica Yope. Since opening, love, Pittsburgh has expanded with its second location at 805 Liberty Avenue, Downtown.

The gift shop began when the two took their love for the city and art, combining their passion into love, Pittsburgh.

love, Pittsburgh works to connect local artists with shoppers, by serving the community as well as the thousands of visitors who travel to The Golden Triangle each year. The store offers a curated assortment of Pittsburgh gifts from over 100+ local artists.

This year, you can also stop by the love, Pittsburgh chalet at the Peoples Gas Holiday Market™ in Market Square, now until December 23, 2019.

Interview with Founders and Owners Kelly Sanders and Monica Yope

How is love, Pittsburgh unique?

love, Pittsburgh only features Pittsburgh based artists and creators. When we started two and a half years ago, we were featuring around 40 artists. As love, Pittsburgh grew we were able to open a second location and are thrilled to now showcase over 100 talented local artists, makers, and small businesses.

What inspired you to begin your business?

After having corporate careers, the idea of switching to hyper-local, sustainable, and personal business was a welcome change. We are both makers and wanted to curate a space that features the creativity we both love.

Why did you choose Downtown Pittsburgh as the home for your business?

After we opened our first shop in Mount Washington, Downtown felt like the next natural location. Amongst a solid mix of locals and visitors is where we thrive. We love to tell the stories of the artists we feature to convention attendees, Downtown professionals, and supporters of Cultural District events.

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Looking forward to a beautiful week ✨💖✨ Stop by for your Thanksgiving host/hostess gifts, and fill your head with loads of holiday gift ideas made with local love. #lovepittsburgh #lovepgh #madeinpittsburgh #pittsburgh #lovelocal #shopsmallbusinesses #pittsburghgifts

A post shared by love, Pittsburgh (@lovepittsburghshop) on Nov 18, 2019 at 3:47am PST

What are your top three favorite places to visit in Downtown Pittsburgh?

The Point, the lobby of Union Trust building, and Wood Street Gallery.

What advice would you give to people visiting Pittsburgh for the first time?

Give yourself time to see as many neighborhoods as possible. As Frank Lloyd Wright noted, we are either nesters or perchers. Pittsburgh offers loads of both vantage points, but seeing the city from Mount Washington is a must!

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love, Pittsburgh is at 805 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh 15222, and is open daily from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Have a small business that you want to see highlighted? Send us an email at pdp@downtownpittsburgh.com, and they could be featured as our next Small Business Spotlight.