In this Business Buzz feature, we’re catching up with Kelly Auldridge, the owner of Dabble Creative Reuse Center, a donation-driven retail space in Historic Downtown Manassas dedicated to making art and crafting more accessible and sustainable. By providing a wide variety of donated art and craft supplies, Dabble Creative Reuse Center ensures that creativity remains affordable while promoting environmentally friendly practices through reuse. The center’s mission is to be a trusted community partner, bringing people together and helping them achieve their creative goals.
Inspiration Behind Dabble Creative Reuse Center
Kelly’s passion for creative reuse sparked after discovering similar centers in Virginia. Seeing firsthand how these spaces could bring artists and crafters together while reducing waste inspired her to start one in Manassas. The joy of being part of a thriving creative community and supporting local artists is what fuels her enthusiasm every day. By offering an accessible space for creatives to find inspiration and materials, Dabble plays a vital role in enriching the local arts scene.
Sourcing & Selection: A Community-Driven Approach
What makes Dabble unique is its entirely donation-based inventory. The shop is filled with supplies generously contributed by the local community. “As creatives, we always have extra supplies and creative reuse is a way to share our extra with others and be more sustainable in our creative practices,” says Auldridge. This approach not only makes crafting more sustainable but also gives new life to materials that might otherwise go to waste. Every visit to Dabble is a treasure hunt, where customers can find everything from traditional art supplies to unexpected and one-of-a-kind items.
Personalized Gifts & Creative Experiences
Beyond the retail experience, Dabble Creative Reuse Center collaborates with local artists to provide a variety of creative workshops and classes, catering to all skill levels and interests. These experiences allow the community to learn new techniques, experiment with different mediums, and connect with fellow creatives.
Looking for a unique gift? Dabble provides both physical and online gift cards, making it easy to support a loved one's creative journey. For those wanting hands-on experiences, spots can be reserved in an upcoming workshop for a fun outing and quality creative time with someone special. The center also offers private event hosting, making it a perfect venue for birthdays, team-building events, or simply gathering with friends for a creative escape.
