Today started off with a conversation with Bryan Schultz, the Director of Global Experiences at Pitt. I found our conversation- over pizza, of course- riveting as Bryan passionately talked about the study abroad experiences. I shared my interest in Sports Management, which incited a conversation surrounding the Global Business Institute in Sydney, Australia, for the sports sector. The opportunity to immerse myself with a professional sports team whilst gaining a global education is incredible, and something I will absolutely be looking into applying in the fall.
After lunch, we ventured down to the Irish Design Center to meet with Tom Petrone and Maura Krushinski, the owners of the establishment. They employ a unique approach to retail that goes beyond simply selling products, with their core mission being to promote and preserve Irish culture. Tom and Maura, both vibrant souls a part of the Pittsburgh community, shared their story of preserving Irish culture, history, and heritage through the products they sell and the connections they create from their travels. What I found really interesting is that all of their items are handcrafted in Ireland and come from various parts from Ireland, including Donegal. We tried Irish Cadbury- which is different than the ones sold here in the United States as ours are more bitter- and some local biscuits, which were delicious. The store itself was scattered with a multitude of objects, from hand-knitted sweaters to hand-carved jewelry. I wound up getting a Tara Brooch, which traditionally signifies a societal place of importance / royalty, akin to the medieval equivalent of a royal crown or ceremonial sword. However, mine will be pinned to my blazer when I present my project in Ireland.
Tom and Maura travel to Ireland practically every year, bringing an authentic experience to their business. They ensure they stay fresh with the culture and carry trending items. Additionally, Maura co-founded the Pittsburgh Irish Festival, her passion showcasing their deep commitment to the local Irish community and a desire to perpetuate the culture in Pittsburgh. While deeply rooted in Irish culture, Tom emphasizes that anyone can shop there, regardless of their heritage, making the store welcoming and accessible to a broader audience. Tom and Maura’s business strategy was to transform their retail space into a cultural experience, a community hub, and a source of authentic Irish goods and knowledge, which naturally helps them increase business and engage customers in creative ways. I, for one, know that I will find myself down at the shop often, and I will absolutely be attending the Irish festival this fall to come back and share stories with them!
My day ended with watching the newest episode of the Summer I Turned Pretty series, and a small treat with the girls for completing our first college exam!