PRESS mentions

 
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“THE CO. OPENS”, Link

Erica Alvarez Castro is an interior designer and architect by trade and has been working in the field since 2009. She absolutely loved her work, but still felt like there was something missing.

“For me what was missing from my 9 to 5 was that holistic and healing aspect… I felt like I always connected with my clients when it was more about having a relationship and working on how to heal your home as a whole rather than just suggesting pieces because they matched other pieces.”

This holistic aspect of creating a home is what Erica wanted to bring to her next venture, but she didn’t know exactly how at the time. Her idea started as more of a hobby and Erica thought of doing it as just a podcast or blog in the beginning.

 

“MEET ERICA”, LINK

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

The Co. is a Spiritual Lifestyle Company and Shop located in Hoboken, NJ that is meant to raise awareness about Spirituality, and that aims to bring like minded people together, in order to form a greater Mindful and Spiritual community. I have seen a lot of Lifestyle Blogs and Companies meant to promote simple “femininity” or “coolness” but I have not come across too many that promote individuality, wellness, or oneness. Mindfulness and Spirituality has always been a huge part of my life, but somewhat hush hush due to its perceived “taboo” nature. Overcoming my fears to share this part of my life, and band people together to form a greater Mindful / Spiritual Community, has been the greatest risk that I have ever taken! But it has also returned the greatest rewards and accomplishments. Six months later, I am finally feeling confident, and proud! Looking back I’ve really learned, that hiding who you are, in order to conform to society’s norms, brings nothing good of it!

 

“21 Women to Watch in 2021”, Link

Erica is the founder and owner of The Co. in Hoboken. She began the company after 10+ years of working as an Interior Designer and Architect, realizing that it takes more than just design, to turn a house into a home.

“At first, the Co. began as a company where I might be able to express my various interests, combining Design and Holistic Living. The Co. — SHOP is an extension of this idea. It is a small Holistic Goods & Gift Shop where you can find goodies for not only your Mind, Body, Spirit but also for your Home.”

The Co. mindfully sources every object, carefully taking into consideration where it was designed or made {preferably locally} or if it is vintage, up-cycled, and/or spiritual in nature.

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“Latinx-Owned Businesses”, link

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Erica Alvarez Castro, who is of Spanish descent, had worked as an architect and interior designer at other companies for several years, but her job lacked a healing aspect that she was looking for. In a true carpe-diem, Erica seized the moment in the middle of a global pandemic, quit her job, and opened her own business, The Co. - SHOP

The product assortment consists of home decor, accessories, and jewelry, and most of the products sold in The Co. are made by local designers or sustainably sourced brands. When choosing her assortment, Erica focuses on what makes her home happy and tries to find local artists and vendors that fit that need.