Margarita Barry

About Margarita

• Studied graphic design and journalism in college.
• Started out “doing the traditional job thing,” working as a graphic designer at radio stations and advertising agencies.
• After she was laid off from one of her jobs, she decided she’d have to get creative about what she did next.
• Had the idea to open a shop with a rotating cast of local artists and designers presenting installations.
• The idea was born out of frustrations of not having enough money to have her own shop; didn’t even know the term “pop-up” until she did some research.
• Gave out a survey and found people agreed that there weren’t enough retail spaces where they could buy from local artists; stresses the importance of doing your research.
• She started a successful Kickstarter—which raised $8,000—and won Crain’s Detroit Business’ “Big Idea” competition; used funds to start 71 Pop.
• Believes that even if you have to work a really terrible job for a while until you can do the thing you love full-time, you should do it.