Rising Stars: Meet Danielle Lyn & Tracy Kilpatrick of Tripp’s Store

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Lyn & Tracy Kilpatrick.

Hi Danielle & Tracy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
We founded Tripp’s Store to add color and authentic story to the winding back roads of North Carolina. So often, people traveling from Raleigh-Durham-and the Piedmont venture across our cornucopia: a former gas station turned art gallery and vintage store with a brightly painted building established in 2019, Tripp’s Store pays homage to its namesake from the 1950s; the heart of Tripp’s is a reimagined country store cultivating community! Founded by North Carolina native Tracy Kilpatrick and Danielle Lyn, Tripp’s is a community hub to artists, home to two Little Free Libraries, a Free Food Pantry, a Little Free Art Gallery, monthly Art Club Night Community Gatherings, Acting Classes, Writing Classes, Workshops, and curated things you’ve never seen before art, vinyl, vintage, books, antiques, furniture, handmade wares, one of a kinds, collectibles, and so much more! If you live in North Carolina, we invite you to ride the back country roads to discover us along the way and join us for our upcoming free Art Club Night Tuesday, February 20th, from 6-8 PM. Visit Tripp’s Store, 1617 Mt. Carmel Church Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, open Wednesday thru Saturday, 12-5 PM, and by appointment. Shop with us online: www.trippsstore.com 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
We have evolved our space and outreach to survive the 2-year shutdown due to the pandemic and Covid lockdown; we originated as a flex space and evolved to a folk-art gallery that offers art gatherings, acting classes, writing classes, workshops, and more. While we are in a very highly trafficked area, our struggle has been getting the word out that we are here and open to the community. Our outreach has relied on word of mouth and grassroots community to grow from local artists and neighbors who come back to help spread our community one fantastic person at a time. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Tripp’s Store is known for its bold exterior, bright colors, and welcoming interior. Our exterior has been created to invite everyone in with art, words, and visuals to let people know how welcome they are and that this is a good, safe place for creative souls to gather. Tripp’s is home to a collection of folk art from artists near and far, known and unknown, original pieces, Authentissimo handstitched wearable upcycle clothing, painted bottles, and fun and funky finds. Our curated collection of fine and funky set us apart, and the collection is ever changing! We invite people to come and shop in our emporium. 

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
Be true to yourself, be authentic, and don’t be afraid to be who you are. To weather whatever is to come, be willing to grow and change as needed. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.trippsstore.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/trippsstorech
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trippsstore/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tripps-store/

Image Credits
Danielle Lyn