Today we’d like to introduce you to Carol Lara.
Hi Carol, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
For the last 13 years, photography has been my world. It began as a simple idea- I wanted to photograph the handmade artwork I was making and then it evolved into only portrait photography. I’ve always gravitated towards the creative way of life. I’m someone who naturally drifts toward new mediums, new materials, new forms of expression. Photography was just one chapter in a lifelong relationship with the arts.
I come from a family of hardworking entrepreneurs, and that spirit influenced me early on. I’ve always known I wanted to be my own boss- not for the title, but for the freedom to follow my ideas wherever they lead.
Over the years, I kept trying to find a way to bring all of my passions under one roof. I even toyed with the idea of turning my photography studio into a full art studio where I could paint, make and take portraits. Still, something wasn’t quite clicking. Then Big Lots closed in Alton, and for months I kept saying, “They should put a Michaels there!” The closest art supply store was nearly 40 minutes away, and every time I drove past the empty building, I felt that frustration all over again.
One day, on a long drive, where all my best thinking happens- I finally said to myself, “If I feel this way, I know other people do too.” I knew I didn’t have the capital to become a Michaels or order giant wholesale shipments. So I thought about what I actually could do. And an area I seem to excel at has been building community.
I love people. I love solving problems. And I know how powerful creative communities can be when they’re given a place to gather and grow. So I asked myself a simple question: What if people brought me their gently used art supplies? I could be the hub. The connector. The secondhand shop for creatives that this area didn’t even know it needed.
And that’s exactly what I built- an art supply thrift store with a mission to inspire creativity, reduce waste, and make art affordable and accessible for all.
I chose not to become a nonprofit because I wanted the freedom to shape this business on my own terms. But I also knew that if the community was going to make this possible through donations, then I needed to give back in a meaningful way. So I began supporting local artists by offering pop-up opportunities inside the store where they could sell their items and allowing them to teach classes—without taking any commission. I wanted artists to grow with us, not in spite of us.
The response has been incredible. People understand that simply by existing, this store gives back. It’s not a business designed to make me rich; it’s a business that allows me to be my own boss in a field I love, to meet incredible artists, to help art thrive in this area, and to create a space where creativity feels accessible to everyone.
Photography is still part of my life, but the store has become my heart. It lets me blend every aspect of who I am- an artist, a problem solver, a community builder, and someone who believes deeply in the power of making and sharing art.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has not been smooth sailing. I think that’s part of owning your own business though. Most of the time you put in 10 times the work you would if you were working for someone else. In the beginning, my biggest worry was whether people would actually understand the concept. Would they donate? Would they shop secondhand for art supplies? Would they trust this idea?
Starting a business without large amounts of money was another struggle. I couldn’t just “order everything I needed” like a traditional store. I had to build slowly, piece by piece, based on what the community brought in. That required patience, resourcefulness and lots of time away from home.
There was also the emotional side of transitioning from a career I spent 13 years building. Photography had been such a huge part of my identity, and stepping away from it full time-while super exciting- felt a little like grieving. I had to learn to let myself evolve and trust that it was okay to change directions.
And of course, like most small business owners, there have been days when I’ve had to be the marketer, the cleaner, the accountant, the photographer, the videographer and the shop owner all at once. That’s actually still most days.
But every struggle has been matched with something positive- community support, connections with artists, people telling me they’re grateful the store exists, and the satisfaction of watching an idea I dreamed up in my car turn into a real, thriving space. The challenges have shaped the business just as much as the victories, and honestly, I wouldn’t change that.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Alton Art Revival?
My business is an art supply thrift store built on a simple but powerful idea: creativity should be accessible to everyone. We inspire creativity, reduce waste, and make art affordable by offering gently used art and craft supplies that come directly from our community. People donate supplies they no longer need, and in return, those materials get a second life in the hands of someone who’s ready to create.
What makes us unique is that we’re more than a store – we’re a community hub for artists, hobbyists, students, and anyone who feels drawn to make something. We offer pop-up opportunities for local artists, workshops and classes with no commission taken from teachers, and an environment where people genuinely feel welcomed and inspired.
We specialize in being the place where creativity and sustainability meet. We keep usable materials out of landfills, we make art affordable, and we give artists a platform to grow without financial barriers. I think that’s what sets us apart from traditional art supply stores. We operate with heart and intention, not just transactions.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the fact that our mission is at the core of everything we do. The community makes this store possible, and we honor that by giving back – whether it’s hosting artists, offering Pay What You Can classes, providing inexpensive supplies to local teachers, or simply creating a space where people feel seen and supported.
What I want readers to know is that this store exists because creativity matters. It matters for mental health, for self-expression, for connection, and for joy. Whether you’re a professional artist or someone picking up a paintbrush for the first time in years, we’re here for you. Our offerings may be secondhand, but the experience and the impact are anything but.
This is a place where art thrives, community grows, and everyone is welcome to be part of it.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is connection- connection to creativity, to community, and to meaningful work. Creativity has always been my grounding force, and helping others access it feels incredibly important. I care deeply about building a space where people feel welcome, supported, and inspired to make art, no matter their background or budget.
Ultimately, what matters most is using my passion to uplift others and help creativity thrive in our area.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carollara.com/aar
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/altonartrevival
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/altonartrevival
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@altonartrevival
