Scrap & Sip
“Working with SBDC has been instrumental in making my vision come to life. The financial projection component was the most daunting part of the loan application process, and Gwen walked me through it with patience and expertise. Because of her guidance—and the accessibility the SBDC provided—I’m able to see a dream come to life.”
About the Business:
Nestled on 22nd Street and Valencia in the heart of San Francisco’s Mission District is Scrap & Sip, a vibrant, new, haven for creatives. Founded in December 2024 by Natalia Luporini, a proud native San Franciscan and first-generation Latina, the space offers mindful gatherings and a beautifully curated collection of crafting supplies. But behind the storefront is a deeply personal journey of resilience, reinvention, and community.
Overcoming Challenges:
Natalia’s road to entrepreneurship was not a straight path. After working in tech since 2016, the pandemic years brought on a series of traumatic events that forced her to pause and reassess what truly mattered. Wanting to spend more intentional time with her daughter and driven by a long-held dream of owning her own business, Natalia began to envision a different kind of future—one rooted in creativity, healing, and connection.
Her entrepreneurial journey gained momentum after attending Small Business Office Hours, an online webinar hosted in partnership between the SBDC and the San Francisco Public Library. The sessions introduced Natalia to the world of small business support. One piece of advice that resonated deeply with her: test your concept through pop-ups before committing yourself to a brick-and-mortar. And she did exactly that.
Later, as she pursued a small business loan to help bring her vision to life, Natalia once again turned to the SBDC—this time for support with building financial projections for her business plan.
Impacts:
Since opening her doors, Natalia has discovered that collaboration is her secret marketing
superpower. Whether online or in-person, strategic partnerships have been her most effective growth tool. A great example? Her scrapbook spread celebrating Bay Area rapper LaRussell and his 2025 debut at Outside Lands. She documented the creative process in a one-minute video that racked up 60,000 views—and even earned a repost from the artist himself, who later purchased her scrapbook artwork!
When asked what advice she would give someone thinking about opening a physical storefront, Natalia does not hesitate: “Don’t let self-doubt stop you. If you believe in your concept and are willing to work hard, go for it! Start small and take your time with things like inventory purchases.”
With heart, hustle, and a clear vision, Natalia Luporini is not only crafting a business-she is crafting community!
Natalia Luporini, founder and owner
