CAZENOVIA — Christina Liberatore recently opened Co. (315), “an artisan gift shop of practical use,” at 59 Albany St. in downtown Cazenovia.
Located in the space that previously housed Liberty’s Dog House, Co. (315) specializes in selling handcrafted cocktail/mocktail infusers made from dehydrated fruit.
“You [simply] fill up the jar with either alcohol or water, put it in the refrigerator for about 24 hours, and then strain out the elixir from the jar to put [it] into your cocktail or mocktail,” said Liberatore, who also noted that a QR code to a webpage with instructions is printed on the bottom of every infuser jar.
In addition to her signature “Hot Toddy,” “Sangria,” and “Jalapeño Mango Margarita” infusers, Liberatore also offers an “As You Wish” station for customers to create their own blends.
The shop’s other offerings include assorted gifts, wood art carved by Liberatore, pieces by commissioned local artists, food items from all over the country, FoJo Beans coffee, and some apparel.
Prior to launching her business, Liberatore was a stay-at-home mother in Cazenovia for 12 years following what she described as “a series of micro-careers.”
The entrepreneur started Co. (315) with the vision of selling her signature cocktail and mocktail infusers, but, after picking up woodworking and a few other skills during the COVID-19 pandemic, she broadened her vision to include creating and selling other items as well.
Liberatore launched an online store, co315.com, in 2021 and then started selling some of her products in local hotel gift shops.
This past summer, she had the opportunity to run a pop-up store at The HUB co-working space and business incubator in Hamilton for the months of June and July.
“Turned out I absolutely loved working in retail and showing my work to people and sending pieces home with people who appreciate the time, work, and effort that is put into each piece,” Liberatore said. “So, naturally, opening a storefront in Cazenovia just made sense.”
Co. (315) opened its doors on Sept. 19, 2023.
“My experience opening a storefront in Cazenovia has been nothing short of delightful,” said Liberatore. “I have [received] such a warm welcome from all the other storefront owners. They have been so helpful, kind, and supportive. I am truly proud to bring my brand here and work alongside such an amazing community of storefront owners.”
Co. (315) is open Monday through Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
