Ariane Pupali Marsico is the owner and operator of Vgogh Gallery Custom Picture Framing in Kingston and its parent company, Marsico Management. Marsico, 29, is a native of Scranton and is a graduate of Dallas High School and Wilkes University. She has a son, Noah, 7. They live in West Pittston.
What first inspired you to open your own custom framing business? I always wanted to be a business owner. I’ve never worked, professionally, for anyone else. The custom framing business was an externship that I did with a company in New Jersey. I realized the niche for the business and realized it was a good opportunity, and I took it.
What do you like about it? It’s very personal. People bring in stuff that’s really close to them and important to them, and they entrust us with preserving it, so that they can display it and preserve it. It’s a really cool industry. You get a lot of back stories on the history behind the items and what people plan to do with them. You feel like you’re a part of the history moving forward.
What are some of the more interesting or unusual things that people have brought in to be framed? We’ve done everything from recipes, with the original spoon and fork, that have been passed down through a few generations, to Nazi war memorabilia, which you would not normally see displayed. I’m a big Yankees fan, so I love that we do all of the framing for the Misericordia University Golf Tournament, and the Yankees donate great stuff every year, and they have everything sent right from Yankee Stadium to the gallery. You never know what’s going to walk through the door.
You’re about to unveil new business endeavors, correct? We’re moving the Kingston location to 900 Rutter in Forty Fort, which will offer much more of an experience. And there’s also going to be an exciting new venture that we’re not announcing yet.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I run a lot and work out. And I spent time with my friends. I also travel to New York City a lot.
Favorite musical artist? I appreciate a lot of different genres, but what I listen to the most is jazz and classical music.
Follow sports? Yankees and Steelers. I’m a big football and baseball fan.
Favorite color? I don’t have a favorite color. It changes a lot. It depends on my mood
First car? A black 2004 Saturn Ion. Best service I’ve ever had.
Favorite city? New York.
Favorite place to vacation? Key West.
Favorite thing about NEPA? The community. It’s a close-knit community. Knowing everybody and being friendly with everybody … I really enjoy that.”
Favorite food? Raw foods and whole foods. I’ve really been getting into the raw diet.
Favorite movie? “A Bronx Tale.”
Favorite TV show? “Frazier.” And currently, it’s “House of Cards.”
Favorite quote or catch phrase? “It’s only too late if you don’t do it now.”
Favorite author? Malcolm Gladwell.
Any pets? They’re Noah’s. We have Cannon, a guinea pig, and Flames, a fish.
Favorite holiday? Christmas. The whole Christmas season.
Guilty pleasure? Super-Tuscan.
Defining moment or most influential person? I’ve had a lot of really wonderful and supportive people in my life. Always. I can’t narrow it down to one. I’m an only child, raised by a single mom, but we’ve had such great support and people in our lives. I don’t know who puts them there, or if we attract them to ourselves, but I’ve been very blessed, and I continue to be.
