Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Cozzaglio.
Hi Michelle, 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.
The Oddities & Curiosities Expo started back in 2017 when my husband Tony and I wanted to organize a unique event unlike any other. As lovers of the weird ourselves, we created the Oddities & Curiosities Expo – a place where other unusual businesses, artists, and performers could thrive. We started in our hometown of Tulsa, OK, and branched out from there. Our first year in 2017 had 2 events, and each year we grew and grew. In 2023, we have 30 events across the United States.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Though we feel like we’re on a smoother road now, it hasn’t always been that way. COVID really hurt the entertainment industry for year. Only now, in 2023, do we feel like we’re finally back in full force, bigger and better than ever. To be honest, our main struggle right now is growing too quickly! Some of our events this year have been very crowded due to the high interest in some of the cities we are going to. This is higher interest than we could have ever imagined! While we’re so thankful, we want to always ensure our events are fun for everyone, and a really crowded event can be difficult to enjoy. Currently, we are planning to add additional days to the event in 2024, larger halls, and more to make sure we are always putting forth our best event to the public. As a “DIY” event, I think it’s hard for people to understand how hard it can be to anticipate how the event will go! We’re constantly working to improve and be the best we can be.
We’ve been impressed with Oddities & Curiosities Expo, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I like to say that the Oddities & Curiosities Expo is for lovers of the strange, unusual, and bizarre. Our show provides a safe place for anyone to come and discover new artists, meet new friends, and be surrounded by an amazing community of like-minded people. We pride ourselves in being a completely “DIY” ran show from start to finish. We find so much joy in being able to provide a place where you can feel at home surrounded by others that share the same interests.
We are often imitated but never duplicated. We are proud to be an inclusive to all. We do discriminate on the bases of race, sexual orientation, gender preference (or lack thereof), age, religious beliefs, political beliefs, etc. We do not tolerate racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, or any other sign of hate in our show. The O&C Expo is a safe place for people of all races, colors and preferences. If you don’t hold these same values, we are not the show for you.
Contact Info:
- Website: odditiesandcuriositiesexpo.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/odditiesandcuriositiesexpo
- Facebook: facebook.com/odditiesandcuriositiesexpo
- Other: tiktok.com/@odditiescuriositiesexpo
Image Credits
Jarrett Barnes
