Lydia Crespo, an artist, designer, and dedicated small business owner. With a passion for collaboration, Lydia utilizes her fine art, communication, and marketing skills to strengthen her community and grow her business.

A graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) in 2010, Lydia kickstarted her entrepreneurial journey with the James Nelson Raymond Fellowship from SAIC. This paved the way for Argaman&Defiance, a venture that has since flourished.

In 2020, Lydia expanded her impact with the opening of the Cozy Shop, a curated space for handcrafted Midwest items, conveniently situated just blocks away from her studio. Fast forward to 2024, and Argaman&Defiance has found a new home at 610 S. Main Street, featuring a unique blend of studio and retail space. Introducing her latest venture, CHUCK AND LOU, a store all about the grit and greatness of St. Charles and St. Louis.

Lydia's collection is in over 300 boutiques nationwide. Her design portfolio includes collaborations with major brands such as Urban Outfitters, West Elm, Target, McDonald's, Graceland the Elvis Presley Estate, Google, H&M, and Paramount Plus.