About

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. 

Crespo has featured on Show Me St. Louis, NBC Morning Chicago, WGN's Around Town Chicago, and Craft Room Crash speaking about her collection. Most recently Argaman&Defiance was highlighted in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch "Made in St. Louis", Design STL "A Day in the Life", Chicago Magazine “Best of Chicago”, Chicago Tribune “16 Things We Love”, and marthastewart.com. Listen to Crespo on S2 Episode 11 and S3 Episode 1 of the Go-Forth Podcast, and Episode 3 of the Creative Living Podcast. 

 In her spare time, Crespo writes about the creative process and cultivates her creative community. She encourages everyone to stay curious. 

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Lydia Crespo - lydia@argamandefiance.com