Shamrock Music Shoppe is an Irish themed music store located in the heart of Purcellville, VA. The business sells a variety of instruments and sound effect equipment, along with offering music lessons. Opening in 2010, the shop was initially stationed on 21st St., then moved to its present location on Main St. With it being the only music store in the Western Loudoun area, the business attracts a lot of attention from the community. Through its thirteen years, Shamrock has thrived as a retail and music business, surviving the Covid-19 pandemic and even seeing a major growth in class enrollment in recent years. The reason for this unlikely music store’s success can be attributed to pure persistence and a little inspiration from beloved fictional characters.

The owner of Shamrock Music Shoppe, Scott Kinney, was born into a life revolving around music. Throughout the 80’s and early 90 ‘s, Scott played music in bands, as he had a knack for the drums. It was not until he moved to the town of Purcellville that his wife suggested he open a music store. He refers to his career as an “indirect pathway” as the business was an unexpected result of being related to a talented cartoonist. The Kinney family is no stranger to success as Scott’s brother, Jeff Kinney, is the author of one of the most recognizable book series in modern day, Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Released in 2007, the series was an immediate success. Jeff’s comedic manner of writing and his distinctive cartoon style was a hit, especially to the younger audience. The interests of the Kinney brother’s were not particularly similar, however their improbable rise to success are quite alike.

Jeff Kinney initially had the dream of being a comic strip artist and presumed he would walk right into a successful career. However, it was the complete opposite as his work was frequently rejected by the industry. Rather than quitting, he altered his style and produced the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Scott notes that Jeff considers his success as an unlikely story. As the movie was coming into fruition, the film needed music to accompany scenes with the main character’ brother, Rodrick and his band, so Jeff asked his brother if he could help. Scott then sent a couple of grungy songs, which were then featured in the final film. Scott expressed, “that was the moment when I decided I’m going to open Shamrock Music Shoppe.” Scott’s unlikely inspiration was parallel to his brother’s success. 

Since Shamrock Music Shoppe opened thirteen years ago, the music community has been more involved in Purcellville, VA. They host a biannual event at the Old 690 Brewery to display their students’ talents. From drums, piano, guitar, to even vocals, these showcases do not disappoint. Shamrock Music Shoppe and Scott Kinney’s story serves as an emblem of perseverance. The company has achieved an impressive reputation, earning the Best of Loudoun awards, of which were six repetitive years as “Best Music Shop” and eleven repetitive years as “Best Music Instruction.” As the establishment is nearing its fourteenth anniversary, it continues to provide the town of Purcellville musical services. Scott Kinney states, “My message, and I think it is very tied in with Jeff’s message, don’t let people ever tell you not to pursue your dreams — most of the time they do not see what you see.”