FUSS | Issue One

FUSS No1

female. dimensions.

Issue Premiere Fall/Winter, 2011 Abby Mae Julie Jones Tiffany Smith Hilary Strat Lizz Jacobs

the FUSS magazine

Issue Contributors: Liz Green

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What the FUSS?

The Things That Make Us: Pictorial Bios from The Fuss

Elemental Ink

Girls, Inc. Volunteers: Role Models & Allies

Index

What’s In a Name: Native American Naming Ceremonies

The DIY Holiday Wreath

Maison d’Etre: The Pomegranate Place Sstyle Spread

by Liz Green

Tiny Banter: Q&A with Amanda Lester

The Things That Make Us: Pictoral Bios From The Fuss Abby Mae

Tiffany Smith

Julie Jones

Hilary Strat Lizz Jacobs

Elemental Ink Story & Photos by Abby Mae

From the outside, Elemental Ink looks like any tattoo shop that you might see in Denver. The door is framed by classic and familiar orange neon signs, spelling out, “TATTOO,” and, “OPEN.” Two unassuming signs facing the sidewalks mark the spot as, “Elemental Ink.” Now, before I try to explain what the experience is like inside the shop, I should tell you that I have spent a decent amount of time in tattoo shops throughout my adult years. (Living with a tattoo artist in your early-twenties will do that to you.) Generally, I have found that most shops have a familiar vibe: the music, the scent, the vibrating pitch of a tattoo gun at work – and, dudes.

Lots… of dudes.

This is not to say that women are completely absent from the shop landscape, however it is clear that the tattoo industry is still more often than not, a male-dominated industry. That being said, when I heard about a female owned and operated shop in Denver, it peaked my interest. The shop’s owner, Karen Hall invited me to come by one day back in May of this year and take some photos for a possible article, and I immediately obliged.

This brings me back to the front door of the shop, as I opened the door into the shop and grabbed a quick look around before I was approached and greeted. There was something different about this place. It was so subtle that I couldn’t exactly pin it, but that old familiar vibe that I had grown accustomed to in tattoo shops wasn’t present in the way that I remembered it.

We had timed our meeting during a time in the day when all of the shop artists would be there, and when there were no client appointments scheduled for another hour. I jumped right in to photographing the artists as a group, and when clients started arriving, they let me hang around while they worked.

In between taking photos as an “observer,” the artists also graciously gave me the chance to chat with them.

I spent the most time with Karen Hall, who is both an artist at the shop, and its owner. She tells me that she has been working as a tattoo artist in this same physical shop location during her years running Elemental Ink, and even the years prior, when it was a different shop, with a different owner. She spent years working for that shop before finally taking over the location from the previous owner, and giving the shop its new moniker, “Elemental Ink.” In the time that has passed, Elemental Ink has continually remained a strong shop in terms of both the business, as well as the artistic quality of their work.

As we are talking, it occurs to me that both of the clients being worked on that afternoon were men. I asked Karen if there seems to be much of a difference in the number of female vs. male clients at a shop that employs all female artists (by comparison to larger trends in the industry.) She pauses from the work that she is doing, to reach over and dip the end of the tattoo needle into one of the tiny cups of colorful ink that sits at the ready by her side. Before leaning back toward the bicep that she is currently working on, she answers my question casually and says that she doesn’t think so.

By the time that I leave Elemental Ink that day, I am finally

starting to realize the subtleties that made the atmosphere feel so different from what I had become used to at other shops. It felt – cozy, actually. While I recognized the same familiar scents of skin ointment and the meticulously cleaned and sterilized metal equipment of a tattoo shop, I didn’t feel overwhelmed by it from the moment I stepped into the shop. In most shops, that very distinct combination of scents is overwhelming in the same way that Chanel No. 5 thickens the air when you are behind an elderly woman on an escalator at Marshall Fields (or, insert the name of any department store.)

And, while the incessant buzzing of busy needles was everpresent throughout my visit, I did notice the absence of something typically audible in most shops. In fact, it was a point of discussion during my conversation with Karen: the music. Where was the heavy, screaming metal that I had become used to expecting within the walls of a tattoo shop? Where were the musical, industrial noises to match the machinery at use in here? Karen told me that the choice of music was a very intentional detail used to create the atmosphere of the shop, “Why would you want to hear someone screaming at you when you are getting tattooed?”

It’s an excellent question.

(Click to visit the Elemental Ink Site for full shop information.)

WEAR

Lingerie

EVERY

DAY

A collection of pages designed to make you ask, “Well, why the hell not?”

Words & Photos by: Abby Mae

Keep It Fancy.

Why exile your lingerie fancies to a life spent in storage?

Redefine the everyday, by simply

reconsidering your lingerie instead.

You might

be transformed by your most coveted and chic - unleashing your inner-moxie, and letting it shine from the inside out.

Lingerie is designed with a uniquely alluring mix of form and function. And, with such overwhelmingly gorgeous form, it can make it easy to forget the function altogether. But, remember that the category of “lingerie” includes even the most functional underpinnings that we don each morning.

The simple pairing of bra and panties, a simple camisole, or a little silk slip - it’s all lingerie. And, although lingerie’s form varies consistently along with each woman, we can all find at least one rarely worn piece of lingerie in our dresser drawers. Maybe we decided that this piece was too fancy, or too pricey to wear more often. It may have

even been categorically delegated, “for special occasions only.”

However, these are only the labels that we give our lingerie, as we choose to define the function of a piece using a subjective view of its form. But, what if we were to re-evaluate the pieces in our lingerie collection using a new set of criteria? If we toss aside old definitions to re-consider with function over form, would we still decide to leave such fabulous lingerie in hibernation? It is possible that the panties, once judged too fancy for your own pants, may actually fit quite nicely into a typical wardrobe routine. Or a camisole sheath, kept exclusively for your date-nights that mattered most, could blend seamlessly beneath that blouse that you also happen to keep exclusively for wearing to the office.

Being able to wear what you paid for will be a direct consequence of these new decisions of course, but a very important secondary result still remains. By wearing your most favored, savored, sophisticated, or naughty pieces in the spaces you once considered everyday or ordinary - you have now attached the allure of each and every piece of lingerie, to your daily routines (that subsequently have also become less “typical” as well.)

Everything you love about wearing lingerie would be transfused with your personal demeanor, and the value on your results may be priceless. Think about adding lingerie to the regimens and rituals that prepare you each morning.

These steps create the woman that walks out your door in

the morning, and out into the world.

Put it in your arsenal of tricks, or what you call upon to build your confidence when you feel it is needed most: things like your best red lipstick, the perfume that melts every man you pass, the heels that make you feel 8’ tall, that smoldering “bedroom eyes” makeup, or that special pair of jeans that make your hips worth shaking. This bag of tricks may differ from one woman to the next, but they are all capable of producing poise that is enviable, and the hot confidence worthy of a strut.

Your lingerie drawer might deserve a second look. But this time, try viewing things with a more functional eye.

You could find yourself wearing those scant little skivvies that you oh-so adore (and often enough to actually enjoy them), as you set out to conquer your world.

Model: Shannen Eileen Stylist/Photographer: Abby Mae Wardrobe: Stylist’s Own

Girl s Inc. Voluteers: Ro le Mode l s and A l l ie s Written by: Liz Green Edited by: Tiffany Smith Photos Courtesy of: Blu Iron Photography

According to the website, http://www.ithaca.edu/sacl/lgbt/ ally/, “An ally is a member of a dominant group who rejects the dominant ideology and takes action against oppression out of a belief that eliminating oppression benefits everyone. But that is only a small part of the rich and diverse contribution that allies offer. An ally is a person who takes a stand against social injustice directed at target groups. “ As we learned from Peggy McIntosh all those years ago through her iconic essay on white privilege, in order to end racism white people have to acknowledge and strategically use their privilege to be effective allies for people of color. This idea of strategically using privilege can be applied to all forms of privilege that we hold as individuals. Through the intersection of identities, almost everyone holds privilege in some way and the ability to use it to end oppression. For example: an able-bodied person advocating for wheel-chair accessible parking; middle or upper class people demanding affordable housing for homeless families; U.S. citizens voting for in-state tuition for undocumented students who have been in the U.S. since they were children; straight people lobbying for the legalization of same-sex marriage – the list goes on. It is one thing to acknowledge the privileges we hold as individuals, and another altogether to take it one step further and strategically use one’s privilege to be effective allies.

There is a very concrete way that someone can take this theory and turn it into practice: volunteering at a community organization. As the Volunteer Coordinator at Girls Incorporated of Metro Denver (GIMD), I see our community strategically using their privilege daily to improve the lives of Denver girls.

The core mission of GIMD is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and boldsm. As an affiliate of the national nonprofit organization, Girls Incorporated, we offer a variety of educational programs for girls ages 6 to 19 – mostly from high-risk, underserved areas –

that encourage them to master challenges, build self-esteem, and achieve confident and responsible adulthood. Annually we serve over 1,500 constituents with programs in six areas: Careers and Life Planning; Health and Sexuality; Self-reliance and Life Skills; Sports and Adventure; Leadership and Community Action; and Culture and Heritage.

Through center-based, outreach and professional training programs, GIMD offers programming that prepares girls to succeed in a world where women still encounter social and cultural barriers to success. Social, legal and cultural barriers and gender discrimination continue to limit girls’ opportunities and potential. All girls receive limiting messages about who they are, how they should look and behave, and what they can hope to achieve. GIMD programs offer a range of options that compensate for those messages, along with opportunities inspiring girls to become leaders and agents of change that they are unlikely to experience in school.

We literally could not run without the work of our direct service volunteers. They make a weekly commitment of 9-weeks to 9 months or more depending on their assignment. They volunteer an average of 10 hours per month; in the past year, volunteers gave over 8,100 hours of service – an amazing amount of time and energy dedicated to our programs. Volunteers help facilitate our curriculum, run our tutoring program and create and facilitate their own lesson plans. On a deeper level, they show our girls what is possible. They model respect, the results of a good education, positive conflict resolution, compassion and social change. They are the indication that by acknowledging the power and privilege we have, we can work to change systemic oppressions that still exist today for girls.

We accept all girls in our programs, although the majority of our members are girls of color who attend under funded schools with high drop-out and teenage pregnancy rates. Many of them experience varying degrees of racism, sexism, classism and homophobia in our greater society. At GIMD, we choose to compensate for these forms of discrimination by offering a safe space where they can thrive in their potential, and where their backgrounds are celebrated and respected. In order to this, we need to have volunteers that understand the importance of ally work.

Part of every volunteer’s training includes an introduction to antioppression work. For some it is review, but we do this training so everyone is on the same page about the expectations that we have of our volunteers to create a space free from oppression.

By the end of the training, volunteers understand their role as an ally for our girls. One of the most powerful gifts we can give our girls is a group of community members that acknowledges and respects their cultural, racial and economic experiences. Through this training we engender a volunteer base that does not pity our girls but instead creates a space where they can empower themselves. That is ally work in action.

To learn more about our important work we encourage you to visit our website www.girlsincdenver.org

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What’s In A Name?

Photos & Content by Julie Jones

If over 3,000 babies are born a day, than how many of them are connected through a common name? Traditional names are passed down through family both first and last and often times can call to ones heritage of origin. As our society advances we reach out in search of originality and uniqueness naming our children with names such as Apple, Blanket and Lotus. Parents look towards their favorite actors, a book with name definitions and the latest in name trends. When a name defines us, why do find ourselves with names that don’t mean much? After all, this is what we will be referred to for the rest of our lives.

Children often go through a creative name stage within their lives where they may pick a new name for themselves in playing games, trying new names out. Sometimes this carries forward with nicknames and maybe even a name change within their peer circle. For those who explore the possibilities to be named as they wish they may find a new sense of liberation. Some people go so far as to change their middle or first name. For those who receive unwanted nicknames this can cause pain and insecurities carried through out their lives.

In the case of Vanessa Lemos, her second name came to her through her Native American tribe or the Oglala Sioux on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.

At the age of 28, Vanessa was invited to receive her Indian name from her family. Driving across the prairies, parched grasses and dusty dirt roads lead her to the grounds of her heritage. Loose dogs ran through the town of scattered houses and run down buildings. Vanessa’s earliest memories as a young child in the town of Kyle, were visits with her Grandmother a Spaniard and a spouse of Badland Boy. Vanessa’s Aunt arranged for the naming ceremony to happen in June. Here a group of those to be named gathered inside, tribe’s people from the community came to witness. Besides the

“All I could hope was that my name wasn’t going to be Spit Fire or something.” playing of the drums the room was calm and quite. A man stood before them and spoke in the native Lakota language presenting the tribal prayer. Smoke filled the room with sage and sweet grass purifying and cleansing the body and soul, releasing the bad.

Sitting in front of her family, Vanessa’s Aunt presented Vanessa with her new Indian name, Butterfly. Names are chosen based on personality type, and how you present yourself to the world.

“All I could hope was that my name wasn’t going to be Spit Fire or something,” Vanessa recalls. As the naming ceremony came to a close, a sense of connection overcame her; as now her Aunt was more than just her aunt. Her brother, Man Who Stands Above, more than just her brother and her mother, First Flower, more than just her mom. They were all spiritually connected as something greater through their experience.

After the ceremony, dinner was shared with everyone, the people bringing Chili, corn bread and fry bread to share. Each of the guests received a gift from Vanessa, simple items for household purpose, bowls and dishes. Vanessa was presented

with her Indian Spirit Eagle Feather, very sacred and meaningful used for good luck and protection.

Vanessa’s new Indian name, Butterfly, enhanced her understanding of her heritage, her bond with her family, and the meaning on her own name as who she is. She looks at them equally as a part of her making her more a part of life.

Reflecting often on her experience she finds honor and feels that the name is a good fit. Vanessa and her brother George plan to pass their family tradition along to their children when it is time.

We know that names can affect us and how we receive the world. It can define us and contribute to our own sense of identity. They can make us laugh and help us rise above emotion. Your name is part of creation, so why not create and recreate by taking a moment to find a new name. Find a name that you can embrace and that will enhance your life.

It might only be for who you are now and change again in the future, but it should make you smile.

Fall Forward

Make one holiday wreath this season that you can change out as you watch the world change around you. You need only one wire hanger, ½ yard Burlap fabric cut into 3” wide strips, and whatever the world hands you to work with.

You will need: 1 Wire Hanger 1/2 Yard Burlap Scissors Directions: Uncoil the hanger using pliers and form it into a round circular shape.

Fold Burlap strips back and forth, pushing the wire into the fabric until a full wreath shape covers the wire Decorate with nature’s beauty… Fall leaves, dried Indian corn, and Candy Corns For winter, add pine cones, bows or holly.

Happy Holidays!

“Le Maison d’Etre”

Putting together a photo shoot for The Fuss requires collaboration from every angle: location, designers, photography, models, makeup artists, stylists, coordinators, assistants, and everything in between. There is no doubt that the women filling these photo shoot roles are great at what they do. However, just like the other amazing women in our lives and around the world, getting to know these talented women inevitably presents you with more than meets the eye.

These photos are a visual representation of style, amidst further background stories about the women that made this shoot possible from every angle.

Dig in, and enjoy.

It is enormous in terms of both its physical space, and its mission. Pomegranate Place is a self-described “oasis for women,” that sits quietly on Captiol Hill in Denver. The pristine historical mansion became home to the non-profit Pomegranate Place only a few years ago, and has since been offering women a place to expore and nurture their creative life passions. In their own words: “Everything we do at Pomegranate Place flows from our core values of compassion, justice, freedom and transcendence. We believe that women who embrace these core values and put into practice the character strengths associated with them, will live happier, more meaningful lives, and ultimately discover and live out the purposes for which they were created.”

Shoot Location Pomegranate Place 750 Clarkson Street, Denver, CO www.pomegranateplace.org

Dress: Julieann Model: Marietta

Models: Q & A Where are you from?

Shannen (S) - Sonoma, California Marietta (M)- Baltimore, Maryland Anna (A) - Vituska, Russia Where do you consider home?

S - Haven’t found home yet M- North Denver A - Russia. It takes your heart and never gives it back.

When did you start modeling?

S - March 2011. I found an Artopia ad on Facebook for auditions.

Then I got signed with an agent.

M- Started modeling 2001. My aunt was a fine arts photographer.

A - Age of 14.

(continued Model Q & A...)

Outside of modeling what do you do for work/entertainment?

S - Esthetician. Began playing the violin at age 8, I continue to play today. Also enjoy drawing - it’s an escape from everything else going on, and when I looks back at my art it makes me feel accomplished.

M - Transpersonal Psychotherapist. I play the guitar, enjoys collages and home decorating. Also like to go junk shopping: restoring the beauty in the things others think have lost their life.

A - In school, and works at Hooters. I like rock climbing, hiking, snow sports, and traveling.

What advice do you remmember your mother giving you?

S- Never check the mail without your lipstick on.

M - If you’re feeling bad fake a smile until it becomes real.

A - Always remember what people do to you, if they treat you bad(ly) they will continue to treat you bad(ly.)

(Left) Shorts: Julieann; Shirt, Jacket: Stylist’s Own (Right) Jumper: Amore Loves; Jewelry: Stephanie DeSantis, Sweet and Precious & Provided by Rakun Models: Marietta & Shannen (From previous page ‘balloon photos’) Dresses: Provided by Rakun; Earrings: Jessica Nunez, Shiny Pretty Treasures Models: Mariette & Shannen

What do you want to be when you grow up?

S - When I grow up I want to be a genuinely good wife, and the type of mother that inspires other mothers.

M - A therapist, a yoga instructor, and a minister.

A - A computer program developer.

What is your idea of what a feminist is?

S- I used to think it was the stereotypical man-hating woman with a chip on her shoulder. But after more thought, I think it describes women who like to be treated like ladies, but empowered by their femininity rather than restricted by society’s ideas of women.

M - A woman who can integrate feminine and masculine entities into their being.

A - I don’t understand the translation of the word (Note: English is her second languate.)

During photo shoots what do you think about? Where do you mentally put yourself while having your photo taken?

S -I feel like I’m beautiful - that they want to take my picture.

M - Analyze the space I’m in and try to embody someone who occupied that space before me.

A - Focus on an object and try to think of what the computer code would be.

Jumper: Amore Loves; Jewelry: Stephanie DeSantis, Sweet and Precious & Provided by Rakun Model: Shannen

Dress: Youngblood, Provided by Rakun; Jewelry: All Things Twig by Amber Faith Model: Marietta

(continued Model Q & A...)

Do you have a hero?

S - Audrey Hepburn. When things get bad I think of what she (Audrey) went through as a child in WWII, and how through all of that she became such a beautiful, successful woman.

Also, Batman. He shows that even though you are a normal person you can make a difference.

M - Academic mentors, and people who are in tune with themselves and others and lead by example.

A - Yelstin, the Russian president because of all the charity work he and his wife have done for the orphanages in Russia.

What is your favorite movie?

S- Almost Famous, because I always dreamed about being a rock star, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Mar - Anything that alters your perspective, like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

A- Homeward Bound.

Hair & Makeup Bree Heykoop @ Smitten As she walks into the room, her presence is immediately felt. Bree Heykoop is a modern-day bombshell with striking features and a beautiful, inviting personality to match. Since the days of little-girl dress-up to proms, Bree has done makeup and hair for family and friends and loved every minute of it.

With six years of modeling experience in her past, her time behind the lens helped make for a smooth transition prepping women before a big photo shoot and also before their big day. “One of my favorite things about being with a bride is when they look in the mirror and get tears in their eyes. It makes me feel so confident to be a part of that moment.”

To you, what is a picture of beauty?

It has nothing to do with outer appearance... We all have different features; curly hair, straight hair, big lips, small lips. He created us all in his perfect plan. I feel like I have been given a gift to enhance; the ability to bring out inner personality through make-up.

What do you do to surround yourself with beauty?

I love to surround myself with people who are confident in who they are, I love to know their background stories... And flowers. Flowers are huge.

When do you feel beautiful?

In sweats, drinking tea, with a washed face.

What is next for you?

I am learning about becoming a women’s birth coach. Looking forward to learning how to relate more with other women in all walks of life.

Skirt: Fallene Wells, Let Em Have It, Provided by Rakun; Top: Julieann; Jewelry: All Things Twig by Amber Faith Model: Anna

(Previous Spread) Dress: Amore Loves; Earrings: Jessica Nunez, Shiny Pretty Treasures, Provided by Rakun Model: Shannen (Below & Right) Shorts: Julieann; Jacket: Vintage by Amore Loves Model: Shannen

Top: Julieann; Undies: Stylist’s Own; Earrings: Stephanie DeSantis, Sweet and Precious, Provided by Rakun; Ring: All Things Twig by Amber Faith Model: Anna

Overalls: Amore Loves; Jacket & Shoes: Mode’s Own; Top & Tights: Stylist’s Own Model: Shannen

Tee: Carmen Mazzacco, First Chair Clothing, Provided by Rakun; Shorts: Amore Loves; Earrings: Jessica Nunez, Shiny Pretty Treasures Provided by Rakun; Glasses, Belt & Tights: Stylist’s Own Model: Anna

Full Credits Shoot Location: Pomegranate Place, Denver, CO Hair & Makeup: Bree Heykoop w/Smitten Models: Shannen Eileen, Anna Zlotnikov, Marietta Warren Photography: Abby Mae Shoot Assistants: Hilary Strat, Lizz Jacobs Model Q & A: Interviews by Lizz Jacobs; Edited by Tiffany Smith, Abby Mae Bree Heykoop Feature: Written by Hilary Strat; Edited by Tiffany Smith, Abby Mae Introduction & Pomegranate Place Feature: Written/Edited by Abby Mae

Special thanks to: Amore Loves Rakun Amber Faith Julieann

Tiny Banter Chatting with the owner of Apple Blue, Amanda Lester.

Q&A by Abby Mae Edited by Tiffany Smith

Asking the questions: Abby Mae from The Fuss Magazine Answering the questions: Amanda Lester from Apple Blue Q: Pretend I’ve never met Apple Blue… introduce me.

A: Apple Blue was born out of a dream I had to do what I love and make a living at it. It started out as a simple online shop with a handful of handmade goods but it has evolved over the years into something much bigger! At present, Apple Blue is a thriving online boutique and a vibrant blog reaching thousands of readers each month. Each week I hit the streets of Denver, curating a special collection of vintage housewares, art and other great finds.

Q: Talk a little bit about Apple Blue, the blog.

A: Apple Blue is much more than just a business venture for me. It is a labor of love! Right from the very beginning I wanted my blog to be an outlet for me as a writer and a unique and fun way for me to connect with all of my customers and friends.

My blog, as a whole, is constantly evolving as I evolve. In the beginning I had no idea what I was doing! I just blogged about what I liked at that moment. Over time and as my blog readership continued to grow, I quickly began to realize that I wanted to make sure that every single thing I shared on my blog was quality. The content became much more intentional…

I don’t think I ever could have imagined how much this whole

adventure would shape and change me. Apple Blue, the shop and the blog, sent me headfirst into an intense and exciting journey of true self-discovery.

Q: Now that you have both the shop & blog “up and running” – have you found that you enjoy one more than the other? What do you love/not love so much about each venture?

A: It changes week by week, but at the moment I am really enjoying my blog! As a writer, it challenges me to come up with interesting and quality content on a regular basis. It is so incredibly rewarding to read peoples comments and to know that it inspired them, taught them something or made them laugh. The discipline of running a successful blog can be challenging and difficult but I can’t imagine my life without it.

I absolutely love my shop as well. There’s nothing quite like the thrill I get when finding the most amazing vintage item or sitting down in my home craft studio to create something by hand. I feel so alive when I create! My dream is to own an actual store one day so having an Etsy shop is great practice.

Q: What is your vision for Apple Blue the blog over the next year? 5 years? 10 years?

A: If my blog is still a true reflection of me and my heart one year from now then I will be happy. For me, it isn’t about how many people read it. I care far more about connecting with the people that do, whether it is 5 or 500.

Q: What is your vision for Apple Blue the shop over the next year? 5 years? 10 years?

A: I have BIG dreams for the Apple Blue shop. At the moment I am right at home on Etsy, but I dream of the day when I can take my shop offline and open up a brick-and-mortar location.

I am hoping for and planning to open a handmade co-op and vintage boutique. I will be featuring selected handmade artisans from around the world while also selling a charming selection of vintage decor, housewares and even clothing! It is a big dream but I know I will get there eventually. My goal for the next year is to begin getting a solid business plan in place and start thinking about funding. In five years, I would love for the shop to be open, thriving and a vibrant part of the Denver area. And 10 years is too far off! Who knows what kinds of shenanigans I will be up to then!

Q: What is your favorite vintage item that you have ever sold (maybe one that you never thought that you would be able to part with, but did?)

A: Every single vintage journal or album. I am such a journal junkie!

I’m working on a new line of journals using vintage materials.

Q: When shopping for yourself, where do you love to look for vintage items?

A:

My favorite place to look are the middle-of-nowhere thrift stores and antique malls. There are so many treasures to be found and not many people who realize what amazing things they actually have. All of my greatest finds to date have been found in out of the way places like that.

Q: What is your creative process like? Walk me through it.

A: I spend a lot of time surrounding myself with the things that spark my creativity. Sometimes that can be a blog post or a magazine or even a movie I see on TV. Other times it as simple as a color I see in a sign on the side of the road. Most of the time I see the thing I want to make in my head and then I just sit down and do it. I am totally led by my heart in everything I make and I’m not afraid to fail. I mess up a lot but that’s how I learn and develop the skills I need to be successful at whatever I set out to do or create. Sometimes the products in my shop can be quite diverse, but I make what I love in the moment and I hope other people love it too.

Q: Got any advice for someone that wants to jump into the handmade or vintage market, especially online?

A: Do your research… both inwardly and outwardly. Search your heart and make sure it is something you really want to do and be prepared to wait for success to come around to you. Give your dream the respect it deserves by working really hard and it will pay off in the end. Soak up all the knowledge you can

so you’re prepared for the road ahead.

Q: How has your personal style changed throughout your time working on Apple Blue? How has that personal style, and its various updates/changes been reflected through Apple Blue?

A: As I have come to discover who I really am and what I love through the business of running Apple Blue, my personal style has manifested itself in my home and the clothes I wear. My closet has gone from dull solids and safe silhouettes to a much more feminine, colorful and fun palette. It has been such a joyful process for me… but it’s not over yet! I don’t think our style ever stops evolving. It is all constantly changing as I change.

appleblue.org

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