In this day of ‘less is more’ swimsuit design, Pamela Levenson of Popina Swimwear is bent on offering more modest & form flattering swimwear styles. Inspired by the 1940s and 50s and using modern construction and fabrics, Pamela creates designs for those of us who want a suit that actually flatters the body, instead of just showing every possible bit of skin allowed by law. Her retro-inspired designs are ones that you can actually swim in and are sure to get you noticed on the beach for all the right reasons, and not because your top came off in the surf.

You can find Popina Swimwear designs online in the Popina shop, in Portland at the Popina Portland Swimwear Boutique and in reatail locations in the US.

Read more about Pamela and Popina Swimwear in my interview with Pamela for this week’s Indie Artist Fixx.

1. What’s the name of your business and what do create and sell?

The name of my business is Retro Swimwear by Popina Swim. I create retro, vintage inspired swimwear. My swimwear does a great job of covering all the right stuff and still having a great sense of style. I believe you don’t have to show it all to be sexy!

2. Tell us how you got started with your indie business.

I interned at a bikini shop when I was going to fashion school. Our shop did custom swimwear, I was responsible for the cutting one summer, I never thought I would use those skills I learned ever again! Twenty years later down the road, living in Portland, Oregon I had a trip to Cancun in November. I looked all over for a swimsuit that I liked and could not find one.

Then a bunch of things came together. The first job I had in Portland was working for a fabric company that sold swimwear fabric, a few years earlier I bought an industrial cover stitch machine on a whim from a friend, and my job at the time required me to learn pattern making. Growing up sewing, I was able to put all these pieces together to make what would become the Popina Boy Short, Retro Halter and Strappy Top for my trip. I got lots of compliments on my designs on that trip, and then the story that many entrepreneurs have, friends asked for suits, I then sold consignment for two years, then two years ago I opened my brick and mortar retail store - a whopping 250 sq ft. My Portland Swimwear Boutique expanded to triple its initial size earlier this year (I now have 910 sq ft) we now carry other outside swimwear brands, cover ups, flipflops and chemical free sun tan lotions.

3. What are your inspirations in your art and in life?

My main inspiration is nature and the outdoors, living in the Pacific Northwest there are a lot of amazing beautiful places to visit.

4. Are there any pearls of wisdom you’d like to share with newbie indie business owners?

Research your name before you start manufacturing a product. Trademark research is not too hard to do. Go to the US Patent and Trademark site and you can see if your potential name has been taken I did a blog entry on my web site on this process in a little more detail.

(Continued)

by guest contributor Fina Tejada

Picking out a name for your indie business is important decision to make. It takes a lot more time than you’d think, there is so much to consider. I think Snowberry and Lime nails it though. You are not sure if you want to eat it or play in it, until you visit her Etsy shop. Owner, Veronika von Allmen, stocks her store with dreamy hand spun yarns and other craft goodies, and although she is based in Germany she is ready to ship all over the world.

Read more in my interview with her.

Tell us about your business.

Snowberry and Lime started on the idea of creating handbags made from recycled sail, as I grew up on a boat and this was the most readily available material… it soon moved on to being about colourful bags and snugly wrist warmers. Everything I do is marked by a great obsession with detail. My great love for knitting eventually led me to selling my own hand-spun yarns last winter and they quickly became my most popular items. Combining high quality materials with beautiful colors and textures is my main motive in creating yarns. They often feature interesting themes as I specialize not only in luxury Merino and silk yarns but also in quirky art yarns.

What did you do before you started your business?

I started while I was still lounging around at the university and now moved on to a part-time job with an international charity. My spare time is pretty much devoted to my little venture…

Other than Etsy where else can we find Snowberry and Lime?

My yarns are being sold only on Etsy, this allows me to offer prices which are below retail - I am basically sharing the savings from not going retail with my customers.
Some of my bags are being sold through the German based website Dawanda, this gives me the chance to get in touch with German customers who might have never found me on Etsy. Language barriers can be a huge problem for online shoppers and I try my best to at least offer my items in the languages I speak.

What do you consider is the best way you’ve attracted customers?

Complimentary Chippendale postcards.

Where do you see your business in the next few years?

Where it is right now—on your screen! I would like to start my own website pretty soon though, ideally Snowberry and Lime will keep growing and who knows how far it will go!

How do you stay motivated?

Well, my boyfriend always tells me that when I get bored from spinning I can always come to the gym with him—that always keeps me motivated! Motivation really never has been a problem for me, there are so many different parts to having a little business that whenever I don’t particularly feel like doing one thing, I can just do something else. These little task include far more than creating, it is also about taking good pictures, listing items for sale or looking for more great supplies.

About the contributor: Fina Tejada owns Miss Fruitfly, an indie lifestyle company featuring artwork and home accessories. She is also a blogger who loves to cook, is a closeted reality show junkie and supports independent designers. She will be posting on the Indie Fixx Guest Blog featuring international indie crafters & bloggers to find out what motivates them creatively, how they started their businesses and how they approach the U.S. market. Fina will be posting periodically on Thursdays.

One of my favorite indie possessions is my stitchpixie vinyl coin purse…I get compliments it on almost every time I pull it out at the checkout. I received it from Cyan, the designer behind stitchpixie, the year before last in a Secret Santa I participated in, and I really do love it. Cyan creates fun vinyl cut-out accessories and some clothing. She also makes cute and kitschy jewelry. I’m so happy that she agreed to be interviewed for this week’s Indie Artist Fixx and I hope you enjoy my it!

1. What’s the name of your business and what do create and sell?

Stitchpixie. Kitschy jewelry and vegan friendly accessories that touch on both the whimsical and the unexpected (i.e. I can make both cutesy birdie pouches AND things with uteruses on them). Check it out - www.stitchpixie.com.

2. Tell us how you got started with your indie business.

In my hardest year of pharmacy school, I skipped my biochem, anatomy, and physiology courses so I could sleep in and sew my heart out till I finally jumped on the bus and hit campus at 1pm. Pretty soon I had too many handbags scattered around my room, and I was inspired by lekkner.com to start up my own website to get rid of them.

3. What are your inspirations in your art and in life?

Pop art. Andy Warhol. Color.

4. Are there any pearls of wisdom you’d like to share with newbie indie business owners?

Hmm. Give something you make to your mom and best friend, or both, and see how long it survives everyday wear and tear. I say this because I rarely wear my own jewelry or carry my own handbags! I’m usually pretty accessory-less on a day to day basis.

5. What three things can’t you live without?

Cereal for breakfast, Jesus, and a camera.

6. What’s the best thing about what you do? And the worst?

Best: sewing new designs.

Worst: the time it takes to package and ship everything…. that’s not even including the line at the post office!

7. What blogs and mags do you read and what shops do you shop at?

Lately, I follow weddingbee (where I’m also one of the bloggers), and while it sounds really unrelated, a lot of the brides-to-bee have a bit of a crafty spirit to them.

When I get time, I enjoy design*sponge, decor8, notmartha, dooce, and print and pattern. There are tons of fantastic blogs out there, but I’ve tried not to get sucked into sitting on the computer for more hours than I already do.

I subscribe to Martha Stewart, Lucky, and CRAFT:.

I love shopping for clothes at great consignment stores in Vancouver, BC, I like Etsy, and I get all my CDs off amazon. Each town I’ve visited has at least one great gift boutique - you know the ones - they carry your favorite online indie goods - but when you see the items in real life, you’re like “wow! That necklace is way bigger than I thought!” my faves in Seattle are schmancy and fancy + pants.

8. Were you an artsy craftsy kid? If so, what kinds of things did you do?

Yes! Does anyone remember the Canadian TV show Take Part? They made puppets out of margarine containers and old clothes! I was one of those kids that did all those after-school activities: jazz, ballet, drawing, painting, clay, but my favorite thing I found when I was 10 years old: a photography darkroom.

9. Are you a dog person or a cat person?

Both? I’ve owned both, but since then have become allergic. Mooch and Earl from the comic mutts will have to do.

10. What does indie mean to you? You can give a literal definition, choose to be a little esoteric or a combination of both.

To me indie is movies, music, and visual art with that… “indie feel” to them. I’m sure you’re all familiar with Little Miss Sunshine and Juno, but movies by Wes Anderson (i.e. the Darjeeling Limited, Royal Tenenbaums, Rushmore), and Eagle vs. Shark are a few more that come to mind when I think “indie.” Maybe it’s just an awkwardness combined with attention to detail that they all share that you’d never see in a Will Smith blockbuster. See also the music I listen to below.

11. What are you reading, watching and listening to?

Listening to pandora.com - currently it’s on a Nick Drake station. Favorites in my 5 CD-capacity stereo are Inara George, Elliott Smith, Iron and Wine, Sufjan Stevens, Radiohead, Joshua Raidin, Jose Gonzalez.
Reading - Canadian author’s Douglas Coupland’s microserfs.

Re-watching - the first season of Flight of the Conchords.

12. What’s one thing you’ve learned as an adult that you wish you knew when you were a kid?

How to make crepes!

13. What’s new? Any new plans or products that you want to share?

I’m getting married this summer and I feel overwhelmed with just thinking about diy-ing anything for it, although I feel almost obligated to myself to do so. As for stitchpixie, I’m thinking of making a line of cute found paper journals.

by guest contributor Fina Tejada

Letitia Henville is an English teacher by day and jewelry designer extraordinaire by night. Living in Nice, France (Ooh la la) Letitia is surrounded by beauty and history, a perfect muse for her designs. She is also a member of the Eco Etsy Street Team and maintains her blog, Fabiquer, where you’ll find delightful pictures of her travels, friends, and inspiration. If a French holiday is not in your vacation plans this year, have her jewelry do the traveling for you.

1. Tell us about your business.

I’m a jewelry designer, and I make bright and bold necklaces, earrings and bracelets. I love combining vintage beads with silver, wood and stone. I came up with the idea to start my business largely out of necessity: I found that I owned so many beads I couldn’t justify making jewelry only for myself and for my friends. I’ve been in business since March 2007 and have sold over 500 pieces on jewelry, largely online

2. What did you do before you started your business?

I currently work part-time as an English teacher here in the south of France. Nice is a very expensive city to live in! Jewelry selling makes up about 1/3 of my monthly income, though, so I’m proud of my little business

3. Where do you sell your products

I started selling on Etsy, but have since expanded into dawanda (a fantastic site based out of Germany), Mintd (a smaller Australian upstart) and Modishoppe (a small adorable ‘e-boutique’). Etsy is a great site with lots of talented artists and artisans, but its size can sometimes make it overwhelming, for buyers and sellers alike — which is why shops like Modishoppe are so nice. Dawanda is also great for me, being based in Europe, because within the EU selling is very easy — bank transfers are free, shipping is quick, and customs is a non-issue

4. What can you tell us about your international customers?

I love them! It’s so cool to think that my designs are being worn by people in northern Canada, rural Australia, Brazil, Austria, Germany, Ireland, and, of course, here in France. And the Americans! Love y’all, too! You’re international to me!

I’d encourage US-based buyers not to be shy about buying from abroad! Often, we overseas sellers have access to materials and supplies not available in the states, which makes your handmade purchase all the more unique. I’ve also had buyers write to me telling me about the time they’ve spent in the south of France. I like that my little piece of jewelry will remind them of their Mediterranean holidays. On etsy, you can add the word “europe” to your search times to find EU-based sellers like me. Of course, shipping from overseas is always going to be a bit longer than US domestic shipping, but my average shipping time from Europe to the US is something like 10-14 days. Not a big deal, really.

5. What do you consider is the best way you’ve attracted customers?

It’s really hard to say where customers might come from. I think my friends are some of my best advertisers — I’m really lucky to have a supportive group of buds who are happy to tell other people about my little shop (and sometimes even buy a piece themselves — always a huge compliment.

I also have a blog that I use mostly to share photos and little anecdotes of day-to-day life here in the Cote d’Azur. I don’t know, though, if the blog creates interest in my shop, as I don’t tend to blog about my jewelry; I have attracted a dozen or so regular readers, which makes me happy.

6. How do you stay motivated?

I mentioned above that my friends are some of my best spokespeople, and they also serve as my muses. When I’m seeking inspiration, I sometimes try to imagine what kind of jewelry would suit the characteristics of one friend or another and create pieces based on their personalities. I think about who likes chic and shiny (my friend Jen ), who wants lots of contrast (Delphine), who likes to be subtle & original (Julia ). If I only made pieces for myself, my shops would be filled with chocolate brown wood and champagne-colored pieces. Creating jewelry with my friends in mind keeps my shop diverse, and, hopefully, as fun and beautiful as they are.

About the interviewer: Fina Tejada owns Miss Fruitfly, an indie lifestyle company featuring artwork and home accessories. She is also a blogger who loves to cook, is a closeted reality show junkie and supports independent designers. She will be posting periodically on the Indie Fixx Guest Blog featuring international indie crafters & bloggers to find out what motivates them creatively, how they started their businesses and how they approach the U.S. market. Fina will be posting periodically on Thursdays.

For today’s Indie Artist Fixx I’d like to share my interview with super talented artist Dolan Geiman and his girlfriend and business partner Ali Walsh. I’m very happy to be able to share Dolan’s work with you, since I’ve been a fan since he burst on the scene in 2005. Whether he is creating colleges, shadowboxes, art decor, sculpture, paintings, rescued wood assemblages and more, Dolan infuses his work with his unique perspective of the world. He is a southern boy living in the big city of Chicago and his work is in large part based on this dichotomy, themes of both nature and contemporary life can be found throughout his work. Learn more in my interview below with both Dolan and Ali.

1. What’s the name of your business and what do create and sell?

Dolan - Dolan Geiman. I create contemporary art and décor, ranging from framed collage to sculptural works on wood.

2. Tell us how you got started with your indie business.

Dolan - My mother helped me get started as she has always been a professional artist. I learned a handful of things from her before I moved to Chicago, but I still needed some help developing the business side of my work. When I met Ali, she was really excited about working on something new and she was very motivated to work outside of the gallery spectrum.

Ali – I attended undergrad at the University of Chicago. While doing coursework in chemistry, physics, and other pre-med requirements, I found myself increasingly interested in Chicago’s cultural community versus summer internships in labs or hospitals. I interned for the Museum of Contemporary Art, I spent my spring and winter breaks volunteering for arts organizations. I even dabbled in PR work, mentoring with a freelance public relations consultant for arts organizations. Dolan and I met at an interesting juncture in my life – I had lived in China and had aspirations of promoting Chinese artists in the States but needed more money, experience, and connections to really do anything serious with my interests. I started working with Dolan and, essentially, began learning more about the art world, arts administration, and business start-up by way of promoting him. We made a great team from day one. We are very fortunate that we can make a business relationship, especially one of artist and manager, work within the confines of a personal relationship as well.

3. What are your inspirations in your art and in life?

Dolan - If I could just grow a beard and live in the woods, I would be very very happy. So I would have to say that Mother Nature keeps me going every day….which is a lot to say, living in the city. Every chance I get I try to go out to the woods or at least stick my feet in a river.

Ali – I find inspiration in my parents whom also have a personal/business relationship and built a company from scratch that provided a very comfortable life for myself and two sisters. I also find inspiration in businesses outside of the creative sphere and thinking of ways to reinvent their means and methods into our own tiny company. I’ve always had this insane work ethic which, I admit, borders on unhealthy at times. At least, six years later, I’m working around the clock because I love what I’m doing with Dolan so much. Maybe I’ll also exhaust myself to the point that country living with Dolan sounds pretty darn appealing.

4. Are there any pearls of wisdom you’d like to share with newbie indie business owners?

Dolan - Everyone always told me to save money along the way, to just put some aside for later in life. I think that’s a great sounding idea, but it’s not practical at all for young business owners who are just getting going. So I would say, instead of being constantly worried about money, just be more focused on what you are really good at and what you enjoy. Ironically, that sort of mindset makes your company grow, become more profitable, and more sustainable overall.

Ali – I’m happy to field questions from anyone in the creative field. While our travel schedule sometimes limits my availability, I do my best to respond to all inquiries via phone or e-mail.

(Continued)

You are in for some eye candy today for the Indie Artist Fixx since I interviewed Alice Matsumoto of The Carrotbox. Alice has a self-proclaimed obsession with rings, but she can’t wear metals, so she went out looking rings she could wear made from all kinds of materials including glass, Lucite, plastic, jade, agate and wood. Her collection grew and she started sharing her collection online and learned that a lot of other people like non-metal rings just like her. She decided to open up a shop to sell duplicates from her collection and other rings she discovered (I might add it’s one of my favorite shops to visit). In the shop, you will find all sorts non-metal rings for sale including Alice’s own line of drooliscious glass rings. You can also check out Alice’s own collection of rings , a great page about the different kinds of plastics used in jewelry and Alice’s blog on which she shares all kinds of everyday and art rings she comes across on the Internet.

The rings are gorgeous, the product photography is stunning and the site is fun and really well-designed so make sure to visit, I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Plus, read more about Alice and The Carrotbox below.

The rings featured below are all by Alice (except the kimono rings) and you can see more here.

1. What’s the name of your business and what do create and sell?

I am obsessed with rings and run The Carrotbox, which sells non-metal rings of all kinds: glass, Lucite, wood, etc. (including glass pieces I make myself).

2. When did you get started with your business and why did you decide to open your own indie biz?

I’ve been open for five years now but I’d never planned for it to be a business! I started my site as a showcase for my personal collection of non-metal rings, which itself was started because I have weirdly sensitive skin and can’t wear metal on my fingers. People kept asking if they could buy from my gallery so, one day, I decided to sell some of my duplicate rings — and the rest just snowballed from there.

3. What’s the creative process like for you?

I try to sketch ideas when they pop into my head but I normally just end up going where the glass takes me. Besides, by the time I get to the torch, new ideas have taken over and most of what I’ve jotted down never gets made. I have to remind myself to focus on one idea rather than jumping to the next one right away. I have bags and bags of discarded styles, which is not a good thing!

4. If you could meet 5 famous or infamous people (dead or alive) who would they be?

- any ancient Egyptian ruler
- John Kennedy Toole
- Steve Buscemi
- Tina Fey
- I’m having trouble coming up with people so I’m going to go with Frederic Fekkai, as I really need a haircut.

5. Tell us one funny/goofy/silly thing about yourself.

I have a fear of cracking eggs because I’m afraid that one of these days (warning, this is about to get gross), a half-formed baby chick will fall out. I know all the reasons this couldn’t actually happen but they don’t change the fact that it WILL.

6. What’s the best thing about what you do? And the worst?

Best: it’s a tie between getting enthusiastic messages from people who genuinely love their new rings and having a ring turn out just right when it comes out of the kiln.

Worst: Canada Post’s prices. Insane.

7. What blogs and mags do you read and what shops do you shop at?

I spend way too much time on music blogs! (I had one myself, briefly, years ago.) ObscureSound.com is a good one; he puts so much thought into each post.

I’m not much of a magazine reader. My dad lives in Tokyo most of the year and I used to request Japanese fashion magazines, but then I pictured this 60+ year old man having to line up at the bookstore with a copy of non-no and I stopped asking.

For shopping, I usually stick to local shops (I live downtown in a boutique-heavy neighborhood), though I normally only go when I need something specific. I also browse a *lot* of jewelery sites for my blog, which I guess counts as window shopping!

8. Were you an artsy craftsy kid? If so, what kinds of things did you do?

My mom’s side of the family is quite artsy and my younger sister’s a professional comic artist but I don’t think I myself was that artsy as a kid — I just liked to draw and make beaded jewelery, that sort of thing. My main thing was writing more than crafting. Oh, wow… answering this question, I just remembered something I haven’t thought about in years! In fifth grade, I wrote and illustrated short “books” (really just notebooks), mostly mysteries. I think I tried to put a cliffhanger at the end of each one. I even pasted faux library slips inside so people could “sign them out.” I believe that’s what they call delusions of grandeur.

9. List 3 things you wish you had if you ever become stranded on a deserted island?

Glass, torch, kiln.

10. What does indie mean to you? You can give a literal definition, choose to be a little esoteric or a combination of both.

There are so many ways to look at “indie” but I think it boils down to personal freedom and good intentions.

11. What are you reading, watching and listening to?

I’m just finishing Kenzaburo Oe’s Rouse Up O Young Men of the New Age! I think next up will be the Daniel Manus Pinkwater anthologies I received at Christmas. He was my favorite author as a kid and I still have my old copy of The Snarkout Boys and the Avocado of Death on my shelf (any other fans out there wish they could eat a buttery potato at Beanbender’s?).

I’m watching the Stanley Cup playoffs!

Currently listening to Handsome Furs, Les Savy Fav, Beirut, The Epochs, Maps, Headlights, Modest Mouse, Delays, The Shins, Stars, Cold War Kids, Kelley Polar, Fink, Electrelane, Film School… but all I really want is the next one from Mew. As I write this, I’m playing the soundtrack to The Insider, which is moody and great for nighttime (can’t believe that film is nearly ten years old already).

12. What are your inspirations?

I love minimalism. I’m drawn toward Scandinavian and Japanese product design, graphic design, architecture, etc. I don’t know if that comes through in my glasswork, but it’s what I like to look at!

13. What’s new for 2008? Any new plans or products that you want to share?

Well… I don’t want to jinx myself

Today’s Indie Artist Fixx is with Lisa Chouinard of Feto Soap. Lisa makes handmade soap in small batches and is probably best know for her Feto Soap and her food scented soaps, both of which have been featured in FHM Magazine, in the Chicago Tribune, on HGTV - That’s Clever! and more. I’ve been a fan of Feto Soap for about five years now and my favorite soap is the Man Smell soap…it’s not just for guys! What’s your favorite?

Read more about Feto Soap in my interview with Lisa below.

1. What’s the name of your business and what do create and sell?

Feto Soap. I create handmade bath and body products.

2. When did you get started with your business and why did you decide to open your own indie biz?

I started making soap in the summer of 2003 as a hobby and was posting pictures and instructions of my projects to online craft forums. Many of the people weren’t interested in making their own soap, but they liked my soap and asked if they could buy what I was making. People started sending me money and I sent them soap in exchange. A few months later I got legit - I registered my DBA (business name), obtained my resellers license and opened up a business bank account for the company to start properly managing my finances. In the beginning my goal was to make enough money to keep in supplies. I met and exceeded that goal a few years ago and am in the process of making new goals, defining myself and my company. It has been and continues to be an amazing learning experience.

3. What’s the creative process like for you?

In the beginning I would just make soap with whatever I had on hand to see what I could come up with. When I started out what I envisioned didn’t always translate to what I was making. Here’s an example: I was trying to make a soap light-purple to match the fragrance - relaxing and it came out blue-veined instead when I added heat and clay to it. It came out beautifully even though it was not what I had planned. I had a naming contest for the soap and the winner received the bar they named. (Avocado Clay Spa) Now most of my ideas come out closer or exactly how I visualize them, but only because I’ve done a TON of experimentation in my workspace.
At this point I have so many ideas for bath and body formulations I write them down (when I remember to) and then crank them out when I have the time.

4. If you could meet 5 famous or infamous people (dead or alive) who would they be?

I would love to meet the soapmaking gurus out there! C. Kalia Westerman - the author of Melt & Mold Soap Crafting. It was one of the first books I purchased in my soapmaking journey and still inspires me to this day. Anne-Marie Faiola of Bramble Berry, Debbie May of Wholesale Supplies Plus, Alicia Grosso - author of The Everything Soapmaking Book. I’m attending the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild Conference this April and will hopefully meet Anne-Marie, Debbie & Alicia. They will be presenting/speaking there.

5. Tell us one funny/goofy/silly thing about yourself.

I have a really hard time differentiating between left and right. I have to look down at my left hand and make an L palm down to check.

(Continued)

Once again, I gotta say this week’s Indie Artist Fixx is better late than never. I was busy working on some other stuff and almost forgot to post today’s interview with the wonderful collage artist, Claudine Hellmuth. Oops!!! I’m back on track now, so here it is.

Thanks to Claudine for allowing me to interview her and I do hope you guys enjoy reading it!

1. What’s the name of your business and what do create and sell?

I don’t have a separate name for my business, so what I create all falls under my name. My work goes into many categories but the main focuses of my business are: creating custom artworks for clients using their photos, I also create illustrations for companies and I have written 2 books with a 3rd due out this fall. You can visit my website to learn more.

2. When did you get started with your business and why did you decide to open your own indie biz?

I went to art school and graduated with my BFA in fine arts in 1997 and then after that to make a living I got a job in web and print design. I never really liked working for someone else all day so I knew I would want to be in my own business at some point. It didn’t take too long for that to happen!

I officially got started full-time in my own business in 2001 when I got layed off from my job in web design. Fortunately, I had started working in the evenings and on weekends slowly building my business in 1998 so when I got layed off I was just about ready to go full time anyway. It didn’t make it any less scary but at least I had my business ready to go!

3. What’s the creative process like for you?

Now that I am in my 7th year of working full time for myself, I am finally being a bit more gentle about the ebb and flow of my creative process. Some months I am able to get a lot of work done and others end up being taken over by more paperwork and businessey tasks. Slowly, I am coming to accept this and try to not force what is not happening.

4. Do you have any pearls of wisdom to share with newbie indie bizinesses?

The best advice I can give is to start slow. Try to do what you can while still working at your day job. Don’t feel that it has to be all or nothing in the beginning. You can work at your regular job and build your business on the side. This will give you a feeling of security as you figure out just how you want your business to work.

(Continued)

This week we are going to take a peek into the practices behind Letcetera, a company which creates cards printed with soy inks on paper made of mineral powder that is 100% degradable in nature and needs absolutely no trees or water for its production. The envelopes they use are also made from 30% post-consumer waste recycled paper. I am totally inspired! Treeless paper? Incredible.

Here’s what Nerissa from Letcetera had to say:

1. What fueled your decision to create eco-friendly products?

As a graphic designer, I feel obligated to be more conscious and aware of my carbon footprint. Our industry has a direct effect on the environment with our use of paper and the energy needed to produce it, as well as the waste it creates when disposed of.

2. What does ‘green’ mean to you?

It means being more conscious of how my everyday actions affect the environment I live in and the earth as a whole.

3. How did you get started creating your product/line?

About four years ago, I was looking for cool, bold, graphic wrapping paper for my holiday gifts, I didn’t find anything I liked, so I decided to make my own. Designing my own paper allowed me to customize each design for the recipient and that’s when I thought of making graphic patterns out of the first letter of their names. I then made note cards with the patterns and had them printed on tree-free paper with soy inks.

4. How do you reuse materials in your business?

In our studio we try to conserve paper usage and keep printing to a minimum. We reuse scrap print-outs to print and sketch on. Also we are interested in developing our own products that address ‘green’ issues, like Letcetera and another product idea called Recast, which reuses materials from old technology (computers/wires, etc) to create new usable products in a different form.

5. How is your studio eco-conscious?

Whenever possible, for our print jobs, we try to spec papers that are 100% post consumer waste and/or are produced with renewable energy.

6. Who or what are your eco heroes/inspirations?

I’m inspired by the work of Samuel Mockbee, an architect who co-founded Rural Studio that teaches and builds sustainable housing from cast-off materials.

7. Do you have a favorite eco tip for your readers?

Try to conserve as much as you can, whether it’s keeping printing to a minimum or shutting down your computer at the end of day.

8. Where would you like to be with your business this time next year?

We would like to extend the line into more eco-friendly products, and explore other new production methods and technologies.

You can buy Letcetera’s gorgeous cards in their etsy shop. They are available in every letter and seven milestone birthday numbers.

Thank you Nerissa, for sharing with us!

GREEN CHALLENGE: This week, use a coffee canister as a pot for spring planting! (Hint: cans can be painted in countless ways to make them unique and pleasant to the eye! Ever thought of using chalkboard spray paint…?)

Here some great resources for organic seeds:

You Grow Girl
Seeds of Change
Your Local Farmers’ Market

About Jessica:
Jessica is an artist from Atlanta, Georgia who is endlessly creating. Her work includes paintings, drawings, illustrations, and paper goods and is vibrant, colorful, and charming. Her work can be found on her site, in her Etsy shop and in the Indie Fixx Shop. You can also read more about Jessica and her work on her blog.

Sometimes I just love this job and today is just one of those times. I am so pleased to be able to share my interview with Hannah Kopacz of Made with Love by Hannah. Made with Love by Hannah is a deliciously kitschy sweet and sassy line of screenprinted skirts, dresses and tops. Drawing inspiration from gnomes, Matryoshka, Pennsylvania Dutch motifs and all sorts of gewgaws, doodads and bric-a-brac, Hannah lovingly designs, prints and sews her creations.

Refreshingly sweet and with a wonderful retro feel, I have long been a fan of Hannah’s goodies, so it was such a treat to me to be able to interview her. I do hope you enjoy the interview and if Made with Love by Hannah is new to you, head on over to the site and be prepared to be wowed!

1. What’s the name of your business and what do create and sell?

Made with love by Hannah. I make screen printed skirts and other fun clothes for gals. I also like to make knick-knack art.

2. When did you get started with your business and why did you decide to open your own indie biz?

2004, I wanted some cute clothes for myself! Making the screens and printing things seemed like a lot of work just for me, so I thought I’d put them out there and see if any other ladies wanted some.

3. What’s the creative process like for you?

Usually when I come up with an idea I’ll sketch it out right away, so I don’t forget. Then I let it simmer until I get a chance to make the actual artwork for it, figure out what style garment I want to put it on, how many colors, how many colorways, what material I want to use. Once I figure that stuff out it’s pretty smooth sailing in terms of making it into a finished piece of clothing.

4. Do you have any pearls of wisdom to share with newbie indie biznesses?

Only make stuff you love, because it shows!

5. Tell us one funny/goofy/silly thing about yourself.

I can’t wait until my hair is completely grey!

6. What’s the best thing about what you do? And the worst?

The best thing is having an idea and making it and seeing the finished product turn out exactly like I want it to. The worst thing is trying to get started if I don’t feel like it but have a ton of work to do. I’m really good at procrastinating.

7. What blogs and mags do you read and what shops do you shop at?

I like the craftzine blog. I read Bust and Bitch regularly. Mostly, I like to shop at thrift stores. I like Etsy too, speaking of procrastinating!

(Continued)

I am so excited to be able to share my interview with Paulina from FluffyCo for this week’s Indie Artist Fixx. If you aren’t aware already, FluffyCo is a fun line of tees, accessories and homewares and with just about each new product release, I see something to I covet (I just love the Bird of Prey design). I’m sure you do know exactly what I mean. Read the interview and take a look at the shop and pick your favorite design.

Read my interview with Paulina below and learn more about FluffyCo.

1. What’s the name of your business and what do create and sell?

FluffyCo is a small lifestyle brand that has grown to include Men’s and Women’s tees and accessories, hand screen-printed home décor Items and now our baby line, Little Fluffy.

2. When did you get started with your business and why did you decide to open your own indie biz?

FluffyCo was founded at the very end of 2004, so it’s been 3 years now. I had always wanted to own my own business (let’s call it insubordination, but I’ve always had trouble taking orders or having someone tell me what to do). I had worked in advertising and design studios for years, then had a small business with a friend before Fluffy: it all led me to realize that I wanted to do my own thing, my way.

3. What’s the creative process like for you?

It’s cyclical. We come out with new designs every six months, so at some point I have to sort of turn it on. I start with inspirations in the media and culture, and that leads me to the first designs. It’s funny, but these initial ideas never make the cut for my sample production: they’re a first step to give some direction. Then, it’s all about refining the ideas and getting down to something I’m really into.

4. What’s been your biggest accomplishment so far?

I guess just getting this going in the first place—it takes a leap of faith in yourself to stand up to all those risks.

5. Tell us one funny/goofy/silly thing about yourself.

I am incredibly messy. My husband and I joke about letting my inner hamster run free…making piles all over the house. Sometimes, it’s like we’re living in a crack house or something, but more sanitary.

(Continued)

You are in for a real treat today dear readers— the talented duo of Nancy Pizarro and Andy Witt have agreed to be interviewed for this week’s Indie Artist Fixx. If you are not sure who Nancy and Andy are, I know you surely recognize the name Circa Ceramics…ahh, yes that does it. Yes, Nancy and Andy are the ceramic creating geniuses behind Circa Ceramics. A real collaborative team, Nancy and Andy create the best in functional decorative ceramic homewares. They combine equal parts form and function with a little of the whimsical thrown in for good measure. It was a real pleasure to interview these guys…you’ll see what I mean when you read my interview with them below!

Nancy Pizarro and Andy Witt of Circa Ceramics in their own words…

1. What’s the name of your business and what do create and sell?

Circa Ceramics - We make functional decorated ware for the adventurous entertainer.

2. When did you get started with your business and why did you decide to open your own indie biz?

1999. We’ d just moved back to Chicago and while we were both working dead end jobs we needed a creative outlet that also provided us with a little bit of income. Luckily we found an opportunity (and a receptive audience) to design, create and sell functional ware through Chicago’s various art festivals.

3. What’s the creative process like for you?

andy: I tend to put a lot of roadblocks in front of a new idea, these are usually in the form of trying out some new or different processes. To make a simple magnet turns into a long trial and error exploration of pressing clay with air-release dies.

nancy: I am the remover of said roadblocks - We bounce ideas off each other all day long, and in doing that, come full circle to a resolution. It’s an adventure every single time!

4. What’s been your biggest accomplishment so far?

andy: Getting Nancy to move half way across the country with me.

nancy: Getting Andy to move back to Chicago!

5. Tell us one funny/goofy/silly thing about yourself.

nancy: I love to cook while there is a football game on tv - There’s something very homey about that!

andy: I used to be able to predict the future (really mundane, like “so and so is calling”) I think all the wi-fi networks are screwing it up.

6. What’s the best thing about what you do? And the worst?

We love when an idea comes to fruition. The worst is when all the steps in between start becoming costly or take up too much time. You have to either set it aside or adjust accordingly without compromising the original idea. We butt heads on this from time to time

(Continued)

Howdy indie-lovers! Welcome to post #1 of the new Indie is the New Green column on the Indie Fixx Guest Blog! Let me introduce myself—my name is Jessica Gonacha and I am an artist in Atlanta, Georgia. I originally hail from Boulder, Colorado, which is where my eco-conscious roots were planted. I am an obsessive recycler and as a kid I carried a copy of the book 50 Things Kids Can Do To Save the Earth with me wherever I went. So yes, I am thrilled to be able to share my passion for the environment and all things eco-friendly with you.

This column is going to be a mix of information, including interviews with artists who are setting examples in the world of eco-friendly art and design, resources on how to find more environmentally-friendly materials and supplies, features on green products and the people who make them, and fun DIY projects that you can feel good about creating! There will also be a weekly GREEN CHALLENGE at the end of every post: your task will be to take on the challenge, photograph it and post your photo to the Indie is the New Green Flickr group. I will share some your submissions the following week on the blog! Sounds fun, huh? The challenge details can be found at the end of this post.

So this week, I am pleased to introduce you to an artist from my hometown (shout-out to Boulder!), creating her eco-friendly goods under the name of ReLove Projects. Anne Pendergrast was kind enough to answer some questions for us and give us a little peek into her studio! Here’s what Anne had to say:

1. What fueled your decision to create eco-friendly products?

I was born and raised in Boulder, Colorado, which is a VERY eco-friendly town. Growing up here it was just normal and part of the everyday to recycle, reuse, and be environmentally conscious. That was my foundation. The other part of it was following my passions and creativity. I’ve always had a passion for environmentalism and it just happened naturally that my creativity collided with it.

2. What does ‘green’ mean to you?

‘Green’ to me means doing everything possible to make less of a negative environmental impact.

3. How did you get started creating your product/line?

I love going to thrift stores, finding something unique, and altering it to make it even more unique. I made myself a little purse from a funky 60’s mumu, and got so many compliments that I started making them for other people too. The cards just sort of developed over time. I had a lot of smaller scraps left over from making the bags. I couldn’t throw them away and they kept piling up! I had to find a creative use for them before they took over my studio. I started off by sewing little hearts onto paper, and it grew from there. Now, I have even smaller scraps left over from the cards….

4. How do you reuse materials in your business?

Everything I make is 98% reused (the thread, glue, and some closures are not). My cards are made from paperboard packaging, recycled fabric, and paper grocery bags. All the bags and clothes are made from recycled fabric, and my business cards are made from paperboard and recycled paper. I create my patterns by reusing folders, I take notes on the back of envelopes. I make it a little game to reuse and recycle as much as possible!

5. How is your studio eco-conscious?

Every piece of furniture in my studio was bought at a thrift store or given to me, the light bulbs are energy efficient, and nearly everything that is discarded in my studio is recycled or reused for some other purpose.

6. Can you share your eco heroes/inspirations and your art/design inspirations?

eco heroes/inspirations
Elephant Journal is a regular inspiration for environmental, political, and spiritual issues. Doing yoga, teaching art to children (at Clementine Studios), and finding recycle symbols in unexpected places help keep me consciously active.

art/design inspirations
Fashion magazines, blogs, Etsy, people watching, dreams, thrift stores, necessity, desire…

7. Do you have a favorite eco tip for your readers?

If everybody just made a conscious decision to do everything they could to be more eco-friendly, it would make a HUGE impact. Doing something once a day, like changing light bulbs to the more energy efficient or starting a paper recycling box at your office. Every little thing we do makes a positive change, and the more little changes we ALL makes a bigger impact.

8. Do you have a favorite go-to eco blog or website?

I just heard about Green As a Thistle. It’s pretty great! Beyond that, the WWW is such a huge world with so many resources. I like to type key words like “environmental ideas” into a search engine and follow interesting links.

9. What are some creative ways that you source materials for your work?

In Boulder, I celebrate a thing called “Hippie Christmas” which is basically dumpster diving, but without all the nasty garbage. Boulder is a college town and every spring when classes end, students put everything they don’t want out on the curb. There’s a little bit of everything to be found—clothes, kitchen appliances, sports gear, furniture. Me and my friends make it an event and exchange “gifts” if we find something someone else can use.

10. Where would you like to be with your business this time next year?

By next year, I’d like ReLove Projects less of something I do in my spare time and more of a part-time or full-time endeavor. Right now, I only sell my work on my Etsy site, so I’d like to venture beyond that into stores, craft fairs, and other venues.

12. Anything else you would like us to know about you and your work?

I take custom orders and can take a special piece of clothing and turn into something great!

GREEN CHALLENGE #1: go on a walk and pick up 5 pieces of litter, draw what you picked up (and recycle it afterwards if possible!), then post your photos to the Indie is the New Green Flickr group. I’ll pick some of your drawings to share and post them next week! One person will be chosen to win a reusable coffee cup sleeve made by Textile Fetish and available for sale in the Indie Fixx Shop!