We're still here!

~dusts off the keyboard~

I knew I've been away for a while, but I didn't realize it has been 6 months. Whoops!

 Gaslight Gathering was a great time and exceeded the expectations of not only myself, but the staff as well.

They were expecting about 500 people and ended up having over 1000 attendees. Great for a first time event and you can guarantee that I'll be back there again in 2012.

I was a pretty quiet summer, though now with Halloween coming up, things have started to pick up again. I'm working on a commission for a friend of mine to make Captain Mal's coat and then another commission for a Steampunk vest. In that mix is my Halloween costume and inventory for the Holiday season and potentially another even in January.

Our latest endeavor has been vending at the North Park Independent Bazar at the Queen Bee Cultural Center in North Park which happens every weekend,. So far I've vended two weekends and while it's been a little slow, it's a great venue with a lot of great artisans & crafters. I'll be back vending on 10/29/2011. If you're in San Diego come down and see some great items and support local businesses.

Whoa boy!

It's been a bit since I've done an update, life has been busy on multiple fronts.


Between the website redesign, hacking fabric into ascot shaped bits and various other projects, not to mention chasing two kids, the blog got a little sidelined.

But I'm back and I promise to get more frequent updates out in cyberspace.

We're at it again with Dark Goddess, this time we're doing a daytime event from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sunday March 19th at 1774 Kettner Blvd. San Diego, CA 92101

Come on down to Little Italy for the Farmer's Market and swing by and see us afterward!


In May we'll be at Gaslight Gathering, San Diego's first Steampunk Convention.We'll have a wide variety of items from clothes, hair accessories, hats, t-shirts, shoes and other fun items.

Tickets are selling out fast so if you plan on going, buy them soon.

As I said above, ascots have been a main focus, right now the count is at about 40 of various colors and patterns. We're also got some vest in the to be sewn pile and the next item on the docket to be cut out is bloomers! We've gotten some really fun fabric patterns for those along with some solid colors too.

There are also some wooden boxes in various stages of painting and staining as the ones in my Etsy store seem to be selling pretty quickly.

I'm going to be doing a guest blog spot some time this summer over at the Creepy Kitch podcast, which should be a ton of fun. I'll also be teaching a pillbox hat making class at our local SCA Branch's Middle Eastern Guild meeting in June or July as well.

And I committed to put together 25 samples for a wedding sampler box for my friend Kelly over at Ms Formaldehyde's.

Of course somewhere in all of this I'm planning on getting more of the studio organized and in a more workable format, of course as I type this sentence my husband is rolling on the floor laughing at me, that's ok, I'll just threaten him with buying another sewing machine. ;)

I'm also putting together a giveaway, details to be announced once I figure out what sticks. =)

 Until then....Take care and be well!

San Diego's First Steampunk show

I hope everyone has had a great year thus far. I just wanted to announce that we'll be vending at Gaslight Gathering this coming May. Stay tuned as we ramp up production for new Steampunk items, which I'll be posting photos of along the way.

For more information on Gaslight Gathering, visit their webpage here

Our first event for 2011

It's our first Dark Goddess of the new year.

Friday, January 21st, more details coming soon!

Happy New Year

May you all have a safe &  wonderful New Year! We'll see you in 2011 with more interviews, projects and show updates.

Take care!

Guest Interview - Pat Turpen from GCat Studios

 
Today's interview is with Pat Turpen from GCat Studios. Pat has been playing with photography for over 20 years, but just recently started his business around it. He's been my clothing photographer for the last 10 years.

What got you started in your business?

     
Basically being unemployed got me to start up. I had no revenue coming so it was time to buckle up and see if I could actually sell my services.

How long have you been in business?

Not very long. Maybe a year.

What are you focused on right now?

Mostly scenic shots around San Diego. People love this city and it shows. I have sold a lot of cityscapes and random abstracts that people can identify with.

How do you balance real life, work and your business?

This is my work and real life at the present. I'll go out for a couple of hours just looking for things to shoot if I don't have an idea already lined up. I'm working pretty much all the time when I have a camera in my hand.

Are there any local businesses or artisans that you are exited about right now?

I love working with Dark Goddess crew and I feel lucky to be the only guy in the group. I hope this group can go further with this endeavor too. A lot of great gals are putting a lot of hard work together for people.

Any tips for setting up a table for vending?

In photography a table is all about getting your work seen. Also letting people know it's OK to look through books and pictures that are there. Pricing is also key, you want to be able to have a price available so you don't have to think one up on the fly or if you're away from the table someone there can handle a transaction for you without having to wait for you to return.

Do you have any upcoming shows that you are doing?

Hopefully a January Dark Goddess show.

Do you have any suggestions for getting your name out to the public?

The internet. It's the best and most widely accepted way to get your name out. Plus leaving your card in local shops is a good thing as well.

What is one thing you would like people to know about you or your business?

I take requests.

Do you have a website, blog, store front ?

The main site is www.gcat-inc.com and it will be up before the end of Jan. Meanwhile, I'm going to be doing a lot of advertising and showcasing on my Facebook page. I have a raffle going on right now till the end of the month (December). www.facebook.com/pages/Gcat-Studios or just look up Gcat-Studios. I'll also be looking into an Etsy Store as well.

 Is there anything else that you would like to add?

While I don't do events or weddings I am looking to start some portraits. Mostly of children and pets because they're a lot easier to work with and for some odd reason kids love me. I also do product photography. If you need your merchandise shot for a website I can do that as well. I'm very open to creative shoots that a lot of people stray away from. So if you need something done drop me a line and lets see what we can do.

Like Pat said he's available for portrais, product shots or other ideas that you may have. If you interested in getting in touch with him, he can be reached via email or on his facebook page.

Guest Interview- Kari Niebell

Today is our first guest interview in a series and we're talking with Kari Niebell, the founder of Dark Goddess and owner of Biejo by Kari.


What prompted you to start the Dark Goddess event?
 I think cross-promotion is a powerful tool. I felt that each of the entrepreneurs that I invited to join Dark Goddess had a commonality in their client base. This commonality being individuals who prefer their fashion and art a little dark of center. It has resulted in increased exposure for each of us. Not to mention, the events are a lot of fun!
   
How long have you been doing the Dark Goddess events?
Dark Goddess launched on 6-6-2010.
 
Where do you see the Dark Goddess event going?
I would like to see Dark Goddess Events expand. We are outgrowing our current location. I would like to see it become a traveling event; taking place at other various locations such as night clubs, hair salons, even homes. I would also like to see additional Goddesses get involved.

How frequently do you hold the event?
Dark Goddess events typically occur every two months. This schedule has changed from time to time to accommodate holidays and special guests.



What got you started in your business?
I was working in the tech industry for 17 years and was recently laid off. I decided I wanted more control over my future. In parallel to that, a friend of mine was carrying this beautiful handbag; when I inquired, she explained that it was a company called "Beijo" and it is designed to be a work-from-home business.
How long have you been in business? 
Since April 2010

What are you focused on right now?
I am focused on establishing and maintaining a customer base as well as creating an on-line awareness.

How do you balance real life, family, work and your business? 
Currently, Beijo is my full-time job. Also, my showroom is a short walk from my home, so it is very easy to work whatever hours I choose, and still be available for customers when they need me.I am fortunate enough to have an incredibly supportive boyfriend who not only attends and helps at most of my events, but also shares his Real Estate office with me and my business. Beijo is very integrated in both of our lives.

Are there any local businesses or artisans that you are exited about right now? 
I am very excited about a boutique hand-made jewelry line that will soon be integrated exclusively into my business. Details will be announced soon.

Any tips for setting up a table for vending? 
It's not about covering every possible inch with merchandise. Less is more and makes it easier to shop. It is also good to utilize height whenever possible.

Do you have any upcoming shows that you are doing? 
I have a few home parties scheduled. They are always a lot of fun!

Do you have any suggestions for getting your name out to the public?
Create a facebook page for your business and always carry business cards. There are also many good networking groups.



What is one thing you would like people to know about you or your business?
You will always get more for your money with Beijo. If you were to buy a comparable handbag at a department store you would spend at least 3 times as much. Also, Beijo Bags are extremely durable.


Do you have a website, blog, or store front ? 
www.sdcondo.com/beijo.
I also have a showroom inside Lew Breeze's Real Estate Office in Little Italy: 1774 Kettner Blvd. San Diego, CA 92101.

Is there anything else that you would like to add? 
My business is flexible and adaptable. I am available to share my Beijo collection with my clients at my showroom, private parties, or events.

Kari is available for home parties and other vending opportunities and can be contacted via email at beijopurse@gmail.com, via twitter , or on her facebook page.

Thank you to Kari for taking the time to answer my questions.