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Yay for another Take Five! Today we’ve got Betsi of Zlanarama, who we featured earlier. Read her interview and don’t miss the surprise at the end!
image courtesy of betsi. isn’t she cute!
Tell us a little bit about you. How old are you and where do you live?
My name is Betsi Goutal, I’m 25 years old, and I live in Waltham MA. I’ve lived here about a year now, after having moved around a lot in my early twenties. I’m loving the feeling of finally being a bit more settled down, and being closer to Boston. There is so much to do and see in the city, I’m really kind of a city girl at heart despite growing up in small towns.
What do you love about indie style? What is it that inspires you?
Indie style is generous and brave, because it’s such a form of self-expression. Wearing something because it means something to you, expresses your personality, brings you joy – that’s a form of art. Stepping outside the mainstream of what’s hip and trendy to say something meaningful with what your wear is a courageous act of sharing yourself and your spirit with those around you.
How did you get started designing jewelry?
It’s tough to say, because I’ve been creating and designing with every crafty thing I could get my hands on since I was a wee sprat. I’ve been designing jewelry pretty much my whole life, but got started doing it for a living because I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and I knew I had to choose one of my many interests and settle to it, at least for a while. I’m sure somewhere down the road I’ll be doing something else. Right now my work is mainly with beads, but I’m looking into adding some sewn items like headbands and arm warmers in the next year. My creativity drives me, and is always pushing me toward new things.
Give us your favorite undiscovered designer/shop.
Every designer is discovered, by some one at least. But probably my favorite little-known designer is Lindsay from Kid Pirate. She designs awesome characters and graphics and makes them into tees and buttons, and recently even started doing belt buckles. The designs are super amazing and cute, and she has such a distinctive style. I bought this great neon pink ray gun tee from her and I really wish I’d bought it in a more fitted size, but she’s since discontinued it. Her designs are often limited run, so if you see something you like you’ve gotta grab it!
What do you see out your window right now?
Ugh, one of those dreary grey days! Aside from the overcast weather though, the view is pretty lovely. I live about twenty minutes from the wonderfully hip and geeky Cambridge, but living on a little side street I still these amazingly picturesque suburban views. My studio has three windows, facing two directions. From one window I can see beautiful flowering trees in one neighbor’s backyard, and in the other direction is another neighbor’s front yard where lately at nights I’ve actually seen bunnies frolicking around in the dark!
the surprise!
Betsi is kind enough to give away the boombox necklace I was so excited about!
To enter, just hop over to her store and tell us what your other favorite piece is. Leave a comment on this post and you’re entered!
You’ve got until May 23rd, 11 p.m. Pacific to enter.
cherry pendant
I love the Purple Perfection Pendant!
The Rainbow plastic chain necklace is cute.
The Teddy bear earrings are cute! Makes me want gummy bears.
I like the Hot Pink and Black disco bracelet!
Thanks for the giveaway.(The Boombox is
nice)
I like the Chain of love charm bracelet.
The cherry pendant is very nice :)
sorry with only 2o minutes I cann’t think so many cute ones love cherry, but then again…..
Aside from the boombox (which tops my list of favorites) I really love the Rainbow Stars Bracelet.
gkstratos@yahoo.com
I really love two of her very unique necklaces.
Mirrored acrylic “Cherry Pendant” It is Darling!. A real “Cutie Pie” look! Adore the “Boombox Necklace” It is Blast from the Past! Really brings back so wonder filled memories. Nostalgia PLUS Piazzas
I really love two of her very unique necklaces.
1st:- Mirrored acrylic “Cherry Pendant” It is darling!!
A real “Cutie Pie”!
2nd: Adore the “Boombox Necklace” Blast from the Past!! Really brings back some wonder-filled memories!!!
Love the bold rainbow plastic charm bracelet
love the cherry pendant
the cherry pendant is very pretty
The chain of love bracelet rocks it with a capital “R”! Hip Hip Hooray Plus sizes, ya hoooooooooo ! Everyone isn’t a toothpick, glad some companies realize this and probably 2/3 of america is over weight or obese so thanks!
Chain of love bracelet
I really like the Chain of love charm bracelet!
Purple Perfection Pendant is my other favorite.
Shamrock Rhinestone Pendant is cute!! ty 4 the contest!!
Bold Rainbow Plastic Charm Bracelet