This week I interviewed @thatssewsimpsons:

1. What made you want to include simpsons clothing as part of your line?

“I’ve always wanted some lovely Simpsons clothing and when Vans came out with their Simpsons collab I was SO excited (I own around 50 pairs of Vans… I wish I was joking!) but when the clothes were released and I saw the range I wasn’t overly impressed with the designs. So I took it upon myself to make myself some items that I’d love and wear. I’m vegan and very conscious of my carbon footprint as well as recycling and reusing as much as I can; I was browsing online for Simpsons items (as you do) and came across the coolest retro bedsheet. As they were made in the 90s they’re mainly made of polyester which takes hundreds of years to decompose so I thought.. win win I can save something being in a landfill for years to come and reuse it to make something I love! I then found someone on Gumtree local to me selling a whole bunch of bedding and some certains so I bought those and half of it was some amazing Simpsons items which I’ve made into bags, dresses and someone asked if I could make some pocket t-shirts so I added those too!”

2. Can you talk about this part of your business in terms of production?

“When I made my first batch I made the pattern for the dresses myself so it was hard to make other sizes that weren’t my size as we’re currently in lockdown in the UK so I couldn’t get any of my friends over to make sure the sizes were correct. I spoke to a few people via Instagram who kindly gave me their measurements for larger sizes so I’ve been able to make those since! I also decided that as everyone is a different body shape to include a lot of the dresses with tie up adjustable straps to fit even more body types.I make an elasticated top dress so it’s able to fit more than one size; the most frustrating thing about fast fashion is that every shop size is different to the next. I can be 3 different sizes down the high street, so I wanted to make these so you knew exactly which size it would be true to size with everyone’s measurements and their average clothes sizes worked out. It takes me around 3 hours to make one of these dresses, which really made me think about how many new clothing items I buy and for how cheap they’re selling them. Places such as Primark sell a dress like this for ~ £10 so it really made me think how much do the workers who made that dress get paid? I’m not sure if I could take custom orders as I’m always so limited to how much of a specific fabric I have, if I got my hands on a few sheets or curtains of the same print then I might be able to take on custom orders, but until then I have to measure each bit of fabric and see which size I can make out of it :)”

3. What was the first piece you made for this line?

“The first piece I made was the Scary Faces Dress, it was the first fabric I found and fell in love with it and made the pattern myself and took me around 6 hours to do everything first time! A lot of trial and error went into it but I’m really proud of how it came out in the end. Making the top half elasticated was important for sizing and to ensure it fitted anyone that clothing size no matter their bust size. “

4. If you had to pick three Simpsons characters to wear your line? Which ones would you pick and why?

1.”Alex Whitney (the character that Lisa Kudrow guest voiced) If Alex wore this then everyone else would want to know what it was and where it was from – she’s also way cooler than me. “

2. “Sherri & Terri. I’d love to be able to give each of them the same style dress but in different patterns to give them each their own personality. I’m an identical twin myself and I know how important it is to be an individual not just ‘Sherri & Terri.”

3.  “Jessica Lovejoy. Because she’s a badass bitch”

5. Do you have any exciting news that you would like to share?

“Every time I get to the next 1000 followers until 10,000 I’ll be doing a giveaway! So when I hit 8k, 9k and the big 10k! I can’t believe the growth I’ve had this year and I’m so blessed that people want to look at my work.”

If you like to learn more about the artist. The following contact information is below:

Esty: https://www.etsy.com/shop/thatssewsimpsons/

Instagram: @thatssewsimpsons

Depop: https://www.depop.com/thatssewsimpsons/

“I’ll be shipping orders out until Christmas Eve, then I will be giving myself some much needed time off but shipping deadlines are:

Christmas shipping: International Standard: 1st December

International TRACKED: 7th December

UK Standard 20th December

UK TRACKED 22nd December”

Hello and welcome to part 3 of this sections. As always here are the instructions if you like to take part of a future post of this section:

1. Email me at cnajera1@gmail.com Write two-three sentences about the store, and all the contact info about it.

2.  Mention one item only, also include a picture of the item and the link for item.

3. Mention any kind of promotions that the store is having for the rest of the year if any.

4. Mention any shipping deadlines and/or any important details about the store.

That’s it! I will be accepting submissions for this section until December 14, 2020.

Here is this round:

1. @vhsgirl: VHS paintings by Katie

One of my favorite artist @vhsgirl is having a 30% off sale on her artwork until Dec 1, 2020. No code is necessary because the items have been discounted already on her esty site. She also does commission work but you should contact her for more info on that.

Her esty website is here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/VHSGIRLShop?ref=search_shop_redirect&section_id=21561687

Her Instagram is here: @vhsgirl

2. Heart Keychain by Goddess Gang Online Boutique

Goddess Gang is a black women owned company that makes cruelty free, handmade vegan lip, lashes, clothes, body, products, accessories and more. They are a new company and I am personally planning of getting these super cute heart key chains for my nieces. And probably one for myself since I like the occasional sparkle on my keys.

Link to buy the heart keychain is here: https://shopgoddessgang.com/products/heart-keychain?variant=36957580492950

You will get a special gift with every order.

The shop website is here: https://shopgoddessgang.com/

Instagram handle is here: @goddessgangonlineBoutique

3. Halloween Haddonfield Patch Trucker Cap from House of Mysterious Secrets:

HouseofMysteriousSecrets.com is an online store that mainly sells great horror collectibles and merchandise since 2004. This trucker hat is a great gift for the holiday season especially for that someone that loves horror and like myself enjoys to show their personal interests in their clothing and accessories.

Link to buy the hat is here: https://houseofmysterioussecrets.com/halloween-haddonfield-patch-trucker-cap.html

The store does offer free shipping over $50 to the US and they do offer to ship worldwide as well.

Lookout for part 4 next week!!! Until next time!!!

Hello and welcome to part 2 of the @Lady.cult . Here are the instructions if you like to part of future parts of this section:

1. Email me: cnajera1@gmail.com

2. Write two-three sentences about the store, and all the contact info about it.

3. Mention one item only, also include a picture of the item and the link for item.

4. Mention any kind of promotions that the store is having for the rest of the year if any.

5. Mention any shipping deadlines and/or any important details about the store.

That’s it! I will be accepting submissions for this section until December 14, 2020.

Now onto the gift giving guide part 2!:

-“We brought Da Motherfuckin Ruckus Card from alwaysfits.com

I always enjoyed a side of humor to my holiday season. So when I came across this card from alwaysfits.com I knew it was something worth adding to this guide. Their website has tons of unique and cute gifts for the special someone that you are not quite sure to get. Or like me for yourself because who is more unique than you?

Link to buy the card is here:https://alwaysfits.com/products/we-brought-da-motherfuckin-ruckus-card?variant=32484198547504

The Ripped Bodice subscription book box: Read, Romance, Repeat:

The Ripped Bodice is a romance bookstore that is own by two amazing sisters Leah and Bea Koch on the West coast. The store has a wide and different variety of romance fiction books. They also a huge variety of gifts that are made by female owned businesses. Even if you are not local I recommend the “Read, Romance, Repeat” subscription box that you can get delivered to your book every month. This box offers different frequencies of subscriptions, You also have the option of gifting the box, gift certificates and/or contacting them for recommendations on what to buy. Personally as an avid reader this spiked my interest and I signed up for the subscription box. I am so excited to see what they pick out for me!! The link for the “Read, Romance, Repeat” subscription box is here: https://readromancerepeat.com/

They will be having a special promo code from November 27-30, 2020: SMALLBUTMIGHTY . They also recommend when ordering from their store to order as early as possible to avoid any shipping headaches!

The website is here: https://www.therippedbodicela.com/

Their following contact information is here:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheRippedBodice

Instagram: @therippedbodice

Email: hello@therippedbodicela.com

Dolly Sweatshirt by Billy Lilly Universe:

Billy Lilly Universe does some super creative art! I did an interview with him last year ( the interview is here). So when I saw this homage Dolly sweatshirt I thought to include it on this guide. Because what is more fashionable then having one of your forever icons on your clothes?

Link to buy is here:https://www.etsy.com/listing/906712627/dolly-by-billy-lilly-sweatshirt?ref=shop_home_active_9

So that is part 2! Once again if you like to take part of future blog post for this section please refer back to the top portion of this blog post.

Happy Shopping!!

This week’s artist’s spotlight is on @justleoart:

1. Tell me a little about yourself:

“Hello Lady Cult and readers: I’m a British artist, born and living in London to a Scottish Mum and a Welsh Dad.  I’m a Dad too and would-be husband (COVID-19 19 messed up our wedding plans this year).  I’ve been drawing and into art ever since I can remember and I guess I’ve been lucky to find that “thing” that  makes me happy from an early age. That being said, I have not crossed over into the full time  artist category. Although over the years I have successfully monetized my creativity on more  than a few occasions I haven’t made it consistently enough to cover the cost of living.  I’m doing my best to work towards changing that. I’m not the best at labelling my art or art style, but I guess you could call it graphic art, or illustration. I enjoy painting murals & trainers (that’s sneakers to US readers & basically everyone else around the  world). For over 10 years I’ve been selling my art on footwear under the project name “T R I P L E Z E D”  you can see more of that project over at triplezed.com

One of my favorite things to do is to create quick observational impressions in my travel sketch books which come out with me when I’m out & about .

 

A bittersweet memory for me was creating this sketch which I did the day David Bowie passed away. I rode down to Bowies’ home town Brixton and there were mass crowds surrounding the mural of him. People were singing songs, writing on the walls, drinking, crying, leaving flowers etc. I got chatting to a guy called Bertran who was charging the press to enter the housing opposite the mural to take photographs  (he later told me he didn’t actually live there lol). He let me in and we walked up to the top floor, chatted more about David Bowie whilst I drew and he drank/smoked all whilst looking over at this scene. This year I started my animation journey. From being someone who has been a fan of the medium since childhood, admired the process and even completed a few little animations in the past; I simply haven’t done enough of it.  I am excited to talk about this little animation project with  you & appreciate the interest.

2.  How did you come up with the concept of drawing 31 haunted creatures for the month of October?

“I’m someone who enjoys drawing but when I’m not working in a creative environment, I sometimes find myself stuck in a place where I’m not seeing any progression in my work. A popular exercise I learnt to sharpen the skill-set is to start a “drawing a day challenge”. My first one of these exercises was in October 2017 and as October is of course the month of Halloween I set  myself the task of drawing these haunted creatures every day for a month.  Fast forward 3 years and I’m trying to animate them all before the year is through.  As of this interview I’m half way through the challenge completing 16 little animation loops with another 15  to go. (if only I didn’t have to go into work during lockdown).”

3. Can you talk about your top 3 favorite haunted creatures you drew for this project and what was the inspiration behind them?

Well I love this little guy, when I see him, I immediately think of my son. I had recorded my little boy making roaring noises on my phone (aged 23 months). It was so much fun adding his voice to the animation and  watching the finished result. You can see all the animation loops with sound on the Instagram & twitter account (@justleoart) 

“I’m really happy with how the animation turned out with this one. I figured out a way of mirroring the animation of the ghosts to make this smooth symmetrical thing going on. This project is a real chance for me to get familiar with & educate myself on the software I’ve got. (Flash Mx 2004).

The meme with a skeleton on a bench saying “still waiting for an apology” is inspiration for this one. Makes me laugh and I really enjoyed drawing out all those worms slithering around the place.”

4. Who are your top 3 inspirational figures that inspired this project and why?

” My number one animation inspiration, without a shadow of a doubt is the late great Richard Williams! He’s been a hero of mine since childhood when “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” came out in the cinema. I watched that film a lot as well as “the making of” tv spots and it just blew my tiny mind. When I was 7, I painted my first wall (my bedroom). My Dad and I worked together on it and taught me what a mural was.  The mural had loads of different cartoon characters including a big Roger Rabbit. I ended up writing a letter to Richard Williams to tell him how much I loved his work and included a photo of myself and the wall and to my surprise he actually wrote back! 

What you see here is his response! This piece of A4 paper is still my most treasured possession. I was able to meet Richard about 6 years ago at a talk and book signing at Foyles, London  (his book the animators survival kit is the gospel)  Although I was star struck, it was nice to show him the photo I sent him and his letter and tell him my story. 2 years ago I proposed to my fiancée outside Richards old animation studio in Soho square, London. Richard Williams R.I.P .

Another incredible animator and childhood inspiration is Nick Park (creator of “Creature Comforts” and “Wallace and Gromit”) He visited my local church in the late 80’s & brought a bunch of his plasticine creations with him. My mum took me out of school for the afternoon to go watch and listen to him talk about his work and this new film he was working on (The Wrong Trousers).  He was nice enough to sign my forever friends address book lol!! 

  Mike Judge is another big inspiration. The guy is a genius. Happy memories staying up late round my friend’s house to watch Beavis & Butthead on cable. His recent “Tales From The Tour Bus” has got to be some of my favorite viewing in a long time. I also think it’s worth mentioning I get inspired when I see creatives of any kind on social media completing projects and putting things out there. It’s very easy to start something, but to see it through with all that life can throw at you and actually get things completed is commendable.” 

5. Do you have any exciting news or events that you would like to share?

“Well the website https://www.justleo.co.uk/ went live in January of this year (there was me thinking “2020 is going to be awesome!).  If you’ve liked what you’ve seen here and want to know what I’m getting up to please do sign up to the newsletter.   Once I’ve completed this animation challenge, they will be going up on YouTube as one big compilation and each individual character animation will be available for licensing for anyone needing visuals for projects. Also (Lady Cult exclusive) In the works is my first ‘zine. A collection of drawings in tribute to Prince  (aka the ‘Emperor of music’ as Stevie Wonder once said) The title is “Thank U Prince From Leo” and once its complete I will be sure to get in touch and send you a copy. Until then I would like to say thank you very much for sharing what I do on your platform, its greatly appreciated. 

All the very best .”

If you like to learn more about this artist. The following contact information is below:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/justleoart

Instagram: @justleoart

Website: https://www.justleo.co.uk/

Thank you so much for the interview!

Until next time!!

 

Hello everyone! I noticed that the winter B&N sale for the Criterion Collection titles has started. So here are five movie suggestions if you are unsure on what to buy or want a blind buy from your normal Criterion shopping. (Author’s note: I always tried to talk about new titles from previous blog post on this subject)

The Irishman (Spine: #1058) directed by Martin Scorsese. Starring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci.

I am a huge fan of anything true crime and conspiracy theory related. So when this movie premiered in 2019 on Netflix I knew it was must watch programming for me. Based on the book “I Heard You Painted Houses: Frank “The Irishman” Sheeran and Closing the Case on Jimmy Hoffa by Charles Brandt.

This movie is a must watch for any true crime fan.

Link to buy is here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dvd-the-irishman-robert-de-niro/16162813?ean=0715515253215

Essential Fellini:

It is no secret that one of my favorite directors ever is Federico Fellini. For someone to create such a vivid experience in making a mark on cinema is quite impressive. This Set includes 11 of the movies he directed:

Variety Lights (1950):

The White Sheik (1952):

I vitelloni (1953):

La Strada (1954):

Il Bidone (1955):

Nights of Cabiria (1957):

La Dolce Vita (1960):

8 1/2 (1963):

Juliet of the Spirits (1965):

Fellini Satyricon (1969):

Roma (1972):

And the Ship Sails On (1983):

Intervista (1987):

Plus it comes with a bunch of documentaries, a booklet, and a lot about the Fellini Universe.

Link here to buy: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dvd-criterion-collection-essential-fellini/35315319?ean=0715515252515

Moonstruck (Spine: 1056) 1987 directed by Norman Jewison. Starring Cher, Nicholas Cage and Danny Aiello.

So I am a fan of early Nicholas Cage movies, and this falls into one my go to movies I need for a good laugh. This year alone I probably have watched it more then 8 times so I am glad that this move got the Criterion Collection treatment.

Link to buy is here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dvd-moonstruck-cher/3624004?ean=0715515253017

All About Eve (Spine: #1003) 1950 Directed by Joseph L. Mankievicz. Starring Bette Davis and Anne Baxter:

When I was in high school I took a film class my senior year and this movie was constantly quoted by the teacher. So from that it is forever ingrain in my memory. Plus being a huge fan of Bette Davis this is one of my favorite roles she did.

Link to buy is here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dvd-all-about-eve-bette-davis/3631472?ean=0715515237710

The Elephant Man (Spine# 1051) 1980 directed by David Lynch and starring Anthony Hopkins, Anne Barcroft and John Hurt:

I have a very special emotional connection to this movie. I wrote about it in a previous post but when I went to go visit my family in Guatemala for a summer. This the only movie that play on the few channels we got. It played every weekend and Tuesdays at 8pm. I really learned how to treat others with empathy because everyone carries their own personal burden that others may not be aware of.

Link to buy is here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dvd-criterion-collection-elephant-man-anthony-hopkins/3633638?ean=0715515251518

The 50% off sale lasts until November 30th! What movies are on your to buy wish or have gotten with the sale? Comment below!

Source: Barnes and Nobles and Criterion Collection

Hello everyone! This blog section will be in a couple of parts between now and December. So if you have a small business or know a small business that has one item that you think will be a good gift to give. And that you think it should be part of this section please do the following:

1. Email me: cnajera1@gmail.com

2. Write two-three sentences about the store, and all the contact info about it.

3. Mention one item only, also include a picture of the item and the link for item.

4. Mention any kind of promotions that the store is having for the rest of the year if any.

5. Mention any shipping deadlines and/or any important details about the store.

That’s it! I will be accepting submissions for this section until December 14, 2020.

Now onto the gift giving guide!:

1. True heart Intuitive Tarot, Guide by the amazing Rachel True (@trueracheltrue ):

A couple of months ago Rachel True came out with this tarot card box set. This set reflects more her personal stance of tarot and how the each card in the tarot deck can have a different understanding for the person that it is being read for.

Link is below to purchase:

https://www.hmhbooks.com/shop/books/True-Heart-Intuitive-Tarot-Guidebook-and-Deck/9781328566263

2. Cat Party Pet Portraits by Danielle Spires:

I came across @catpartypetportraits a month ago. Because it combines two of my favorite things: great retro looking portraits and animals. She has a studio in Los Angles, California (this gift giving idea is for people that live in LA and any close by that city) and her most popular package sessions are the Double Exposure Portrait and the Classic Session (with the option to add the Double Exposure with a Double Exposure).

When you book a session with Danielle you do have the option of having holiday props and/or holiday backdrops and she has added 3 new backdrops too.

To book a session link is below (also if you don’t feel comfortable going to her studio. She does have the option of coming to you if you are local to LA.):

https://www.daniellespires.com/studio-pet-photography

3. Gumball Poodle:

I have been a fan of @gumballpoodle for the past three years and have many of their socks. My preferred style is the gym socks because they keep my feet warm. They are also unique in design and super comfortable. If you sign up to their mailing list you will get a discount code.

You also have the option of building your own gift box!!

Link for their website is below:

https://www.gumballpoodle.com/

4. I heart Unicorns perfume by A Beautiful Life (Instagram account: @abl_brands ):

“I Heart Unicorns perfume by A Beautiful Life –The Original Cult!I Heart Unicorns is an ode to your teenage years, inspired by myth and the power of belief – Where Barbie dolls and blacklight posters co-existed in your boudoir. Bright notes of Lemon, Peppermint, and  Pomegranate are grounded by a  fresh, earthy base. Mystery swirls and surrounds with  Nag Champa and  Frankincense. It’s all bubblegum, bridles, and girly fantasy.”A heady mix of lemon, peppermint, and pomegranate, the scent was designed to evoke memories of the ’80s and ’90s, and somehow, it totally succeeds. ” – Nylon
Available in 1 oz ($28) or 2 oz ($52)

lady.cult followers can get 20% off during the month of November with discount code ‘lady.cult’ “

One of my greatest things to love is perfume. It’s hard for me to just have a signature scent because I wear perfume based on my mood. And I am more than just one mood so why should I just have one perfume?

Link is below to purchase and use this discount code lady.cult when you check out for 20% off!! : https://www.abeautifullife.com/collections/fragrance/products/i-heart-unicorns-perfume

5. @Chelseascreename :

Earlier this year I interviewed @chelseascreename . If you want to read it link is here: https://ladycultblog.com/2020/05/19/great-small-businesses-chelseascreename/

You can buy her prints by dming her for her price list. She accepts payment through Venmo and PayPal. She is also running a special through her instagram account. If you buy a print of her art she will give you a small print with special code KALI

6. @levres_de_sang :

Fina Ruiz is a self-taught artist and has a brand called  Lèvres de Sang She makes one of a kind detachable collars that she sews, styles and creates are inspired by some of her favorite movies such as Suspiria and Rosemary’s Baby. She also does custom orders as well!

Link for her site is here: https://www.levresdesang.com/

Her store offers international shipping and is nice enough to currently offer a discount code for my readers!

Use Promo code: LADYCULT for 25% off your order. Limit one code per customer and not valid on custom orders.

Link to purchase the detachable collar that is pictured above is here:

https://www.levresdesang.com/product-page/living-dead-girls-1-0

7. Night Flight Plus:

I am such a huge fan of Night Flight, and their programming!! It always fulfills my need to watch some amazing retro tv content. I am always learning something new from their channel. Whether it’s a show, movie I haven’t seen or listening to some great music.

Link is below to purchase a subscription: https://www.nightflightplus.com/signup

8. Greenwich Letterpress is an AMAZING store that sells greeting cards, cute gifts and does letterprint pressings. The store opened in 2005 and is owned by two sisters Beth Salvini and Amy Salvini Swanson. The store is located in New York City with limited hours ( I would recommend to check their website of their hours of operation or just shop directly there: https://www.greenwichletterpressshop.com/ ). They are one of the main sources of where I buy my cards that I have been mailing out to people. Recently they just release their Holiday cards and these caught my eye:

Link to buy is here: https://www.greenwichletterpressshop.com/you-better-watch-out.html

Link to buy is here: https://www.greenwichletterpressshop.com/he-knows-when-youre-awake.html

They have a wide selection of all kinds of cards for any occasion and always have new items constantly. Link to their website is below:

https://www.greenwichletterpressshop.com/

9. BLOW ME BAG by @magicsociety

Nicole is the creator and owner of Magic Society ( I also interview her on this blog. Link is here to read: https://ladycultblog.com/2020/09/04/welcome-to-the-insta-hood-funwithfriday/) It is an online store that has the most creative wears and accessories. (I already have a wish list of all of her clown related stuff she made!!). However this crossbody bag sparked my interest. It is for the person who has that unique flair to their fashion taste. Her store offers a discount when you sign up to the mailing list.

Link to buy the bag is here: https://shopmagicsociety.com/products/blow-me-crossbody-bag

Link to the store is here: https://shopmagicsociety.com/

10. Gift Horse Nashville: Fun Haus Acrylic Studs:

Gift Horse Nashville is another main source where I buy my cards from. I found about them through their Instagram page: @gifthorsenashville and was impressed by their feed to check out their website: https://gifthorsenashville.com/ and saw that they sell GOLDEN GIRLS earrings and was immediately hook! This store opened in 2016 and is located in Nashville, Tennessee. It is owned by Jessica Maloan Vastagh and her husband Andy Vastagh. The store has limited hours so I recommend checking out their website for more info or directly shopping from there.

One of their best selling items are these Acrylic Studs by Each to Own. Link to buy them are here: https://gifthorsenashville.com/product/fun-haus-studs/

Link to shop on their website or to learn more about them is here: https://gifthorsenashville.com/

11. @tenthdimensionartcollective – The Bride giant size 3″ glow in the dark pin:

Tenth Dimension Art Collective makes amazing pins and this Bride of Frankenstein one it awesome because it glows in the dark!

Link to buy this pin is here: https://10dac.bigcartel.com/product/thebride

Use the promo code: HELLIDAYS to get 15% off on their cartel website: https://10dac.bigcartel.com/

OR their Esty website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/10dac/

with every purchase from their store you will randomly get a sticker or button!

So that is part one of this Holiday Idea Gift Giving Guide. There will be other parts to this and if your business or item was not mention in this part please email me and follow the instructions in the beginning of this blog post!

Also please remember that a selfless gift is to be kind to each other, and support others when you can. It costs nothing but to me it is one of the richest feelings in the world!

Part Two will be next Friday!

Until Next time!!!

This week’s interview is with @dropdeadcandles !

1. Tell me a little about yourself:

“Hello! My name is Mel and I am the Bitch in Charge at Drop Dead Candles. Owner/Operator would be a more professional title but I like to keep things spicy. 

I am 30 years old and I live in Oshawa, Ontario with my partner, Tim (business title: babe candle maker extraordinaire and head of snack procurement). We have a shiba inu named Citra and a chunky tuxedo cat named Stella.  When I’m not running Drop Dead or working my big kid job as a Registered Nurse, you can find me in a shapeless bag type-outfit eating snacks or napping.”

2.   How did you come up with your store business name and the idea to open up this business?

“So my origin story goes something like this: I really wanted a skull candle but the ones I saw online we’re super cartoony or super duper expensive. I’m a crafty lady so I decided I would buy mold making and candle supplies and make one myself. My first skull candle turned out really rad and I posted it on Facebook to show it off to my friends and fam. Soon enough I had a whole bunch of folks asking me to make them candles and offering me actual money for my creations. Being a Capricorn, the cash register noises started going off in my head and I was just like … This could be a legit business! 

I’ve always been artsy fartsy so this was a welcome (and needed) project as my day job as an RN didn’t allow for a lot of artistic creativity. As for the name … I have “Drop Dead” tattooed to my shins (long story short: I liked the phrase and was a wild/weird 20 something) and because I was making exclusively skull candles at the time, Drop Dead Candles seemed like a good fit. The biz was born and the name has stuck … even if I’m doin far less skulls these days. “

3. What are your top 3 selling products and why?

“This year, hands down, the babe candles. I’ve been making woman body shaped candles since 2019 and they always did well but for some reason in early 2020 the entire world started making female form candles and it’s been a hugggee trend. I would be gone from being literally the only person on Etsy to have them to there being hundreds of shops selling them. 

At first I felt pretty cheesed off and cheated, but I quickly realized that making a popular product only meant that my item was more in demand – and because I already had an established brand and a rad following of loyal custies, I was a lot further ahead that my new competitors. Instead of feeling cranky about the whole thing, I shifted my focus to concentrate on what makes my brand unique: my options for various skin tones, my packaging, my brand voice, my photos etc.  

As for other best selling products … Our Halloween Collection always does super well.

We do bleeding skull candles that have red inserts inside that “bleed” red when lit … those are always a hit.

Our large palmistry candles are also a big seller – they’re totally unique (at this time no other palmistry candles exist in the whole wide world!) and they’re even featured on an Etsy TV commercial this year! How neat, right?” 

4. What is a unique fact about yourself that not many people know?

” Ouuuu … shameless plug opportunity! My partner, myself and a second couple are opening a craft brewery in Oshawa in 2021. I like to call it “Durham’s alternative Brewery” but everyone else thinks that tag line is turbo lame and makes fun of me. ANYWAY, It’s in the early stages and we have soooooo much work to do but I’m thrilled about this new chapter. “

5. Do you have any exciting news or promotions that you would like to share?

“If you join our email list you get a coupon for 20% off FO LIFE: https://dropdeadcandles.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=c2fdfc2e0f0e6ac3df94b48d4&id=ee4a798c99

We’re most active on instagram – @dropdeadcandles – so feel free to follow us and come along for the magical journey that is our social media!  

You can shop Drop Dead Candles at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/dropdeadcandles

Thank you so much for the interview!!

Until next time!

Edith Bouvier Beale is probably best known for being in a documentary called “Grey Gardens” (1975) directed by the Maysles Brothers. She was often referred as “Little Edie” by her family and friends.

While her mother was refer to as “Big Edie”

She also had a famous cousin named Jackie Kennedy.

When Jackie was little she often visited Edith at Edith’s mom’s house in the Easts Hamptons called Grey Gardens:

But Edith and her mom had some really hard times they were unable to pay household bills such as water, electricity, heat. They even couldn’t afford to pay their food bills sometimes. The house became unmanageable for the both of them and it began to literal deteriorate. However it didn’t stop them from living in the house:

It wasn’t until 1972 when Jackie Kennedy’s sister Lee Redziwill (a socialite, former princess) hired the Maysles Brothers to do a documentary about the Bouvier family. Lee wanted them to focus on her and Jackie’s childhood as the subject matter of the documentary.

The brothers agree to do the film. However when they took a trip to the East Hamptons to scout out locations of the places the two sisters had spent during their childhood. They learned about the Beale and how they were living in Grey Gardens. From there they decided to focus the documentary on the fascinatingly weird mother and daughter duo. However that upset Lee Radziwill so much that she withdrew the money for the movie she invested in. It took the Maysles brother a couple of years to save up money to come back and film at Grey Gardens.

In 1971, when Jackie learned how Big and Little Edie were living and also the numerous treats from the police, and many other health code violations they were trying to evict the Beale and demolish Grey Gardens. Jacke decided to invest around 30,000 dollars with restoring and cleaning up Grey Gardens. The

The documentary was officially released on September 27, 1975 to much praise. Little Edie went to the premiere of the movie and she was so excited they she wore her dress backwards with zipper being expose. Big Edie didn’t live long after the premiere of the documentary and died in February of 1977.

Little Edie lived by herself at Grey Gardens until 1979 until she decided to sell the house with the stipulation of the house not be demolished. And always had a heart of an entertainer so she decided to became a cabaret singer. And she had a cabaret show from January 10-14 1978.

She only had eight performances and even powered through her act when she had a fever and recent surgery on her eyes.

However the press was not so kind about her show or her singing and the club she was preforming at kept any bad reviews about her performance.

I couldn’t locate any of her performances from her cabaret act but I do have a small clip of her singing from the Grey Gardens Documentary:

Although if I were in attendance of her show I felt like I would of enjoyed it despite the bad reviews because she was such a vivacious character from the documentary.

Edie died in January of 2002 in Bal Harbour, Florida.

If you like to learn more about Little Edie and Big Edie. I recommend the following:

Of course the documentary by the Maysles Brothers:

The Beales of Gardens:

Grey Gardens Movie (2009) starring Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange:

That Summer (2018):

Until Next time!

Source: Wikipedia

I usually get in a certain movie and cartoon watching mood when a holiday approaches. So I thought to share fives movies are about the Thanksgiving holiday or at least have an event for Thanksgiving:

1. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973) directed by Bill Melendez and Phil Roman

I remember the first time I watched this movie I was ten years old. But I was secretly amazed by Snoopy’s incredible cooking skills.

Fun fact about this cartoon. Charlie Brown’s nickname Chuck is used in this movie at least 30 times.

Garfield’s Thanksgiving (1989) directed by Phil Roman, Gerard Baldwin, Bob Nesler and John Sparey:

I grew up watching Garfield so I owe a lot of my sarcasm to watching this cartoon. I always make time to watch this and his Christmas cartoon. You can watch this cartoon in the youtube video above.

Son- In-law (1993)- directed by Steve Rash:

Starring Pauly Shore, Lane Smith and Carla Gugino. So I know this is not a 100% a thanksgiving movie but it does have a scene that centers on that holiday.

This was my go to movie to watch during elementary school so of course I had to find a way for this movie to be part of this list!

Fun fact about this movie: The first draft of this script said that the setting of this movie was going to be in North Dakota.

Available to watch: on Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/son-in-law/id492130815

Dutch (1991) directed by Peter Faiman and starring Ed O’Neill, Ethan Embry and Jo Beth Williams.

I have to admit I didn’t know about this movie until 4 years ago. I am a fan of John Hughes movies that he either directed and wrote. And I was looking at this IMDb page and came across this movie to only realize that I never seen it. Luckily it was on Netflix so I was able to watch it. I enjoyed the movie so much that I watched it the next day after I saw it.

Fun Fact about this movie: The first choice to play Dutch was actor John Candy.

Blood Rage (1987) directed by John Grissmer. Starring Louise Lasser and Mark Soper.

I do not know many Thanksgiving horror movies. But I do know about the movie Blood Rage (aka: Slasher). This movie became a yearly tradition for me to watch this month because it combine two of my favorite themes. Horror and food.

Fun Fact about this movie: A lot of the characters in the movie are wearing Nike products however the movie is not sponsored by that company.

You can watch this movie on Tubi: https://tubitv.com/movies/505051/blood-rage?utm_source=google-feed&tracking=google-feed

What movies do you watching during this month? Comment below!

Until next time!

Source: IMDb.com