This time I interviewed: @funcult !
- Tell me a little about yourself:
“My name is Caitlin, and I have been making and selling pieces on the internet since 2005. I began on Etsy 3 months after they launched, and I sold at numerous Renegade Craft Fair events. I was known then for a special sort of party banner that I created with vintage fabrics and fun trims, mini deer head wall plaques, and light shades created with vintage doilies. In late 2010 I created the Fringe Banner and it’s by far my best seller. The phrases that were in the debut collection were, BE MY BABY, LOVE ALWAYS, I
YOU, FOREVER, and WILD HEART. Today I work out of my apartment as well as a studio space within Chicago’s coolest store ever, Festive Collective, which is run by my pal, Angela.”
2. How did you come up with your business name?
“I first started making under the name Nice, but I rebranded as FUN CULT in 2012. This was something that had been in my mind since the early 2000s when my friends and I started jokingly calling our hang outs the C.F.C., which stood for Caitlin’s Fun Cult. I suppose this was because I was often the one initiating our plans or changing them up. I was way more extroverted in my late teens and early 20s! Anyway, it stuck with me and I feel it fits perfectly with what I want to create- fun pieces that represent a specific part of who you are, that others may or may not get, but for those who do get it, those are your people! “
3. What is the best selling item in your shop and why do you think it’s so popular?
“The I FEEL LOVE Fringe Banner has really taken off lately- disco is a big party vibe right now, from babies to bachelorettes! On the other hand, the WE’RE BORING Fringe Banner is hilariously in a very close second! I love this piece because of course it hits HOME (get it?) since we’ve all been home much more than ever, but it also works for new parents, students who study more than party, and couples who have grown a little too comfy together. It’s a crowd pleaser.”
4. How do you come up with your phrases for your banners?
“I have always loved pieces in home décor that are unexpected. You know when you are browsing a fashion magazine and the coolest part of an outfit always seems to be credited as ‘models own’? When I came up with the Fringe Banner
I wanted it to feel like the home décor equivalent of that. I wanted them to feel very personal and, well, cool. I have always loved music, so a lot of pieces are inspired by favorite lyrics or song titles. Some are funny and some are a bit affirmational without being too cutesy. “
5. What is your process if someone wants a custom piece?
“Currently the process is via email. If you send me what you’re thinking of and some color ideas, I’ll get back to you with some options! I am working on stream-lining this process in a way that will hopefully make it easier for you to create custom pieces, only needing my help with super special custom pieces.”
6. Do you have any exciting news or events that you would like to share?
“Just that fun changes are in store for the website and special pieces are in the works! I’d highly suggest signing up for the email list! “
If you like more information on funcult. The following contact information is below:
FunCult:
Festive Collective: https://festivecollective.com/?variant=41737033941162
Instagram: @funcult
ladycultblog 