This week I interviewed a great small business: @bo_barra !

1. How did you come up with your business?

“My name is Tamara Marra, kind of like Julia Gulia from the wedding singer. Since my jewelry is inspired by 90s childhood, I wanted something that was childlike but not directly so.

It’s called Bo Barra and it’s from the Name Game song, Tamara Marra Bo-Barra Fee-Fi Fo-Farra, Tamaraaa. “

2. What are your top five favorite shows growing up and why? 

“Oh my goodness… so many. But definitely Are You Afraid of the Dark? was number one. I still watch it. I loved spooky stuff as a kid (I still do) but the storytelling was fantastic and very imaginative. I genuinely got creeped out by that show. The intro was one of those intros where you were so scared you couldn’t watch it alone so you screamed for your siblings (or mom) to come join you.  

Followed by Goosebumps, (I know, it’s a tough one). Goosebumps was an amazing show and me and my siblings were part of the Goosebumps fan club where we got cool stuff in the mail every month. The show was sillier than Are You Afraid of the Dark? but I was a huge fan of the books, thus the show, and the intro is iconic. I have the entire original book collection, and I love basically anything RL Stine, which I do reread as an adult.

Eerie Indiana. I remember being incredibly bummed out and confused when the show was canceled and I couldn’t find it on TV anymore. It’s another sort of spooky comedy-adventure show I loved. I love kids going on adventures that the parents are completely oblivious to. Also Omri Katz was super cute as a kid, and who isn’t a fan of the movie Hocus Pocus? 

I don’t know where this sits on my top 5 shows as a kid but it’s on my top 5 as an adult: Gargoyles. That show is incredible. Epic storytelling, epic tragedy. It’s a show you need to revisit as an adult and be wowed by. I actually have a comic I made inspired by it that I plan on sharing later. 

Last but certainly not least, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. This show had a HUGE impact on my life. Mainly believing that this is what people look like when they grow up to be teens and college kids! I had pretty high expectations for myself and everyone around me for that reason. The fashion and jewelry in that show I think influenced many girls’ wardrobes. I know it influenced mine. I still want most of Buffy’s outfits and accessories, heck, even Willow’s!”

3. What items are you selling at your store?

“I’m selling handmade necklaces, earrings, and bracelets all made from rare vintage glass beads that were handcrafted in Japan. They are from the 1940s-1960s, and are incredibly beautiful, one-of-a-kind, and something that can never be produced again. I collect vintage beads, and anything that looks like slime, blood, goo, or candy, I am into.  

Do you do custom orders?

“Right now I’m selling ready-to-ship jewelry but custom orders will be open after. It’ll likely take 1 week production time, or less, depending on supply (as these are vintage and limited in quantity) + shipping which will vary based on location. I’m offering free shipping to the US and Canada with tracking, and the shipping time is 3-7 business days from Montréal, Canada.”

4. What 90’s TV or book character fits your personality the best and why? 

“Oooh what a good question! Ha is it weird if I say Chandler Bing from Friends? I am super sarcastic, but prrretty goofy and a loyal friend.”

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

“My first collection is called GOOSELUMPS and it’s coming out Friday September 30th. The following collection is inspired by Animorphs and I’m super excited about them both!”

If you would like more information on this great small business the following contact information is below:

Instagram: @bo_barra

Website: https://bobarra.ca/password

Until next time!!! 🙂