CreepyQueenMagazine - A Goth Gothic Online Magazine Punk Zine Community DIY Handmade Crafty Blog Alternative Forum

CreepyQueen: So First off, What is Shanalogic?

Shanalogic: ShanaLogic.com is an online boutique that features jewelry, accessories, plushes and apparel designed by independent artists and designers from around the world! I think it might even be the largest curated 100% indie shop there is (anyone want to challenge this? ;-)

CQ: Why did you decide to start Shanalogic?

SL: I run another site called PixelgirlPresents.com. It's a free desktops and icons site and because it's a download site, it's very expensive to run. I noticed that a lot of my artists from PixelgirlPresents.com also sold their artwork. I started featuring their prints and goods on PixelgirlPresents and well, it just sort of expanded from there!

CQ: Do you have a favourite product that's for sale right now?

SL: Haha, it's so hard to pick just one! How about I pick the few that I'm into this week? ;-) I adore the double heart padlock bracelet by marty flint, the kittle love necklace by mark poulin, the stripey armwarmers by mtcoffinz, the cupcake charm bracelet by amy secrest and the creepy bunny necklace by claire belton (it's reversible!!) Really I love everything since the site are things I specifically choose to sell.

CQ: Do you have any suggestions or tips for people that would like to start up their own independant craft business?

SL: Yes, Do what you LOVE! If you love it, people will be able to tell. If you are doing something to make a quick buck, the craft world isn't for you (trust me;-). Oh, and get an accountant!

CQ: What do you find was one of the hardest things you had to overcome so far with the start up of your shop?

SL: Originally it was dealing with the numbers and money. I ended up hiring a bookkeeper and accountant so that I didn't make anymore mistakes. I'd say the hardest thing to overcome is what's happening right now! The economy is terrible and it seems like more and more "indie shopping" portals are popping up all over the place. Many aren't curated or controlled in any way, while others market themselves as handmade but mix in mass-produced items making it confusing to the buyers. It dilutes the market and makes it hard for artists to succeed.

CQ: What are your future plans for Shanalogic?

SL: To stick around! No seriously, right now I'm in a small warehouse with 2 employees. I admit I'd like to be a tad larger (maybe 4 employees?;-). I just want to continue to be the most reliable source for independent gear on the web!

CQ: Where can readers of CreepyQueen find you and your shop?

SL: Shanalogic.com