What is your craft? How long have you been doing it?
Well, I actually started in the creative field as an illustrator and portrait artist. Unfortunately it wasn't enough to make a living on, and I never got past that tall hurdle into 'successful artist'. That to me meant being able to support myself completely through my work without taking the odd day jobs!
For about three years I became frustrated and stopped drawing completely! Then in the summer of 2010, a life-changing event happened for me in the death of my father. One month later, my dear cat and friend had also gone on. That forced me to think about my life and what I needed to do to be happy. In one of the last conversations I had with my dad, he told me I should never stop creating and to keep trying.
After that I began exploring my creative avenues. I've always loved scents - aside from being a perfume-a-holic I used to make my own air fresheners and moisturizing oils. I have a pretty good nose, so I began experimenting with various oils for my own line of perfumes. Then early this year I felt it was time to open my perfume shop. My background knowledge of art, design, and perfumery (I worked in the beauty industry for a few years) definitely helped!
How are you inspired by a Victorian aesthetic?
My love and interest in history is a huge factor! I've adored the Victorian age ever since I read "Great Expectations" as a teenager! From there I delved into the whole era, and became especially interested in British Victoriana. It's fascinating to see how the clothing and hair had changed in a few decades, most interestingly that shift into the Edwardian era! It's a world I could get lost in.
What are some of your favorite shops on Etsy?
Wow, there are so many! I started at Etsy as a buyer so I have dozens of favorite shops! But here are a few ...
'Mystical Scents' (www.etsy.com/shop/MisticalAcScents) - great shop for organic skin creams, as well as organic dried botanicals.
'The Morbid the Merrier' (www.etsy.com/shop/themorbidthemerrier) - a perfumery specializing in darker or gothic scents. I seriously think I'm addicted to this shop! I love my own creations but I'm also a fan of other perfume artisans!
'Moonsteam Alchemy' (www.etsy.com/shop/MoonsteamAlchemy) - lips balms galore! Probably the creamiest and tastiest balms I've ever tried, plus she has a very Victorian/Steampunk theme to her shop!
Do you have a blog, or anything else you would like to share?
Yes, indeed! My Blog is: www.sarawenperfumeart.blogspot.com, and my shop at Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/SaraWen
I'd like to give a big thank-you to my first several customers, both inside and outside of Etsy! Your wonderful reviews and kind words are what keeps me going, and makes me happy that you enjoy my creations!
2 comments:
A lovely artist, thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much for the mention, Sara! Great article!
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