CHECK HER OUT!

INTRODUCING…..
THE GIRLIE SHOW ARTIST OF THE MONTH….

beth "freshie" lawrence of freshie and zero
Location: Nashville, TN

GS: What do you create?
F: Hammered jewelry that is modern and feminine.

GS: What projects are you working on right now?
F: Trying to keep up with my web & wholesale orders, marketing, emailing, taxes, business managing… I need an assistant!

GS: How did you come up with your company name?
F: Freshie is my nickname, and Zero is my dog.

GS: Where/How/Why did this all begin?
F: I started making jewelry when I was about 10 or eleven - I even used to peddle it up and down my street out of my caboodle. I studied art in college and upon graduating, I thought the only way to make a living off of art was to paint, and I just didn't have the passion for painting. I worked in art galleries and tried being a sales rep for a couple of years. I started making jewelry again on the side for extra money when I was especially poor in 2001, and about two years ago, I decided there was no time like the present to take my jewelry-making hobby to the next level. I started applying to craft shows, developing a web site, and rigorously worked to improve my jewelry. By listening to what customers liked and disliked at craft shows, I was really able to tweak my line and make it better. Fast forward a year and half later, I've done over 20 craft shows, opened up new wholesale accounts, traveled across the country selling my wares, got married, and am loving every minute!

GS:As an artist this year, what about The Girlie Show rocked your world?
F: Being a graduate of an all-girl school - I loved the idea of doing an all-girl craft show since I think girls in groups can accomplish great things. The event really blew me away - the organizers really had it together, and some shows that have been going for years can't say the same thing! The pink decorations were fab, the yummy food & drinks were devoured, and the nametags and booth signage were definitely the best I've ever seen at any show. There were also some very original crafts that really stood out.
GS: Ahhh, you are so sweet!!!!

GS:The Girlietini: friend or foe?
F: I don't partake in sweet mixed drinks - I'm a vodka/tonic or beer type of gal.

GS: What are you totally obsessed with these days?
F: I'm spending a little too much time on my new iMac, and I'm also constantly looking through Etsy. I'm also about to give in to Harry Potter book seven next week while I'm on vacation and will be leaving my hammer behind.

GS:Tell us something completely random and quite possibly useless.
F: I am an amazing source of South Park trivia.

GS:What’s on your iPod/music player right now?
F: I just got the new Yeah Yeah Yeah EP today and can't wait to listen to it. I've been playing M.I.A.'s new album (my favorite song is Jimmy), Prototypes, and C.S.S. a lot the past few months.

GS: If you were a shoe, what shoe would you be?
F: A very comfortable, cute, and colorful flat.

GS: What do you secretly wish you could do/be?
F: I wish I could be a travel writer - I've been to Europe three times and I especially love Italy, Switzerland and France. I took French for 7 years and can understand it pretty well but I've mostly lost the ability to come up with sentences en Français on my own.

GS: Do you have any collections?
F: I collect small plastic toys - I have probably fifty Homies, several Afro Ken minis, a collection of Kinder egg toys among many others. I really want to start recreate my childhood collection of Charmkins, a cute little toy from the 80's, but I can't justify the money right now. If only my mom hadn't thrown mine away!

To learn more about Freshie and to purchase her gorgeous jewelry designs go to:

www.freshieandzero.com

We're In The New York Times!

Some way, some how...The Girlie Show got a mention in this fabulous article about crafting, Do-It-Yourself, buying handmade, etc. in The New York Times! Check out the article HERE...we're on Page 2.
Whoo Hoo Hoo!!!!!