Vendor Interview: Kitschy Kat's
- fridaynightwritesi
- 22 hours ago
- 5 min read
Hello, everyone! Welcome back to Friday Night Writes! As always, our goal is to shine a spotlight on members of the book community and introduce readers to awesome authors, narrators, event hosts, influencers, and more.
This week, we'd like to introduce our featured guest, Vendor Kitschy Kat's. Evie will be leading the interview.
Good Morning, Thank you do much for being here with us today. Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself. Who are you?
I’m Katherine, a bookish nerd/mom/public school teacher who is very crafty.
I think we're all bookish nerds, and Sam used to be a teacher. I bet there's a correlation between teaching and reading. But, tell us a little bit about your shop?
I make book themed jewelry primarily, but am in the process of expanding to some other wares and wearable accessories.
That sounds adorable! What are a few of your favorite things/least favorite things about selling Bookish Merch?
Choice. Options. There are so many, and I want to offer every possibility so that people can feel their best in my items, but also, I’m a one woman show so it’s hard to have all those options, and then it never fails that someone will like something but not like the size/color/ something, and then I feel like I’ve disappointed them.
I understand. I feel that way when someone doesn't like my books. But you can't please everyone. What made you decide to sell bookish merch?
I was making jewelry to keep my hands busy and made so much I decided to take a gamble and see if I could sell it.
It seems you gamble paid off. Is this something you’d like to do full-time?
In a dream world, absolutely, but the market is just too unstable.
Besides your store, do you have any hobbies outside the book community?
Most of my hobbies are in the crafts and book side of life but sprinkle in some gardening and my pets and family.
I like gardening as well. Do you have anything that you’re truly passionate about outside of the book community? This could be a cause, a project, etc.
Public education. As a teacher, I see the best and worst of what kids deal with, and children have no control over the situations that they are born into and the cards they are dealt. I think that public education opens doors, and having a strong education opens doors for young adults. Having Kitschy Kat’s brings in extra income that allows me to pour into my classroom and creating a warm homelike environment that allows kids to flourish.
Education is important, no matter the age, but I appreciate your dedication to the children. How long have you had your shop?
Since 2018 😱
So, you're a veteran in the bookish community! Are there specific genres that you cater to or any specific themes of your shop?
I do mostly fantasy, because I’m primarily a fantasy reader, but I also read lots of genres, so there’s a little something for everyone
That's smart. Fantasy is a huge hit. How do you decide what to sell in your shop?
If I like it, I make it. So also, if you like a lot of what you see, follow me, I’m nice I swear and we can be “friends”
What do you enjoy most and least about being a vendor?
I enjoy helping people find wearable personal expression. The joy on faces when they love what they see/buy.
Least- the rare person who just can’t walk on by and be derogatory towards my work.
I understand. If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything should be the motto, especially about art. Do you have any routines, things you do that help you prep for events or marketing?
😂😂 I panic craft the night before events, and will make so much stuff, so if you’re early to the first day of an event, you’ll usually find me finishing up some late night crafts.
I think we all panic the night before events, so you're in good company. Do you prefer to work with Indie published authors, or traditionally published authors?
I don’t really have a preference. I just enjoy getting to spread the happiness that their stories bring to their readers.
Where do you get the inspiration for your merch?
Books, nature, my weird brain? Sometimes I just sketch out an idea in my notebook and keep it there until I can find or make charms that allow me to create it.
Is there anyone in the book community who has inspired you?
Oh god that’s like asking me to pick a favorite book! I usually have a display with author/small business cards and stickers of “friend” businesses and authors.
That's awesome! I'm sure your friends appreciate the boost! Has there been a particularly awesome moment of a show/event that stood out to you? why?
Selling out is always a highlight. I’ve only ever done it once, and come close twice in 4 years of bookish events and Renn Faires.
So, somewhat of a hot topic: what do you enjoy the most about the book community? The least?
As a survivor of A Million Lives, I don’t appreciate people who use predatory business approaches, but I love all the people I get to meet at these events, truly. The bookish community is always welcoming and joyful and filled with “girlhood” and I love it.
If you had a bigger budget, what would you want to start offering at your shop?
Premium options, like real silver and gold, instead of plated.
Oh, that would be pretty. How do you handle the social media/life balance?
That’s honestly the hardest part for me is remembering to take pictures and post the things I make 🫠
YES! I always forget to take pictures, I get so involved in the moment I forget to capture it on camera. But, what do you do for your mental health and to recharge your creativity?
Travel. To beautiful and scenic locations where I can sort of reset and find peace.
That sounds delightful. Do you have any advice for new vendors or people who hope to become one?
Make what you want, and someone will love it ❤️
Now it's time for some fun questions! What was your most recent five-star read?
My favorite question: What’s your favorite Dinosaur?
Brachiosaurus
Not a bad choice. What's the most daring thing you've ever done?
Flown to Ireland
That is daring! Are you a clean or messy person?
Messy. As helllllll
Do you collect anything besides books?
Pressed Pennies. Shot glasses. Animals 😂
Do you believe in aliens? Ghosts?
Yes and yes, especially since I live in a haunted house.
I will need to hear that story later! What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
Cherry
We're about to wrap this up, so tell our readers where can we find you online.
Do you have any planned events?
Is there anything else you would like us to know?
Listen, my brain is mush most days so no, but if you think of something just ask
Katherine, thanks again for joining us. I've loved our chat. It's been great getting to know you better!
To all of our readers, thanks for spending some time with our guest author this week! We hope you've enjoyed this interview! In the meantime, be sure to follow the Kitschy Kat's shop on her social media platforms so you can keep up to date with her journey. Building a better, stronger community is what Friday Night Writes is all about!
Check back next week for another interview. Next time, we'll be chatting with Australian author, L.M. Wilson!
See you soon!
The Friday Night Writes Crew
Evie Black & Samantha Moran
Friday Night Writes would like to thank our amazing sponsors: Bobbie Isabel, Rebecca Jose, Eden Knox, Kris Mitchell, and Sammantha Selwood. Through their contributions, we are able to host interviews on a dedicated site and reach new audiences through our newsletter. Thank you!
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