- What is it that you do or sell? I design, create, and sell Renaissance costumes for ladies and lords. I specialize in a more historical design vs a fantasy design, and make everything one can wear head to toe. Bodices, chemise, skirts, doublets, breeches, shirts, hats, and accessories. I use a lot of natural fibers and I especially work with linen for its superior performance.
- Where are you located? My studio is located in Lompoc, California on the Central Coast.
- What got you interested in starting out in this business? I used to go to Renfaire as a child of the 70s in Agoura, then later up in Northern California. While in college getting a Fashion degree, my sister took me to a small faire in Irvine, Ca. I fell in love with the clothing and decided right then and there that I would design beautiful renaissance costumes.
- When did you start selling or performing? I opened my business in 1996.
- What is your local faire or home faire? My ‘home’ faire is Koroneburg Renaissance Festival in Eastvale, CA. I’ve been there since it opened over 20 years ago. It has a German renaissance theme complete with a Baron Von Lauffer.
- Do you travel and if so, how far will you go? I do travel to shows, and my furthest is about a 5 hour drive. I used to travel constantly, over 30 weekends a year doing small faires in California. I’ve decided to stay home more now and love it.
- What advice do you have to give to others that are just starting out in this business? My advice is to find a product niche that is unique, fits the market, and everybody wants 3 of them. Learn business, and be prepared to struggle for a while. It IS a business and if you are diligent and honest, you will make your way.
- How do you handle thefts or copying of your works? I only know of two times where my work has been directly copied. Both times it was by a customer who thought they could save some money. Well, they are cut off. No more good stuff for them. As for being copied by competitors, there is very little that can be done in the costume or apparel industry legally. What does help; I have a very distinctive brand, and work in shows that are heavily juried, and I continually evolve my line to drop old designs and bring in new. Theft has not been a big problem in my career. My sales people and I are very attentive to each customer that walks into or near the booth.
Also, I think its more difficult to stuff a shirt in one’s pocket. Does this mean I’ve never been shoplifted? I’m sure its happened, but have not detected anything worthwhile in my inventory. - What is your favorite food at faire? I love a lot of faire foods, but eat very few of them. Its so unhealthy, and I really, really try to eat the best I can always. That said, I do love scotch eggs. But only once a year. LOL
- What would you say (nicely) to a faire manager or owner? I say Hello, how are you, how is the faire going? Can I help you with anything?
- What is your set up for your booth/ or what do you have for a set (music/performance?) I have a wood pole and canvas booth. My husband and I designed and built it ourselves. It is modular, so I can set up a 10×10 or 10×20 depending on the event. I love it because its stronger, better looking than a popup, and there’s no need to ‘disguise’ it to make it fit theme. With a red and yellow roof, it stands out and is very memorable to patrons and promoters love it.
- Why Renaissance Faires or theme? What is it that made you so interested in this period? Going to visit a renfaire with my sister while I was studying fashion in college hooked me.
The clothing was all so colorful and so different than everyday apparel. I was working a pretty awful apprentice job in the apparel industry, and I figured if I was going to work super hard like I was doing, why not for myself? I opened my shop the next year. I even went back to college and got a BBA to help me better run my business. - Do you do this all year long or do you just do it once a year? I definitely have a seasonal sales. Shows run from April to end of October. However I am working all year around from my studio where I also provide costumes for theatres, build inventory, and work on custom commissions.
- Describe your first experience with us or your best experience (could be worst experience if you want to share that) I only have experience with you online. I’m in California, you are in Massachusetts so I’ve never attended or participated in any of your shows.
- How else do you promote your wares or your music/performance? I have two websites for selling my wares, and an Etsy site. I work on those consistently to keep them fresh and relevant and in the customer’s eye. I use Facebook for social media and have it tied to my retail website. I do a lot of in person networking all year round. My participation at faires is also a manner of marketing for me, since I meet so many people at a show. Even if they are not a customer, I make sure to start a relationship of some kind to keep me connected. A business card for example, or sending them to my Facebook page to see pictures. I also teach classes here and there on historical subjects. This not only allows me to pass on knowledge; it keeps me in the loop with new participants, allows me to stay abreast of changes in the business, and builds connections.
- How did you find out about us? I found your Facebook pages online. I’m still not sure if you have more than one with the same name. LOL
- In five years (or less) my goal is to: _______ I’d love to have a successor to this business. Someone of like mind and abilities that I can bring in, train up, and grow with for a few more years. Then, they can buy me out when I’m old and done.
- At faire, what garb/attire is your usual go to? I wear middle class renaissance era clothing. All of it something that I carry in my line. I’ve got to represent, yes? And so the customer can see the garments looking good in action. Often, I’m wearing a prototype for next year’s line, to see if its ‘worthy’ or needs more R&D to be good.
- How many Faires other than those you are vending or performing do you go to? I do not go to faire except to work. I guess I need a real break during my downtime. Instead, I go to Wasteland, also a costume event.
- Plug your website or fan page here (or both) My website is www.faireladiesfairelords.com and my fb business page is Faire Ladies, Faire Lords & MLH Costuming.
