Renaissance Performers & Merchants

1. What is it that you do or sell? I mostly sell corsets, but also sleeveless coats for men. The coats began as riding coats, like red coats that I morphed into some more modern, funky fashion.

1. Where are you located? I share my time between San Diego, CA and Ensenada in Baja California, Mexico. Just 2 hour drive south of the border.
2. What got you interested in starting out in this business? I lost my job, end of 2008, and had to find a way to make ends meet. Jumped right into sewing, with no training, and began making bomber hats, then other sorts of cloth hats. I wanted to make something different for men. Women have so many choices, men not so much
3. When did you start selling or performing? I began selling my goods in 2009

1. What is your local faire or home faire?  Escondido, CA
2. Do you travel and if so, how far will you go? I have been known to travel to Los Angeles, CA, San Francisco, CA, Seattle, WA, Oakhurst, CA for the Goddess in the Garden festival I also did a show in New York City once. Now I have someone representing me there.
3. What advice do you have to give to others that are just starting out in this business? Persist! BELIEVE!

1. How do you handle thefts or copying of your works? I have not encountered this problem since my creations are mostly one of a kind.
2. What is your favorite food at faire? Funnel cake!
3. What would you say (nicely) to a faire manager or owner? Thank you for organizing this event, I know how much it takes!
4. Why Renaissance Faires or theme?  What is it that made you so interested in this period? There is a certain romance about that that time that attracts me,
5.  Do you do this all year long or do you just do it once a year? I work year around sewing my corsets.
6. Describe your first experience with us or your best experience (could be worst experience if you want to share that)The first faire I attended was a Pirate faire in Vista, CA. It was very very hot, 110 degrees. It was hard on our bodies and because of the heat, was not well attended, but I met a lot of very nice and interesting people. Another fun ‘faire’ was the Tall Ship Festival in San Diego, CA. Always fun hanging out with the pirates at that event.

1. How else do you promote your wares or your music/performance? I have an etsy shop. I advertise a lot in Facebook groups, on Instagram and Pinterest.
2. In five years (or less) my goal is to: Be able to sustain myself with the sales of my creations

1. At faire, what garb/attire is your usual go to? I love the gypsy look .
2. How many Faires other than those you are vending or performing do you go to? Sadly, I do not attend faires, if I do not vend there, I spend my time sewing for the next one.
3. Plug your website or fan page here (or both)

www.empierre9.etsy.com
My instagram page is www.instagram.com/empierre9
my pinterest in www.pinterest.com/empierre9
FB is www.facebook.com/sk.artisanes/

Thank you to eMPierre9 for being my guest this round for the Renaissance Performers and Merchants page and fan page. If you or your group, troupe or vendor group would like to be featured, please reach out to me and let me know. I know that a lot of shows/events are cancelled right now due to the COVID-19 issue and I’m proud that I can be still a part of this community by letting you all shine.

Please note that I do NOT do any research or homework on any vendor or performer that I feature here. Please make sure you reach out to them directly if you are interested.

Merry Meet, Merry Part and Merry Meet Again! HUZZAH!

*I also want to apologize for the weird numbering of the questions, I did try to fix it, but WordPress won’t allow me to do so – Gia – Until we meet again!