Monday, September 1, 2008
INTERVIEW Forest Nymphs & Brisil Fresh Handmade Bath and BodyToday's interview is with Silvana of
Forest Nymphs & Brisil Fresh Handmade Bath and BodyWhat kind of items do you sell in your shop?
Handmade bath and body products. I make them fresh at the time you order, so they are not sitting on a shelf forever. I think this is really important. I also sell ceramic pieces, also handmade, that I design and my fiance’ makes them! They are one of a kind, from soap dishes, to jewelry and pet bowls.
Do you have any inspirations for your creations?
Nature, music, love, romance and spiritualism. Beauty and the arts, basically everyday life is my inspiration for my creativity. From a song, to a person, child to watching a little animal struggling to go with its nature to seeing a feline basking in the sun and enjoying their lives.
How long have you been making them?
I have had my business officially and licensed as Forest Nymphs since 2002. But I have been making them since I was a little kid, with my mom, aunts and even my dad! My mom and I would make homemade cosmetics from what our earth gave us. We’d make candles, incense and facial masks, scrubs! My dad practiced a very earthy, holistic and healthy type of life applying healing herbs to wounds for example, and which in turn he taught us kids to do the same.
Do you donate to any charities? If so, which ones & why?
I have had my business since 2002, just recently joined etsy in May of 2008, and have been on Peta’s listing of companies that are against animal cruelty, testing , and that are vegan. I donate to Peta, and I am a member of Peta as well. Also as of this year, 2008 I have started donating a generous basket of our products to CHOC Hospital for their annual auction which helps raise monies for CHOC, Childrens Hospital Of Orange County, my hometown. Why donate? I think it’s a personal thing and a compassionate thing to do. I give because I want to see a positive difference in the lives of Animals and Children. We need to be a voice for them and stop their suffering. I believe we all should “give” all the time, its not about what you’ve got but what you give that will make a positive difference.
What are some of your favorite things about etsy?
The cool people I have met so far, the team spirit of our team Vegan Esty and I love how we have the control of running our own site and changing things on our own. I have another site, which I delegate changes, updates etc but I have to have my web guy do it! And he is awesome, but its done once a month. And I LOVE that there is a community that supports all handmade artists, finally we are being noticed for our passion and work.
Do you sell your items outside of etsy (locally, other online stores, etc.)?
I sell on my primary site, along with other products. Also to regular customers that order from me consistently off line. I brew up custom orders for them too. At private parties, Art / Craft faires. And in the works are a couple of stores in the Seattle, Hermosa Beach, CA area and a Vegan Store in Atlanta, GA. And we are proud to announce that we are now vendors for the OC ROLLER DERBY girls! So you can always check us out there, at their home games! We announce the dates on our site. With our first event in Ventura, CA Oct 18th for the big west coast roller derby tournament!
Do you have any future plans for your shop?
Yes! I have a lot of future plans! I come up with things all the time. From new products, holiday specials and promos and more. Right now I run a weekend special on certain products, every weekend there will be a little special going on and more fun things will be coming in the future. I have put together a Friends with Benefits program! It has worked fantastically! What it is, is when you make your first purchase with us, then you refer a friend, they order and you get a gift from us FREE! We plan on having our own store in the future where you can come in and shop and hang out with us, learn new things and about our environment.
Do you maintain any other sites besides your shop (such as flickr, myspace, blog, etc.)?
Yes,
http://www.forestnymphs.com/;
www.myspace.com/brisilhandmadebathandbody;
http://www.brisil.blogspot.com/What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have?
Making bath and body products! Shopping at etsy, all the cool earthy jewelry there is! Traveling everywhere! I love music, concerts, coffee houses little venues where music is played and art is all around. I have a love for the outdoors…. going to the beach, any sport having to do with water. Reading from fashion magazines to health & fitness books, books on botanicals, herbs, aromatherapy, metaphysics, medicine and psychology. Experiencing new places and vegan restaurants with family and friends.
How long have you been vegan?
I have been “vegetarian” for years and have slowly become vegan. I haven’t eaten red meat in over 20 years I was vegetarian until the last couple of years where I have gone completely vegan. Maybe even longer because aside from not eating meat I rarely if ever had milk, eggs or dairy while vegetarian. Its so much yummier to be vegan and I feel much healthier. Lots of energy!
What are your reasons for being vegan?
My reasons are many but the obvious are “animal cruelty” which has to STOP. Peta has put out some incredible dvd’s from their investigations that are a must see. It breaks your heart that there are such cruel horrible people in this world that abuse animals. The other reason is Health. I truly believe that a vegan diet is the best for your body and health. I was recently really sick with strep and tonsillitis, but prior to that I had not been sick for 10 years. I don’t get colds or flu’s even being around people that do. I believe its following an animal free diet. Dairy is horrible for your body and skin. I have done an “experiment” if you will, on my bodies reaction to animal product. I had a glass of milk, and I had stomach pains, felt completely ill. In becoming vegan your body will feel and be much healthier.
Do you have any favorite vegan books, including cookbooks?
Yes I have two favorite books, one is Eat, Drink and be Vegan and the other one is Vegan with a Vengeance. Has a lot of good tips and receipes too.What are your favorite foods?I love spinach salads! With cranberries and candied pecans! Love it!! I am a big salad eater, along with a big piece of bread. Coconut pancakes with pineapple sauce !I really enjoy pasta dishes, with homemade tomatoe sauce, not store bought ones. Fruit shakes blended with soy milk; Lentil beans just cooked plain ; Sweet potatoes with a spinach salad, and before a workout it’s a great energy booster. I love pizza with veggies and pineapples, soy cheese; Asparagus with sundried tomatoes frittata is yummy too! I am learning to bake sweets in a 100% vegan manner and should be all ready for the holiday season of baked yummies! Tofu I use a lot also in so many different dishes.
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