The Talk Shop series is where we interview independent store owners from across the country, to get their inside take on their running a business that supports the handmade crafting community.

In this Talk Shop, Maggie White tells all about her Young Blood Gallery & Boutique, which she co-owns with Kelly Teasley in Atlanta, Georgia.  Young Blood is a testament that good things happening to folks who are dissatisfied with the status quo… and decide do something about it.

The framework for Young Blood started way back in 1997, in the home of White and Teasley, who were dismayed by the typical refusal of Atlanta’s art galleries to exhibit unknown local artists, who had a tremendous amount of energy and talent. In 1999, their home exhibitions turned into a gallery space in Grant Park, and then in 2003, Young Blood expanded into the converted studio space beside the gallery, creating a shop that features handmade goods and items designed by artists.

With monthly art openings and their crafts market for burgeoning artists, Young Blood has something for every art lover and indie crafter.

Where indie craft history is concerned, Young Blood was one of the first ones there to plant their flag and support the scene, long before the movement got legs and started taking over the planet.

Tell us what Young Blood is all about:
We got started 10 years ago when we organized art shows in our home. It was a reaction to the lack of opportunities for emerging and non-traditional artists.  We were inspired by the DIY punk scene and the house shows we went to. It was tons of fun then turned into a labor of love and now we’re trying to see the fruits of our labors!  Running a business is not easy but we still can’t imagine doing anything else.   We opened the shop in 2003 and are working to support indie designers and crafters and ourselves at the same time.

Do you have any sort of background in crafting or the arts?
I (Maggie) made jewelry and clothing in my free time days as well as photography, video, and occasional mixed media work. Kelly is a visual artist who went to school for painting and design.  She also gets crafty with sewing, bookmaking…she’s pretty much a walking encyclopedia of art how-to.

How does your business support independent artists and crafters and/or the handmade community?
Supporting independent artists was the motivator that Young Blood was built on and at this point I’m proud to say we’ve hosted over a hundred shows and thousands of artists. In the boutique, which we opened in 2003, the theme is that everything is hand made or designed by an artist and we’re currently working with over 200 designers and crafters.

How can local designers and crafters get involved with Young Blood?
By submitting their art or creations to Maggie and Kelly online,  or by participating in Kraftwork which is our first-Thursday indie kraft market. Plus we’re always open to ideas!

What’s the most unusual item(s) for sale in your shop?
Ha! Kelly’s brother-in-law made us some fly fishing lures, we have crocheted corn dogs and Twinkies by Sweet Honey Complex and Erica Weiner’s penis bone necklace comes to mind.

Any advice for those interested in opening up their own boutique?
Do your homework and know what you’re getting into if you want to be profitable.  Learn the business side ahead of time. We had to learn from our mistakes and there were a lot of them!

Any exciting upcoming events or holiday sales going on at Young Blood?
Our holiday Kraftwork is always tons of fun.  It’s on December 4th from 7-10 pm.  We’re hosting Magpie Vintage Party in December which our vintage clothing fashionista friends organize.  They travel the country to find choice vintage clothing and it’s very affordable!  Other than that, stayed tuned to our blog:  http://youngbloodgalleryandboutique.blogspot.com/

If you own a boutique, gallery or other place of business that supports the indie craft community, and want it featured in Talk Shop, email hellocraftinfo@gmail.com with Talk Shop in the subject line.