Talk Shop is the series where we interview independent store owners from across the country, to get their inside take on being in business.

In this this Talk Shop, Erin Waxman dishes on her one-of-a-kind retail store, Art Star, that she co-owns along with fellow crafter Megan Brewster. Located in the City of Brotherly Love, Art Star is a gallery and boutique that showcases innovative work from both seasoned and burgeoning artists from across the globe. Art Star has made a name for itself by hosting fantastic events, and carrying a fabulous array of goods from indie crafting heavyweights such as The Black Apple, My Paper Crane and Art School Dropout.

Tell us what Art Star is all about
We are a gallery & boutique that exhibits & sells work by emerging artists/crafters from across the globe.  Most of the work is handmade, but we also carry limited edition artist designed products.  We have a gallery space where we host new exhibitions every 6 weeks.  In the boutique section we carry work by over 50 artists.  We have a little bit of everything (clothing, jewelry, housewares, prints, paintings, plush, etc) & a wide range of price points.

Do you have any sort of background in crafting or the arts?
We both went to Tyler School of Art.  Erin studied metalsmithing/jewelry & Megan studied ceramics.  After we both graduated in early 2000, Erin developed a line of clothing & jewelry & Megan managed the gallery at The Clay Studio (a Philly non-profit arts org.)  Right now b/c we are the only two people running Art Star, we don’t have too much time to make our work but we dabble.

How does your business support independent artists and crafters and/or the handmade community?
We work really hard to cultivate relationships w/ our artists so we can promote/sell their work to the best of our ability.  At the same time, we also develop relationships w/ our customers & really listen to what they are looking to collect.  We then work w/ specific artists that we carry to develop exclusive product lines, like prints/glasses/totes which are affordable to our customers.  Another way that we support the community is by organizing The Art Star Craft Bazaar, which provides another venue for artists to sell work to the public & also network w/ other artists.  This is an annual show that takes place over the summer at Penn’s Landing Great Plaza in Philadelphia & attracts about 10,000 shoppers over the course of a weekend.  Because of the high profile venue, we are able to attract tourists & other Philly natives that normally wouldn’t be exposed to the handmade community.

Who are your favorite local designers?
It is so hard to choose, we work w/ so many talented local artists.  Right now, we are really excited about a local woman named Jenya Kurtsman who’s line is called Evaforeva.  She makes baby/toddler clothing out of recycled sweaters & blankets.  Many of the clothes she finds were once adult sizes & she turns them into little jackets & sweaters for kids.  We have this adorable tutu set that we are in love with.

How can local designers and crafters get involved with Art Star?
They can submit their work for review.  All they need to do is send a link to their website/etsy page to info@artstarphilly.com.  If they do not have a website, they can send 3-5 digital images & their retail prices.  Because it is just the two of us here, we can only respond to those whose work we are interested in carrying.  We get many submissions daily & though we would like to respond to everyone, it is just not possible.  We do look at everything though.

What’s the most unusual item(s) for sale in your shop?
We have these crazy crocheted skirts/dresses by Glo Bug (Gloria Joan Haag).  Some parts of the dresses are crocheted w/ plastic – they are like wearable art.

Any advice for those interested in opening up their own boutique?
Take at least a year to research & develop a business plan.  Make sure it is something you really want to do b/c it is a ton of work!  It basically becomes your life.  Think of everything you would need to spend money on & price it out.  We priced out everything from the rent to the paper clips.  Really research the area that you would like your business to be b/c it could make or break you.  If you don’t plan on selling online, you will need to rely heavily on foot traffic.  If you are selling items on a consignment basis, make sure paying your artists is a priority.  Their commission is not your money to spend.

Where do you shop, besides Art Star, of course…
Other small boutiques in Philadelphia: Revelations, Lost & Found, & Bus Stop.  I am in AC Moore a lot. Etsy too.

Art Star is located at 623 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123.
For store and event information, and to shop online, go to artstarphilly.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.