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

In this Talk Shop, we chat with Daisy Lacy about Smash!, a cute boutique/record shop located in the heart of Adams Morgan in Washington, D.C.   Smash! sells designer indie fashions, vintage clothing, and punk and alternative music.  Daisy is a seasoned crafter who sells her own line of reconstructed clothing, bags and jewelry. Her Uterus bag is a fan favorite, and shows off her crafting skills as well as her sense of humor.

Smash! is a testament that boutiques can rock out and bring some much needed retail hipness to Adams Morgan, which is saturated with bars and restaurants.  We love Smash! and hope that more independent shops will follow suit in the area.

Tell us what Smash! is all about:
Smash! is a locally owned record/music and clothing store in Adams Morgan. If you are looking for a hard to find Hawkwind LP or some vintage Frye boots check us out. We currently have a rad Vivienne Westwood dress in the shop as well as a myriad of colored tights and winter hats!

Do you have any sort of background in crafting or the arts?
I attended The Corcoran College of Art and Design and earned a BFA in Photography. I am also a local crafter and try to take part in as many craft fairs in the area as possible!

How does your business support independent artists and crafters and/or the handmade community?
We support the local independent craft and music community by stocking local designers and artists and being generally friendly and helpful!

Being that DC is typically a conservative (fashion-wise) and expensive city, how have those factors played into your decision to open and run a business here?
We think DC could use more stores like ours! Because much of our stock is secondhand/one of a kind our prices are very reasonable and you don’t run the risk of leaving with the same outfit as someone else! We also have a flyer bench/board advertising local events and live music happenings.

How can local crafters get involved with Smash!?
Local crafters can email me pics of their work to smashdc@gmail.com.

Any advice for those interested in opening up their own boutique?
If you are interested in opening your own boutique in DC I highly recommend talking to other shop owners. DC offers many free workshops concerning opening your own business-we found the LLC workshop very helpful.

Any exciting upcoming events or sales going on at Smash!?
We hold a sale the first Tuesday of every month with free refreshments

Smash! is located at 2314 18th ST NW 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20009
Check out their artists and latest happenings at smashrecords.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.