Today we’d like to introduce you to Bryttany Barrick.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Bryttany. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Ever since I was little, I always knew I was a creative. The only thing that has ever really changed is my medium in which I create. In school, I started with painting, collages, doodling, drawing, typical kid stuff. I used to have hoards of “how to draw manga” books! Then, as I got older, I experimented with hand-sewing simple costumes, even a purse at one point. Then, unfortunately, I went through a depressive state where I didn’t want to do much at all. I had just graduated high school, didn’t have plans for college, and social anxiety made it hard for me to want a job.
In that time, I found happiness in a tight-knit drag community on twitter, stemming from the love of the show Rupaul’s Drag Race; from there, I made some friends (all of which were artists specializing in fan art for the queens on that show), and I became inspired to start drawing again. However, the first queen I ever drew after my creative hiatus was not a Drag Race queen, but a West Hollywood queen by the name of Diana Dzhaketov. She ended up being a HUGE inspiration to me at this point in my life; she did group chats, live streams, she posted tons of looks and performances, she gave me hope during this time.
During this same time, I started going to drag shows, gaining more confidence by going out, dressing up, and learning their care-free attitudes. I also used drag queens as a vessel to explore more mediums to create art, such as pastels, pencils, and even incorporating glitter into my art.
Fast forward a few years later, I finally found a job, and I met my amazing boyfriend, Gabriel, who could keep up with all my confidence and funky fashion sense. He is a gigantic part of why I am doing what I am today; he saw my creative side, not only through my art but through my fashion. Every gift-giving holiday, he’d give me the gift of a new hobby, which usually happened to be something I’ve always wanted to try but didn’t have the means to. For our first anniversary, he gave me a Hello Kitty sewing machine, and within a month of owning it, I was already creating a two-piece costume for a photoshoot with my best friend, Sasha. Once I got the hang of that, I started creating more: more outfits, more photoshoots, more face charts, more using my face as a canvas, but it didn’t stop there!
With these skills in mind, I decided to approach Jencey Keeton, owner and founder of Sweet Tooth Hotel (where I currently work part-time) about participating in one of their monthly pop-up shops. Unfortunately, at the time I asked, all the months until closing was already booked. However, Noel Rodriguez, who is part of their creative team, generously offered to share his pop up space with me since the aesthetic of our creations complemented each other. I created harnesses, chokers, and unusual earrings to be sold as my half of the pop-up, and he created magnificent sparkling hats, faux fur jackets, and other gaudy rave wear. Together, our pop up shop ended being so popular, we were granted permanent residency in the gift shop.
After Sweet Tooth Hotel closed its doors for construction on its new installation, I was left with a few pieces of jewelry to sell, and a chance to create more pieces for their next gift shop. With this in mind and a newly gifted 3D printer in my craft room, I decided to start experimenting. My first 3D printed creation was a Powerpuff Girl’s set to go with me and my boyfriend’s Halloween costume. From there, I printed more of that same design to fashion into an earring and necklace set and set out to find more inspiration for funky earrings.
Which brings us to now: while I’ve technically been working under the name Bryttany Bee for years, I’ve decided to go bigger with my brand, and transform my work into Bryttany Bee Boutique; a brand that creates huge, funky, and head-turning earrings, whether they are 3D printed, or made from “unconventional” items. I’m very proud of the progress I’ve made in such a short time, and it’s only going to get better from here!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’m a perfectionist, which means I don’t want to do anything unless I know I can do it right. I had people that told me that I was talented and could sell my creations, but at the same time, I had doubts because each thing I made was time-consuming, needed specific measurements and cost a lot to put together. However, once I got over my fears (and found a medium which was easier to work with on a larger scale), I was able to put together a few things to sell at my first pop up shop.
Since then, I have moved away from sewing and harness making (unless it’s for personal use) and moved more toward jewelry as my medium. There are it’s ups and downs, especially technically while working with 3D printing, but so far, it’s been a rewarding ride. My main struggle with working with this medium is having prints not stick to the bed, or having a failed print, but not everything can always be perfect!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Bryttany Bee Boutique – what should we know?
Bryttany Bee Boutique specializes in odd jewelry for alternative styles and works specifically in 3D printed jewelry. I also have made quite a few pieces from party favors and small toys. I just love being able to make the kinds of things I’ve always wanted to wear, but could never find to fit my style. Speaking of style, in this age of Instagram culture, I try to set myself apart from other jewelry makers by promoting my work with the help of fashion and makeup; it keeps my creativity fueled while also being able to show how someone can style the jewelry I make!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I’ve found that having a sense of individuality has always been a conversation starter for me. That may sound a bit cliché, being true to yourself and whatnot, but because I express my uniqueness with fashion, it’s always turned a lot of heads. It’s forced me to come out of my shell because people have questions about my style, and I try my best to answer them. It’s helped quite a bit in networking, as well.
And of course, I wouldn’t be where I am without the quality of creativity! (But that goes without saying.)
Pricing:
- 3D printed earrings $25 – $35
- 3D printed necklaces $15 – 25
- “Party Favor” earrings $10 – $15
Contact Info:
- Email: bryttanybeeboutique@gmail.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/bryttanybeeboutique
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bryttanybeeboutique
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bryttbboutique
- Other: http://www.depop.com/bryttanybee
Image Credit:
Sasha Truett/Sasha Sky Photography
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