We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gina Stayshich a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Gina, appreciate you joining us today. One of the most important things we can do as business owners is ensure that our customers feel appreciated. What’s something you’ve done or seen a business owner do to help a customer feel valued?

My business is inclusive and eco-friendly. Clients appreciate feeling welcomed in person while vending or through online commerce. I provide a safe environment for LGBTQA+ and BIPOC.
I have 20 years of experience in all aspects of customer service. I try to make everyone comfortable and welcome.
I also take custom orders if I can create it, I can do it for you!

Gina, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I have been passionately crafting and creating since I was a child, thanks to the inspiration and guidance of my amazing grandmother and aunt. They instilled in me the skills and confidence to fully embrace my creative side. I thrive on transforming old items into new treasures and have a particular passion for vintage and retro pieces.

I have a passion for plants and gardening, that love turned into the hobby of 3D printing; I specialize in printed planters, in both fun and practical pieces.

My love for jewelry and accessories drives me to design unique, fun, and whimsical creations that I proudly wear every day.

I actively contribute to the crafting community as a member of the Tennessee Craft Guild, and I proudly serve as an administrator for the Nashville Curiosities Collective. My spare time is spent outside, working the garden or the apiary, I am an active member of Wilson County Master Gardeners and Wilson County/TN State Beekeeping.You can easily find me at local events or connect with me online!

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

When I first ventured into craft events in Nashville, I joined a local artisan group that opened the door to incredible connections. There, I met a fellow creative spirit with whom I quickly developed a deep friendship. Together, we founded the Nashville Curiosities Collective—a side project that stemmed from of our businesses, Bomb Pop Boutique and The J Cater Shop.

We saw a vibrant opportunity in our community: a distinct lack of representation for macabre, quirky, nerdy, and one-of-a-kind art. We believe these talented artisans deserve a welcoming space where they can authentically express themselves and showcase their unique creations to an appreciative audience. Our mission is to foster self-expression and inclusiveness. We proudly host two signature events each year: Rotten Revival in the summer and Merry Mayhem in the winter. These gatherings celebrate the creativity that thrives on the edges and shine a light on the extraordinary artists among us.

Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?

I sell online through Etsy and Amazon Handmade. I also have accounts on eBay, Depop, Poshmark, and Mercari where I sell handmade items, vintage, and other wares.

I started as a seller on Amazon back when it was just an online bookseller. Myself and the platform grew, and I was able to get in on the beginning of the Handmade program through invitation. It has improved since the onset. I prefer Amazon to Etsy for the ease of use, listing, payments, etc, and the reach that Amazon has. I sell online through Etsy and Amazon Handmade. Additionally, I have accounts on eBay, Depop, Poshmark, and Mercari where I offer handmade items, vintage products, and various other wares.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BK2WGPCP, https://bombpopboutique.etsy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bomb_pop_boutique/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bombpopboutique
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/nashvillecuriosities/

Image Credits

Gina Stayshich, Bomb Pop Boutique