Welcome to another Vintage Hot Spot tour here at Vintage Indie. Today we have the pleasure of a the behind the scenes look at White Trash Upcycle + Recycle a store and studio in one with artist and owner Holly Stewart.
Thanks so much for the interview, can you tell us when you officially opened?
I took over the space as an artist's
studio in October of 2008. (I have a BFA from the Kansas City Art
Institute) But I have an interest in things that people throw away and
as time went on we talked about making a go of selling the garbage we
find and clean up.
We have always been inveterate garbage sifters. I can remember as a
child going to the "Dump" with my mom & paying a quarter so we
could go look through the piles of garbage. We would usually go there
and meet my grandparents, look through the heaps picking out what we
could use. We'd usually stop around noon and sit under a tree and have
some lunch, then look a little more and go home. (when it went up to
50 cents my grandfather refused to go anymore)
Sometime in February I decided to make the space half and half. Half studio for me and half recycling. It's rough going but we keep trying.
Red Antique Craftsman Style End Table
The name seemed to create itself as I wanted to pay humble homage to my mom and grandmother.
I feel like the Storeo is simply an extension of my personality. I do screen-printing, surface design, fabric dyeing and graphic design. I use the space for doing my own work, but I also take in some dyeing jobs for clients. I was the resource specialist for the number one Fiber Art college program in the nation, (KCAI Fiber Department). It was my job to locate supplies, equipment and techniques for application to a creative organization in undergraduate education.
During my education I learned how to dye polyester. I've since mastered the process and teach at KCAI. The storeo seemed the natural step to take; using what would probably be thrown away (polyester) dyeing it and making the recycle connection. Everything seemed to fit.
What is your shop address?
308 E 43 Kansas City, MO 64111
What are your hours?
The storeo is open Tuesday and Thursday 10 am till 3 pm.
I've
been open to customers on Tuesdays and Thursdays for two months
now, but mostly the business is on-line and by word of mouth. I also
sell my screen-printed cards and scarves at some museum stores and
specialty stores. The on-line business allows me to do some test
marketing and make sales that I probably wouldn't have locally.
Do you hold any special events at your store?
I started this exchange program where I will sew new handles on recycle bags for $1. If people bring in an old bag then the bag with new handles is free.
Cards Chocolate Raspberry Mandala Brocade Design
Is shopping indie and small businesses important to you? If so, why?
In
this day when multinational immense corporations are the goal of
entrepreneurs, my goals are largely local. Not looking for fame or
millions. I wish everyone would first - simply take care of their own
locality. I want to do the right thing and if no one knows it but
people who recognize me when I walk up and down my sidewalk, that's
just fine and dandy. Actually I don't even mind if they don't know.
Healthy Horse Cards on Vellum with Vellum Envelope
Anything else you would like to add?
Thank you for noticing us and thank you for the interview!
Thank you Holly for an inspiring look into your storeo. It has been a pleasure. Please visit Holly's Etsy ArtStew as well as WhiteTrashUpcycle shop that her and her daughters run. You can also visit Holly at her Blog the Holly Stewart.
