Today we’d like to introduce you to Black Orchyd Pasties.
Hello Black Orchyd Pasties, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I first heard of burlesque about six years ago. I fell in love with this form of performance art – the history, the diversity, the glitz and glam, the grungy, the family.
It helped me in my journey to love my body. But, most of all I loved making costumes and costume accessories, utilizing all the crafting and sewing skills my late mother had taught me.
Before I knew it, I had an Etsy store focusing on pasties – an iconic component of the burlesque costume. I love a good challenge and welcome any ideas my clients present to me!
Alright, 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?
As previously mentioned, my mother spent a good deal of time teaching me basic crafting skills.
We spent hours making clothes, stuffed animals, and all kinds of art. I’m grateful for these experiences because they made costuming and pastie-making seem relatively natural. Of course, there’s trial and error in every process and my process has evolved over time.
Specializing in custom designs does make for quite a challenge at times because there’s no template. I have to adapt and create from scratch each time I get a custom design request.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I make costume accessories geared toward burlesque performers.
I primarily make pasties, but I also make feather headbands, flower headbands, and hair clips. I’m known for my ability to take any idea a client brings to me and turn it into a rhinestone pastie.
Among my favorites were a pair of Santa faces with tassels hanging from his nose, an ouija planchette, and the face hugger from aliens.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
With the Covid-19 pandemic, like so many other small businesses, orders have slowed. I hope as the world moves forward, to have more opportunities for unique creations.
Pricing:
- My prices range from $30 to $100 (or more) depending on design, rhinestone colors, size, complexity, etc.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlackOrchydPasties
- Instagram: @black.orchyd
Image Credits
Green Bag Photography and Black Orchyd
