Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Betsey Giles, a serial entrepreneur in arts, fashion, and music. My newest venture is an eclectic mash-up of all three! Rockin’ Octopus is sprouting its first tentacle with my line of fabulous luxe faux fur hats for big “kids”. I have been making and selling hundreds of them for the past 5 years, so they get to start the Octopus rockin’! More tentacles to come including crazy knits, a line of lingerie and courses in Creative Thinking.
Where did your business name come from? Is there an interesting story behind it?
I am the Rockin’ Octopus, or as I call her “Octavia Octopus - The Mischievous Mistress of the Creative Mindset”
Why did you start working in this craft?
In 2016 I kept happening across really wild fun faux furs online. Due to a lot of tragedies in the world that year, I figured folks could really use a crazy fun hat to cheer things up. My simple design for wild-but-winter-practical hats was an instant winner. I sold them out of a backpack, everywhere I went, sold at local rock shows, and then opened an Etsy store.
What is the latest thing you have been working on?
Finally developing a brand! I hired a friend of mine to design the artwork and I have an official logo which I’m putting on all kinds of merchandise in addition to getting beautiful labels in my hats. I hired another friend to handle my website and all my social media so I can focus on what I do.
What was your first memory of making something?
I was lucky to be born into a family of designers and sewers, got my first sewing machine at age 6 (Mom was tired of me messing with hers!) My first designs were mostly lingerie and evening wear for my Barbies.
Have you always been passionate about art and design?
My whole life has been about art and design and Rock and Roll! If there is a form of art, fashion, or music I have probably done it. I owned an art gallery for local artists and fashion designers and put in a stage to host live local bands. I even wrote music and played drums in a band for a bit!
What do your customers love most about your product(s)?
They are pure simple fun to wear, comfortable, classic, plus nice and toasty warm. My customers always leave reviews about how much attention they get while wearing them - instant icebreakers wherever you go! Put on one of my hats and it’s only a matter of time before you get asked “Where did you get that hat?”
What do you love most about craft show vending?
One on one feedback, that helps me decide on new furs to add. Plus, the joy on people’s faces when they fond “The One”!
What are some tips or suggestions you would like to offer to fellow makers?
Never compromise on your prices, get paid what you are worth! People who will appreciate your things will gladly pay what they’re worth.
www.rockinoctopus.com
www.instagram.com/rockin_octopus
www.facebook.com/RockinOctopus