Tell us, Who are you and what do you do?
By day, we are Clair and Andrew. By night, we are The Red Door Pursuit. We create, pick and hoard, but on Etsy, we are considered artists and collectors. We make jewelry, various nifty items and sell vintage clothing and bags. We have a lot on our plate but we do what we love.
Why do you do what you do?
It's what we've done since childhood. I've always been creative and have had much inspiration and encouragement. As you get older, you're tastes may change but your heart doesn't. I used to hide marbles all in tree branches when I would climb my neighbors Magnolia tree. (To her old everlasting fright.) It's pretty much the same today, just with crochet needles and every room in my house.
Andrew still has proof of all his 'collecting.' He's extremely talented and intellegent. When he was really young, he forged and fabricated a little horseshoe guy. His love for working with metals has only grew. His goal is to take ordinary objects and turn them into something beautiful that other people can enjoy.
Tell us a little about your background?
The history of our business came about in Fall of 2010. I thought I had found a great promising job at a very avante-garde new store. The owner wanted me to be able to contribute if I worked there, so I brought in some samples and everything was a hit. She shows me around and puts out my items and then proceeds to tell me that she can't afford to pay me for at least another few months. This was all after I had put in about 3 or 4 hours there. As livid as Andrew and I were, we collected my stuff and politely stormed out. We took inspiration from my heirloom spoon ring, that traveled to Woodstock, and went from there. The Red Door Pursuit was born, named cleverly after a single impossible house project. After what seemed like forever, the store began to pick up. Then came the vintage and soon after, Andrew's brilliant fork ring. And the rest is history.
Who are you most inspired by?
We are inspired by the impossible. We are a little more rebellious than you're average white rat. When we hear, "That can't be done," we become obsessed until we solve the problem. It's difficult to work with metals and make something that someone else would want to pay for. Sure Mom loves it but would somebody buy this crap? That's why we are the 'pursuit.'
What work do you most enjoying doing?
We're still so new to this business, I'm still loving virtually everything. We both love finding new silverware patterns, especially silver-plate. It sometimes feels ridiculous when you catch yourself in search for something that seems so irrelevant but flatware really has so many possibilities.
Also, one of the most fulfilling moments is knowing that there are people in Finland, Italy, Australia, Sweden and Singapore wearing your jewelry and carrying the vintage that you spotted. And when you get the feedback on how much they love it...That's a great feeling.
What themes do you pursue?
If we had to be classified, I would say we are boho. We mix styles and generations of ideas and fashions. I love mixing the unexpected with the forgotten. It's our style and it comes naturally.
Describe a real-life situation that inspired you?
I think for both of us, the recent inspiration has been the copycats. Before I list an item that's ready to be sold, I scope out the competition and make sure ours is unique in it's own way and, of course I critique the others, because I adore our work. In the cases of two different items, there was nothing to be found like them on Etsy. No one had anything of the sort listed like either one of them, so we were excited that we had brought something so new and unique to the community! And apparently others were too because within two weeks we had copycats. One of which listed their item by the same quirky name and...(drumroll) their item made it to the front page of Etsy. We were so mad at first, mainly because it was so poorly made. It was nothing more than a mimic with some glue, a tacky setting and an adjustable ring blank, and ours was soldered and genuine. But at the same time, we were immensely flattered. Not only does someone love our idea enough to steal it but it made it to the front page! We learned that this is a struggle with your own business but it's really worth it. We make genuine, heartfelt jewelry that is made by yours truly. That can never be stolen.
What song/songs/music genres inspire you?
Andrew is inspired by 'Simple Man' by Lynyrd Skynyrd for all aspects of life. This is very admirable to me because the answer to this question came so quickly to him. He keeps me grounded. I could change music from Bass Nectar to Rob Zombie to James Taylor in under a minute. It just depends on my mood and what I'm working on.
What do you dislike about your work?
The only things I dislike is when something goes wrong. There is no excuse for bad business and when I say 'bad,' I mean 'less than excellent.' My customers are everything to me and if a ring is a day late to be shipped or a zipper is broken, it ruins my day.
Andrew's main dislike is the frustration of working with such a difficult media. Metal doesn't always work the way you want it to and sometimes you just have to walk away until tomorrow.
What do you like about your work?
Andrew says, "That I get to make stuff with my sweetheart." And I agree, I love being able to work with the man I love. We finally have coworkers that we enjoy being around. It's really nice to be our own boss and give your colleague a smooch by the ole' water cooler.
Name something you love, and why.
I love Andrew.
Andrew says, "I love Clair." Simple as that. Our reason: we make great partners. Without him, this little store would have never came together. He makes my every day vibrant and beautiful.
What is your dream project?
So much of our store is driven by life, it's almost symbolism. I have so many dream projects in life, I guess mine is to finally get my degree because it seems so far away. But the project for the store....I can't let that cat out of the bag...you'll just have to wait and see.
Andrew's dream project is to build a bench rest rifle for 1000 yard shooting. He really enjoys the competition and I can't wait for him to continue this passion of his. For the business, he wants to continue with fresh ideas and keep growing.
Favorite or most inspirational place?
For us, inspiration knows no bounds. Andrew says it's like a mud flap, inspirational and will travel...I'm not sure what that means but I'm sure it has truth to it..
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Sometimes you have to slow down and take a closer look because you can't see the forest for the trees.
Professionally, what’s your goal?
Our goal is to make it through until we get our degrees. Then we'll have the money for all the amazing tools and the shop that we need and The Red Door Pursuit will go to a completely different level.
{All photos are courtesy of The Red Door Pursuit, please give credit when using them or ask permission- Thank you}
You can check out Red Door Pursuit's ETSY shop HERE!!! Also, THIS is the ring that started it ALL!! :) Also, Be sure and head on over to the RED DOOR PURSUIT BLOG and give it a look!
XoXoXo- Trashy Betty
-Special Thanks to Red Door Pursuit for sharing with us -
{{If you would like to be featured on Feature Friday, please feel free to leave a comment with your email in order for me to get in touch with you!}}
2 comments:
How wonderful Melissa! Thank you for featuring us :)
You're things are Amazing Claire!!! :) -Melissa
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