Biznik Blog

As Biznik continues to grow, I’ve been asking myself the question, “What is it about someone that makes them quintessentially Biznik?” And as I was browsing through the new member profiles on Monday, I found an answer: Cassandra Lanning. She’s one of the founding members of Seattle’s Urban Craft Uprising, and the manager and director of vendor relations for Seattle’s monthly indie craft show, I Heart Rummage. But wait, it gets even better. She’s also a member of the newly formed Seattle Craft Mafia (“we have glue guns…they’re loaded and we know how to use them…”). She also runs The Bathery, one-woman bath and beauty business “trying to create a sense of mystery and intrigue in a world of predictable, unoriginal bath products.”

Wow. Do you see a pattern here? Here’s what I think: Biznik is for people who are as unapologetically themselves in businesses as they are in the rest of their lives. It’s for people who are as passionate about what they do for a living as they are about what they do on the weekend. For people who don’t take themselves too seriously, who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo, and who are tireless in pursuing their vision. Well, maybe they get tired sometimes. But they keep going anyway. And I get the feeling that Cassandra is one of those people. Let’s find out…

Q: I think we share a passion for the word “indie” as it applies to business. Tell me a bit about what it means to you in terms of your passion for indie crafts.

To me indie means more than just the latest in urban trendiness. Indie is individual expression, innovation, uniqueness. Personally, I don’t embrace what’s hip at the moment but I still consider myself indie because I am unique, I am original, no one else does what I do. Indie is a vast definition that can embrace a whole spectrum of people, of arts, of anything. Being indie means not having to be nailed down to what’s “considered” indie. I like to be different even from the people who are being different. ummm, isn’t that called a trouble maker?

Q: What is Urban Craft Uprising, and how are you involved with that?

Urban Craft Uprising is Seattle’s annual indie craft revolution! In our second year, we are gathering the most indie crafters under one roof that Seattle has ever seen! I am the Director of Vendor Relations with UCU. I coordinate all the vendors, help with creating the floorplan for the show, assign spaces and field all vendor questions, enquiries, and concerns. And I can sell my peeps like a mo`fo!

Q: and you could probably guess my next question: tell me about the Seattle Craft Mafia. Can you be part of the Uprising and the Mafia at the same time? Or does the Mafia mercilessly hunt down anyone not completely loyal to them?

That’s top secret information. If I told you, I’d have to kill you.

Q: How long have you been an indie business person? Tell me a bit about your background…

I started my indie soap business in 2005 after a very unsuccessful stab at doing “suburban” craft shows. Somehow my “goth” soaps got placed next to the lady who’s soaps were wrapped in Bible verses. Aaackk!!! So, very quickly I discovered IHR and started selling with them. Of late my soap business has been put on the back burner as my involvement with my groups has increased, but it’s not dead yet! I LOVE making soap and bath products, especiallyones that are very unique and unusual. I’ve created a very specialized niche for myself, so I’m still looking for my target audience. Middle-aged Goths with money to spend on frivolously beautiful bath products? Where are you?

Q: and finally, what one piece of business advice from your experience would you like to share with indie business people?

Two things: 1. Don’t be afraid to get out there and start a business, or market yourself. I can’t believe the feeling of freedom I discovered when I was forced into business for myself. Suddenly it was like the world had opened up for me. Sometimes you need a kick in the ass, but hey, kick yourself in the ass and just get out there and do it. The doors will start opening and you won’t regret it! 2. Don’t give up or get discouraged. As a friend of mine said to me, “Don’t let the buzzards get you down!” Just because things don’t seem great, don’t lose hope. Just keep at it, things will always get better. Oh, and don’t forget to get your business license.

Words to live by:
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, red wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming “WOO-HOO!!! What a ride!!!!!!”

Proprietor, The Bathery
Electrologist, The Bathery Electrolysis
www.thebathery.com

IHR
www.iheartrummage.com

This entry was posted on Friday, August 11th, 2006 at 6:28 am and is filed under Interviews. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.