Hello, fellow Time Travelers. This is the first in a series of interviews I will be conducting with member's shops. Yes, I will be interviewing the shops, not the shopkeepers. I feel this addresses an unmet need in grasping a true understanding of the Time Traveler's Team. After all, where would we be without our shops? Would we be time travelers at all?
SassySteampunk has generously offered to be the first shop to be interviewed. Much to the shop's chagrin, I have asked and received permission from the shopkeeper, Kim. SassySteampunk fails to see why that is necessary, but it's best to cover all bases.
Me:
How does it feel to be the first shop interviewed on the TTT?
SassySteampunk:
Well, it's only right, given that I am *the* sassiest steampunk shop on Etsy.
Me:
Well put. How do you feel about being a shop on Etsy?
SassySteampunk:
That's a difficult question to answer. On the one hand, I am very proud to be displayed in the company of such high quality shops. On the other hand, I'm afraid I have precious little control over my own appearance, other than inserting myself into my shopkeeper Kim's mind as she sleeps, voicing my preferences, and hoping she recalls them as "flashes of inspiration," such as my good friend the Steampunk Necklace Glow in the Dark Helm of Your Airship:
Me:
Does that imply you exert a certain amount of control over your shopkeeper's creations?
SassySteampunk:
No no, not at all. I merely try to influence my appearance. The creation of items to sell is not of my concern.
Me: Do you like the items which you display?
SassySteampunk:
Oh, very much so. Otherwise I would utilize certain tricks of the trade to move certain items, shall we say, to expired or inactive? I rarely feel the need to exercise any editorial changes. In fact, I believe my items to be amongst the best on Etsy.
Me:
What are some of your favorite items, and why?
SassySteampunk:
Well, I dearly love my Steampunk Altered Doll:
Not only is she quite adorable and very reasonably priced, her lovely shoes and wings allow her to escape whenever she pleases.
Me:
What do you mean, escape?
SassySteampunk:
Certainly you don't think we shops lie dormant as our shopkeepers sleep? We are Time Travelers, after all. However we always return all items to our shops in their original condition and location when our shopkeeper awakens.
Me:
How do you handle the difference in time zones? What would you do if an item were traveling through time while someone in a different time zone wanted to buy it?
SassySteampunk:
We are closely attuned to the universe, and available at a moment's notice to return for perusal or purchase.
Me:
Can you tell me a few other favorite items?
SassySteampunk:
Well, of course there's the notorious Night of Shadows Vampire Bat Steampunk Necklace, which has been so heavily featured in TTT treasuries of late:
I will be very sad to see that piece go. He and I have become quite close, although of course I wish him a happy home, as I do all of Kim's creations.
Me:
I take it that you develop closer ties to certain items than others?
SassySteampunk:
Well, I wouldn't want to hurt anyone's feelings, but some of the destash items, such as these 25 Steampunk Vintages Watch Parts,
are less interesting conversationalists, than, say, a steampunk derby style hat full of fascinating stories of the women who wore her:
or Ms Gear Head Steampunk Silver Pocket Watch Case Necklace, both of whom have far more interesting stories to tell than your run of the mill watch part.
Still, I must give credit where credit is due; Kim does manage to collect quite a unique selection of steampunk parts. Though i blush to say it, I have had many interesting conversations about old-fashioned television shows with the following set of vintage TV tubes:
Me: Do you have anything to say about your shopkeeper's choice of featured items, such
as this Valentine Day's themed card?
SassySteampunk:
Oh, no. I leave my business needs entirely in my shopkeeper's most capable hands. After all, she has had well over 1000 sales, all of which garnished favorable feedback. I trust her implicitly.
Me:
Do you have any parting words of wisdom?
SassySteampunk: Well I do wish the Steampunk Necklace Brown Evil Eye Talisman would close his eye once in a while. It's very bright, and while I'm not reading in the light of the Glow-in-the-Dark necklace, it would be nice to be able to get a little shut-eye. Ahem.
Me:
Actually, I was thinking more along the lines of advice for other TTT members, or buyers?
SassySteampunk: Well, you should have said so! New members can gain countless tips from the way my mistress organizes her shop, and buyers everywhere would be doing themselves a great disservice by passing over me. Not to toot my own horn, which I do not have, but I am well known as one of the largest, most diverse, and classiest steampunk shops on Etsy.
Me: Thank you so much for your time,
SassySteampunk. It's been a pleasure speaking with you, and I'm certain you've been of great help to all Etsy shops.
SassySteampunk:
It's been my pleasure entirely. I'm always happy to discuss my excellence, and the extraordinary talent of my shopkeeper, Kim.
