We had the good fortune of connecting with VHS GIRL and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi VHS GIRL, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve been obsessed with collecting VHS tapes for years, and one day I wondered how to get all my favorite movies in art form on my wall. One of my artist friends encouraged me to paint them myself so I did! I already had business experience selling vintage clothes online so the shipping/answering customer questions already came second nature to me. And the thought that I could make my own merch instead of constantly hunting for it was a perk as well. One day I put it out there to people what I was selling and hoped it would spark interest. Luckily, it did.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I wouldn’t say I’m a professional, but painting everyday for 6 years has really helped me improve. And understanding that folk art is art too; not all art has to be perfect and sold for thousands of dollars. I sell handmade paintings for a reasonable price so nearly anyone can have a personalized piece of art without going broke. And I get to take movies I’ve loved and change the taglines and quotes on the box that reflect my humor and opinions! I’ve definitely had some hard steps to overcome to get here – not listening to friends and family members seeing me struggle to invest in building my career and telling me “just get a real job if it’s so hard.”… it’s best to not listen if you believe in yourself.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Carbondale Illinois has the best hiking spots! Little Grand Canyon, Garden of the Gods, Giant City trails in this cute little town called Makanda complete with a boardwalk with an art studio, local shops, and even a little bit of thrifting (Electric Larrys!). Also shoutout to Cristaudos Cafe where they make the best TLT (tofu lettuce tomato) sandwich I’ve ever had. Also the WINERIES and Scratch Brewery! Ugh. You can definitely tell I really, REALLY like it here.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to my grandma and grandpa Herb and Darlene Miller, who were always crafting away with wood or paint, my parents Terri and Rick Winchester who constantly asked me what supplies I needed and were more than happy to help out, and Brett Hunter, my friend and local artist who showed me how I could achieve my dream!

Website: Http://www.Etsy.com/shop/vhsgirlshop

Instagram: @vhsgirl

Image Credits
VHS GIRL

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