Geek Girls Gab with Nerd Alert Creations

My name is Rachel. I live in Jacksonville, FL. Last year I graduated with a Master’s degree in Accounting. I always thought I belonged in a job that allowed me to express my creativity, but I could never figure out what I wanted to do. Eventually, I followed my dad’s footsteps and got a degree in accounting. Now I’ve realized how much I love to sew and create clothing, so I’m actually considering taking some classes in fashion design.

The Nerdy Girlie:  What is your 1st nerd memory? 

Rachel:  My first major nerd memory was actually my first trip to Dragon*Con. I was in my early 20s and I had never even heard of sci-fi conventions before. The only ones I knew about were Star Trek ones which didn’t interest me. When a co-worker started talking about Dragon*Con and all of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer people that went the previous year, I knew that I had to go. That weekend was both the weirdest and the best experience of my life. I’ve now gone to Dragon*Con every year for the past 8 years and it remains my favorite time of the year.  

TNG:  How and why did you start crafting/sewing?  

Rachel:  When I quit my job last year to focus on finishing school, I knew I needed a hobby. I stumbled on bottle caps and decided to make bottle cap jewelry. I quickly fell in love with it and made several lines of bottle cap jewelry and accessories. However, I always need a challenge which means I was constantly looking for new things to make. Eventually, I asked my mom to teach me how to sew a purse. Once I started, I wanted to sew everything I could. So far I’ve made purses, aprons, skirts, shirts, bows, corsets, and scarves.

TARDIS skirt, Marauder's Map infinity scarf, R2D2 apron & LOTR skirt

TNG:  When and why did you decide to start your own Etsy shop?

Rachel:  Once I started making crafts for fun, I realized that I needed something to do with them. I decided to start vending at various conventions and art markets, but I also found that I could sell things online via Etsy. What started as a way to just fund my hobby has turned into my livelihood. I haven’t been able to find a job since graduating, so all the money I make from my Etsy shop pays for all of my bills. I’ve been ridiculously blessed. I don’t know what I’d do without my shop and my amazing customers. 

TNG:  YOUR favorite Etsy shop?

Rachel:  Wonderland Contraband. She’s insanely talented. I have about 9 pendants of hers including several custom ones she made for me. 

TNG:  What is your favorite thing/things to nerd out about?

Rachel:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer!!! I am the biggest fan in the world. I’m a tv show/movie nerd. I love anything by Joss Whedon or Felicia Day. My favorite shows on now are Doctor Who and Lost Girl. I also play some video games. My favorites are Skyrim, Max Payne, and Hitman. 

A BIG thank you to Rachel for sharing her awesome nerdy and girlie creations with us!  I have just ordered her TARDIS and Sherlock skirts for SDCC this year!  You can find Rachel and her creations on Etsy:  Nerd Alert Creations.  Twitter:  @NerdAlert314.  Facebook:  Nerd Alert.