Since I was a young girl I have always had an obsession with sneakers, I always wanted to get the newest most unique Kicks, as I use to call them, before anyone else did and if I saw anyone else with the same sneakers that I had on I would get so upset that I would no longer wear them. I remember making sure that my sneakers were always fresh, I had a special toothbrush dedicated only for my sneakers, I kept a special brush for the suede one’s just in case someone stepped on my foot, I would just brush it off literally. I also use to soak my shoe laces every weekend to make sure the look was complete as well as shoe polish for every sneaker color I had just in case I had a scuff. When I came across Pink Eye Fashions on twitter I became ecstatic and was captivated with their eye grabbing tag line “I Got Pink Eye Did You Catch it Yet?” catchy right? I was infected from the start and was hoping to spread my contagiousness by featuring them on TalkisCheep.com.
I would like to introduce you all to Erica Purnell the owner and founder of Pink Eye Fashions and help you become more acquainted with her and what she does.
TIC: Why did you start Pink Eye?
Erica of Pink Eye: Pink Eye was started actually as just a way to earn a few extra dollars as I was customizing my own kicks. I started getting requests from people to do jackets and kicks and it became bigger on its own. I then took the vision of that, being that people love stuff customized and evolved it into what you see today. I combined my two loves of art and sneakers into a brand that is known for exclusive artistry.
TIC: How did you come up with the concept and name for the company?
Erica of Pink Eye: I had a logo at the time for one of my other ventures which was a graphic of an eye and had spilled something red on it and joked that “oh it has Pink Eye” then I started to think on Pink Eye and even though its gross and contagious thought I could put a spin on the name as every time I wear my kicks everyone would look at them (hence…”Catch It”) and it seemed to be “infecting” everyone I came in contact with and getting attention. So the concept just worked and 6 years later….its still infecting people!
TIC: What does your business specialize in?
Erica of Pink Eye: Pink Eye provides custom airbrush and hand-painted designs for sneakers, shoes, hats, jackets, t-shirts and much more. We believe everyone has an inner expression that needs to be set free and shown to the world and we create infectious fashion for individuals that like to make statements.
TIC: How has the recession affected your business?
Erica of Pink Eye: Orders are a little slower of course and Fashion is not a necessity so that always hurts business some. But I still get clients and in the off-time I just use to come up with new marketing strategies and keep networking because that’s always key, even in a recession.
TIC: During this recession have you had to create any innovative products or services that reflect the times such as discounted designs?
Erica of Pink Eye: Not major innovations, but you take advantage of “free tools” like twitter and other social sites as an outlet to get more traffic to your site and business. I’ve also given discounts to people knowing they really wanted one of my designs but also knowing their budget to satisfy a customer. I may take a pay-cut but their satisfaction goes a long way.
TIC: What differentiates you from other Artist/Designers and Pink Eye from other companies?
Erica of Pink Eye: Every artist/designer is different in their own way. Pink Eye as a company itself stands apart as we really are a BRAND of custom lifestyle. We don’t repeat designs. Everything is one of a kind. Our customer base is very unique as well. Different ethnic groups, We’ve done work for people ages 5-65 so we don’t fit in one box. We appeal to everyone who wants to make their own artistic expression through custom fashion.
TIC: What does the word entrepreneur mean to you?
Erica of Pink Eye: Entrepreneur to me means going for yours. No matter how long the road to get there or if you aren’t rich yet. The initiative to look in the mirror at yourself and say I’m going to show the world who I am and what I can do.
TIC: How are you currently promoting your business?
Erica of Pink Eye: I utilize all the internet social tools, Twitter, Facebook, Myspace and more. I send emails. I do print advertisements at times and also do trade shows when they come available. I had a few magazine write-ups awhile back so that always help. There is always the best “carry your business card” and a Print portfolio on you because you never know who you will run into. Ive gotten plenty business off that last one because time is money and if its in someones face, they cant deny you or your talent.
TIC: What advice would you give other individuals who are trying to break into the Art realm?
Erica of Pink Eye: Take the time to develop yourself professionally. You cant expect someone to take you serious if you won’t. We get so caught up in the internet world that sometimes you have to take it back to basics. Like having a business card. You don’t know how many artists I meet and I’m ready to network with them at an event and they don’t have one. I tell them that’s your first mistake. You should always have that, even if you don’t have a site. Also, learn to speak. You cant be shy and want people to know you. If you walk up to someone and say hello my name is…. You never know where that opportunity can lead. Talent is the easy part, its the professionalism us artist lack sometime that we have to get sharper with.
TIC: Are there any dreams that you haven’t achieved yet?
Erica of Pink Eye: Definitely, I’m a visual and graphic artist as well. So I have other ventures I do now like web design and logo branding of other start-up companies. Im always keeping busy with something artistic. I write as well. I have a book I want to shop around and who knows. I like to surprise people. You’ll never know what may be next for me. So stay tuned!
You can find Pink Eye Fashions on the following Social Networks
Twitter: @IGotPinkEye
Facebook:Facebook.com/IGotPinkEye
MySpace:Myspace.com/IGotPinkEye
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