Don't miss Charity's trunk show at the SoWa Winter Pop-up by Wyllo 12/6-12/6 11-6 at 65 Thayer St, Boston, MA 02118
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your brand.
The Science Boutique is based out of the Boston area. I make science themed jewelry, accessories, clothing and gifts!
What inspired you to start your brand or craft? I was in undergraduate school studying Astrophysics and was incredibly stressed out. I had originally gone to art school before switching over to the sciences and I didn't realize how important it was to my mental health to be creating things. So I started making some science jewelry for myself and my classmates and professors really liked the pieces I was making so I started an Etsy shop!
How did you come up with the name of your company?
It was originally going to be my nickname until "The Science Boutique" just popped into my head. I was shocked that it was still available on Etsy and all of social media.
What does an average day look like?
There is absolutely no average day for me. I am all over the place, especially this year!
What’s your favorite part of the job?
I really like creating new items, but my favorite part is people's reactions to what I make. It means so much to me to connect to other women in STEM through my art. It is the ultimate compliment for another scientist to purchase an item from me. It is especially great when it is one of my more "deep cut" science items, like something pertaining to black holes or plant cells.
When you’re creating do you have a person in mind?
Not usually but I often bring my ideas to my friends which is great because a lot of them aren't in the sciences so I get opinions on aesthetics, not just science content. I definitely have items that I make for broader interests, and others that are aimed to be for super nerdy people.
When was your business founded and how has it evolved over time?
The Science Boutique was founded in 2012 and it is constantly evolving! Every year I pick up a new trade or two. This year I learned how to do glass etching and while I have always sewn a lot of my items, the masks are new this year. Aside from creating items, I was hoping to do a lot of hands-on science activities this summer with my telescope and microscope, but that will have to wait until next year. I really want to make science more accessible to adults who aren't scientists themselves.
What's one thing on your bucket list?
As for something on my bucket list - I did get to check one off this year before the pandemic hit. I got to watch the sunrise from the top of Mauna Kea where some of the most amazing telescopes in the world are!
Are there any challenges that you’ve had to overcome?
So so many. I moved to Boston about 6 months after starting The Science Boutique, and that was challenging. I am not good at marketing, so as Etsy grew, being seen became a challenge. I was working in science research for a while, and moved over to science education, and also spent four years in graduate school, and being a woman in STEM comes with its own challenges. But having my art as an outlet has really helped me cope during those tough times.
What is one piece of advice you have for a female entrepreneur just starting out?
Don't second guess yourself.
Let us know where we can follow you.
I am most active on IG @TheScienceBoutique and of course my Etsy (www.TheScienceBoutique.Etsy.Com). I am excited for next year because I will be making some new, exciting clothing items!