R&L Goods Interview

A true collaboration in every sense of the word is R&L Goods. Housed in a shared duplex, founders Jean and Chika create accessories and wearables for the “right and left side of your brain.” They often collaborate with other artists to create their truly unique creations.
UCU: What’s one thing you wish you had known at your first craft show?

R&L Goods: Ha ha - I wish I had known how important my projected attitude is to customers and to myself. I used to just sit at my table and wait for the sales to come. Even if the sales came - I think the act of being so sedentary made me come off as a real sour-puss. Now I realize the importance of keeping energy up - when it's slow, get in the booth and re-merchandise. Whatever you do - don't just sit there and watch the clock. As a shopper, I find that that to be booth repellent - no matter how much cool stuff is in there. Teaming up with Jean opened my eyes to the reward for projecting friendly conversational energy.


UCU: What item are you most excited to be offering at UCU Winter 2010?
R&L Goods: Our new Piano Nobile prints on our notebooks and wallets! We love their work, we love working with them, and it's just so cool to get to make our goods from original hand screened textiles! We think their prints are gorgeous, and we're so proud of how handsome they look on a finished book or wallet.

UCU: What day of show traditions are you bringing to UCU Winter 2010?

R&L Goods: A good breakfast with lots of protein, a strong cup of coffee, and a beer at 3 o'clock :)

UCU: If you could sum up your work in one word, what would that be?

R&L Goods: Thoughtful.....so we hope.

UCU: What are you nibbling on as the snow falls this winter?

R&L Goods: Some leftover Halloween candy, and fistfuls of rice crackers. That might go beyond nibbling.


UCU: Favorite handmade item you have?

R&L Goods: We both have rings of very special significance made by Andy Cooperman - a fantastic Jewelry artist who lives and works just a few blocks from us in Ballard. Jean's engagement ring was a top secret surprise and was designed by Andy and her fiance at Andy's studio. My husband and I worked with Andy on our wedding rings - which involved a couple of studio visits, sketching, and lots of talking. We managed to reach a design that reflected our story and Andy's artistic influence - and though I don't expect to receive any envious stares from strangers - I think it's perfect. And it seems that Jean's ring is just as perfect for her.

R&L Goods is graciously offering a pocket sized refillable notebook (design of the winner's choosing) as a giveaway! Leave a comment on this post to be entered to win!