Q & A | The Indie-pendent’s Beth Lord

The Indie-pendent is a sweet little shop in the Highlands, with the goal of promoting local, independent artists. The heart of the operation, Beth Lord, sports a background in fashion, textiles and interiors. After having spent a while designing showrooms, trade shows and events, she moved to Atlanta to be closer to her brother, who was battling brain cancer, and her partner, Susan.

It was the loss of her brother in 2007 that inspired her to live life with more purpose. As she recalls, her relationships and personal happiness took a higher priority. The feeling that “life was short” became very real, and she was no longer held back by fear. Feeling she had nothing to lose, Beth decided to explore her creativity and allow it to flourish. But while she enjoys making things, she’s more of a make-it-once-to-prove-I-can sort of gal, and soon realized perhaps art wasn’t the career path for her. It was then she realized that designing the space and curating the shop would be an excellent way to combine her creativity with her life experiences and surround herself with beautiful things made by real people. Hence, the Indie-pendent was born.

CommonCreativ sat down with Beth to learn more about the inspiration hub that is the Indie-pendent, cute gift ideas for the upcoming holiday season and get some tips on ‘making it’ as an artist.

CommonCreativ: You have so many awesome, hand-made products! How do you choose which to sell?

Beth Lord: First of all, I had a very specific aesthetic in mind. I follow some of the top lifestyle design blogs and have always kept a pulse on the fashion and interiors market. I was/am looking for artists who are leaders, or who I feel have the potential to become a leader in their particular craft. If they were not yet represented in Atlanta, or in the South for that matter, then I wanted them.

CC: What’s new for the holiday season? 

BL: We have so many fun new things in for the holidays…The most amazing cats, Professor Mustache and Madam Meow, (Sara Auman Smith). And I am not even a cat person. The sweetest “taxidermy” trophies made from vintage dresser linens. A new jewelry line, The Basilica Series, (Meagan Torbert McCord) is a sterling silver line designed from the architectural footprints of some of the world’s most famous basilicas.

CC: Do you have any tips for artists who aspire to make a living from their creations? 

BL:I know it can be difficult, but do not underprice your work. When we are doing what we love, it somehow seems wrong to get paid for it. I cannot remember who told me this but it makes good sense and is so true. When you underprice your own work, you are devaluing other’s work as well.

CC: What is it about owning a small business that you find most fulfilling?

BL: I would have to say the initial comments and compliments by those who are entering the space for the very first time. I have had numerous people tell me that it feels like home to them—there is not a better compliment. That’s exactly what I wanted. I wanted to create a space that was comfortable and welcoming to all.

CC: What inspires you?

BL: This question always stumps me. Inspiration is everywhere. Color, shape and texture; simple things and elaborate things; bright colors and cool pastels; old things and crazy modern things. Basically all pretty things. Maybe I am easily or overly inspired? And did I mention Pinterest?

CC: The Indie-pendent doesn’t just sell great products—you offer some spectacular classes too. What are some up-and-coming workshops?

BL: Each Thursday leading up to Christmas we’ll be holding a holiday market in the space at Belly General Store. We are super excited to help Atlanta shoppers avoid mall craziness and check off their lists with handmade gifts. We will of course also be doing some holiday DIY with guests on-site Thursdays 6-9pm. Otherwise, we’re holding Infusing Bourbons classes, Canning and Preserving, and of course, creating some great Handmade Holiday Gifts and Décor with both kids and adults. Classes are always being added to the calendar on our website and we do a great job keeping everyone up to date through Facebook.

CC: Are you a huge fan of any local creative projects? If so, what are they?

BL: Yes—the Atlanta Beltline and the Goat Farm. And definitely the Plywood People.

CC: How would you describe the Atlanta creative scene?

BL: I am originally from LaGrange, Ga., so I have spent a great deal of my life in or relatively close to the Atlanta area. I believe Atlanta is really beginning to come into its own—to figure out who it is and what it wants to be. Being Southern has become cool. The film industry has made a home here. Folks are beginning to open their minds and hearts, learning to embrace the wonderful diversity and creativity that exists here.

CC: What’s one project you’ve always wanted to do, but haven’t had the chance?

BL: My assistant Jess and I have been dreaming up a “from hand to home” road trip in an Airstream, dropping in on lesser-known artists in their studios, tracking down craftspeople and scouring salvage yards.

CC: What’s one unexpected effect that your small business has had on your life?
BL: I never imagined that so many folks would consider my shop their home away from home in such a short period. So many, new to Atlanta especially, come here to work on their projects and bounce ideas [around]. It really does support the idea that small business gives back to the community in so many ways.