Your Industrial Park Neighbors: Hip Chick Designs

Benicia Patch periodically profiles businesses located in the Industrial Park. Patch interviewed artist-owner Carrie Campbell Clayden of Hip Chick Designs. The shop is in the same building as , , and Michael Trahan Interior Design.

How long has Hip Chick Designs been in business?
As a store studio, I opened January, 2010. I was here about eight months before I opened to the public.

How would you describe your business?
This is an art studio store with eclectic vintage treasures and art.  I offer classes. And I sell tutus. I have a portfolio of about 50 online. (From this writer, check out this not-to-be-missed online portfolio.)

How do you get the word out that you are in the Industrial Park?
I use Facebook, my website and blog. I do different advertising at various times. I have advertised on SF Gate and in Benicia magazine.  

What are the benefits of your Industrial Park location?
The rent is awesome. I love of the art energy of this area. It’s home to 100 artists. The beautiful old buildings and the location next to the water is unique. I can’t believe I was just up at ; their beautiful papers are shipped all over the world.

Anything else you would like to share with your Benicia neighbors?
I’d like to let them know about my classes. I gave my first class with Ana Corba, the author of the book, Vintage Paper Crafts, a book I have loved for years. That was in the spring. The class was full because of her  reputation as an artist. It was so fun having women in here making art together, the collaborative energy of that. That inspired me to keep making this a space for having art classes. I’ve had several guest teachers, and they’ve all been really good. So I keep trying to find new teachers and new things to offer to keep it interesting.  

The listing of my classes is on the website. The next class will be a soldering charm bracelet class. There’s a photo on my website.