Feb- Twigear

[erinlovesjoe]

I'm excited to introduce February's Vendor of the Month, Shelly with www.twi-gear.com (twigear Shelly on TwilightMoms). I've had the pleasure of getting to know Shelly over the past few years, having both attended many Creation Twilight Conventions as vendors. If you've been to a Creation-run Twilight convention, chances are good that you've met her and even purchased some of her amazing merchandise from her store, www.twi-gear.com

www.twi-gear.com
Shelly, to start, why don't you tell us a bit about yourself?
As a child i wanted to be an astronaut, dolphin trainer or vampire, and thus the fascination began. My nose was forever found in some vampire novel... I have been in one form of the "arts" or another for as long as i can remember—starring in my first play at 6, working professionally by 14 as a model and actor, and behind the scenes in writing, directing, photography, and light and set design. I moved into DJing, managing, and promoting clubs and performers, and then discovered Photoshop and Illustrator, which enabled me to find a creative outlet I absolutely fell in love with. In my mid 20s I was struck with a neurological disease that forced me to walk away from the entertainment industry as the schedule was too demanding for what my body could handle. Thankfully, however, I was able to continue to draw and write, even after the loss of sight in my right eye.


Can you tell us a bit about how you got into Twilight and began making Twilight
It was only natural for me to pick up the Twilight book series, and I found them visually stunning in my imagination. When Catherine Hardwicke was able to do such an amazing job on such a limited budget, and I saw many of the images I saw in my mind right there on the big screen, I began to draw incessantly, never knowing what i would do with them. And then came the news that Creation Entertainment was hosting "Twilight conventions" in cities across the country. I knew i wanted to be a part of them. Having another t-shirt company already in production, I really wanted to bring a different line of apparel to the shows; one of high quality that focused on the essence of the books, not just the three main characters. And so twi-gear was born. At first, it was just "team" tees, sweatshirts, and track apparel, but the response has been overwhelming and the line continues to grow. It now includes temporary tattoos, tote bags, bandannas, water bottles, and character shirts.gear?

www.twi-gear.com
Because you attend so many Twilight conventions, have you had a chance to meet the actors firsthand? If so, can you share any interesting stories with us?

I was very blessed to get to know many actors from the series, and their interest in doing a character line with me has been so much fun to create! So far I have worked with Peter, Kellen, Nikki, Bronson, Michael, Charlie, Booboo, and Julia, and I am currently working on shirts for Dan, Jackson, Chaske, Alex, and Kiowa. A portion of the profits for many of these shirts goes toward different charities of the celebrities' choice, including Alex's Lemonade Stand and Operation Smile just to name a few.

www.twi-gear.com
Besides Twilight, what other book, movies, and music do you enjoy?
As far as books, I like all things vampire, from the Sookie Stackhouse series to Anne Rice's novels to Stephen King, but you will also catch me reading Shakespeare or EE Cummings anytime. I have also finished writing a book of poetry and am currently working with a publisher on getting it out to the public. I like all music, from country to dance to rock to hip hop to indie sounds, and I will probably always have an affinity for anything 80s. But I do have one obsession: Kylie Minogue. I even named my dog after her!

I have the pleasure of owning several of Shelly’s shirts and they are all high quality and super cute! I live in my hoodie! Go over to www.twi-gear.com to check out all of Shelly’s products!
HUGE Thank you to Stacie (a.k.a. rileysmom) for helping me get this post together! love ya!!

[Proud MommaX3]

CONGRATS Shelly!!!
I have one of your "surfing wolves" shirts and I love it

[dazzledforever]

I love Shelly's stuff!! I have the Volturi jacket, it is well made and so comfy

[modina5]

I also love shelly's stuff....and shelly! had the opportunity to meet and hang out with her in Portland! I have a few of Shelly's items, i have the volturi track suit....i have a 35" inseam and the pants are long enuf and they are so comfy! I have plans to purchase several more of shelly's items. Congrats shelly!!!!

[Monisa]

Shelly's stuff is fabulous. I think my favorite is the wolf's wings design.

[Briar]

Well done, Shelly!

I saw a few designs that would fit right into my wardrobe...

<3 xxx

[soookee]

Your site looks fantastic. If your not at the convention in Nashville next week I will be back on it.