Get To Know: Jennifer Syfu of Starving Artist Bazaar

It’s that fun time again…Sponsor meetin’ time!

Meet Jennifer Syfu of Starving Artist Bazaar.

Name (first and last):
Jennifer Syfu

Business Name:
Starving Artist Bazaar

Where are you located?
Skokie, IL (Chicago suburb)

What is it that you design and create?
I make lampworked glass jewelry. I like creating organic designs and shapes.

What is your favorite part of the design process?
Opening the kiln and seeing how my design turned out.

How did you come up with your business name?
I started my business right after I left my job. I wasn’t starving, but funds were low.

Where/How did this all begin?
I was obsessed with glassblowing and somehow that obsession turned to marble collecting. I taught myself how to make marbles and I use those techniques in my jewelry.

Who or what inspires you?
I love the work of Dale Chihuly.

What advice would you give other independent artists who are just starting out?
Make what you love.

What’s on your iPod/music player right now?
I’ve been mostly listening to podcasts. This American Life and The Ricky Gervais Show.

What t.v. shows are you currently hooked on?
Too many. It’s almost embarrassing. Some are Heroes, Project Runway, The Office and The Colbert Report.

What was the last movie you watched?
The Last King of Scotland

What’s your favorite food?
That changes. Right now. Dried figs and baked snappea crisps.

What’s your favorite candy?
Dark chocolate.

Coffee or Tea?
Tea

What store could you walk around in for hours and be happy?
I’m an online shopper. I have no patience.

Any pets?
2 dogs, 1 cat and 2 betta.

Favorite place to visit or place you’d like to visit?
My sister’s house in Arizona.

If you could be a superhero, what would your name be and what would be your superpowers?
Empress Syfu. The ability to turn anything into chocolate.

Any celebrity crushes?
Jame McAvoy. Yes. I think Mr. Tummus is hot.

Favorite Holiday?
Talk Like a Pirate Day

If you were a shoe, what shoe would you be?
Fuzzy slippers that look like some kind of animal.

What do you secretly wish you could do/be?
A surfer.

Do you speak any other languages? If not, would you like to learn one?
No. No. I suck at languages.

We’re almost half way through the year! Any exciting plans for the rest of the year?
I’m going to Tokyo! I guess I better learn some Japanese. (see above)

Thanks so much for sharing some of yourself with us, Jennifer! Let’s see some of her lovely handmade goods…

Periwinkle Mini Amoeba Silver Necklace; Green Protozoan Silver Necklace; Blue and Seafoam Eukaryote Necklace With Silver Charm:

Blue Protozoan Hairpin; Yellow and Blue Amoeba Pendant; Orange and Clear Amoeba Hoop Earrings:

{Periwinkle Mini Amoeba Silver Necklace: $30.00; Green Protozoan Silver Necklace: $50.00; Blue and Seafoam Eukaryote Necklace With Silver Charm: $35.00}

{Blue Protozoan Hairpin: $7.00; Yellow and Blue Amoeba Pendant: $25.00; Orange and Clear Amoeba Hoop Earrings: $25.00}