who’s behind all this?!
Zlanarama is founded and run by me, Betsi Goutal – known around the net as “zlana” for over ten years. I’ve been playing with colorful plastic beads since my mom decided I was old enough not to stick them up my nose. My bead stash has grown quite a bit since then, but the colors remain the same.
mission statement
The zlanarama mission is twofold. First, there is the more general goal to increase the color and whimsy in an increasingly drab, dreary, sometimes scary world. Second is to remind women everywhere of the value of many of the things considered childish in our culture. There is nothing wrong with a splash of bright color, or even a lot of color. A sense of wonder is a valuable thing. Yet as soon as we hit high school we’re expected to become jaded and only ever wear the latest trendy earth-tone. Screw that, give me my rainbows and bunnies! Dare to be bold, colorful, courageous. Bring a smile to someone’s face with a funky charm bracelet. Live out loud.
To give you an idea of the style here at zlanarama, let me tell you a bit about what inspires my jewelry…
- I grew up watching Saturday morning cartoons in the ‘80s, so bright colors never cease to thrill me – the brighter the better. Neon colors and rainbows really get my creative juices going!
- Plastic is my favorite material to work with, partly because it’s possible to have such a rainbow of bright colors, but also because it’s durable, and it’s cheap. Cheap beads and charms means I can make jewelry for cheap, which means I can offer cheap prices… hooray for shiny trinkets that won’t break the bank!
- My sense of humor is really random and odd, so I love using components and motifs that are really kitsch and off the wall. Funky plastic charms from the ‘80s, retro Cracker Jack prizes and toys… I get inspired to make jewelry with the strangest themes sometimes!
- I love Japanese street fashion (also known as “FRUiTs”), especially decora, which is all about bright colors, cute patterns, and lots of layers of jewelry and accessories. I admit I also have a soft spot for what’s known as “lolita” fashion, which is very neo-Victorian with lots of lace, ribbons, bows, and sugary girliness.
- Bits and pieces of inspiration come from other fashion subcultures, too. Kandi raver and electro styles really rock the neon colors. Punk and goth have some awesome elements like studs and plaid.
make contact
Want a custom design made? Looking for a specific type of charm? If you have any questions, comment, concerns… I’m all ears! Drop me a line at Betsi@zlanarama.com.
