The Wickedly Talented Ladies of Macabre Merch: Six Questions for the Beauty and Brains Behind the Killer Shop, Hello Goregeous
Alicia Collins is a Horror-loving Wife, Pom Mom, Metalhead, Bookworm, and a self-proclaimed sarcastic bitch with a splash of girly. She is the owner of Hello Goregeous, where she creates amazing Horror and Halloween jewelry, home decor, beauty products & accessories. We discovered this killer shop in a monthly subscription box for women who love horror, produced by another one of our favorite shops, Nightshade’s Cellar.
1. What was the inspiration for starting your own business and how did you get started?
I was inspired to start my horror business about a year ago when my husband and I starting going to Horror Conventions. We always found ourselves at the vendor tables buying anything horror we could get our hands on!
I started gathering a collection of items, and after a couple shows it seemed I had everything I wanted. On a whim, I decided I wanted to create horror pieces I had not seen yet. I had no experience in crafts or selling but I found people who did to learn from.
custom “drink up witches” wine glasses
My sister spent a ton of time teaching me how to make bows, and I watched plenty of YouTube tutorials on resin making, crafting jewelry, lip scrubs and other items. Basically I just put myself out on a limb and created an Etsy shop hoping people would find unique items they had not seen before.
@mandiexstrange wearing her custom Captain Spaulding bow tie while meeting Sid Haig
2. When and how did you fall in love with horror?
I have loved horror since I was a child. I fondly remember watching Tales from the Crypt with my family and being utterly obsessed with the Crypt Keeper’s laugh. Halloween has always been my favorite holiday, and I often dressed in scary rather than cute costumes. I was terrified of Michael Myers as a child, and now ironically he is my favorite horror character. And obviously John Carpenter’s Halloween is my all time favorite movie!
3. Where does inspiration for your products come from? What is your creative process like?
I gain inspiration from browsing craft stores and handmade items. Sometimes I see a charm in a shop and I think, that would be a great necklace, or I can add this to a bow! All the ribbon I purchase is made by a small shop, and I frequently check to see if she has created anything new I can use in a bow or keychain. My creative process is basically my mind running 24/7 until I get an idea I can run with. Sometimes I think of something in the middle of the night and have to make a note to try creating it. Sometimes I make an item and redo it multiple times before I’m happy with how it looks.
Pee Wee lip scrubs for @nightshadescellar Subscription Box
4. What’s the best part about running your own business, and what’s the hardest part?
The best part about owning my own shop is all the love and support I receive from the horror community. I love seeing posts with my items or getting a message from someone telling me how much they love an item or their child loves an item. It truly means the world to me because I know I have achieved my goal of creating something unique that is loved by a fellow horror fan.
The hardest part about owning my own shop is time. I also have a full time job, and I often have long days of working…then coming home and doing shop pieces. I love creating, but sometimes I get engrossed in it. And then it’s been 12 hours and I haven’t even seen my husband!
Alicia Collins, Owner Hello Goregeous
5. Tell me why you think it’s important for people to support small business? Is it especially important for people to support female-owned business (if so, why)?
It’s so important for people to support small business because you are supporting a dream. One day I hope to only work creating for my shop and not have to do the 9-5 daily grind. Buying from small businesses supports that person’s success, happiness, and joy in life.
@sickwix wearing a custom Art the Clown bow
It is especially important to support female owned horror businesses, because traditionally horror is considered a male genre. But truly there are so many strong and inspiring women that come from horror. Think of Sigourney Weaver from ALIEN or Jodie Foster in SILENCE OF THE LAMBS. These roles show women not only conquering fear but also being more intelligent and cunning than their male counterparts.
Women have earned their place in horror, and supporting small horror businesses ensure that we will never be forgotten.
Redrum Christmas ornaments
6. How can people follow/interact with you on social and purchase your products? And is there anything else you’d like to add or promote?
You can follow me on Instagram @helloGOREgeous. I’m also on Facebook as Hello GOREgeous. Browse my Etsy shop at www.etsy.com/shop/helloGOREgeous. My new website at www.helloGOREgeous.com is coming soon! I’m also happy to create custom pieces. Just send me a message on IG, FB or Etsy.
Custom Dexter necklace
In addition, I’m an advocate for the NKY Children’s Advocacy Center. I sell Halloween charm bracelets, pictured below, and donate the proceeds to my charity. The bracelets can be purchased in my Etsy shop with a variety of charms!
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