Profile of a Scoutie Girl: Erin Fergusson

Today marks the start of a new column here on Scoutie Girl. We’ll be interviewing amazing people of all kinds about their creative lives. Today, get to know Erin from Uncommon Goods!

Name: Erin Fergusson
Age: 27
Hometown: Richmond, VA
Currently living: Nolita, NYC

What’s your background?
I was a chemistry major, but have been in retail my whole career.

What do you do for Uncommon Goods?
I am the Senior Buyer here at UncommonGoods. I am directly responsible for buying Jewelry and Accessories, and I work closely with the other buyers here to put together our exciting assortment!

How do you find pieces and artists for UncommonGoods?
The merchandising team here is constantly reviewing design blogs and innovative websites to ensure they are in front of the newest and most exciting product. We have a great existing vendor base as well that is very creative and always developing great new product. We also partner with our vendors to develop new ideas.

What do you look for in an accessory? Trendiness? Craftsmanship? Etc. What blows you away?
For UncommonGoods, I look for creative and unique design first and foremost, followed by a material story. I am also looking for great functionality and the highest quality. You can find a solid color canvas tote bag anywhere, but at UncommonGoods you can find a tote that is crafted from old USPS Mail Sacks!

How does it make you feel to work for a B Corporation, and what does that mean for you?
It makes me feel so very proud! I love working for a company that holds itself to the highest standard of integrity and truly values our employees, customers, community, and the environment.

Which UG product is really rocking your socks right now?
It’s a tie! I am really smitten with our new iPhone case collection. We recently had a design challenge calling for talented artists of all styles to submit designs that could be used on an iPhone case. I am really proud of the collection we have put together with the great work we got from these amazing artists!

I am also really digging our new bike chain cuffs. They are super cool bracelets made from upcycled bike chain crafted in a zig zag pattern. I love them. It is such a cool way to scream that I am a biker!

How do you imbue your creative life with character?
I try and always have a unique and original point of view when it comes to creativity, and a taste that is off the beaten track. I believe that both of those things always result in character.

What are you craving right now?
Wrap bracelets and anything neon.

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Know a gal (or guy!) who lives a creative life with character? We’d love to interview them! Send your nominations to carrieATscoutiegirlDOTcom.

sponsor feature: do what you love for life

We love our sponsors! Today, get to know Top Drawer sponsor Beth Nicholls of Do What You Love for Life.

In a nutshell, what do you do?
I provide tools and inspiration to help creative women do what they love for life, through art retreats, online courses and shared stories and interviews on www.dowhatyouloveforlife.com.

How did you get started & how long have you been doing this?
I got on a plane to California, went to an art retreat and everything changed. That was about 18 months ago and I have never looked back. You can read about it here.

What’s your creative inspiration?
Anything to do with exploring – travel, books, photography, nature, creative gatherings, other artists – and my light and airy studio, packed with supplies and a huge creating table

What’s the best part about what you do?
I get to help people reconnect with their true selves, identify their real passions, and find their own path towards doing what they love. I get paid to inspire (and be inspired in return!), to create, connect, travel and learn. What’s not to love?!

What’s your favorite anything?
My favourite city in the world is Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan. Everywhere you turn there is delicate beauty – in the cherry blossoms, the zen gardens, the shrine gates, the folds of kimono fabric, the ancient tea cups, the calligraphy brushes, the presentation of amazing food, the paper – oh the paper! I lived there as a student and it has shaped much of my life since.

Learn more about Beth and Do What You Love for Life on FacebookTwitter, and the Blog.

Thanks, Beth, for sponsoring Scoutie Girl!