Meet Shannan Penczar | Creative Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shannan Penczar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shannan, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
* What makes me happy?

Nice people, little acts of kindness, trying new things and sharing joy makes me happy.

* Why did you pursue an artistic or creative career?

Art has always been a part of my life. I grew up in a creative household where my grandma and my mother shared a love for painting. Painting was never my passion, but everything else was. I had the need to create, and they were very supportive in letting me dabble with all the arts and crafts I was drawn to.
It was at a very young age I always knew I would have my own store. I would marvel businesses, especially mom + pops and small boutiques. I’d get lost in the details that defined their interior ambiance. I was obsessed with striped scalloped awnings and checkered floors. But product, visual merchandising and window displays were the most fascinating. That was truly one of my favorite things to do as a kid and still is til this day.
It was at age 9 I learned the word “entrepreneur.” I knew then, that was “IT” – that was my title – that was my purpose! To combine the necessity of making a living with my interest of small business and sharing my art – it had made perfect sense. Flash forward to age 40, I achieved a 20+ year career in the retail world and decided I was finally ready to jump wholeheartedly into my life long dream.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
* Your ART. What sets you apart from others?

GoodGirlMerchant is about my passion for providing unique special things. It’s my small-little-gift-giving universe that includes vintage home decor and handmade originals. Sixties design, seventies swirls and color palettes, Scandi style, groovy mushrooms and owls are just a few reoccurring themes that I adore and influence my inventory. I believe thematic gifts are fun gifts and make shopping easy. I simply create and curate what gets me giddy and what I would choose to adorn in my own home.

Like many Artists, I share that same desire- need- hunger, to bring out and give what is deep within me! I specialize in the art of embroidery but I value creating beyond the expected classic embellished embroidery hoop. Introducing people to new things and developing it from scratch is really what makes my artist heart thrive. As result, I make one-of-a-kind objects with embroidered details. Currently these offerings include air plant holders, fabric planter pots, wall decor and mushroom ornamentals. Specialty small batch collections with a fun retro aesthetic. High quality, fine-detailed goods that most always include re-use vintage, secondhand or recycled materials in the hand making process.

* What are you most proud or excited about?

Pop ups are my traveling storefront and bring me such joy and excitement. It keeps me on track to continuously create delightful new things. I get to express my love for merchandising and customer service, road-trip to new places and meet wonderful new people. From color selection to just letting my hands flow, beautiful things come when I work intuitively. Sometimes the process takes longer than others but it’s always a happy result. In the end I’ve created something with a unique identity. And when I get to meet the specific person who picks one of my pieces it’s always a happy thrill, I can’t resist being goofy-excited me and tell them “You! This was made for you!”. Very grateful for the friendships and connections and the good things pop ups bring forth. I like being the person who makes things that make people smile. I really love what I do!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Being an LA native most of my favorite go-to’s haven’t changed since I was a kiddo! Let’s begin with my favorite morning hike that starts at Fern Dell trail and leads to the Griffith Park Observatory. No frills, just a good upslope and goes pretty fast when you’re with your best friend. I love the Observatory’s architecture as much as the view, and if it’s open, even better! Upon heading back down it’s nice to grab a muffin and catch up beneath the trees at The Trails Cafe. Coffee stop on Hillhurst Ave. at Maru is an out of towner must. Another option for coffee and baked-good yummies is a visit to Proof Bakery in Atwater, their ham and cheese croissant is the best I have ever had. For a good quality breakfast, Squirl in Silver Lake is always a hit, Kitchen Mouse in Highland Park is a definite happy with scrumptious plates, the sweetest atmosphere and their attached gift shop gets my heart warm and fuzzy every time. Highland park shopping is fun, there’s a little bit of everything on Figueroa and York. Feeling like a beer or rose’ after shopping? Walt’s in EagleRock is always a good time. Vintage pinball, frosty pints, hot dogs, big pretzels to dip in oozy cheese – need I say more? If a sweet tooth is calling, fantastic small business Solar Return in Echo Park is the most special. Raw vegan cheesecake available in amazing farout psychedelic designs, the colors made with fruits and herbs. The love and care and talent that goes into their edible art is incredible. Sorry Skittles, you can actually taste the rainbow here. They have a petite yet strikingly unique gift wall too. A trip to Echo Park wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the lake for a swan ride and walking stroll. Let’s take lots of pictures. Any friend of mine loves nature, food, and shopping in between. Other personal favorite eateries would include a chili spaghetti visit to Rock in Roll Bobs, aka the iconic Bob’s Big Boy in Burbank. Cinnamon roll French toast at good ol’ Foxy’s in Glendale. Lunch across the street at Din Tai Fung for the wonton soup dumplings! Super Burger in Pasadena- low key, family owned with the name that says it all. I would be a terrible friend if I didn’t take us to The Huntington Art Museum and Botanical Gardens next door in San Marino. An entire day there is a great day indeed. The gift shop is hands down my favorite store! It’s thoughtfully curated and filled with so many wonderful things. Perfect for holiday shopping. As far as nightlife goes, staying-in to make dinner with good chatting over cocktails or wine is always lovely. Just hanging, playing dominoes, watching a movie, maybe hit up the local businesses by me in Silver Lake for some artisan cocktails or small bites. Edendale is so beautiful, especially their outdoor patio. Zebulon has a good Margarita and delicious-hearty $5 tacos; and I’ve never seen a bad show there. To round off an amazing visit I would mix it up and book a night or two at the very welcoming Ojai Rancho Inn. The best little getaway to enjoy the beaches in Ventura county and explore the beauty and magic-everything Ojai is.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I dedicate my Shoutout to my Babcia – that’s grandma in Polish. She was the most influential person in my life. When Poland was invaded in WWII her life changed forever. It was an unimaginable part of her journey that prepared her to survive anything, and she did. After the war she started her life over from the ground up; encountering more traumatic obstacles, facing them head-on, and never giving up. Immigrant single mother who didn’t know English turned into successful entrepreneur. Perseverance should of been her middle name. Capable of achieving anything when you work hard, she was an amazing, resilient – never stop trying – never feel sorry for yourself, big hearted, kind, giving soul whom I was so very lucky to grow up with. She was purposeful and very open about sharing her life story and hard truth experiences. In return it shaped my values in life and influenced my work ethic. Who she was, her strength, and love has a lot to do with who I am today. Forever grateful for my Babcia, aka My Hero.

Website: https://www.goodgirlmerchant.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/goodgirlmerchant