Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Greijn.
Hi Alex, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started Stank Weasel as an upcycled creations company in college with two friends. We made functional, wearable art out of recycled upholstery fabric, making one of a kind pieces.
After college, we parted ways as a business and stayed friends. I went on to travel the US, Europe and Asia, making fanny packs out of the trunk of my car or my backpack, couch surfing and selling and trading fanny packs where ever I went.
I focused mostly on bags for many years. Today I still make fanny packs, and other art, and have leaned into my life long obsession with astrology and blending it with tarot. I started doing readings to help my self, my friends and now my clients get in touch with who they are, their path, their individuality, and finding words for their feelings, their inner knowing.
It was an easy blend since the culture of Stank Weasel has always been to Put Your Stank On It. Own who you are. Own your style, and flaunt it, unapologetically. Like the wily ferrets we named the company after. We want to see more individuality, and sustainability. So I coined the term “sustainable self-expression.” Meaning: when you being you, and me being me, adds to the cycles and systems that support us being us, and that being valued.
So Stank Weasel is here for sustainable self expression. Whether it’s helping people to express themselves through wearable art, or deep diving into astrology or tarot to better understand themselves.
You can find me at local vendor markets or at music festivals around the country. Hustling textile art and reading stars.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s been fun the whole time. I love the roller coaster of being an entrepreneur. And naturally, there have been challenges. Imposter syndrome creeps in, asking for money for things I love to do and just want to give to people, and choosing an idea to stick with, because I’ve got so many ideas I love! Thankfully, the people sunk their teeth into my fannypacks, and astrology and tarot were a natural addition to my business. And having fabulous community definitely helps with any other struggles that come up.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I got an art degree in textiles on a whim. I thought I’d go to college for occupational therapy or psychology. But I was altering my jeans in high school just before college and thought, ” maybe I’ll go talk to the art department” where I was told about textiles. And it suited me so well. Not to mention, through art, I can do it all.
Physical therapy, psychology AND art.
I’m a textile artist, but also a performance artist.
I’d say I’m most known for hula hooping, making fanny packs and reading astrology.
And I’m very proud of all those things. But most recently I’m most proud of my burlesque performances with my hula hoop under the name Helixxx.
What sets me apart is my intuition. I can read people, a room and set the tone naturally. I want everyone to feel safe, seen, loved, included and be connected to their voice. Which is easy to do when you’re fascinated by people and recognize that they’re all mirrors of different parts of yourself.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Right now I love Amy Poehler’s podcast Good Hang. It’s silly, fun, and artists tend to talk about their process. And the podcast Make Art Not Content by Father Bronques.
Finch is a great self care app, especially for us ADHD folks. Along with Down Dog, a yoga, meditation and work out app.
When it comes to books Your Brain on Art is a fascinating focus on the science of what creating does for us.
And my grandmother is letting me borrow a book by the Lebanese poet Kahlil Gibran, Between Night and Morn. A great, quick read about life philosophies.
And of course, the Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz, another great quick reas
Pricing:
- Sliding scale tarot readings (3 cards, 10 minutes) $15-40
- Fannypacks $60
- Really bad dating advice $1
- Hula hooping for vibes and charming patrons at events $50 an hour
- Astrology chart readings $100 or barter
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/stankweasel
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/stankweasel
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stankweasel
