Alisha Budkie is on a mission to ensure that Cincinnati’s thriving artist community is well served by providing access to hard to source supplies and materials.
Smartfish Studio & Sustainable Supply, located at 1301 Main Street in the heart of Over-the-Rhine is at once a supply store, workshop and display space easily accessible to the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP program, the Art Academy and the School for Creative and Performing Arts.
Budkie opened her store in August, and for the past four months has seen her business evolve and change according to the needs of the community. Word of mouth has played a big role. “I am fortunate to be a part of the independent design community, and I was also a student here,” says Budkie. A graduate of UC’s DAAP program in industrial design, Budkie knows both the community and what it’s like to search for the right materials. “I understand the needs of students and can help track down supplies and materials that can’t be found locally,” she says.
To better accommodate artists’ needs, Budkie has made use of some innovative and non-traditional business practices that put artists in touch with the things they need to create. At Smartfish, tools can be rented as dictated by a particular project, keeping costs low. In addition, students can bring in used supplies that are no longer needed for store credit, or consignment.
Budkie made use of crowdfunding to help finance her startup, which utilizes independent monetary contributions from community members and supporters. If you visit her shop, be sure to check out the wall dedicated to individuals who contributed to the Smartfish startup through crowdfunding. In addition, she has become a unique part of OTR, participating in community events such as Final Friday, where she uses her storefront window space to showcase student artwork.
Not only is Smartfish Studio a place for artists, it also serves as vibrant workshop for Budkie herself and her line of made-to-order handcrafted shoes, Smartfish Footwear. Made by hand on site, styles include ballet flats, boat shoes and loafers. Clients can choose their materials and colors, as well as purchase gift certificates for shoes to give as holiday gifts. Smartfish also features both pre-packaged and custom gift bundles featuring items that you just can’t find anywhere else.
Look for Smartfish Studio to incorporate a series of workshops in 2012 including one on the art of shoemaking in mid-January, as well as one on fiber reactive dyes. “I’m interested in learning what people want to see in a workshop,” says Budkie.
To learn more, visit Smartfish Studio & Sustainable Supply online at
smarterthanagoldfish.com, or connect with them on Facebook. Inquiries may be directed to
[email protected] or call 513.910.8845.
By Deidra Wiley Necco
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