Printmaking major Kristian Battell finds a few minutes here and there to cut and sew bows of all different sizes, textures and materials.  A successful class assignment inspired Battell tomake her own business – Badass Bows.

“The first bows I made were for a sculpture project last semester,” Battell said. “We had an assignment where we needed to create an extension of our bodies, and I choose to make 25 bows and wear them all in my hair.”

Her bows proved very popular when girls in her class started asking her if they could buy her bows. Encouraged, Battell began utilizing the Stood’s rummage sales to sell her product.

“I used to advertise them as being cheaper than American Apparel at the rummage sale to get my business going,” Battell said. Now, she has started her own Etsy page where she lists her favorite products, but mostly as an outlet for people to contact her.

So far, Etsy has been a success. Chris Bill, a junior in the music conservatory, contacted Kristian over the summer asking if she could make him $50 worth of bowties. Bill loved the bowties, and he feels as though they allow him to “looks classy” while still allowing him to “stand out.”

Others have contacted Battell requesting fabrics such as pink silk, animal print and denim. Interest has even sparked to a buyer in Switzerland who was interested in the clear bows listed on the Badass Bow’s Etsy page.

“I love Kristian’s bows,” said apartment-mate Hannah Ednie. “They are so cute, just like her!”

So far Battell’s bow business has been to her, a success, and has even developed a future with it.

“I’ve combined my knowledge of printmaking with my love for making bows,” she said.  She is currently working on making her own textiles to create and sell bows in an apparel show at a print lab in Bushwick, N.Y.

To see the badass bow collection, or request a bow, visit  Battell’s Etsy at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/BadassBows