Creative Entrepreneur, Face Invader
DJ and entrepreneur Rebecca Ward talks to The London Word about her mask-making business Face Invader and why Londoners should start a regional ‘Say Hi Day’ to regain our sense of community.
Where did you get the idea for Face Invader?
‘I’d been DJing for quite a while and wanted to keep my private and public profile separate for various reasons. I’ve always loved the idea of using theatrical costume to draw attention, while at the same time being completely disguised. I needed anther creative outlet as DJing became more my career and so I found myself making a mask for fun. One thing led to another and before I knew it I had quite a collection! I became completely obsessed by the history of masks and the anthropological and cultural history of mask making.’
What’s the most unusual thing you’ve dressed up as?
‘There have been so many amazing and fun outfits over the years ranging from toy soldiers, white rabbits, Venus Flytraps and Christmas trees. But I think my favourite was a lobotomised mad scientist on Halloween. The make-up was really fun to do.’
Is it difficult starting a business in London?
‘It is difficult starting a business anywhere and Face Invader is certainly a challenge! Luckily contacts from my DJing helped and I’ve had a lot of support from Jumble and Pearls Vintage/Designer Fayre over the last year.
‘Living in east London was a good place to launch due to the creative party-going people that live there. In terms of funding, I use the business to pay for itself. If I sell masks then I use the money to buy more materials. I’ve used free social network sites and Etsy.com to get my work out there and create an online shop. Marketing doesn’t have to cost a fortune these days.’
What did you do before this?
‘I’ve done various jobs over the years from managing bars, picking tomatoes and working in vintage shops. I’ve been a secret drinker – mystery shopper, not alcoholic! And I’ve lived overseas to manage big snowboarding events. You name it, I’ve had a go!’
Describe your perfect night out?
‘Getting together with my boyfriend and our friends for dinner at a pop-up restaurant like The Stew House and then onto a unique venue to listen to some gypsy band playing Balkan beats, while we stomp about in our ridiculously dandy garments!’
What do you like/least like about the city?
‘I love London, but I would love to see people making an effort to create more of a community. I lived up north for some time as a child and I miss those bus stop conversations! Personally, I blame mobile technology, as we’re fooled into believing it binds us. We could start with a national “Say Hi Day” and see where it leads!’
Are you a north or south of the river girl?
‘North without a doubt, I think I only went south once last year! I should make a point of exploring south. Crossing the Thames is always a thrill and reminds me of when I first arrived from Kent to make my way in the capital.’
Where do you go to relax?
‘In the Batcave’ – aka my studio – to make another mask!’
Face Invader masks can be purchased from Etsy and Jumble and Pearls.
The next Jumble and Pearls event takes place on February 9 at:
The Vibe Bar
91 Brick Lane
E1 6QL
For information about events visit the Jumble and Pearls Facebook page.
You can buy Face Invader masks at
http://www.etsy.com/people/faceinvader
Also at The Jumble and Pearls Valentines event next month
here’s the Facebook link…
https://www.facebook.com/events/593027804056715/?fref=ts
This is a really good idea. Might be tough to get people on the tube involved though!