Sunday, April 21, 2013

Antique Shop Spotlight: Overland Trail

Hi everyone!  It is with distinct pleasure that I am able to bring you our latest installment of Antique Grid Show's Shop Spotlight.  This time around we have that hidden golden nugget in the rough terrain of the wild west - Overland Trail owned, operated, and stocked by the wonderful Addison Leigh.  When I first happened to cross her store's path, it was at her Caledon location.  Soon, I found her authentic and fun store at her home sim of Deadwood. 

For those who don't know, Deadwood is a fine example of an American western Role-play sim.  In my humble opinion, it is one of the finest and most well put together.  Not saying others aren't good too.  I just happened to enjoy my brief RP foray in this lovely sim. 

We were able to have Addison sit down and contemplate some questions to which she replied.  For your reading pleasure, please do continue to read on.


 


What is your inspiration when building your items?

My inspiration is the Victorian old west Sim I co-own with Karl Shergood, Deadwood City.  I also have a long standing interest in history and the clothing of the era.

What is it that you hope to invoke in your customers when building?
I hope they enjoy the things I make and have fun first of all, but I also hope they help enhance
a sense of time and place. Most of what I make is designed based on historical sources, also
period costuming in plays and movies.

Why do you focus on the particular style?  Why antiques?
I love the clothing of the era and I like history that is written from the prospective of everyday poeple. Deadwood City has always been a sim that dealt with both the big and the every day events.

Ive never been an antique collector in real life, but it's almost like there is a connection and even power when you touch something that has traveled through time. It's a small thing but to me the common experience adds a dimension and the people and events become a little more real. 

What would be your personal favorite piece in your store?  Why?

Hmmmm, I think my favorite is usually what I'm working on at the moment... *goes to look*  I don't think I have a favorite or I would probably say the dress I just did for the hunt based on 1850ish ball gowns. Most of my things were designed with Deadwood City and reflect the 1870s time period. It was nice to do something earlier and different.  I do like the News Girl dress for everyday or the Coventry for a bit fancier.







We are planning on doing a bit of a rebuild in Deadwood this spring, so stay tuned. There should be some different outfits coming out with that

Overland as it is today, the store will likely get an update in the next month or so.






If you could choose a time period in which to live, what would it be and why? 

Probably a time period where things changed a lot. Late 19th century would be interesting, also late 18th and the Revolutionary War period.  Maybe what I'd actually like to do is spring forward to some time in the future and see how the world has progressed. I hope there are trees and people.

What are some ways you strive for excellent customer service?
Customer service is important to me. I'm pretty approachable. I usually solve problems as soon as I hear about them and answer any IMs or notecards.  I also try to make things with lots of options they can really use. I don't do much custom work, I do try to canvas players and create things I know poeple are looking for.

Overland Trail has been a member of Antique Grid Show since it started.  Addison designed and offered one of teh most talked about gifts back in the Autumn Hunt in Novebmer 2012 and in the Spring Hunt in April 2013:

 
 
 


A few peeks inside the Overland Trail store...