The Fandom Story Project officially kicks off with Liz!
Liz runs a shop, Made By Liz, and hosts fandom events based in Mississippi and Louisiana.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
My name is Liz and I’ve been running Made By Liz since 2021. In the beginning K-Pop wasn’t as hugely popular, because the people I knew either had no idea about it or just didn’t understand the love for it. This got me thinking “okay, I need to do something for us” – and so, I started my shop, It was rough in the beginning – from not having the support from other people, being judged, the pressure, and being told “you don’t understand what they’re even saying” about the music and other things. However, within a year or two of really starting my business, it did a whole 360!
Not going to lie, sometimes the burnout is real, or even the creative blocks when it comes to new ideas for events, designs, freebies, or just the whole concept of an event in general. Also, adding the lost of my grandfather who was my biggest supporter (despite his sickness over the years) threw me into a place where my mind spins. However, in the past few years I’ve grown close to many lovely ladies who have become such a huge part in what I do and can always rely on when needed, or tell me straight (because I definitely need to be kept in check)!
When I’m not working my other job in the “real world”, I’m usually watching any Korean show or drama (along with other Asian dramas/reality TV) , reading, spending time with friends, collecting photo cards, deco, and coming up with new ideas and products for the shop. I love seeing the happiness it brings to those who attend or visit my table when looking at my products. My mission has always been “if it brings you happiness and a pocket of joy, I’ve done my job.”
Over the past few years since starting, I’ve noticed that there’s a lot of people who will judge, comment, or just start talking. Yes, it bothered me for a while because I always thought very negatively about myself and what I was doing. Now, I take that and put my whole soul into it to prove people wrong, which ends up being something beautiful for the community.
To add to my yapping – honestly I’m not the one to really say no? It’s always like “okay, let’s do it”, or there will be times at events where people will say an idea for a product and I’m usually right on it, haha. However, in talking with my fellow business owners (the most wonderful friends I could ever ask for), I’ve learned that saying “no” in a different way makes for the best outcome.
Made By Liz is growing, and will continue to grow into something wonderful. I cannot wait to see where it goes.
Let’s talk Kpop. Who are your favorite groups/artists?
My all time favorites would be Seventeen (peep the SVT symbol in my shop logo) , ATEEZ, GOT7, and Stray Kids. My biases would definitely be S. Coups, Namjoon, Bang Chan, BamBam and Yeosang. Even tho some wreckers like to creep.
Give me your top 3 favorite songs, and why you love them.
#1 : I Don’t Understand But I Luv U by Seventeen
Such a favorite and I couldn’t really narrow it down from all the other songs by Seventeen. All around, this song understands that no matter how hard or frustrating someone can be, you love them regardless.
#2 : MIST by ATEEZ
Ahh! There’s so many reasons why this song is in my top 3. The main reason would be that when I’m in my feels or need comfort, this is my go to song. The lyrics are so moving and speak the truth. Also, my “cry to” song because, why not. Haha.
#3 : Born Hater by Epik High
Had to add one of my K-Rap songs in my list because that’s who I am. Anyways, this song includes many different rappers who I respect and am a fan of and highlights that “haters” don’t phase us.
Are you into any other fandoms? Tell us about them!
I would say I’m into other fandoms because all around, no matter what the generation, K-Pop is just something everyone can get along to and jam out to. Every group works hard for what they do, and it’s not easy whatsoever, so I respect everyone in that industry.
What is one thing you love about fandom communities, IRL or online?
One thing that I love about being part of the community would be the support everyone has for one another. Despite the “sides” or “cliques”, everyone supports no matter what they do, or who they stan. The best part is making connections with other people, lovely businesses, and being part of a community.
What is one thing that concerns you about fandom?
The thing that concerns me the most is the toxicity that certain fandoms/groups/cliques bring out of one another. It’s really not called for, and it affects people in so many ways. People don’t understand the harm of what is said, and what it can do to another person in the long run.
Hype yourself up – what are you doing/selling/making?
Currently in my shop it ranges from keychains, lomo PCs, deco top loaders, deco supplies (washi tape, stickers, note pads), daily beauty products (Korean face masks & headbands) and just miscellaneous products that cover a lot of fandoms. There’s a lot more items coming out of the think tank!
Any words of wisdom about being a fan you want to share with the world?
Take whatever hate, toxicity, comment, whatever, with a grain of salt. Whether it comes from a fandom, a customer with your business, other people who run a business/group. At the end of the day, all that matters is your own opinion. Think “did I do good today?”, or “did it make me happy”. If the answer is “yes”, then keep pushing forward for something you want to accomplish. Because there’s A LOT of other people who will give you that support and hype.
Special note:
I would love to give a shoutout to some special people who have helped me with the craziness, spur of the moment changes and plans, handled my very detailed notes, and made my ideas come to life. Also, the lovely local businesses and owners who allowed me to host my events and bring the community together.
Thank you so much, Liz, for letting me share your Fandom Story with the world!
If you’re interested in participating in The Fandom Story Project, please email me or drop me a line on my Contact page!
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