Friday, February 26th

Featured artist: Alaina Gearhart

Interviewed by: Kitty Barnes

Women in Horror Month (WiHM) has already brought us some fascinating Richmond area women with incredible talent and passion. But this series would be incomplete if we didn't introduce you to one of the co-owners of RVA's very own oddity shop. One of the best things about our horror community is that it embraces and encourages all that is weird and unique. For almost a year, this shop has been THE one-stop destination for the beautifully macabre, bottling all our dark curiosities and displaying them on their shelves.

They invite you to stop by and see the unusual and the handmade curiosities; the collection of death preserved in a new life. In fact, you should. The walls hold something to fascinate everyone. But first, Red Vein Army invites you to meet Alaina Gearhart, co-owner of Rest in Pieces, located at 1 S.Stafford Avenue in RVA.

*Cheers! Applause! The sound of bones rattling as all their little friends clap with skeletal remains!* Oh a lovely sound indeed!

What's your role in operating RIP? Any unusual challenges of being a young, female entrepreneur?

I developed the aesthetic of RIP... from the website, our social media presence, to how the store was designed. I create all of our jewelry as well. I wouldn't necessarily say that there are challenges, but it is extremely stressful. A lot of people want to own their own businesses but don’t understand the amount of work it takes. It’s very rewarding, though. I love the relationships I've built because of it.

What are the challenges of opening a one of a kind alternative retail shop?

I understand that our store isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but we’ll get the occasional comment from a passerby that aren’t always the kindest. Its hard to bite my tongue when someone is being disrespectful of something you worked so hard to create. People expect us to be monsters, but they come in to the shop and get surprised when they see Justin and I.

What do you think we need to do to grow the RVA horror community?

More widely known festivals, and conventions! We vend at almost any chance we get. It's always a good way to network and meet some people with similar interests. Even if we can’t attend we’ll donate pieces from our store, and it's a good way to raise money for a good cause, or even just to fund more events! It would be awesome to see a big horror con in the city of Richmond.

Have you always been drawn to the macabre aspects of life?

Pretty much. I remember having a pet cemetery as a kid where I’d just bury dead animals in the fort in my backyard. So I guess things haven't really changed since then.. haha! But in all seriousness. I’ve been surrounded by death my entire life. I’m not desensitized by any means, but I do see the beauty in it. You absolutely have to in the line of work that we do. Death is art.

Do you prefer to curl up with a scary book or a scary movie? Any favorites?

I’m going with movie. I’m a big fan of Wes Craven. Most specifically the ’72 original Last House on the Left. Monumental moment for women in that revenge scene. ;)

What is your perfect day in RVA?

The perfect day in RVA is spent procuring unusual items for our shop with my partner in crime, Justin. Its so nice just to spend the day digging through antique stores looking for that one item that makes the trip worth while. Maybe grabbing dinner at any of the amazing local restaurants here in the city. Working on jewelry at the shop while Justin is hacking into dead animals. Nothing too out of the ordinary, haha.

Freddy or Jason?

Freddy. Have you seen the movie quality replica gloves we have at the store?? Beautiful.

What are some of the misconceptions about your line or work?

People tend to think we’re doing bad things to animals. All animals we work with have been ethically sourced. Meaning no animals have been harmed for our profit. We take pride in giving the animals a new life.

Since opening, how has your brick and mortar shop been received? Have you noticed a change in reactions over time?

We’re overwhelmed by the amount of people who have supported and have continued to support us. We’re just now over the initial shock of opening, and our one year anniversary of the storefront is coming up in May. We now have customers that we see on a weekly basis who just pop in to see whats new and that makes me so happy. It's so nice knowing people are interested in something you’re so passionate about. What used to be “Oh I had no idea this was here!” is turning into “I’ve heard so much about this place” and that is extremely humbling.

How has horror (movies, books, and/or art) been an influence in your line of work?

Horror goes hand in hand with my business. We have movie posters all over our walls, patches, pins, records, you name it. I love to surround myself with things I enjoy. Our taste in horror can be seen very clearly in our shop.

How will you celebrate Women in Horror Month?

By supporting my local female artists! I cannot stress it enough how important it is that we do whatever we can as women to help each other flourish. Keep it weird, ladies.

Thanks so very much to Alaina and Rest in Pieces! It's amazing to see a business like this come to RVA and we wish them much success. Please help them celebrate their one year anniversary by supporting the shop. Tell your friends! Tell your mom's friends! Tell that guy you always see at the grocery store. He needs to know. Not only that, shopping at R.I.P. will improve your homes decor tremendously. Support horror all year round. Check out the social medias so you don't miss a sale or new merchandise: Facebook and Instagram.

We still have one more very special interview before we complete our series. We hope that YOU are loving this WiHM as much as we are. See you soon!